Padre Island National Seashore protects a 65.5-mile (105-kilometer) stretch of Padre Island that extends across parts of Kenedy, Kleberg and Willacy counties. The park offers a view of a coastal landscape that is more than just a beach: on the side facing the Gulf of America are more than 60 miles of sandy beach; west of Padre Island lies Laguna Madre. The open Gulf coast and the lagoon offer two different perspectives on this natural area.
Coast, Lagoon and Birdlife
The landscape of Padre Island National Seashore includes wind-swept dunes, grasslands, tidal flats and warm coastal waters. Laguna Madre is one of only six hypersaline lagoon or bay systems in the world. Its average depth is about 3.6 feet, or 1.1 meters. Kenedy County also has its own distinctive landscape transition: Olmos Creek marks the beginning of the sandsheet landscape.
The National Seashore is globally significant for migratory birds. Another birdwatching opportunity is on the Sarita section of the Los Ranchos de Tejas Loop: Garcia Road leads to a wetland where Black-crowned Night Herons nest. The wetlands are seasonal and may dry up during a drought. Several free, public sea turtle hatchling releases are also held each year. Most take place between May and August, usually at daybreak. Since dates vary, check the hotline or the current release page in advance.
Exploring the Beach and Water
At Padre Island National Seashore, you can fish from the beach, Laguna Madre or a boat. Kayaking and canoeing are possible in the salt water of Laguna Madre and the Gulf of America. Swimming and wading are permitted at North Beach, Malaquite Beach, South Beach and Bird Island Basin; check local hazard advisories before swimming.
A beach drive along the wild coast provides access to Little Shell Beach, Big Shell Beach, Yarborough Pass and Mansfield Channel. Weather, tides and vehicle requirements vary. For a walk through the coastal prairie, try the Grasslands Nature Trail: this easy route is a fully paved 0.75-mile (1.2-kilometer) loop. This offers different ways to explore an expansive coastal area, from driving to a clearly measured loop walk. Bird Island Basin has the only boat ramp in the National Seashore; check current conditions before launching a boat.
History in Sarita and on Padre Island
In Sarita, the Kenedy Ranch Museum of South Texas explores the Kenedy family's connections to ranching, railroads, land development and oil production. For 2026, its listed hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Check the hours before your visit.
On the grounds of the Kenedy County Courthouse in Sarita, a historic Kenedy County marker from 1936 stands at its original location. It records that the county was formed on April 2, 1921, from parts of Cameron, Willacy and Hidalgo counties and named after Mifflin Kenedy. The marker makes the founding date, former county boundaries and namesake tangible in one place.
At Padre Island National Seashore, Novillo Line Camp is one of the last remaining historic structures. It preserves a bunkhouse, cattle pens, a table and a dining area associated with the ranch workers and residents of the island. To reach the camp, park at a small pullout on Park Road 22 across from Bird Island Basin Road, then walk along an unpaved path. Follow current park regulations and do not block the gate.
Practical Information for Malaquite Beach
The Malaquite Visitor Center has an information desk, educational exhibits, a park store and restrooms. The restrooms are open 24 hours a day; check current hours before your visit. You can borrow beach wheelchairs and walkers at the visitor center free of charge. Equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis and may only be used at Malaquite Beach. This location restriction is important to keep in mind if you plan to use the loan service.
Explore more destinations: Padre Island, Fayette, Potter, Sabine County, Bailey County, McCulloch County, Brazos, Runnels.
For the broader travel overview: Texas.
