{"id":"nps-pais","slug":"padre-island-national-seashore","name":"Padre Island National Seashore","designation":"National Seashore","category":"national-seashore-lakeshore","categoryLabel":"National Seashore and Lakeshore","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"PAIS","designation":"National Seashore","sourceId":"nps-pais"}],"states":["TX"],"stateNames":["Texas"],"location":{"lat":27.05381186,"lon":-97.35901135},"bbox":[-97.4234,26.5622,-97.2587,27.5383],"acres":{"value":131743,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":null,"established":null,"administrations":[],"designationHistory":[],"summary":"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. Native Americans, Spanish explorers and cattle ranchers have walked along its shores. Padre Island National Seashore is waiting to be rediscovered.","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/pais/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=27.5383&b_tl_lng=-97.4234&b_br_lat=26.5622&b_br_lng=-97.2587","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Padre%20Island%20National%20Seashore","directions":"http://www.nps.gov/pais/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"cover":{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/F771AB23-E1E9-0B08-C7765B725C3EB41F.jpg","title":"Malaquite Beach","alt":"Yellow flowers bloom in the dunes along Malaquite Beach.","credit":"NPS Photo/ Thomas DiGiovannangelo","license":"Public domain (U.S. government work)","licenseUrl":null,"filePage":"https://www.nps.gov/pais/index.htm","tier":1,"source":"National Park Service"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/F771AB23-E1E9-0B08-C7765B725C3EB41F.jpg","title":"Malaquite Beach","alt":"Yellow flowers bloom in the dunes along Malaquite Beach.","credit":"NPS Photo/ Thomas DiGiovannangelo","license":"Public domain (U.S. government work)","licenseUrl":null,"filePage":"https://www.nps.gov/pais/index.htm","source":"National Park Service","cover":true},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/F7900E38-FCAE-4EEA-D5B1AAA5DBC5E9FD.jpg","title":"Shells on South Beach","alt":"Small shell fragments in the sand long the beach.","caption":"Depending on the conditions, shells can be found along the gulf beaches.","credit":"NPS Photo/ Sue Wolfe","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/F7A5E23B-DBC0-0796-20E363DA0EEE8E4F.jpg","title":"Deer in the grasslands","alt":"Two deer feed on grass. Their antlers have velvet on them.","caption":"Deer can often be seen foraging in the grasslands.","credit":"NPS Photo/ Kara Rogers","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/F7C767DB-BA6D-C805-366B872B0E9445E3.jpg","title":"Kemps hatchlings","alt":"Several sea turtle hatchlings crawl on the sand towards the Gulf of Mexico.","caption":"Attending a sea turtle hatchling release is a popular activity in the mid-summer.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/F7DE28FF-0C7B-D1A6-A2B59F59E077B2AA.jpg","title":"Crested Caracara","alt":"A hawk like bird with an orange beak stands on a fence post.","caption":"The crested caracara, also known as the Mexican eagle, can be found year-round in the park.","credit":"NPS Photo/ Sue Wolfe","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/F7F76985-0C29-9380-1EFF50A68316857B.jpg","title":"Novillo Line Camp","alt":"Small wooden structures are seen looking through a wood fence.","caption":"The historic Novillo Line Camp provides a window into the island's past ranching history.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/F8085A14-E332-1292-E511D3DD9168341E.jpg","title":"Brown Pelican","alt":"Several brown pelicans stand on the sand next to the edge of the sea.","caption":"Brown pelicans can often be seen along the Gulf of Mexico.","credit":"NPS Photo/ Sue Wolfe","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["Arts and Culture","Auto and ATV","Auto Off-Roading","Astronomy","Stargazing","Biking","Boating","Camping","Backcountry Camping","Car or Front Country Camping","RV Camping","Fishing","Saltwater Fishing","Paddling","Canoeing","Kayaking","Junior Ranger Program","Swimming","Saltwater Swimming","Wildlife Watching","Birdwatching","Park Film","Museum Exhibits","Shopping","Bookstore and Park Store"],"topics":["Arts","Schools and Education","Animals","Birds","Fish","Tortoises and Turtles","Coasts, Islands and Atolls","Dunes","Geology","Night Sky","Astronomy","Unique Species","Endangered"],"fees":[{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Sedan","cost":"25.00","description":"Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers regardless of the actual number of passengers."},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Van","cost":"40.00","description":"Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers regardless of the actual number of passengers."},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus","cost":"40.00","description":"Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers regardless of the actual number of passengers."},{"title":"Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach","cost":"100.00","description":"Pass is valid for the day of purchase and the next six days for a vehicle carrying the same group of passengers. The entry fees of commercial tours are based upon the total capacity of vehicles that can carry seven or more passengers regardless of the actual number of passengers."},{"title":"Entrance - Private Vehicle","cost":"25.00","description":"Admits the passholder and up to 15 passengers in the same private (non-commercial) vehicle. It expires one week from the date of purchase. For private vehicles, this entrance pass is required for overnight camping. \n\nA 1-day entrance pass is available for $10 per vehicle. 1-day entrance passes expire at midnight on the date of purchase and are not valid for overnight camping."},{"title":"Entrance - Motorcycle","cost":"20.00","description":"Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. For motorcyclists, this entrance pass is required for overnight camping.\n\nA 1-day entrance pass is available for $5. 1-day entrance passes expire at midnight on the date of purchase and are not valid for overnight camping."},{"title":"Entrance - Per Person","cost":"15.00","description":"Admits one individual bicyclist, hiker, or pedestrian visiting the facility without a private vehicle. An individual pass is not required for visitors aged 15 and under. It expires one week from the date of purchase. For an individual, this entrance pass is required for overnight camping. \n\nA 1-day entrance pass is available for $5 per person. 1-day entrance passes expire at midnight on the date of purchase and are not valid for overnight camping."