Padre Island National Seashore

Padre Island is the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world, and the national seashore protects 66 miles of its beaches, dunes, and tidal flats along the Laguna Madre. Since 1978 the park has led the recovery of the Kemp's ridley sea turtle, the world's most endangered sea turtle.

Play on the beach, join a summer turtle hatchling release, and bird the Laguna Madre flats; young kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge. For a challenge, drive and camp the 60 miles of primitive four-wheel-drive beach down to the Mansfield Channel.