Click map for a larger view
The Padre Island Destination is located in the southernmost part of Texas, with the most notable cities being its namesake, Padre Island, and Corpus Christi. Padre Island makes up 130,000 acres of beaches, sand dunes, and grassland. The land is classified as a barrier island, in the Gulf of Mexico. The island got its name from Padre Nicolas Balli, who was the first one to establish a settlement on the land.[1] Since first being established, the island has grown to a population of 2,733 people.[2] Wildlife on the island includes javelina and the white-tailed deer, as well as water creatures such as big blue, channel, yellow catfish, sunfish, bass, and crappie.[5] Padre Island is one of the main attractions in the destination; other notable attractions include The Blue Ghost: USS Lexington, Texas State Aquarium, South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, and The Art Museum of South Texas.[3] It is recommended to visit the destination between January 15th to April 15th and October 22nd to December 23rd.[4]
The Padre Island Destination is located in the south part of Texas in Cameron County, covering multiple cities such as Corpus Christi, McAllen, and Padre Island, which is located along the coast of the area. Padre Island is the longest barrier island in the world and resides in the Gulf of Mexico. The island got its name from one of the original founders, Padre Nicolas Balli, who was the first person to own the island. Padre Balli served as a missionary priest, and he was also the first person to found a mission in the Cameron County area.[1] Since the founding of Padre Island and other nearby cities, the population of the area has grown. Currently, South Padre Island has a population of 2,733 people. The biggest city in the area, Corpus Christi, has a current population of 327,423 people.[2]
The most popular attraction among visitors to the area is Padre Island National Seashore. Over 70 miles make up the barrier island, comprising 130,000 acres of beaches, sand dunes, and grassland. The gulf that the island is connected to is said to be a safe haven for sea creatures such as sea turtles. Common activities to take place on the island include bird watching, camping, and visiting the beach. Those who visit the Padre Island Destination also often visit attractions located in Corpus Christi. Specific attractions to this city include The Blue Ghost: USS Lexington, which was commissioned in 1943 to serve during WWll, Texas State Aquarium, South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, The Art Museum of South Texas, Bob Hall Pier, and the Corpus Christi Bay Trail.[3] Corpus Christi is also said to be "one of the best cities in North America for kiteboarding, wind surfing, kite flying, and sailing." This is due to the high wind speeds in the area.[6]
When visiting the various cities in the Padre Island Destination and their many attractions, it’s important to note the best time to visit the area. January 15th to April 15th and October 22nd to December 23rd are said to be the best times to visit the region based on the temperature and humidity.[4] Padre Island itself is a popular attraction among college students during spring break.[7]
People who live in the destination are often active in keeping Padre Island clean. Those affiliated with the Friends of Padre participate and help to organize the annual Big Shell Beach Clean-Up, which has been taking place since 1995. Since being established, there have been over 2,456,000 pounds of trash removed from the Padre Island National Seashore.[6]
The Padre Island Destination has multiple events and things that distinguish it from other areas. Such things include the founding of Whataburger in Corpus Christi, which quickly spread through Texas; the original location is still in operation today. The USS Lexington, which is permanently stationed in the region, was the setting for the movie Pearl Harbor, filmed in 2000. The area’s early history holds a relatively gruesome past, including the shipwreck of three Spanish ships along the shores of Padre Island. There were 300 passengers, those who made it to the shore were then greeted by Native Americans, and only one European survived that day.[6]
The Padre Island Destination is located in the southmost part of Texas, bordering Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico. The namesake of the destination, Padre Island, is located along the gulf and southeastern coast of Texas, extending from Corpus Christi to Port Isabel. Laguna Madre is the waterway that separates the island from the mainland. The island is 113 miles long and is most often three miles wide.[7] Padre Island is sparsely populated, with only 2,733 people living there.[2]
One of the neighboring towns to the island, Corpus Christi, is one of the largest cities in the area, with a population of 327,423 people.[8] Overall, Corpus Christi is the eighth-most populated city in Texas. Corpus Christi is the county seat of Nueces County and is also the largest city within the area. Drinking water for Corpus Christi and other surrounding cities in the destination is provided by three reservoirs, Lake Corpus Christi, Choke Canyon Reservoir, and Lake Texana.[9]
The climate of the destination is described as humid subtropical due to the hot and humid summers with winters that are short and mild. November through February is considered to be, on average, the coldest months. The area tends to warm up between March through April, and the hottest months are in the summer, between June through September. With climate and average temperatures, the region only has two seasons, a wet and dry season. The wet season is from April to October, with the dry season following from November to March.[9] Wind in the area has become a notable trait of the area, specifically in Corpus Christi. The average wind speed is around 11.3 knots, with April being the windiest month.[4] The windspeeds have made activities such as windsurfing, kiteboarding, kite flying, and sailing popular in the area. The Windsurfing World Championships are hosted in Corpus Christi for the relatively reliable wind.[6]
