Things To Do

  • A sand castle it a feather in the top is on the right in the foreground, with the ocean in the back.

    On the Beach

    There's so many ways to enjoy the beach! Go beachcombing, fishing, camping, or just take the day to relax and enjoy the sound of the waves.

  • A sunset over a body of water with streaky clouds and the orange sun just barely visible below.

    On the Laguna

    Only three feet deep, the Laguna Madre is one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth. Explore by fishing, boating, windsurfing & more.

  • A rock jetty is on the left side with water on both sides of it. It is a sunny day.

    Travel Down Island

    With a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you can drive 60 miles all the way down to where the Mansfield Channel us from South Padre Island.

  • White tent on the beach with vegetated dunes behind and a cloudy-blue sky above.

    Camping

    Learn more about the park's two campgrounds as well as primitive camping on the beach.

  • Dozens of sea turtle hatchlings make their way across the beach to the waves.

    Hatchling Releases

    Several public hatchling releases happen each summer.

  • A ranger kneels next to a girl helping her hold up a turtle shell on her back.

    Become a Junior Ranger

    The junior ranger program is a great activity for kids and kids-at-heart! Ask about becoming a junior ranger at the visitor center.

  • A man stands at one of several fishing poles stuck in the sand near the water on an overcast day.

    Fishing

    Fishing is a great way to enjoy the park whether you're doing it from the beach or laguna or out on a boat.

  • A crested caracara stands on sandy ground with tall grass and looks off camera to the right

    Birding

    Padre Island National Seashore is an important area for migratory birds. Over 380 different species of birds have been seen within the park.

  • Two volunteers stand in front of a group of people, one volunteer is holding a sea turtle shell.

    Volunteer

    Volunteers are an important part of the National Park Service and help us fulfill our mission and goals for conservation.

  • A sandy dune in the foreground with a body of water in the distance

    Waterfowl Hunting on the Laguna Madre

    Find out how to transport waterfowl lawfully taken out in the Laguna Madre, on park waters or neighboring jurisdictions.

  • A kayak rests partly on shore on the left in calm water with a blue and yellow sunset sky above.

    Canoeing and Kayaking

    Take your own canoe or kayak out on the Laguna Madre or the Gulf or rent from the park concessionaire, Worldwinds.

Last updated: February 24, 2023

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 181300
Corpus Christi, TX 78480

Phone:

(361) 949-8068
This is the primary phone number for the Malaquite Visitor Center at Padre Island National Seashore.

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