On South Padre Island there is a non-profit turtle rescue that is open to the public. On the day I was there, Sea Turtle, Inc. offered free admission if you brought in a plastic grocery bag. I took the opportunity to visit and ended up spending more money in the gift shop that I would have spent on the admission, so well played.
It is a working rescue and education center. You can see the turtles in various tanks as you wander around. The back deck hangs over a small lagoon and there was a rather large alligator enjoying the sunny day.
