The Longest Stretch of Undeveloped Barrier Island in The World
Padre Island National Seashore separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre, one of a few hypersaline lagoons in the world. The park protects 70 miles of coastline, dunes, prairies, and wind tidal flats teeming with life. It is a safe nesting ground for the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle and a haven for 380 bird species. It also has a rich history, including the Spanish shipwrecks of 1554.
Features
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Come and watch a sea turtle hatchling release
Find out projected dates and details about how you can come and see newly hatched sea turtles get released into the Gulf of Mexico.
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See current conditions at Malaquite Beach
Check current conditions or just "escape" to the beach with a live webcam image of Malaquite Beach. Refresh the page to get a new image each minute.
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Nature & Science
The National Seashore provides important habitat for marine and terrestrial plants and animals, including rare, threatened, and endangered species.
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History & Culture
Padre Island National Seashore has remained an undeveloped wilderness. Visiting the park is very much like traveling back into the past.
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Birds of Padre Island National Seashore
Over 380 species of birds inhabit Padre Island National Seashore at different times during the year.
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Social Media
Many people stay connected to Padre Island National Seashore through social media like Facebook. Are you one of them? We want to connect with you.
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For Teachers
The National Seashore's Environmental Education program is designed to introduce students to Padre Island's natural environment.
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Protecting Sea Turtles
The Sea Turtle Science and Recovery Program is part of a global effort to help recover populations of threatened and endangered sea turtles.
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Did You Know?
The wreck of three Spanish ships near the southern end of Padre Island in 1554 was the greatest disaster to hit the Spanish fleet in the New World up to that time. More...