Padre Island National Seashore
We went to Padre Island National Seashore with our kids and had an amazing time! The beach was beautiful, except for the trash that washes up on shore from Mexico due to the water currents. The kids loved playing in the sand and waves, and we stopped at the visitor’s center to get a bag to help clean up the beach.
We took our kids to Padre Island National Seashore for a day of fun in the sun. The seashore is located on North Padre Island in Corpus Christi, Texas. It took us about 30 minutes to get from our AirBNB in Corpus Christi to the Malaquite Visitor’s Center.
The seashore protects over 70 miles of coastline. The area is also great for bird watching, as there are over 380 species of birds that live on the island.
We had a blast exploring the island and spending time together as a family. If you're looking for a great place to travel with your family, we highly recommend Padre Island National Seashore! Here are some need to know questions and answers if you plan on visiting.
What is Padre Island National Seashore known for?
Padre Island National Seashore is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Texas. The seashore stretches for over 70 miles and is known for its beautiful beaches, Corpus Christi, and wildlife.
The seashore offers a variety of activities for families such as swimming, fishing, camping, and hiking. There are also many opportunities to see wildlife such as dolphins, turtles, and birds.
Corpus Christi is a popular city for travelers because it offers a variety of activities and attractions. The city is home to the USS Lexington Museum, the Texas State Aquarium, and the Museum of Art.
Do you need a beach pass for Padre Island National Seashore?
If you're planning on visiting Padre Island National Seashore, the answer is yes, you need a beach pass. The cost of the pass is $10 per vehicle, per day. However, if you plan on staying for longer than 7 days, you can purchase a yearly pass for $30.
TRAVEL HACK: If you have a 4th grader in your party, go to the Every Kid in a Park site and download the PDF that you need to be able to get your entire family in for FREE! That is what we did since Jacques, our son, is in the 4th grade.
4th Grade in a Park Pass
We are always sharing how we travel hack our family vacations, and I’ve created a page of our travel credit cards that we use to get points to stay at hotels for free.
The passes can be purchased at any of the three entrances to the park: Malaquite Visitor Center, Yarborough Pass, or Bird Island Basin. If you're planning on camping at the park, you'll also need to purchase a camping permit in addition to your beach pass.
Are there alligators in Padre Island National Seashore?
Yes, there are alligators in Padre Island National Seashore!
We did not see any alligators because alligators are not commonly seen on the beaches of Corpus Christi, they do inhabit the nearby Laguna Madre and Padre Island National Seashore. We weren’t too worried because we’re from Louisiana, and we have held an alligator before.
2015 Amelia & Jacques riding an Alligator
2017 Amelia holding an Alligator
Alligators are shy creatures and will generally avoid humans. However, it is important to be aware of their presence and take precautions when swimming or wading in areas where they may be present.
If you're lucky, you might just spot an alligator sunning itself on the shore!
Can you drive on Padre Island National Seashore?
Yes, you can drive on Padre Island National Seashore! The national seashore is a great place to take the family for a vacation. You can find plenty of things to do, such as swimming, fishing, and hiking. You can also explore the many different ecosystems that make up the national seashore.
Can you swim at Padre National Seashore?
Yes, you can swim at Padre National Seashore! The seashore is located on North Beach in Corpus Christi, Texas and offers a wide variety of beach activities for families. There are lifeguards on duty, so swimming is safe for all ages. The seashore also has a playground, picnic areas, and plenty of sand for building castles.
If you're looking for a fun family vacation, we highly recommend visiting Padre Island National Seashore. There's so much to see and do, and your kids will absolutely love it!
And be sure to check out our travel vlog for more tips on visiting Corpus Christi with kids!