},{"title":"Entrance - Non-commercial Groups","cost":"15.00","description":"Non-commercial groups traveling in a vehicle with a capacity of 16 persons or more are charged per person. This entrance pass is valid for one week from the date of purchase. Fees will not exceed the commercial fee for the same-sized vehicle. Youth 15 and younger are free. Individuals or families with any valid Annual or Lifetime pass may use their pass for entry."}],"passes":[{"title":"Annual Entrance - Park","cost":"45.00","description":"Admits the passholder and up to 15 passengers in the same private (non-commercial) vehicle or motorcycle. It expires one year from the month of purchase."}],"hours":[{"name":"Overall park access hours","description":"The park is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. However, park facilities are not open 24 hours per day. Hours for the entrance station, where the required entrance pass is sold, vary from day to day. If the entrance station is not open when you arrive, you can proceed into the park. If you are camping, go back to the entrance station the next morning and obtain an entrance pass. If not camping, pay the entrance fee as you leave if the entrance station is open.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]}],"directions":"The National Seashore is located on North Padre Island, southeast of the city of Corpus Christi, Texas. Visitors to the area should head east through Corpus Christi on Highway 358. After crossing the JFK Causeway onto Padre Island, Highway 358 changes to Park Road 22. Continue about 10 miles south on Park Road 22 to reach the park entrance.","weatherInfo":"Padre Island has long, hot summers and short, mild winters. Summers are very humid. Winter can bring strong cold fronts and gale force winds. Most rain falls near the beginning and end of hurricane season (Jun 1 - Nov 30). Average seasonal temperatures (Fahrenheit): Spring - high 70s-80s, low 50s-60s; Summer - high mid-90s, low 70s; Fall - high 70s-80s, low 50s-60s; Winter - high 50s-70s, low 30s-40s. Year-round, average wind speed ranges from 5-25 miles per hour. Relative humidity seldom drops below 70%.","contacts":{"phone":"(361) 949-8068","email":"pais_visitor_center@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"Malaquite Visitor Center","description":"The Malaquite Visitor Center includes an information desk, park store and an exhibit area with information about park history, plants, and animals. Ranger-led programs are available during the summer season. A shaded picnic area is available on the deck. Restrooms are available across the deck from the visitor center. Wheelchair users can borrow a special beach wheelchair from the visitor center at no charge. An accessible ramp goes from the deck down to Malaquite Beach.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/pais/planyourvisit/visitor-center.htm","lat":27.424191,"lon":-97.299053}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Bird Island Basin Campground","description":"Bird Island Basin lies along Laguna Madre with easy access for fishing, birding, windsurfing, and kayaking. There are 35 RV and tent sites and 10 additional tent-only sites. All sites are side by side on gravel. The tent-only sites are walk up to a sand flat. This area is also for day use activities. Vault toilets are available at the north and south ends with day use areas in between.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/pais/planyourvisit/bird-island-basin-campground.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":34},{"name":"Malaquite Campground","description":"Malaquite Campground is open to tents and RVs on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations). It is between the dunes with beach access. There are designated paved and gravel camp sites, restrooms, cold water showers, and picnic tables. Some sites have grills and shade structures. No hookups but a dump station and potable water are on the road to the campground. Campers with a paid site in the campground can pitch a tent either at the site or on the beach in front of the campground.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/pais/planyourvisit/malaquite_campground.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":48}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"laguna-atascosa-national-wildlife-refuge","km":97},{"slug":"lower-rio-grande-valley-national-wildlife-refuge","km":102},{"slug":"palo-alto-battlefield-national-historical-park","km":115},{"slug":"santa-ana-national-wildlife-refuge","km":135},{"slug":"aransas-national-wildlife-refuge","km":150},{"slug":"big-boggy-national-wildlife-refuge","km":232}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=pais"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"}],"editorialStatus":"draft","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.621Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Caution","title":"Canine distemper is believed to be present in the park.","text":"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.","url":null,"updated":"2024-07-05 10:47:29.0","id":"nps-722D0156-2EBF-4D07-8DC8-598AF1035041"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Be aware of changing beach conditions","text":"Beach conditions are changing frequently. Check current tide charts and weather forecasts before traveling on the beach.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/pais/planyourvisit/weather.htm","updated":"2023-10-13 10:41:20.0","id":"nps-6960564D-C9D1-4D27-9DC3-4E0667FEB398"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"4-wheel drive recommended for beach driving","text":"4-wheel drive is recommended if driving on North and South Beach.","url":null,"updated":"2023-08-20 11:47:45.0","id":"nps-67391665-683E-4F3F-A8EB-AFFDE137D31C"},{"source":"NWS","kind":"Small Craft Advisory","severity":"Minor","title":"Small Craft Advisory issued November 8 at 5:16PM CST until November 9 at 6:00AM CST by NWS Brownsville TX","text":"* WHAT...East winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt and seas\n4 to 7 ft.\n\n* WHERE...All Lower Texas Coastal Waters including the Laguna\nMadre.\n\n* WHEN...Until 6 AM CST Monday.\n\n* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.","instruction":"Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller\nvessels, should avoid navigating in hazardous conditions.","url":"https://alerts.weather.gov/search?id=urn%3Aoid%3A2.49.0.1.840.0.ba77955e66f8f72202fbdb9169573af3f2a2383d.001.1","starts":"2026-11-08T17:16:00-06:00","ends":"2026-11-09T06:00:00-06:00","id":"nws-urn:oid:2.49.0.1.840.0.ba77955e66f8f72202fbdb9169573af3f2a2383d.001.1"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/padre-island-national-seashore/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/padre-island-national-seashore.geojson"}