National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore is a National Seashore in Texas. The NPS currently lists 4 active alerts, 2 campgrounds and 1 visitor center; entrance fees start at $15.
Texas National Seashore America the Beautiful pass accepted
Updated · NPS Data API
“Protecting sixty-six miles of wild coastline along the Gulf of America, the narrow barrier island is home to one of the last intact coastal prairie habitats in the United States. Along the hypersaline Laguna Madre, tidal mud flats teem with life.”
Active alerts
4
Closures
0
Campgrounds
2
Visitor centers
1
4 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 2 caution and 2 information.
Caution
Several days of over 2.0 ft tides are forecasted during the month of October, including 2.6 ft tides at the end of the month. Be sure to check the tide chart and weather forecast when planning your trip.
Posted or updated Sep 29, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov
Caution
Contact with saliva from wild animals can transmit distemper to pets, including from but not limited to water bowls, food bowls, trash etc. Distemper is not a threat to humans but can be deadly to pets. Ensure your pets are vaccinated or keep them home.
Posted or updated Jul 5, 2024 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
Information
Beach conditions are changing frequently. Check current tide charts and weather forecasts before traveling on the beach.
Posted or updated Oct 13, 2023 ·Details on nps.gov
Information
4-wheel drive is recommended if driving on North and South Beach.
Posted or updated Aug 20, 2023 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
Park entrance fees are required year-round, for all areas of the park. Padre Island National Seashore offers 1-day, 7-day, and annual entrance passes. 1-day entrance passes are valid until midnight on the date of purchase.
| Fee | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Entrance - Sedan | $25 | Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. |
| Commercial Entrance - Van | $40 | Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. |
| Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus | $40 | Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. |
| Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach | $100 | Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. |
| Entrance - Private Vehicle | $25 | Admits the passholder and up to 15 passengers in the same private (non-commercial) vehicle. It expires one week from the date of purchase. Buy online |
| Entrance - Motorcycle | $20 | Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Buy online |
| Entrance - Per Person | $15 | Admits one individual bicyclist, hiker, or pedestrian visiting the facility without a private vehicle. Buy online |
| Entrance - Non-commercial Groups | $15 | Non-commercial groups traveling in a vehicle with a capacity of 16 persons or more are charged per person. |
| Pass | Cost | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Entrance - Park | $45 | Recreation.gov |
The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here. Fee details on nps.gov
The 411 on birding at Padre Islands National Seashore. Where to go and what to bring!
Pets allowed
Explore Padre Island National Seashore on the water.
Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed
One of the most popular activities to do when visiting the national seashore is to drive on the beach and travel down island.
Pets allowed
See all 9 things to do in Padre Island →
Activities the NPS lists for Padre Island.
Arts and CultureAuto and ATVAuto Off-RoadingAstronomyStargazingBikingBoatingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingRV CampingFishingSaltwater FishingPaddlingCanoeingKayakingJunior Ranger ProgramSwimmingSaltwater SwimmingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store
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The park is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. However, park facilities are not open 24 hours per day.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | All Day |
| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
Weather: Padre Island has long, hot summers and short, mild winters. Summers are very humid. Winter can bring strong cold fronts and gale force winds.
| Visitor center | Standard hours | Phone | Passport stamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaquite Visitor Center | Daily: 9:00AM - 5:00PM | 3619498068 | Yes |
| Campground | Total sites | Reservable | First-come | RVs | Fee | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bird Island Basin Campground | 34 | 0 | 34 | Yes, up to 45 ft | $8 | — |
| Malaquite Campground | 48 | 0 | 48 | Yes | $14 | — |
Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.
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