Accessibility

 

Padre Island National Seashore is a place for all people, with activities for every level of ability. We are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience for everyone. We will continue to update existing infrastructure and programs as we strive for inclusivity for all. If you have questions or suggestions, please let us know.

 

Physical/Mobility Accessibility

Beach Access: 
Beach wheelchairs and beach walkers can be borrowed from the visitor center daily from 9am to 4:45pm. They are available first come, first served. A wheelchair accessible ramp leads from the visitor center deck to the edge of the sand on Malaquite Beach. North Beach and South Beach may be accessed by driving directly on the sand. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. 

Ranger Talks and Guided Walks: 
Several ranger talks take place on the visitor center deck throughout the year and are wheelchair accessible. Beach wheelchairs are available for loan during guided beach walks. More information is available about these Ranger-led Programs. 

Campgrounds: 
Both the Malaquite Campground and Bird Island Basin Campground have RV campsites. Malaquite Campground sites number 12 and 13 have a paved path to the picnic tables and paved access to accessible restrooms and showers. More information is available about camping. 
 
Visitor Center: 
The visitor center is fully accessible with entrance doors operable by buttons, lowered information and sales desk, and accessible restroom stalls. The park film is closed captioned and located within the exhibit area. 
 
Picnicking: 
Wheelchair accessible picnic tables are available on the deck at the visitor center and at the picnic shelter on the north end of the visitor center parking lot.  
 
Trails: 
The Grasslands Nature trail is wheelchair accessible. Several benches are located along the trail.  

Deaf/Hearing Loss Accessibility

Visitor Center: 
The films featured in the exhibit area have closed captioning. Printed brochures are also available in the visitor center, or you can request hard copies through email. 

Blind/ Low Vision Accessibility

Park Information: 
The official park brochure is available in a variety of formats including text only, large print, and braille. More information on these alternate formats is available on the Accessible Padre Island Map & Guides page.

Ranger Talks and Guided Walks: 
Ranger talks and guided walks strive to engage multiple senses and learning styles and often include audio components and/or tactile objects. Ranger talks take place on flat decks and guided beach walks take place on uneven sandy surfaces. More information is available about Ranger-led Programs. 

Visitor Center: 
The park brochure is also available in braille and large print at the visitor center. The exhibits feature numerous tactile experiences as well as several films with seating. 

Cognitive/ Learning Disability Accessibility

Tours and Programs: 
All ranger programs strive to engage multiple senses and learning styles and some programs may include tactile objects. More information is available about Ranger-led Programs. 

Visitor Center: 
The exhibits feature numerous tactile experiences as well as several films with seating. 

Noises and Quiet Space: 
Depending on the time of year/visitation, the visitor center and Malaquite Beach directly in front of the visitor center can be very crowded. Benches outside of the facility can provide a welcome respite from crowds, as well as walking to the north or south along the beach, away from the main access ramp.

 

 

Service Animals

Service animals are allowed in Padre Island National Seashore. More information is available regarding a definition of what qualifies as a service animal or general information on having pets in the park.

All dogs, including service animals, are allowed throughout the park on beaches and trails. Only service animals are able to accompany you into the visitor center. Companion dogs that are used only to provide comfort, or emotional support animals, are not allowed in the visitor center.

Waste

You are responsible for packing out any waste and disposing of it properly. Trash cans are available at Malaquite Visitor Center, both campgrounds, in the Bird Island Basin area, and at the entrance to each beach.

Leashes

Service animals should be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length when this does not interfere with the service they are providing.