Padre Island National Seashore is home to the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. Each summer, the park holds public hatchling releases, which are announced on the park’s Facebook page.
Padre Island National Seashore in Corpus Christi is Texas’ own piece of beach-side paradise. No wonder the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle chooses this location for nesting each spring! This national park stretches along more than 70 miles of shoreline and sand dunes, making it the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world.
Ideal for camping, walking and wave-related beach activities such as surfing and boogie boarding, Padre Island National Seashore provides a gorgeous getaway for locals and visitors alike.
Apart from the actual sands, the Visitors Center has a breathtaking observation deck for wildlife viewing. An elevator is available.
Rules and regulations include:
- Open year-round
- $10 vehicle entry pass required for beach access that can be purchased at the Malaquite Visitors Center. The pass is valid for seven days from date of purchase. Annual passes are available for $20.
- $5 entry fee for visitors who walk or bike onto the beach
- Bus tours available through Visitors Center with prices ranging from $25 to $100 depending on the number of persons in the party.
- $8 per-day camping fee
- Public restroom and picnic area available
- Pets must be leashed
- Contained beach fires permitted
- Two sand-friendly wheelchairs available for free at the Malaquite Visitors Center.
- All boating, metal detectors and fireworks prohibited
Padre Island National Seashore is located at 20420 Park Road 22 in Corpus Christi. For questions regarding campsite availability and beach conditions, call the Malaquite Visitors Center every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 361-949-8068.
