You don't have to jet off to far-flung destinations to enjoy white sandy beaches and paradise vibes; in fact, the USA has many hidden coastal gems to discover. From the uncrowded stretch of the Gulf Coast along Florida's Panhandle to Hawaii's top-secret beach, accessible only by an incredibly scenic hike, there are numerous opportunities to experience wild, natural beauty throughout the country. One of the most intriguing coastal gems is Padre Island National Seashore at the Texas Gulf Coast, which
holds an impressive title as being the world's longest undeveloped barrier island.
This stunning narrow barrier island, which can be easily accessed from Corpus Christi, is a haven for wildlife spotting, fishing, and beachcombing. Given the beauty of this Texan paradise, you may not want to leave, and luckily, camping is a common pastime here, which allows visitors to soak up the unique atmosphere all year round. If that wasn't enough, there are many opportunities to find solitude through the peninsula, which makes having a reliable off-road vehicle a must if you want to embark on a scenic beach drive without getting stuck.
Spanning 66 miles along the Gulf, Padre Island National Seashore is a truly unique location, defined by its majestic dunes and seemingly endless beach. Whether you decide to camp out amongst the coastal wilderness or take a day trip from bustling Corpus Christi, Padre Island is ideal if you're looking for miles of quiet beach and warm ocean water, with September as the optimal time to visit for solitude.
Read more: Secret US Beach Towns That Rival The Caribbean
Padre Island National Seashore Is Truly Unique
Boasting 130,000 acres of untouched dunes, grasslands, and beaches, Padre Island National Seashore is a truly unique destination to connect with nature. Interestingly, you may hear people refer to Padre Island as North Padre Island and South Padre Island. This is because the undeveloped barrier island used to be merged, yet today it is divided by an artificial waterway. Padre Island National Seashore is located on North Padre Island, closer to Corpus Christi, while South Padre Island is an established resort community featuring hotels and clubs, which is a far cry from the tranquility of its northern half.
While South Padre Island features beautiful beaches, plenty of amenities, and a busier vibe, North Padre is an underrated alternative with fewer crowds and glorious white sandy beaches. Padre Island National Seashore is a place where wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems are protected, and it is one of the few remaining untouched paradises in America. Once you make your way towards this section of Padre Island, you will start to notice a wild, rugged, and much less developed area, which is an incredible place to witness migratory birds and newly hatched sea turtles.
The Sea Turtle Science and Recovery Program and the Malaquite Visitor Center are great places to learn more about this protected area, its wildlife, and its ecosystems, which include one of the few hypersaline lagoon environments remaining on the planet.
Planning Your Visit To Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore may ooze remote vibes, which makes it appealing for a quiet escape, but it is easily accessed from vibrant Corpus Christi. A car ride from the city's international airport down a scenic causeway will get you there in about 45 minutes, depending on traffic. It is worth noting that an entry fee is required to access the area. A one-day pass ranges from $15 to $25 depending on your vehicle (or lack thereof), while an annual pass costs $45 and covers unlimited visits. Also worth noting: Padre Island National Seashore is an included destination with the America the Beautiful Pass, so if you've already purchased one of those, your entry fee here is waived.
Once you have entered this stunning area, you will have access to campsites, restrooms, and outdoor showers, but it is worth noting that cell service is limited. Of course, Padre Island National Seashore can be enjoyed as a day visit, and in this case, you can base yourself at North Padre Island, where there are ample accommodation options like Lively Beach Resort or Hawthorn Suites. Alternatively, to enjoy the best of this undeveloped coastal gem, it is worth considering staying overnight at one of the campsites, such as Malaquite Campground, which offers both RV sites and tent camping, with access to this pristine white sandy beach.
Driving on the beaches is permitted (except Malaquite Beach), but you should always check tide conditions and venture off-road only in a suitable vehicle. While this is the best way to discover remote sections of this beautiful barrier island, it is important to stay safe.
Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets.
Read the original article on Islands.
