When you book your stay in Port Aransas, TX, with Life In Paradise Vacation Rentals, you are already surrounded by natural beauty, sandy beaches, and the laid-back coastal lifestyle we all love. But if you are looking for a little adventure just outside of town, a day trip to the Padre Island National Seashore is the perfect way to add something unforgettable to your vacation.
What Is the Texas Padre Island National Seashore?
The Padre Island National Seashore is a protected stretch of coastline located between the Gulf and Laguna Madre. It is the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world, offering over 66 miles of pristine beaches, dunes, tidal flats, and grasslands. Just a short drive from Port Aransas, it feels like stepping into a completely different world where nature takes center stage.
Best 4 Things To Do at the Padre Island National Seashore
Beachcombing Paradise: At Padre Island National Seashore, each tide unveils new discoveries. The island's coastline is known for colorful seashells like coquina clams and scallops, which appear after storms or at low tide. Visitors may also find sea beans, smooth seeds that travel long distances before reaching the shore. The beaches known as Little Shell and Big Shell are especially rich in these finds because offshore currents push shells and debris toward the shore.
Prime Birdwatching: Padre Island National Seashore is home to over 380 species that migrate or winter there, thanks to its diverse habitats along the Central Flyway. Notable birdwatching spots include the Grasslands Nature Trail, Bird Island Basin, and a freshwater pond, where you can see brown pelicans over the Gulf and snowy egrets in Laguna Madre's tidal flats. In the grasslands, you might spot crested caracaras, songbirds, and sandhill cranes.
Fishing Fun: Anglers can cast their lines in both the Gulf and the Laguna Madre, one of the most productive hypersaline lagoons in the world. These waters are home to species such as red drum, speckled trout, and flounder, making the island a favorite destination for both seasoned fishers and beginners. The quiet shores of Bird Island Basin provide an ideal spot for families to fish and enjoy the scenery, while surf fishing along the Gulf offers a more adventurous experience.
Turtle Releases: Every summer, Padre Island National Seashore releases endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle hatchlings into the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors come to Malaquite Beach at sunrise from mid-June to August to see these turtles make their first journey to the water. Rangers and volunteers provide conservation insights while keeping the hatchlings safe.