Padre Island National Seashore


Protecting sixty-six miles of wild coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, the narrow barrier island is home to one of the last intact coastal prairie habitats in the United States. Along the hypersaline Laguna Madre, unique 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.

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.

  • Arts and Culture
  • Auto and ATV
  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Saltwater Fishing
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Swimming
  • Saltwater Swimming
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

  • Arts
  • Schools and Education
  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Fish
  • Tortoises and Turtles
  • Coasts, Islands and Atolls
  • Dunes
  • Geology
  • Unique Species
  • Endangered

A boy at play on scenic Padre Island

A small boy plays at the water's edge on Padre Island

Over 60 miles of beach offers beautiful scenery and fun for the whole family.

Kemp's ridley sea turtle hatchlings

Tiny Kemp's ridley sea turtle hatchlings crawl on the beach of Padre Island.

Thousands of visitors come to the park each summer to watch newborn Kemp's ridley sea turtle hatchlings get released into the Gulf of Mexico.

Black Skimmer

A black skimmer flies by, slicing the surf with its lower bill to catch food.

Over 380 bird species have been found at the park, making it a top destination for birders from around the world.

Camping on Padre Island

A tent is set up close to the beach on Padre Island.

Camping in a tent or RV is one of the most popular activities on Padre Island.

Sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico on Padre Island

A beautiful and colorful sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico on Padre Island.

Breathtaking sunrises, remote beaches, and dark night skies make Padre Island a top vacation destination.

Bird Island Basin Boat Ramp

A woman drives a boat up to the ramp at Bird Island Basin.

Bird Island Basin offers access to the Laguna Madre for boating, fishing, windsurfing, kayaking, and camping.

Fishing at Mansfield Channel

A man in waders fishes in the surf along the Mansfield Channel jetties.

Surf fishing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors at Padre Island National Seashore.

Big Shell Beach at Padre Island National Seashore

Large seashells in front of the turquoise blue waters of the Gulf of mexico

Padre Island National Seashore has over 70 miles of undeveloped coastline with ample beachcombing opportunities.