Things To Do Near Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore at the Gulf of Mexico has warm weather year-round to enjoy. With 70 miles of protected seashore, there is a lot to explore. Traveling along the seashore in an RV is the perfect way to get to many of the beaches to birdwatch, fish, windsurf, or simply sightsee.
Hiking Trails
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Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore is a natural beach trail along the seashore. The best time to hike is at low tide when you can see live starfish, clams, whelks, and cockles. You will see plenty of sandpipers, great blue heron, pelicans, royal terns, curlews, and other species of birds. The sand is compacted and easy to walk on.
Location
20301 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Length
9 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Malaquite Beach Walk
Malaquite Beach Walk is an easy stroll among beautiful wildflowers. If you hike during low tide, you are likely to see live clams, cockles, starfish, and other crustaceans. There are several species of birds as well.
Location
20420 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Length
4.6 Miles
Intensity
Easy
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Grasslands Nature Trail
Grasslands Nature Trail is a short loop trail that takes you through wildflowers and small plants. The trail takes you past preserved dunes. Many songbirds can be spotted here.
Location
20301 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Length
0.8 Miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Bird Island Basin
Bird Island Basin offers kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching. Bird Island Basin Windsurfing is considered the best flat water sailing site in the U.S. A concession stand is available.
Location
20420 Park Rd 22 Corpus Christi, TX 78418
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Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island State Park is a state park with about 4,000 acres of coastal area. Popular activities include swimming, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking, and kayaking. The park is a wonderful place to birdwatch, with over 400 species having been identified.
Location
9394 TX-361, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
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Laguna Madre
The Laguna Madre is one of six hypersaline lagoons, meaning that the water is saltier than the sea. It is considered one of the best places in North America to fish for black drums, red drums, sea trout, and flounder. Redhead ducks and other species migrate to the Laguna Madre during winter and dwell in protected rookeries.
Location
Corpus Christi, TX
Museums
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Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History features displays showcasing 500 years of South Texas history. Among its many exhibits are artifacts found in the shipwrecked San Estaban and the oldest mariner's astrolabe, a device used to determine latitude. The museum offers educational science programs and museum camps as well as seasonal events.
Location
1900 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
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Port Isabel Historical Museum
Port Isabel Historical Museum was originally a dry goods store and residence constructed in 1899. Now, it has two floors of exhibits, a theater, and a gift shop. The museum features one of the largest collections of artifacts from the U.S.-Mexican War. The outside building is painted to replicate a famous fish mural painted in 1906 by a local fisherman.
Location
317 E Railroad Ave, Port Isabel, TX 78578
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Art Museum of South Texas
The Art Museum of South Texas features over 1,850 art displays focused on North America, especially Texas. Different art mediums are represented, including paper, photography, sculptures, ceramics, glass, and crafts. The Creation Station offers a unique opportunity for hands-on art activities. The museum has a gift shop and a café on site.
Location
1902 North Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, Tx 78401
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Red Crow Antique Mall
Red Crow Antique Mall offers antiques and vintage items ranging from small trinkets to furniture. They offer a great representation of different time periods and styles of antiques. While you shop, try the salsa that is offered.
Location
4325 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
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Objets D'Art
Objets D'Art features jewelry, sterling silver chains, and gemstone beads. This is where you can find unusual ethnic art pieces along with crystals, incense, sage, and metaphysical products. They also sell antiques.
Location
5734 McArdle Rd C, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
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Corpus Christi Trade Center
Corpus Christi Trade Center is an indoor flea market with more than 100,000 square feet full of booths for shopping. Dozens of vendors offer their wares: toys, candy, clothing, jewelry, furniture, art, and about anything else you might be looking for. Many of the vendors offer local food and foodstuffs.
Location
2833 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78415
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Padre Poke
Padre Poke offers a unique eating experience with build-your-own bowl options. Create your own, customize one, or order straight from the menu. With choices such as Tex-Mex, crawfish etouffee, or non-poke bowls, you are sure to find something to please your palate.
Location
14493 S Padre Island Dr, Unit E, Corpus Christi, TX 78418-5931
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Black Sheep Bistro
Black Sheep Bistro features three Texas Slam Specialties--Cajun blackened redfish, flounder Alfredo, and seafood stuffed sea trout--along with other mouthwatering entrees. Finish off with a dessert of mousse, tiramisu, or crème brulee. Chef specials are available daily as well as wine and beer.
Location
15201 S Padre Island Dr, Ste 120, Corpus Christi, Tx 78418
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Texas Mesquite BBQ & Grill
Texas Mesquite BBQ & Grill specializes in St. Louis-style ribs, jalapeño sausage, slow-smoked brisket, and gourmet burgers. Specialty burgers are made from local wild game meat, including antelope, wild boar, elk, and bison. All sauces are made fresh in-house.
Location
11862 Highway 36, Corpus Christi, TX 78418