20 Best Things to do at Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

Published By Ketki

Last Updated

Padre Island National Seashore on the Texas Gulf Coast is one of our favorite places to visit in the state.

The national park site is located close to Corpus Christi and about 3 hrs drive away from Houston. 

Padre Island National Seashore is popular with locals as well as visitors for its clean beaches and natural beauty.

Padre Island National Seashore is one of the best national parks in Texas
Padre Island National Seashore is one of the best national parks in Texas

The park is popular for camping, kayaking, birding, and more.

Here is an ultimate guide to visiting Padre Island National Seashore in Texas.

Also Read: Best National Parks in Texas to Visit Now

Where is Padre Island National Seashore located?

Texas’s Padre Island is the world’s largest undeveloped barrier island.

It is located off the Texas Coast near Corpus Christi.

On the road to Padre Island National Seashore Texas
On the road to Padre Island National Seashore Texas

The barrier island separates the Gulf of Mexico from Laguna Madre.

On the island, you will find a sandy pristine beach, coastal dunes, prairies, and marshes. 

This long and narrow island consists of two small islands separated by a small inlet.

North Padre Island is home to Padre Island National Seashore, a NPS site.

South Padre Island is a bustling resort city and a popular destination for families, couples, and spring breakers in Texas.

Related: 14 Amazing Beach Towns in Texas to Visit Now

Most visitors reach the national park by car.

Corpus Christi or Brownsville airports are your best bet if you are looking for flights to Padre Island National Seashore.

Seagull at Padre Island National Seashore
Seagull at Padre Island National Seashore

Why visit Padre Island National Seashore

North Padre Island and Padre Island National Seashore is perfect for nature lovers.

The island is simply huge and spread over 130,434 acres.

Wonder, how long is Padre island national seashore? 66 miles!!

Because of its protected reserve status, there is almost zero development on the large island.

That’s Texas-sized fun for y’all!

Padre Island National Seashore Texas is great for families with children as well as pets
Padre Island National Seashore Texas is great for families with children as well as pets

Here you will find uncrowded and clean beaches, nature trails, excellent birding, and wildlife viewing.

The island is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts.

You can go for a swim, enjoy sea kayaking and paddle boarding, kite flying and windsurfing on the island. 

Padre Island National Seashore is a remote paradise in Texas. It makes the ultimate beach vacation for families.

Padre Island National Seashore Texas is best place to camp on the beach in Texas
Padre Island National Seashore Texas is best place to camp on the beach in Texas

You can camp right by the beach and have the Gulf coast to yourself.

At Padre Island National Seashore, you can experience the best of the Texas Gulf Coast. 

Padre Island National Seashore Camping

The national park has 4 campgrounds.

Visitors can camp directly on the beach at North Beach and South Beach.

The other campgrounds have assigned campsites. 

RV Camping on the beach at Padre Island National Seashore
RV Camping on the beach at Padre Island National Seashore

For beach camping, you can choose to drive on either North Beach or South Beach side to find a beach campsite.

Stop at the Ranger station and get a tidal chart before you set up the tent.

Camp between the sand dunes and the beach to stay safe.

If you have any questions, ask a park ranger – they’re super helpful. 

North Beach

North Beach is not very long but rarely visited; hence you will find a lot of secluded sites here.

This beach area is said to be generally great for tent/car camping for 2WD vehicles. 

The drive to South Beach at Padre Island National Seashore in Texas
The drive to South Beach at Padre Island National Seashore in Texas

South Beach

South Beach is our favorite area to camp.

Here you have access to over 60 miles of beach sites.

The first 5 miles are accessible for 2WD vehicles and hence more crowded.

But as you drive south, you can find plenty of secluded camp sites. 

Padre Island National Seashore campsite no one else in sight
Padre Island National Seashore campsite no one else in sight

Malaquite Campground

Malaquite Campground is located close to the Visitor Center.

This campground has about 50 beautiful campsites with picnic tables and grills and a rate of $8 per day/night. 

The sites are located close to each.

About half of them, the parking lots sites, face the sea while half have their backs to the beach, these are called the water / dune side sites.

Picnic tables at Padre Island National Seashore Texas
Picnic tables at Padre Island National Seashore Texas

We recommend getting a dune side site if you are staying here. 

The campground also has a clean dump station, clean showers, and free potable water which can be used by all national park visitors. 

Malaquite Campground is good if you don’t want to camp directly on the beach.

