Along the hypersaline Laguna Madre, 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.
Photo: NPS Photo/ Thomas DiGiovannangelo
Protecting sixty-six miles of wild coastline along the Gulf of America, the narrow barrier island is home to one of the last intact coastal prairie habitats in the United States.
Along the hypersaline Laguna Madre, 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.
Several days of over 2.0 ft tides are forecasted during the month of October, including 2.6 ft tides at the end of the month. Be sure to check the tide chart and weather forecast when planning your trip.
Contact with saliva from wild animals can transmit distemper to pets, including from but not limited to water bowls, food bowls, trash etc. Distemper is not a threat to humans but can be deadly to pets. Ensure your pets are vaccinated or keep them home.
Beach conditions are changing frequently. Check current tide charts and weather forecasts before traveling on the beach.
4-wheel drive is recommended if driving on North and South Beach.
9 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
Reservation required
Are you interested in exploring? Would you like to learn more about the national parks that belong to you? Do you want to learn how you can help protect these special places? If so, become a Padre…
Learn more about Become a Padre Island Junior Ranger on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
The 411 on birding at Padre Islands National Seashore. Where to go and what to bring!
Learn more about Birding at Padre Island on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Fee applies
Explore Padre Island National Seashore on the water.
Learn more about Boating, Paddling, and Windsurfing on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Families and groups with children can borrow a free Discovery Pack from the Malaquite Visitor Center to explore Padre Island. Each pack includes an activity guide, field guides, binoculars…
Learn more about Check-out a Junior Ranger Discovery Pack on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
One of the most popular activities to do when visiting the national seashore is to drive on the beach and travel down island. Venturing beyond the pavement can get you to some of the most remote…
Learn more about Driving Down Island on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Cast a line and soak in the day at Padre Island National Seashore.
Learn more about Fishing at Padre Island National Seashore on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Reservation required
Discover Padre Island National Seashore with free ranger-led programs like beach walks and deck talks! Explore nature, history, and wildlife while enjoying the Gulf shoreline or chatting over coffee…
Learn more about Ranger-led Programs at Padre Island on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
See the stars at Padre Island National Seashore.
Learn more about Stargazing at Padre Island on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)Showing 8 of 9
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2 campgrounds listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground
Bird Island Basin lies along Laguna Madre with easy access for fishing, birding, windsurfing, and kayaking. There are 35 RV and tent sites and 10 additional tent-only…
Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground
Malaquite Campground is open to tents and RVs on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations). It is between the dunes with beach access. There are designated…
Find passes and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Facility
The Malaquite Visitor Center includes an information desk, park store and an exhibit area with information about park history, plants, and animals. Ranger-led programs…
Malaquite Visitor Center, Corpus Christi, TX (361) 949-8068 Directions
Open 24 hours, daily · Overall park access hours
The park is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. However, park facilities are not open 24 hours per day. Hours for the entrance station, where the required entrance pass is sold, vary from day to day. If the entrance station is not open when you arrive, you can proceed into the park. If you are camping, go back to the entrance station the next morning and obtain an entrance pass. If not camping, pay the entrance fee as you leave if the entrance station is open.
Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers regardless of the actual number of passengers.
Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers regardless of the actual number of passengers.
Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers regardless of the actual number of passengers.
Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers regardless of the actual number of passengers.
Admits the passholder and up to 15 passengers in the same private (non-commercial) vehicle. It expires one week from the date of purchase. For private vehicles, this entrance pass is required for overnight camping. A 1-day entrance pass is available for $10 per vehicle. 1-day entrance passes expire at midnight on the date of purchase and are not valid for overnight camping.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. For motorcyclists, this entrance pass is required for overnight camping. A 1-day entrance pass is available for $5. 1-day entrance passes expire at midnight on the date of purchase and are not valid for overnight camping.
Admits one individual bicyclist, hiker, or pedestrian visiting the facility without a private vehicle. An individual pass is not required for visitors aged 15 and under. It expires one week from the date of purchase. For an individual, this entrance pass is required for overnight camping. A 1-day entrance pass is available for $5 per person. 1-day entrance passes expire at midnight on the date of purchase and are not valid for overnight camping.
Non-commercial groups traveling in a vehicle with a capacity of 16 persons or more are charged per person. This entrance pass is valid for one week from the date of purchase. Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 and younger are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry.
Admits the passholder and up to 15 passengers in the same private (non-commercial) vehicle or motorcycle. It expires one year from the month of purchase.
Updated 4 hr ago
Padre Island has long, hot summers and short, mild winters. Summers are very humid. Winter can bring strong cold fronts and gale force winds. Most rain falls near the beginning and end of hurricane season (Jun 1 - Nov 30). Average seasonal temperatures (Fahrenheit): Spring - high 70s-80s, low 50s-60s; Summer - high mid-90s, low 70s; Fall - high 70s-80s, low 50s-60s; Winter - high 50s-70s, low 30s-40s. Year-round, average wind speed ranges from 5-25 miles per hour. Relative humidity seldom drops below 70%.
Come see us at the KEDT Kids Festival hosted by KEDT Public Broadcast Station. Padre Island National Seashore will have a booth at the event. Stop by an learn about the park or just say hi.
From the event organizers:
Join us for a fantastic, family-friendly event at the KEDT Studio ( 3205 South Staples Street, Corpus Christi) on Saturday, October 17th from 9 am to 1 pm!
The KEDT Kids Festival promises a morning filled with free fun and family friendly educational activities for all young guests and their families.
All entrance fees are waived in recognition of Theodore Roosevelt's birthday.
All entrance fees waived in recognition of Veterans Day.
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.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 181300, Corpus Christi, TX 78480
Ask about trails, fees, weather, events, or planning your visit.
AI answers can be wrong. Check official NPS info before you go.