island attractions A BREATH OF FRESH ISLAND AIR
PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE - is a unit of the National Park Service. Established in 1962, the National Seashore is located at the end of Park Road 22 and protects over 130,000 acres of land including approximately 70 miles of undeveloped Gulf of Mexico beach. (Note that an entrance fee is charged.) Renowned for surf fishing and windsurfing, the park also provides a critical nesting habitat for endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles and is a globally important site for migratory birds. Camping is available. For the more adventurous campers, free camping is allowed to anyone willing to drive out onto the wilderness beach portions of the National Seashore. A free camping permit is required to camp on park beaches and may be obtained from a ranger or from the kiosk found at the end of Park Road 22 at the South Beach access. For those unwilling to drive on the beach, two developed campgrounds provide dry camping opportunities for a small fee. There is no electrical, water, or sewer hook-ups at either campground. A free dump station at Malaquite Campground has potable water for use by all campers. No campground reservation system is used, so for site availability or fees please call the Malaquite Visitor Center at (361) 949-8068. The Malaquite Visitor Center is open daily, except on December 25th. Whether visitors camp or come for the day, there are a variety of things to do. Windsurfing lessons and kayak and windsurfer rentals are available on the west side of the park at Bird Island Basin. Free ranger-led educational programs are offered year-round. The beach in front of the visitor center is a popular day use area since there is ample parking, restrooms, shaded picnic tables, and vending machines. Bird watching, summer hatchling sea turtle releases, and shell hunting are other popular park activities. For visitors with four-wheel drive cars or trucks there is a 60 mile stretch of wilderness beach that provides driving access to popular fishing and shell hunting destinations, such as Big Shell and Little Shell beaches, and to the Mansfield Channel. For more information, please visit the park website at: www.nps.gov/pais or follow them on Facebook at: facebook.com/nps.pais/ PACKERY CHANNEL AND JETTIES - Opened October 2006, the channel extends from the Intracoastal Waterway and bays to the Gulf of Mexico. Navigable by boat, enjoy fishing and access to the Gulf, or fish from the jetties. By car, go to the end of Windward Drive and use the beach access. Beach Parking Permits are required and are available at most convenience stores. MIKE ELLIS BEACH & SEAWALL - Located on the Gulf in front of Padre Island’s Hotel / Condo area, the Mike Ellis Beach and Seawall offers 1.8 miles of leisurely stroll and biking area. There is a public parking area next to the hotels. Rentals for beach accessories, including umbrellas and chairs, can be found at this popular beachfront destination.