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For years, legends were told of great treasures hidden on Padre Island. But the real treasure is Padre Island's environment. The 130,434-acre park is the longest stretch of primitive, undeveloped ocean beach in the United States.
There are gamefish, water birds and 65.5 miles of beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.
The seashore is reached by a four-mile paved park entrance road, or the Gulf Beach from nearby Bob Hall Pier. Four-wheel-drive vehicles can continue "down island" another 60 miles to Mansfield Channel. Driving off the beach or roads is not permitted.
Another way to explore is by hiking. The .75-mile Grasslands Nature Trail winds through a grasslands and dunes area. Beach hiking and birdwatching are outstanding. The park also offers the unique opportunity to see sea turtle hatchlings in the wild.
One of the favorite pastimes on Padre Island is surf fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Speckled sea trout, black drum and whiting are commonly caught in the Gulf, while sheepshead, trout and flounder are caught in Laguna Madre. Bird Island Basin offers not only a boat ramp to Laguna Madre, but is also one of the top windsurfing spots in the nation. Swimming is permitted on all beaches.
All camping is first-come, first-served. No reservations are accepted. There are no hook-ups; the National Seashore has only dry camping. Space for primitive camping on the Gulf beach is always available. Camping space is usually available at Bird Island Basin, but may be very limited during the height of the windsurfing season. Except for major holiday weekends, camping space is normally available at Malaquite Campround.
Outdoor Activities |
Enjoy one of the country's longest stretches of undeveloped ocean beaches.
Explore the unspoiled beauty of Padre Island National Seashore.
A constantly shifting shoreline changes the landscape of Padre Island.
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