Padre Island National Seashore

Also see: Corpus Christi, Kingsville

Padre Island National Seashore is known for its miles of unspoiled beach and a favorite with serious birders, surfers, beach campers, and anyone looking for a dune-filled beach. This 110-mile-long barrier island protects much of the Texas coast from hurricanes and tropical storms. Generally, the northern stretch of island paralleling the area from Corpus Christi to Port Mansfield is called Padre Island; from that point to the tip of Texas, the land mass is named South Padre Island.

Padre Island features beaches dotted with rolling dunes, clean sand, and flocks of gulls. The surf is usually gentle and shallow enough to walk for hundreds of yards before reaching chest-deep water. Occasionally, the undertow is a problem, but on most summer days the waves are gentle and rolling, and the water is warm.

Location

To reach Padre Island, head out on South Padre Island Drive, also called TX 358, from Corpus Christi. The road is lined with shell shops, windsurfing rentals, bait stands, and car washes. In the shallow waters along the drive, many fishermen stand waist deep in salt water alongside tall herons and pelicans looking for a meal.

When you cross the Intracoastal Waterway via the enormous J.F.K. Causeway Bridge, you leave the mainland for Padre Island. To reach the Padre Island beaches, continue straight on South Padre Island Drive (Park Road 22). Visitors find several parks here from which to choose, each with its own special charm.

Activities

One of the most popular beaches is the Padre Balli Park, which is named for the priest who managed a ranch on the island in the early 19th century. It offers a 1,200-foot fishing pier. The Padre Island National Seashore has a snack bar, and showers are available at Malaquite Beach. Although vehicles are allowed on most Padre beaches, Malaquite is one where vehicles are not permitted.

Beyond Malaquite lies 66 miles of protected beach in Padre Island National Seashore accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles. Little Shell and Big Shell beaches are located in this area, both named because of the wealth of seashells found on their pristine sands.

Out on the island, the Grassland Nature Trail, a two-mile asphalt walk, is a favorite with hikers.

When to Visit

Summer is the peak time to visit this park and you can expect crowds on weekends and especially over Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends. The portions of the beach open only to four wheel drive vehicles don’t get as crowded, however.

Spring break season is also a busy time at this park.

Fall and spring months can be very pleasant here. Winter months often bring nice days as well, although the waters are too cold for all but the most dedicated swimmers.

What to Bring

Bring all the beach gear: sunscreen, hats, swimsuits, beach toys, the works. Pack some picnic supplies and water as well.

For More Information: Padre Island National Seashore

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