Common flora in the area, specifically Corpus Christi, includes a relatively high density of brushland. The landscape’s features of brushland and open waters provide ideal habitats for a variety of wildlife. Fauna that can be located in the destination includes javelina and the white-tailed deer and species of fish such as big blue, channel, bass, sunfish, yellow catfish, and crappie. The area also receives Neotropical migrants, with common birds in the area being black-bellied whistling-duck, purple gallinule, white-winged dove, pauraque, white-eyed vireo, and black-throated sparrow.[5] Animals specific to Padre Island include a wider variety. Such fauna includes coyotes, deer, songbirds, jellyfish, ghost crabs, sea turtles, and invertebrates. All of these creatures play a specific role in keeping Padre Island’s ecosystem balanced.[10]
Padre Island was first inhabited in 1804 when the first permanent settlement was established by Padre Nicolas Balli, for who the island is named after. However, it is assumed that Native Americans and Spanish troops inhabited or visited the island before then. Spain was the first to own Padre Island, although there have been a total of four nations that have owned the area, including Mexico, the Republic of Texas, and the United States, which are the current owners. After the Mexican War, which ended in 1848, the United States acquired the land. It wasn’t until 1962 that the National Seashore opened. Initially, the island was only used for ranching, but this shifted as tourism became a relatively more popular activity in the destination. Other uses of the island in current times include the exploitation of oil and natural gas, which has been happening since the 1950s.[11]
In regards to the history of Padre Island Destination, it also encompasses the city of Corpus Christi. The town is said to have been discovered by Alonzo Alvarez de Pineda, a Spanish explorer, in 1519. He is said to have found the semi-tropical bay along the current-day coast of Texas. Pineda’s discovery occurred on the Roman Catholic Feast Day of Corpus Christi, which gave way to the naming of the city, Corpus Christi, meaning “Body of Christ.” Later the land gained a frontier trading post established by Colonel Henry Lawrence Kinney in 1838.[12]
Nowadays, Corpus Christi has a population of 327,423 people, making it the eight-most populated city in Texas. The destination’s namesake, Padre Island, has a smaller population of 2,733 people. White is the primary racial demographic, making up 89.59% of Corpus Christi’s population, with African Americans being the next most prominent race with a population proportion of 4.08%. The region comprises Nueces County, of which Corpus Christi is the county seat and also has a relatively large metropolitan area. Corpus Christi’s economy is driven by oil and tourism, with Padre Island being one of the attractions, as well as the USS Lexington Museum and the Texas State Aquarium. Other notable things that have taken place in the destination include the filming of several movies, such as Selena, The King, The Open Road, and Pearl Harbor.[8]
Port A RV Park is located in the city of Port Aransas, Texas, on Corpus Christi Bay. It is a very large RV resort that can hold up to 184 RV's. The property has many unique features and amenities that guests can use while staying there, including a couple of clubhouses with lounges, pools, kitchens, and other activities. There is a small dog park for those with pets and a pond on the property that is stocked with fish for those who would like to participate in catch and release fishing. Those who visit the resort can find many activities that they can participate in nearby, including swimming, jet skiing, beach walking, shopping, and many other things. The RV resort is open all year round and welcomes anyone who is looking for a vacation near the beach. The staff have tried to create a family-friendly environment with fairly upscale amenities and features.
...Read MoreSeawind RV Resort is located in Riviera, Texas, at the edge of Baffin Bay, a common place for visitors to fish or boat. Surrounded mostly by farmland and ranches, this RV park has 185 sites with full hookups. About 25 units are pull-throughs, and the rest are back-ins. Seawind RV Resort is equipped with a pair of bathhouses and a single laundry facility, a dump station, a recreation center, a fire ring, and an on-site body of water called Kaufer Lake. Furthermore, the campground is connected to a boat launch and a nature trail. The RV campground also provides overflow parking. Seawind RV Resort is next to Kaufer-Hubert Memorial Park, a county-owned park with a pier, observation tower, and a playground for children. According to Letty Couch, the property manager, Baffin Bay and King Ranch are Riviera's two most popular attractions.
...Read MoreRansom Road RV Park operates year-round for visitors to experience a short-term or long-term stay in one of the property's 128 RV sites. Located in southern Texas, the business is situated in the city of Aransas Pass near Port Aransas. The establishment's proximity to the ocean and boat docks tends to draw fishermen to the area. Fishing can also be undertaken on-site, as Ransom Road RV Park features a canal at the back of the premises. Pets are welcome to accompany guests at Ransom Road RV Park on the condition that the dogs do not exhibit aggressive behavior. Other specific guidelines are enforced at the park in an effort to create a relaxed environment, which is one of the owner's and manager's goals for the property. Generally speaking, the manager intends to help guests feel "comfortable in a worry-free" setting during their stay in southern Texas.
