Texas Padre Island National Seashore Postcard

Padre Island National Seashore, located along the southern coast of Texas, protects the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world—over 66 miles of pristine beaches, dunes, tidal flats, and coastal prairies. This federally protected area separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre, one of the few hypersaline lagoons on Earth, creating a unique and fragile ecosystem. The park is a haven for wildlife, with more than 380 bird species recorded and seasonal visits from endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, which come ashore to nest in late spring and early summer. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including beach camping, fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, and wildlife watching. The seashore’s remote stretches offer a sense of solitude that’s rare on the Texas coast, and its clear night skies make it a great spot for stargazing. Beyond recreation, Padre Island National Seashore plays a key role in coastal conservation, protecting critical habitat from development while offering the public a glimpse of Texas’s natural shoreline much as it appeared centuries ago.