The SpaceX "Starbase" launch facility is located at Boca Chica, which is part of the mainland near Brownsville, Texas; however, the primary location for spectators to watch launches is South Padre Island. While the launch pads themselves sit on a strip of land bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and the Rio Grande, they are often associated with South Padre Island because it provides the closest unobstructed views from places like Isla Blanca Park. South Padre is a barrier island that was physically separated from the mainland (and the "Boca Chica" side) by the dredging of the Brazos Santiago Pass. SpaceX has had a profound impact on the island's economy, turning it from a traditional "Spring Break" destination into a year-round hub for space enthusiasts. In 2026, many of the SpaceX recovery vessels and support teams are based out of the Port of Brownsville, which sits just across the water from the southern tip of the island. So while the rockets are built and launched on the Boca Chica peninsula, the "SpaceX experience" for the public is centered on South Padre Island.