Padre Island National Seashore Beach

  • Padre Island National Seashore Beach - USA
  • Padre Island National Seashore Beach - USA
    © Chris M Morris and licensed for reuse under this Licence Pinterest
  • Padre Island National Seashore Beach - USA

Located off the coast of south Texas, a little over 30 minutes away from Corpus Christi, there are plenty of things that make this area unique. It separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre, which is one of a few hypersaline lagoons in the world - a body of water that’s even saltier than most seawater.

66 miles of coastline, dunes, prairies, and wind tidal flats teeming with life lie within the protection of this park, so it’s the spot to be for nature lovers. The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle can be seen nesting here, and it’s a haven for over 380 bird species. 

Padre Island National Seashore is not to be confused with South Padre Island, as they are in two very different locations, about three to four hours apart by car. There’s an entrance fee for the park if you don’t happen to arrive on one of the free admission days which the National Park Service offers several days throughout the year - per vehicle, a one day pass is $10 and a seven-day pass is $25.

You’ll find plenty of things to do here too - after immersing yourself in the sounds of the waves, grab a pail and do some beachcombing. The collection of shells and sea beans is allowed within the park as long as the animal is no longer living. 

If you’re in a 4WD vehicle, you can do some exploring off the beaten path by driving down the beach. Load up some bicycles and a tent to enjoy some two-wheeled exploring and a night or two under the stars.

If you want to try your hand at fishing, make sure you get a valid Texas fishing license and a saltwater stamp, which are only sold outside of the park at any local garage or tackle shop.

Nearest town/city

Corpus Christi

Activities

  • Good fishing
  • Kite surfing

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Current weather (Mon Mar 18th 19:00)

Partly cloudy

(Partly cloudy)
20°C / 68°F

Sea temperature

19.1°C
66.4°F

Padre Island National Seashore BeachFull weather & tide times info »