Padre Island National Seashore

National Park Service, Texas.

Protecting sixty-six miles of wild coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, the narrow barrier island is home to one of the last intact coastal prairie habitats in the United States. Along the hypersaline Laguna Madre, unique tidal mud flats teem with life. Native Americans, Spanish explorers and cattle ranchers have walked along its shores. Padre Island National Seashore is waiting to be rediscovered.

Activities and Experiences

  • Bird Island Basin Boat Ramp Pass

Site Passes

  • Padre Island National Seashore Site Pass

Nearby Activities

  • Auto Touring
  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Historic & Cultural Site
  • Paddling
  • Swimming
  • Wildlife Viewing

Directions

The National Seashore is located on North Padre Island, southeast of the city of Corpus Christi, Texas. Visitors to the area should head east through Corpus Christi on Highway 358. After crossing the JFK Causeway onto Padre Island, Highway 358 changes to Park Road 22. Continue about 10 miles south on Park Road 22 to reach the park entrance.

Additional Information

  • Padre Island National Seashore Map
  • Padre Island National Seashore Official Website

Photo Gallery

  • Malaquite BeachYellow flowers bloom in the dunes along Malaquite Beach.
  • Shells on South BeachDepending on the conditions, shells can be found along the gulf beaches.
  • Deer in the grasslandsDeer can often be seen foraging in the grasslands.
  • Kemps hatchlingsAttending a sea turtle hatchling release is a popular activity in the mid-summer.
  • Crested CaracaraThe crested caracara, also known as the Mexican eagle, can be found year-round in the park.
  • Novillo Line CampThe historic Novillo Line Camp provides a window into the island's past ranching history.
  • Brown PelicanBrown pelicans can often be seen along the Gulf of Mexico.

Camp, RV, and Explore Outdoors

Login

Sign Up

Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. We provide tools and tips to discover new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, and reservations. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Recreation.gov!

Get to Know Us

  • About Us
  • Rules & Reservation Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Media Center
  • Site Map

Plan with Us

  • Find Trip Inspiration
  • Build a Trip
  • Buy a Pass
  • Enter a Lottery
  • Checkout our Mobile App
  • Rent Gear

Join Us

  • Get Involved
  • Use Our Data
  • Add Your Facility

Let Us Help You

  • Contact Us
  • Help Center
  • Submit Feedback
  • Responsible Disclosure
Español
Powered by Localize
English