Parks / Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore
National Seashore · TX
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (3)
Canine distemper is believed to be present in the park.
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.
Be aware of changing beach conditions
Beach conditions are changing frequently. Check current tide charts and weather forecasts before traveling on the beach.
4-wheel drive recommended for beach driving
4-wheel drive is recommended if driving on North and South Beach.
Entrance Fees
Park entrance fees are required year-round, for all areas of the park. Padre Island National Seashore offers 1-day, 7-day, and annual entrance passes. 1-day entrance passes are valid until midnight on the date of purchase. 7-day entrance passes are valid for seven days from the date of purchase. Annual entrance passes are valid for one year from the month of purchase. Camping and boat ramp fees are not covered by park entrance passes and are charged in addition. Corpus Christi Beach Parking Permits are not required or valid in the national seashore.
The Padre Island Annual Pass covers park entrance fees to Padre Island National Seashore. It expires one year from the month of purchase. Park entrance fees are required year-round, for all areas of the park. Camping and boat ramp fees are not covered by park entrance passes and are charged in addition. Corpus Christi Beach Parking Permits are not required or valid in the national seashore.
Campgrounds (2)
Bird Island Basin 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 sites. All sites are side by side on gravel. The tent-only sites are walk up to a sand flat. This area is also for day use activities. Vault toilets are available at the north and south ends with day use areas in between.
Details →Malaquite 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 paved and gravel camp sites, restrooms, cold water showers, and picnic tables. Some sites have grills and shade structures. No hookups but a dump station and potable water are on the road to the campground. Campers with a paid site in the campground can pitch a tent either at the site or on the beach in front of the campground.
Details →Upcoming Events
Visitor Center Trash Clean Up Event - 9/11 Day of Service
Sep 11, 2026 · 20420 Park Road 22 Corpus Christi, Texas 78418
Entrance Fee Free Day - Constitution Day
Sep 17, 2026
National Public Lands Day Insect BioBlitz
Sep 26, 2026 · 20420 Park Road 22 Corpus Christi, Texas 78418
Things to Do
Become a Padre Island Junior Ranger
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 Island Junior Ranger! The Junior Ranger activity books are appropriate for all ages and are a great way to learn about the natural wonders of the national seashore.
Birding at Padre Island
The 411 on birding at Padre Islands National Seashore. Where to go and what to bring!
Boating, Paddling, and Windsurfing
Explore Padre Island National Seashore on the water.
Check-out a Junior Ranger Discovery Pack
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, magnifiers, and more.
Driving Down Island
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 areas of the park, awarding you the experience of solitude in this natural landscape.
Fishing at Padre Island National Seashore
Cast a line and soak in the day at Padre Island National Seashore.
Ranger-led Programs at Padre Island
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 with a ranger. Check the NPS App or visitor center for schedules and pop-up events.
Stargazing at Padre Island
See the stars at Padre Island National Seashore.
Swimming
Splashing in the surf and bodyboarding are a favorite activity along the beach.
Visitor Centers
- Malaquite Visitor Center
Webcams
Source: National Park Service.