It is also well known as the primary nesting beach for Kemp's ridley sea turtles, an endangered species.
We had driven here last May (2014) when we were in San Antonio for a month. We are in Corpus Christi for the next month and will visit this beautiful area many times while we are here. Our first stop was the Visitor Center.
This anchor is from a Spanish galleon that was shipwrecked here in 1554.
We drove about 5 miles on South Beach. Many campers can be found along this stretch of beach (tent, trailer, and C class motor coaches). When we were last here in May (2014) the sand was too "soft" for 2-wheel drive vehicles, but during the winter months we had no problem with the Mini Cooper. After the first 5 miles (for the next 60 miles), 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. There's not cell service in this area, so getting stuck in the sand could be a big problem! We parked the car and walked along the beach with Sadie. It is gorgeous here!
This area is also a great birdwatching area with water fowl and many migrating birds.
This is an area of grasslands where brackish pools are fed by washover.
We next drove to Laguna Madre (the body of water between Padre Island and Corpus Christi) that is used by many for windsurfing and sailing. Only small water crafts are used here because the water is very shallow.
Finally, we drove about 8 miles on North Beach towards the pier where we saw these horseback riders.
It was a beautiful day. We love this place! We plan to pack a picnic lunch, chairs, towels, etc., and come back here to spend the day on the beach in the next week or two. It you are ever in Corpus Christi, be sure to take a drive to see this beautiful part of America!
Admission is $10/vehicle. John's senior pass gets us in for free. Check out their website for additional information about camping, etc.
Website: www.nps.gov/pais
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