You are close enough to the ocean and get to enjoy the beach but not have all the sand blowing around you.  

Padre Island National Seashore Texas has pretty water and soft sandy beaches
Padre Island National Seashore Texas has pretty water and soft sandy beaches

Bird Island Basin Campground

This is the only campground on the Bayside of Padre Island National Seashore.

It is popular with windsurfers and surf fishers since the Laguna Madre bayside is excellent for these activities. 

The beautiful water’s edge sites are a mere 10 feet away from the bay.

Lots of birds can be seen along the water’s edge including pelicans. 

However, the sites are right next to each other and offer little to no privacy.

Boardwalk leading up to the beach at Padre Island National Seashore Texas
Boardwalk leading up to the beach at Padre Island National Seashore Texas

Also, there are no picnic tables or shade in this campground.

The sites are $5 a day/night and the campground has no dump or potable water available. 

The nearest dump and toilets are 4 miles down the road to the park entrance at the Malaquite campground.

Most cell phones seem to have coverage at this campground.

First few miles of Padre Island National Seashore are crowded
First few miles of Padre Island National Seashore are crowded

Padre Island National Seashore Map, Fees and Address

Visitors can easily get a map of Padre Island National Seashore at the Visitor Center.

We also recommend getting a tidal chart so you can set up a campsite out of the water’s way. 

Entrance fees to the park are $10 per vehicle for day pass and $25 for overnight stays of up to 7 days.

America the beautiful national park pass is also accepted for entrance fee.

To reach the park, drive across the John F Kennedy Causeway then drive towards the Visitor Center. 

The park also allows pets, so feel free to bring along furry pals for a dip in the ocean.

ATVs, fireworks, and bonfires are not allowed at the park. 

Cook a meal right by the beach at Padre Island National Park in Texas
Cook a meal right by the beach at Padre Island National Park in Texas

Best Time to visit South Padre Island National Seashore

The best time to visit the island is from winter to spring.

The Gulf Water is cold during these seasons but the weather on land is just perfect to enjoy a sunny winter escape.

The island enjoys mild winters and is one of our favorite places to visit in Texas in winter.

Summer on the coast is hot and humid.

This is also the hurricane season and you can have unexpected thunderstorms.

The water is great to swim but you need to apply a lot of sunscreen lotion to avoid burning in the heat.

Summer is also the time when you can watch a sea turtle hatchling release. 

Camping on the beach at Padre Island National Seashore Texas is an incredible experience
Camping on the beach at Padre Island National Seashore Texas is an incredible experience

Fall is another great time to go for mild weather however you need to watch for hurricanes.

Overall, the island makes a great year-round destination for nature lovers on the Gulf Coast.  

Things to do on Padre Island National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore comprises 70 miles of shore line and is home to some of the best beaches in Texas.

Naturally, beachcombing and water activities are big on the island. However, that is not the only attraction here. 

There are multiple things that you can do on Padre Island National Seashore in Texas.

Here are some of our favorites to indulge in your next road trip to the Gulf Coast. 

See the exhibits at the Malaquite Visitor Center & Pavilion

Start your trip at the Visitor’s Center.

This is a great place to get a park map and shop for souvenir magnets. 

You can also enquire about the schedule of sea turtle hatchling release while you are there.

Padre Island National Seashore day use beach area at Closed Beach
Padre Island National Seashore day use beach area at Closed Beach

The visitor center also has interesting exhibits to understand the rich history of the park including Spanish shipwrecks.

You can get information about the interpretative nature programs held at the center including the beach walk and deck talk. 

This is also where the restrooms and amenities are located.

Padre Island National Seashore Texas Malaquite Beach Day use area with picnic tables at dawn
Padre Island National Seashore Texas Malaquite Beach Day use area with picnic tables at dawn

Hike the Grassland Nature Trail

While the entire island is open to explore, there are very few assigned trails for visitors in the park.

One of the easiest marked trails is the Grasslands Nature Trail.

It is located just inside the park entrance and is paved which makes it perfect for kids of all ages.

The trail is less than a mile long and a perfect way to observe the marsh like environment of the tidal flats. 

You will find the wind tidal flats teeming with marine life such as crabs, shrimp, minnow fish, and algae.

Crab on the beach at Padre Island National Seashore Texas
Crab on the beach at Padre Island National Seashore Texas

Bike all the way down to South Padre Island

Biking is one of the best ways to get around Padre Island National Seashore.

