Maps

To view the park's official brochure map, use the drop-down menu in the upper left corner of the map below to change the selection from "Park Tiles" to "Brochure Map." The "Park Tiles" option displays an interactive map where you can click on points of interest to read more.

 

 

 

A drive from Padre Island National Seashore to South Padre Island will take approximately 3.5 hours.

NPS Graphic

A Tale of Two Islands

Padre Island was once one island —today it is two. Split by an artificial waterway, the once continuous island is now broken in two: Padre Island (sometimes just referred to as North Padre Island), and South Padre Island.

Padre Island National Seashore is a national park that includes about 66 miles of undeveloped beaches and natural habitat. The national seashore is located on [North] Padre Island near the city of Corpus Christi, Texas.

The City of South Padre Island is a resort community with numerous hotels, clubs, and souvenir shops. The city is located on South Padre Island near the city of Brownsville, Texas.

The two popular destinations are now at opposite ends of the once long, continuous barrier island named Padre Island and are about 100 miles apart.

Driving Between the Two Islands

It is not possible to drive from the park, located on [North] Padre Island, directly south to South Padre Island. An artificial waterway, Mansfield Channel, cuts through Padre Island at the southern end of the national park. The only way to drive from [North] Padre Island to South Padre Island is by driving inland to Corpus Christi, down Highway 77, and back out to the south end of the island — a driving trip of 3-4 hours.

Feeling Lost?

This website and information contained within is about Padre Island National Seashore, the national park. The park is located at the end of Park Road 22, at the northern end of Padre Island in Corpus Christi, Texas.

If you are looking for information about a visit to the resort community of South Padre Island, visit the South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau site.