Padre Island National Seashore is an undeveloped stretch of barrier island that runs along Texas's southern coast, near Corpus Christi. Visitors are able to enjoy the seventy miles of sandy beach. There are also sand dunes, grassland, tidal flats, and the Gulf of Mexico. The water is warmest in the summer time, when the beach is most popular for water activities.
The nearest airport to the barrier island is Corpus Christi International Airport. It is located forty- three miles away. For visitors who will drive to Padre Island they must take the JFK Causeway to Highway 358, which changes to Park Road 22. The drive is rather long from Corpus Christi, so it is a better day trip rather than afternoon adventure.
The park does not close. It is open twenty- four hours a day all year long, even during holidays. The Malaquite Visitor Center does have hours though: 9am to 5pm. The visitor center will close on Christmas Day. Guests to Padre Island Seashore can camp or stay for the day. No reservations are taken for camping. It is best to check in early during the summer hours to gain a spot in the campgrounds. Camping is allowed on the beaches, unless an abnormal high tide is projected.
Park entrance fees vary. An annual pass is $20 and only valid for the year it has been purchased. Vehicle entry fees are $10 per vehicle and it is good for seven days. Any bicycle or walking entry is $5 and also good for seven days. Any commercial tour will pay based on the number of passengers, for example 26 or more passengers is $100 flat fee. Non- commercial tours are $5 per person such as a school bus or church group. There are waivers for the fee for some groups like school children. Certain activity fees may apply such as the Bird Island Basin use fee which is $5 per day or $10 per annual pass. Bird Island Basin is a camping area. Malaquite campground is $8 per day.
At Padre Island National Seashore there are things to do such as fishing, bird watching, swimming, surfing, and other options. During certain times of the year, typically near autumn sea turtle hatchlings will make their way to the water. Visitors are able to watch this natural occurrence as long as they do not interfere in any way with the turtles.
Children who live nearby are able to take advantage of some programs. There is a Junior Ranger Program in which children 5 to 13 can learn how to be a ranger and become educated on the park's plants, animals, and history. Beachcombing is available at Padre Island. Visitors can collect seashells, sea beans, lumber, plastic or other items they find. However, visitors are limited to one five gallon bucket and no living things are to be taken. Any animal parts like a sea turtle shell should be reported to the rangers since they are endangered. Any historical artifacts must also be reported.
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