Padre Island National Seashore

There is no other place on the planet where you can find an undeveloped barrier island as long as Padre. Padre Island National Seashore, located approximately 30 miles from Corpus Christi, is a nature lover's paradise for over 300 individual bird species, as well as the endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle. It's true that it sounds rugged. The seashore belongs to the birds and turtles, but those in the know come here to relax, camp, windsurf, kayak, and walk along the waterline alone.

Kayaking and snorkeling are possible in Laguna Madre's shallow waters, and beachcombing is best on the well-known Big Shell and Little Shell beaches. Beachgoers may have the most fun, however, at Malaquite Swimming Beach, where park rangers host baby sea turtle releases and lead conservation programs. Padre Island is also one of the best places in the country for birdwatching, especially in the early spring, fall, and winter.