Overall the island is flat which makes biking very easy. You can bike on the park roads as well as on the beaches. 

One of our favorite things to do is to bike all the way south as much as you can.

We have heard reports of people biking all the way down to the inlet separating the national park from South Padre Island. 

Drive on the beach at Padre Island National Seashore Texas all the way to the end of the island
Drive on the beach at Padre Island National Seashore Texas all the way to the end of the island

Camp on the beach in Texas

Padre Island National Seashore camping is one of the essential experiences while visiting the island.

You can camp right on the beach, underneath the stars, and wake up to the fresh morning gulf breeze. 

Simply choose your site on either north Beach or South Beach and set up your tent.

A really good secluded beach campsite can be accessed only by a fair bit of driving on the sand in a 4WD.

Set up your tent at the base of the dunes to stay away from the water
Set up your tent at the base of the dunes to stay away from the water

Camping in the park requires a permit which you can obtain at the Visitor Center.

Get supplies at the Pavilion Convenience Store before you go on the beach to ensure you won’t have to drive back after setting camp.

The beach campsites are primitive and have no facilities.

Campers can use the restrooms at the Visitor Center or Malaquite Campground.

Attend a turtle hatchling release at Padre Island National Seashore Texas
Attend a turtle hatchling release at Padre Island National Seashore Texas

Watch the Sea Turtle Hatchlings Release

This is one of the most amazing experiences that you can have on the island, but you will need to time it right!

The beach at Padre Island National Seashore is the most important nesting habitat in the country for Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle.

This is the most endangered sea turtle in the world.

Padre Island National Seashore Sea Turtle Hatchling Release in Texas
Padre Island National Seashore Sea Turtle Hatchling Release in Texas

The park works hard to conserve the species by maintaining the park as a safe nesting ground for the turtles. 

The sea turtles swim to the beach and lay their eggs in a nest on the warm sand.

Then the sea turtle swims away. The park conserves and incubates the eggs. It then releases the hatchlings back into the ocean as they emerge. 

Seeing the tiny hatchlings swim out to the sea is an amazing experience. You can read more about it in our post here. 

Baby sea turtle being released into the ocean at Padre Island National Seashore
Baby sea turtle being released into the ocean at Padre Island National Seashore

Participate in a free birding tour 

The park rangers often offer free birding tours on the island. Visitors can sign up for the tour a day in advance at the Visitor Center.

The tour lasts for about 3 hours during which you will visit various birding sites along the shore. 

The tour guides are very knowledgeable and share interesting information about the coastal birds.

Padre Island National Seashore Texas is an excellent birding destination
Padre Island National Seashore Texas is an excellent birding destination

They also provide binoculars for use during the tour.

You can also go birding on your own at Padre Island national Seashore. 

The coastal wilderness here is a globally important bird area and is home to about 400 different types of bird species.

The best birding is on the bayside of the island.

Royal Tern on the Texas Gulf Coast Birding Trail
Royal Tern on the Texas Gulf Coast Birding Trail

The Laguna Madre is amongst just a few hypersaline lagoons in the world and this ecosystem draws a variety of marine creatures, birds, and animals.

Visitors can easily see many different species of birds during their visit including pelicans, sea gulls, and terns. 

Watch the marine wildlife and land animals

Apart from birds, turtles, and crabs, you can also spot precious marine wildlife on the island.

You can spot jellyfish, pufferfish, frogs, ghost crabs, and several types of fish. 

Padre Island National Seashore Texas has excellent marine life including crabs and sea turtles
Padre Island National Seashore Texas has excellent marine life including crabs and sea turtles

The dunes are home to coyotes, deer, hare, squirrels, and snakes.

We recommend bringing a pair of binoculars for observing the wildlife.  

Go beachcombing

Beachcombing on Padre Island National Park is pretty amazing.

While driftwood is scarce here due to a lack of tall trees in the area, you can easily spot sea shells, sand dollars, sea glass, and more. 

The soft, wide, sandy beaches are perfect for taking a stroll with your loved one and looking for treasures on the coast.

Go beachcombing for treasures on the Texas beaches
Go beachcombing for treasures on the Texas beaches

Beachcombing is also a hit with the kids as they can spot colorful rocks and seashells.  

While many national parks do not allow you to remove natural resources, at Padre Island National Seashore you can keep up to a 5 gallon bucket of beachcombing treasures unless it is an endangered animal or historic artifacts from shipwrecks. 

