Start your visit to Padre Island in the Malaquite Pavilion, home to the park’s Visitor Center. Then, head outdoors to explore the seashore and discover nature at its finest. If time permits, visit the Bookstore in the Malaquite Pavilion for gifts and keepsakes to remember your time at Padre Island National Seashore.
Malaquite Pavilion
In the Malaquite Pavilion is Padre Island National Seashore’s Visitor Center. Visit the information desk for maps and brochures about what the park has to offer. Watch an introductory film and explore several exhibits that will orient you with Padre Island National Seashore. The Malaquite Pavilion’s two observation decks overlook the dunes, grasslands and Gulf of Mexico and present perfect photo opportunities.
Things to Do at the Padre Island National Seashore
Birding
Rent a pair of binoculars from the Visitor Center’s information desk and head to one of the Malaquite Pavilion’s observation decks to discover the birds of Padre Island. More than 380 species of birds have been found on Padre Island National Seashore, half of all bird species documented in North America. Lookout for waterfowl, shorebirds, pigeons, wrens, mockingbirds, wood-warblers, grebes, gules, pelicans, sparrows, blackbirds, raptors and herons.
Beachcombing
Embark on a treasure hunt on the beach. With many of the currents that flow through the Gulf of Mexico, beachcombing is a favorite activity among Padre Island National Seashore visitors. Visitors who wish to explore the seashore might come across seashells, sea beans (drift seeds), driftwood, lumber, plastics and things lost or discarded by seagoing vessels.
Sea Jellies and Jelly Like Organisms
Jellies and jelly like organisms can also be found on the beach. You may see the Portuguese man-of-war (blue jellyfish), Blue button, By-the-wind sailor, Cabbagehead, Moon jellies, Sea nettles or Comb jellies. Jellies are an important part of the food chain and a favorite snack of birds and turtles. During certain times you might be able to view shorebirds and other wildlife feeding on jellyfish that have washed ashore.
Shop the Visitor Center’s Book Store
The Padre Island National Seashore’s Book Store is located in the Malaquite Pavilion. Within you’ll find gifts and keepsakes for purchase including postcards, posters, magnets, bookmarks and a wide variety of books related to Padre Island National Seashore.
- The Malaquite Pavilion is ADA compliant. Wheelchairs especially designed for use in the soft sand of the beach are available to rent from the Malaquite Pavilion free of charge. A valid driver’s licence or personal wheelchair must be left at the visitor center until the beach wheelchair is returned.
- Remember not to touch jellies if you come across them on the beach, they have stinging cells.
- Don’t forget your camera. There will be exciting photo opportunities during your visit to Padre Island National Seashore.