Padre Island National Seashore — A Coastal Escape in Corpus Christi, Texas

Explore Padre Island National Seashore

Located in Corpus Christi, Texas, Padre Island National Seashore protects the most significant undeveloped barrier island in the world. The park sits 30 miles south of Mustang Island State Park and encompasses more than 130,000 acres of dunes, grasslands, and beaches. This national park provides family-friendly ways to experience an untouched paradise of federally-protected wildlife.

A brief walk on the Grasslands Nature Trail offers an introduction to the fauna and flora of this marshland environment. Through the Sea Turtle Science and Recovery Program, visitors may watch freshly hatched sea turtles make their way toward the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The Malaquite Visitor Center features a breathtaking observation deck for wildlife viewing.

Malaquite Beach includes two distinctive beachcombing areas: Little Shell Beach, where north currents deposit small shells, and Big Shell Beach, known for larger shell discoveries. With its beaches, wildlife, and outdoor activities, Padre Island National Seashore makes a beautiful beachside getaway.

How to Get There

Reach Padre Island National Seashore by taking S Padre Island Dr to Park Road 22, then continue to the park entrance. For GPS systems and digital map services, enter Malaquite Visitor Center as the waypoint.

Fees & Passes

Entry for a standard vehicle costs $25. The Padre Island National Seashore website provides the complete list of entrance fees and passes for every vehicle type.

Accommodations

Hotels

• Lively Beach
• Hawthorn Suites
• Holiday Inn Express
• Padre Escapes Vacation Rentals
• El Constante
• Aruba Bay Resort

Camping

• Malaquite Campground
• Bird Island Basin Campground

Food

• Padre Island Burger Company
• Doc's Seafood & Steaks
• Snoopy's Pier
• Island Joe's Coffee & Gallery

What to Know

• Entrance Fee Required
• Limited Cell Service
• Restrooms on Site
• Outdoor Showers Available
• Pets Allowed on Leash
• Open 24/365

What to Love

• Malaquite Visitor Center
• Sea Turtle Releases
• Camping
• Off-the-Grid
• Birding Wonderland
• Stargazing
• Excellent Beachcombing
• Boat Ramps

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Padre Island National Seashore?

Take S Padre Island Dr to Park Road 22 and continue to the entrance of Padre Island National Seashore. For GPS systems and digital map services, use Malaquite Visitor Center as the waypoint.

Where can I drive on the beach on Padre Island National Seashore?

4WD is always recommended for driving on the beach. When conditions allow, vehicles may travel on North and South Beach. Driving beyond the paved road is at your own risk, and your safety is your responsibility.

2WD vehicles can travel as far as Mile Marker 5, although 4WD is recommended. Check the tide conditions before setting out.

General Rules

• Protect the Dunes: Do not drive behind the dunes, across beach areas covered in vegetation, or on tidal flats and wetlands.
• Right of Way: Northbound traffic has the right of way. Watch for pedestrians.
• Do Not Block Traffic: When parking or camping on the beach, leave the main driving lane open.

Visitors without a four-wheel drive vehicle can still enjoy the seashore at Malaquite Beach, where parking is available at Malaquite Visitor Center.

What are the tide conditions?

Beach conditions change daily. Check the tide conditions before heading out.

Can I access South Padre Island from Padre Island National Seashore?

There is no direct driving route from the park on North Padre Island to South Padre Island. Mansfield Channel, an artificial waterway, cuts across Padre Island at the national park’s southern end.

The driving route from North Padre Island to South Padre Island requires traveling inland to Corpus Christi, continuing south on Highway 77, and returning to the island at its southern end. This trip takes 3-4 hours.

How do I camp on Padre Island National Seashore?

Camping is available year-round in the park. Primitive beach camping may temporarily close during hazardous conditions, including coastal flooding, so review the weather report and tide chart before visiting.

All camping, including stays at developed campgrounds, is first come, first served. Reservations are not accepted. Park entrance fees are required, and overnight stays require a seven-day pass or annual pass.

For Malaquite Campground or Bird Island Basin Campground, complete a camping permit and pay the camping fee at the self-registration kiosk located at the campground entrance.

The park does not provide electric or water hook-ups. An RV dump station and freshwater filling station beside the entrance to Malaquite Campground are available for all park visitors.

Cellular service is very limited throughout the park. Before arriving, arrange a plan with a family member or friend for checking in and out.

Sea Turtles

During summer, reflective lollipop stakes may appear in the sand near the dunes. These red markers help protect Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) and their nests. Because the turtles and nests can be difficult to see, biologists use reflectors and flagging tape to identify their locations and prevent vehicles on the beach from crushing them.

The reflectors must remain undisturbed until biologists remove them after the nest has been recovered. Anyone who sees a person tampering with reflectors, sea turtle nests, or eggs should report the incident immediately by calling 1-866-TURTLE-5 or notifying a nearby park official.