Build a sandcastle

The soft sand in the national park is perfect for building sand castles.

You can try your own hand at building a large one or even take one of the classes offered by the visitor center.

Sand castle at Mustang Island near Port Aransas, Texas
Sand castle at Mustang Island near Port Aransas, Texas

These classes take place occasionally and are just amazing.

Families and kids of all ages can have fun while learning to build a giant sand castle. 

Relax and read a book

One of our favorite activities on the island!

Relax on the beach in a beach chair and read a book as the kids play in the sand nearby.

The remote beaches here are just perfect to take a break from the routine, catch a nap on the sand, and spend some time unwinding from your daily stress. 

First 5 miles at South Beach cam be driven by 2WD vehicles at Padre Island National Seashore
First 5 miles at South Beach cam be driven by 2WD vehicles at Padre Island National Seashore

Drive on the beach at sunset

If you have a 4WD vehicle, which is a must for beach camping on Padre Island National Seashore, we also recommend driving on the beach at sunset.

It is a fabulous experience.

Make sure your car is equipped for sand driving and brush up on your sand driving skills before you go.

Towing is very expensive and time consuming, so don’t get stuck!

Padre Island National Seashore Texas is good for beach driving if you have a 4WD vehicle
Padre Island National Seashore Texas is good for beach driving if you have a 4WD vehicle

Walk the beach at night

One of the best things about camping at Padre Island National Seashore is that you can go for a walk on the beach at night.

This is a simply amazing experience especially if it’s a full moon night.

You can see the large coast crabs come out and skitter on the sand.

You can also dip your toes in the warm Gulf water.

We recommend carrying a flashlight and looking out for wildlife. 

Milky Way seen in the night sky at Matagorda Bay Beach in Texas
Milky Way seen in the night sky at the beach in Texas

See the night sky

The night sky at Padre Island National Seashore may not be as dark as the night sky in Big Bend but it is still an amazing experience.

If you happen to visit on a clear night then you can observe many popular stars and constellations. 

The visitor center also often holds night sky and astronomy viewing programs.

Seeing the stars come out and watching them through a telescope while listening to the waves crash behind you is an incredible experience. 

Flowers blooming on the sand dunes at Padre Island National Seashore in Texas
Flowers blooming on the sand dunes at Padre Island National Seashore in Texas

Explore the island on horseback

Padre Island National Seashore has many horseback trails.

Exploring the extensive barrier island on horseback is great fun.

Horses are allowed on the beach but they are not allowed on the roads, dunes, or grasslands. 

Propose or get married on the beach

The beach on the island is pretty, secluded, and just perfect for an intimate romantic moment.

You can either propose to your loved one or renew your vows or even get married right here on the beach.

You do need permits to get married though, so inquire and plan in advance. 

Camping on the Texas Gulf Coast at Padre Island National Seashore is an amazing experience
Camping on the Texas Gulf Coast at Padre Island National Seashore is an amazing experience

Water Activities on North Padre Island National Seashore

The park is a paradise for water lovers. Over 70 miles of the beach means amazing water sports and outdoor activities. 

Most of the water activities are located on the bayside.

To reach the bay side from the Gulf side, you need to drive through Yarborough Pass which is located at mile marker 15.

Here are some of the things you can do on the island:

The beach at South Padre Island is perfect for outdoor activities such as camping and kayaking
The beach at Padre Island is perfect for outdoor activities such as camping and kayaking

Boating and fishing

Visitors can launch boats at the assigned ramps in Laguna Madre.

There are 2 within the park: Bird Island Boat Ramp and Yarborough Pass Boat Ramp.

Only soft sided boats can be launched in the Gulf waters.

Personal watercrafts like jet skis are not allowed. 

While fishing is allowed, you need a license with a saltwater stamp.

Visitors have got catfish, trout, anglers, and many more fish in different seasons. 

Horace Caldwell Fishing pier at Mustang Island in Port Aransas Texas
Horace Caldwell Fishing pier at Mustang Island in Port Aransas Texas

Scuba dive or snorkel on the island

While Texas is known more for its barbecue and cowboy ranches rather than scuba diving and snorkeling, there are a few places where you can try these activities in the Lone Star State.

And of course, the pristine natural environment of Padre Island National Seashore is one of them. 

While you will have to bring your own equipment and gear and there is no kind of rental available on the island, we do recommend bringing it for an amazing experience.