...Read MoreBeacon RV Park & Marina occupies roughly four acres of land on the coast of Aransas Bay in southern Texas. The business is open year-round for patrons to reserve one of 50 RV sites. Outdoor recreation is a fairly popular pastime on-site as well as in Rockport. Beacon RV Park's location near the beach provides opportunities for swimming, sailing, and kayaking, in addition to the property's fishing dock that protrudes 550 feet into Aransas Bay. Furthermore, events are held each month in the city, allowing tourists to explore the shops, attend wine festivals, and participate in fishing tournaments. While Rockport has several attractions to offer, Beacon RV Park & Marina also has a number of activities for guests to engage in without having to leave the grounds. An activity center with books, games, a TV, and a kitchen is available for guests to enjoy.
...Read MoreRockport RV Resort is a destination located in Rockport, Texas. With 47 units, the resort offers relatively spacious accommodations, including RV sites and cabins. The RV sites supply full hookups, equipped with 30- and 50-amp electricity. In addition to providing a mix of concrete and gravel spaces, the resort has both pull-through and back-in sites. A clubhouse that serves as the main office contains amenities such as showers, restrooms, a laundromat, and a pool. Patrons can enjoy recreational activities within the clubhouse, namely pool tables, shuffleboard, karaoke, and a TV. The owner says that the resort aims to create a "relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere," as they strive to contribute "friendly and accommodating service." Guests can take advantage of the dog park, children's play area, horseshoes, and bean bag games available on the property. The resort's proximity to the beach and fishing pier can give opportunities for outdoor activities.
...Read MoreHatch RV Park is a family-owned and operated RV park located in the Corpus Christi, Texas, area. With a history spanning 90 years, the park strives to offer a welcoming and homey atmosphere to its visitors. The park features a range of amenities, including a pool, spa, bathhouse, laundry facilities, and a dog park. All RV sites are equipped with full hook-ups with 20-, 30-, and 50-amp connections available. The park offers both short-term and long-term stays, with a majority of sites designated for longer-term guests that are staying a month or more. Located in close proximity to downtown Corpus Christi and North Beach, people have access to attractions such as the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington. The park is also a drive away from Mustang Island, providing opportunities for beachgoers to enjoy the coastal scenery. Hatch RV Park has a diverse demographic of patrons, including families, couples, college students, and retirees.
...Read MoreThe Riviera Beach RV Park is a campground located near Baffin Bay in South Texas. The current owners, Alice Canterbury and David Dore, purchased the park in 2004 and have made significant changes since then. The property has a total of 57 units, with both permanent and short-term spots available. There is also a cottage with two bedrooms and two bathrooms for rent. Guests can enjoy various recreational activities within the park, such as games in the clubhouse, a pool table, a shuffleboard, and cookouts organized by the management. The owners strive to foster a friendly and welcoming community where people can socialize and interact with each other. It is located a mile away from Baffin Bay, a relatively popular fishing spot. Visitors can also visit the park's pond, which is home to turtles and other wildlife. Although the establishment is located in a more secluded area, it is within a reasonable distance from attractions. Corpus Christi, with attractions such as the USS Lexington and the Padre Island National Seashore, is about an hour's drive away.
...Read MoreEZ Living RV Park is a 20-acre RV park that operates on 8 acres in Sandia, Texas. The RV park has 35 RV sites with full hookups alternating between 30- or 30- and 50-amp electrical service. Some units are pull-throughs, while others are back-ins. Additionally, the campground features a laundry room, access to a community boat ramp connected to Lake Corpus Christi, a community fireplace, and a gazebo with a barbecue pit. A volleyball court is set up during the summer, and long-term guests can receive mail and packages at the office. Six cabins are also available at EZ Living RV Park, though the majority are currently under renovation. According to Johnny Makuaole, the park's owner, the area's main draw is Lake Corpus Christi. There, people can enjoy boating, jet skis, kayaking, and swimming. Johnny says fishing is also a common activity, and people may expect to catch White bass, Largemouth bass, Alligator gar, Crappie, Catfish, and other fish species.
...Read MoreCurrently under the ownership of Pleze Short, Papa and Maga's Calhoun's Riverside RV Retreat is a campground established along the Guadalupe River. The property's 15 RV sites and 4 cabins are available year-round for guests to occupy. As the campground is located among several nature-oriented attractions—Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, the Guadalupe River, and a number of lakes— many people who come to the business are in the area for the outdoor recreation opportunities. Pleze mentions that fishing is one of the most popular pastimes at Papa and Maga's Calhoun's Riverside RV Retreat, and he believes that it is one of the most unique elements of the establishment. While canoeing, kayaking, and boating are permitted on the lakes in the vicinity, swimming is strictly prohibited due to the alligators that inhabit the region, as reported by Pleze.
...Read More
Find on Google Maps