

There are two developed campsites within Padre Island National Seashore, the National Park Services notes, as well as dispersed beach camping-in other words, just setting up your tent.ĭay passes to the park cost $10 per day for visitors arriving in a vehicle, or $5 per day for pedestrians and bicyclists. Padre Island National Seashore is a national seashore located on Padre Island. "This conservation area, stretching around 66 miles, is a major migratory bird route and home to 350 different species, with nearly half of all north American migratory bird species passing through here at different times of the year," Whitehead notes. Accordingly, it stands out for its natural resources - and the fact that visitors can camp. In addition to being a "charming" stretch of coastline, travel writer Joanna Whitehead notes, Padre Island is the world's longest undeveloped barrier island.

Padre Island National Seashore, located on Padre Island between Port Aransas and South Padre Island, is a national park. Let's be honest: as much as Texans love our beaches, they rarely appear on national "best beaches" roundups. There are also poisonous rattlesnakes in the dunes, grasslands, and mud flats.Underrated, for sure. Safety - Swimmers and those walking barefoot on the beach should watch out for the Portuguese man-of-war, a blue jellyfish that can cause an extremely painful sting. September to November is a good time to visit, when it is still usually warm enough for swimming but not nearly as hot or crowded as summer. Hurricane season (June-Oct) is the rainiest time of the year and also has the highest surf. Have a fun-filled day at Beach Park at Isla Blanca and see why everyone loves this amusement park in South Padre Island. Parking on the beach is allowed, but some restrictions may apply. Only occasionally does the temperature drop below 40☏ (4☌), and a freeze is extremely rare. Kennedy Causeway then driving 10 miles south to the park entrance. Winters are mild, with highs from the 50s to the 70s (teens to the 20s Celsius), and lows in the 40s and 50s (single digits to the teens Celsius). Sea breezes in late afternoon and evening help moderate the heat. When to Go - Summer is the busiest time here, although it is generally hot (highs in the 90s/30s Celsius) and very humid. Although driving off-road is permitted on some sections of beach, the dunes, grasslands, and tidal flats are closed to all vehicles. Pets must be leashed and are not permitted on the swimming beach in front of the visitor center. Regulations here are much like those at other National Park Service properties, which essentially require that visitors not disturb wildlife or damage the site's natural features and facilities. In addition, there is a $5 user fee at Bird Island Basin. The visitor center is open from 8:30am to 6pm Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, and from 8:30am to 4:30pm the rest of the year (closed Dec 25), and the store is usually open similar hours.įees & Regulations - Entry for up to 7 days costs $10 per vehicle (good for 7 days) or $5 per individual on foot or bike. 361/949-9368) sells camping and fishing supplies and gift items, and rents chairs, umbrellas, body boards, and other beach toys. In the same complex, Padre Island Park Company (tel.

The visitor center complex, along Park Road 22 at Malaquite Beach, has an observation deck, a bookstore, and a variety of exhibits, including one on the endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle. 361/949-8068 The Park Service also maintains a recorded beach- and road-condition information line (tel. Visitor Information - For information, contact Padre Island National Seashore, P.O.

358 (South Padre Island Dr.) southeast across the JFK Causeway to Padre Island, and follow Park Road 22 south to the national seashore. Getting There - From Corpus Christi take Tex.
