Padre Island is a beautiful barrier island well worth at least one visit during your visit to Port Aransas.
Vast efforts have been made throughout its history to preserve Padre Island's natural state. Over 350 species of migratory and resident birds can be found on the 130, 454 acres of undeveloped National Seashore.
Padre Isand's national seashore is home to numerous marine and terrestrial plants and animals. The barrier island’s rare terrain is made up of coastal prairie and dynamic dune system protects. It is one of few hypersaline lagoon environments in the world, called Laguna Madre. Many of these plants and animals here are rare, threatened, or endangered species. A variety of sea turtles call San Padre home, including Kemps Ridley, Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Leatherback. Padre Island is the primary nesting area of the Kemps Ridley in the United States.
Many Naturalists and park staff make it their mission to ensure that San Padre is a safe raising ground for young sea turles. San Padre Visitors are invited to watch most of the hatchling releases free of charge. Baby sea turtles are released from May through September.
Pets are allowed at Padre Island National Seashore, but must be kept on a leash at all times. Camping areas are offered on a first come, first served basis and there are no hook-ups. Weddings can be held on the beach with a special use permit.
Padre Island National Seashore Hours
The national seashore is open seven days a week year-round. The visitors center open daily except for Christmas day and New Year’s Day.
Padre Island National Seashore Admission
Entrance into the national seashore is $10 per vehicle. The permit pays for entry into the park for up to 7 consecutive days. An annual pass to the national seashore is available for $20.
Padre Island National Seashore Contact Information
Padre Island National Seashore
20301 Park Road 22
Corpus Christi, Texas 78418
Malaquite Visitor Center
PO Box 181300
Corpus Christi, TX 78480-1300
Headquarters: (361) 949-8173
Visitor Information: (361) 949-8068
Hatchling Hotline: (361) 949-7163
Directions to Padre Island National Seashore
The national seashore is located on North Padre Island, about 30 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, Texas. Take the John F. Kennedy causeway (state highway 358) southeast across the bay to Padre Island. Continue straight (south) on park road 22 for about 12 miles to the entrance. Road signs are visible once on the Padre Island.
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