The best place to snorkel is obviously the Laguna Madre Estuary.

A variety of colorful tropical fish called this hypersaline lagoon home and you can easily spot them on a swim. 

Windsurf on bayside of the island 

The calm waters of Laguna Madre are perfect for windsurfing on the bayside of the island.

At Bird island basin you will find a half mile beach area that is one of the best windsurfing spots in the country.

Driftwood on the beach at sunrise in Corpus Christi, Texas
Driftwood on the beach at sunrise

The shallow lagoon and an obstructed wind is perfect for the watersport. 

The best time to go windsurfing is in early spring and fall.

You can either bring your own boards or rent one here at the Bird Island Basin.

The park also offers windsurfing lessons for those interested in learning. You can also kitesurf here.

Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard the Gulf waters

Kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding are popular activities in both the open ocean and in the shallow lagoon.

If you are a beginner, we recommend the calm waters of the Laguna Madre.

Experienced kayakers can go sea kayaking on the Gulf waters. 

The park has several paddling trails and is one of the best kayaking destinations in Texas.

Swimming

If you are not very enthusiastic about water sports but want to cool down then you can enjoy your trip to the island by just swimming in the warm waters.

Go for a swim when you get too hot and just lay down and relax on the beach when you get tired.

This is just the perfect holiday in Texas for almost everyone. 

Malaquite swimming beach at Padre Island National Seashore Texas
Malaquite swimming beach at Padre Island National Seashore Texas

Things to do near Padre Island National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore is close to Corpus Christi.

You can easily plan a trip to the city while you are visiting the national park site. 

Port Aransas

Port Aransas makes a perfect base for exploring Padre Island National Seashore.

Apart from the water activities on the island, Port Aransas also makes the perfect destination for fishing charters, dolphin cruises, sailing, parasailing, and stand up paddle boarding. 

Port Aransas beach access
Port Aransas beach access

Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi makes another perfect base to explore Padre Island National Seashore.

There are many amazing attractions here including the Texas State Aquarium, USS Lexington Museum Ship, and the Museum of Science and Industry where you can see artifacts from the old Spanish shipwreck that occured on Padre Island.

The beaches of Corpus Christi are also renowned for their soft powdery white sand and warm water. 

Views of Corpus Christi skyline from the bay
Views of Corpus Christi skyline from the bay

Mustang Island State Park

While you are in the area, visit Mustang Island State Park, one of the best state parks in Texas.

The park is famous for its quiet and clean beaches and picnic table and shades that are right on the beach. 

South Padre Island

While the resort town of South Padre Island is a part of Padre Island, it couldn’t be more different than the National Seashore.

Here you will find condos, resorts, and hotels to enjoy your stay. A variety of restaurants and seafood shacks are located on the island. 

The beach at South Padre Island is perfect for outdoor activities such as camping and kayaking
The beach at South Padre Island is perfect for outdoor activities such as camping and kayaking

There are touristy souvenir shops, golf cart rentals to go around the island, and activities such as zip lining and go-karting.

Families can take sand castle lessons or go horse riding on the beach.

During spring break, the island is the talk of the state.

You will find loud music, beach and pool parties, and throngs of young spring breakers on the island. 

South Padre Island Convention Center photo op
South Padre Island Convention Center photo op

Port Isabel

While most visitors to Padre Island National Seashore or South Padre Island do not spend time in Port Isabel, the small city is certainly worth a visit.

The main attraction here is of course the Port Isabel Lighthouse.

You can climb to the very top and take in the panoramic views of the area.

You can also explore the Pirates Landing attraction, this is fun for kids of all ages. 

Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site
Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site

Padre Island National Seashore Hotels

Padre Island National Seashore is an undeveloped island and so there are no hotels inside the National Park.

The park also does not have any lodges or cabins.

The only option to stay on the island is RV camping or tent camping. 

If you do not want to camp but wish to visit Padre Island National Seashore as a day trip, then the best place to stay is in Corpus Christi.

There are many good friendly hotels with pools in the city.

Some of them are even oceanfront properties and make for the perfect beach getaway. 

The national park is located south of Port Aransas and the city makes another great option for those who want to stay in the hotels. 

We recommend visiting Padre Island National Seashore as a must activity for any True Texan!

We hope you liked our post on things to do on Padre Island National Seashore on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Did we miss any popular attractions near this national park? Let us know in the comments.

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