Grasslands Nature Trail

The Grasslands Nature Trail is an easy walk through the coastal prairie.

NPS Photo/ Thomas DiGiovannangelo

Quick Facts

Location:

Decimal Degrees: 27.47244, -97.28619

Significance:

Padre Island National Seashore is home to one of the last protected coastal prairie ecosystems in the United States. The Grasslands Nature Trail gives visitors an opportunity to experience the importance of such a location, while maintaining the integrity of the dunes and wildlife surrounding the trail.

Designation:

National Seashore

Amenities

8 listed

Benches/Seating, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Pets Allowed, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead, Wheelchair Accessible

Located just south of the park entrance station, the Grasslands Nature Trail is a short and wheelchair accessible trail through the dunes and grasslands of Padre Island. The area boasts a wide variety of plants and wildlife to observe. A variety of birds, including songbirds and birds of prey, can be spotted from the trail, as well other wildlife like deer, ground squirrels, and keeled earless lizards. 

Throughout the trail, numbered posts correspond to a printed trail guide (available at the visitor center) that offers insight to the native plants growing in the grasslands.  

This 0.75-mile (1.2 km) loop trail takes hikers through one of the last intact coastal prairie ecosystems in the United States and is fully paved to accommodate all visitors. Several benches with limited shade are located throughout the trail. Be sure to be mindful of changing weather conditions and your own physical capabilities before beginning any hike. Drinking water and bug spray are recommended. Help us keep wildlife wild by maintaining a safe distance and not feeding any wildlife.