Attractions

Family-friendly water park with a wave pool, lazy river, slides & thrill rides; open seasonally.

  Looking for a great place to spend the day? A naturally beautiful and historic national seashore is just a short drive from Port Aransas, Texas. Padre Island National Seashore is the longest section of undeveloped barrier island in the world, stretching over 130,454 acres. This national seashore, located on North Padre Island, just south of Port Aransas, Texas is full of great outdoor activities, history lessons, beach camping and more. Visitors to Padre Island National Seashore enjoy bird watching, boating, camping and horseback riding on the beach and water activities, including scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming and windsurfing. Padre Island National Seashore welcomes over half a million visitors each year. A visit to Padre Island National Seashore can be a very educational experience. Vast efforts have been made throughout its history to preserve the natural state of the national seashore area. The barrier island’s rare terrain made up of coastal prairie and a dynamic dune system protects one of few hypersaline lagoon environments in the world, the Laguna Madre. The national seashore is home to numerous marine and terrestrial plants and animals, some of which are rare, threatened or endangered species. Padre Island National Seashore is also home to over 350 species of migratory and resident birds. Special events and programs, including beach walks, mini talks, campfire programs and bird watching walks, offered at Padre Island National Seashore are a great to learn more about the national seashore’s history, animal life and more. Padre Island National Seashore is well known for its turtle population. It is home to Kemps Ridley, Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles. Padre Island is the primary nesting area of the Kemps Ridley in the United States. A staff at the national seashore is part of an effort to save the Kemps Ridley, the most endangered species of sea turtle. The National Seashore incubates Kemps Ridley eggs found along the coast and releases the baby sea turtles into the Gulf of Mexico once they have hatched. Visitors are invited to watch most of the hatchling releases free of charge. Baby sea turtles are released at Padre Island National Seashore from May through September. Pets are allowed at Padre Island National Seashore, but must be kept on a leash at all times. Camping areas are offered on a first come, first served basis and there are no hook-ups at the national seashore. Weddings can be held on the beach with a special use permit.

HOURS OF OPERATION

The national seashore is open seven days a week year-round. The visitors center open daily except for Christmas day and New Year’s Day.

ADMISSION

Entrance into the national seashore is $10 per vehicle. The permit pays for entry into the park for up to 7 consecutive days. An annual pass to the national seashore is available for $20.

HATCHLING HOTLINE

(361) 949-7163

For over 25 years, PACT has entertained locals and tourists here in Port Aransas, TX. A variety of live performances presented Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings with designated Sunday matinees. If you would like to get involved, we always need volunteers…no experience necessary… on the job training will be provided.  

The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center will advance the knowledge and appreciation of plants and the environment, in relation to personal and community education, well-being, and scientific understanding. It will conserve, preserve, display and interpret native and adapted flora and fauna of South Texas, for area residents and visitors alike.

Explore the Ocean and get a hands on experience of coastal underwater water life. Fun for all ages. The mission of the Texas State Aquarium is to engage people with animals, inspire appreciation for our seas, and support wildlife conservation. The Texas State Aquarium is a private, not-for-profit organization that receives no city, state or federal funding for its operations. The Aquarium relies on general admissions, memberships, retail sales, event rentals and the generous support from donors to maintain its operations. Every visit to the Texas State Aquarium is a new and exciting discovery! Experience daily dive shows, animal feedings, training sessions, and “hands on” programs with sharks and stingrays. Relax in our underwater dolphin room or cool off with a treat from the Pepsi Shoreline Grill. Purchase tickets online or at the admissions desk and start your adventure now!

Prices	In Person	Online Mon-Fri	Online Sat-Sun
Members:	FREE	FREE	FREE
Adult (13 & Up):	$23.95	$19.95	$23.95
Senior (65 & Up):	$21.95	$17.95	$21.95
Military:	$21.95	$17.95	$21.95
Child (3-12):	$16.95	$13.95	$16.95
2 and Under:	Free	Free	Free
Parking:	$5.00	$5.00	$5.00

An educational and entertaining visitor experience that promotes understanding, conservation, and stewardship of marine resources and environments; Living exhibits focusing on local species, and static and changing displays providing opportunities for the visitors of all ages to learn about research and management of coastal resources.

  Sit back relax and enjoy. The Scarlet Lady Dolphin Adventure offers sightings of dolphins in their natural habitat and a view of Port Aransas iconic landmarks. Witness sea bird and other sea life with live narration from the experts. the evening cruise offers amazing sunsets and when the sun is out there is a comfortable shaded seating area. The only dolphin adventure tour in Port Aransas with a full bar right on the boat.

The USS LEXINGTON is a valuable national treasure having played a significant role in the nation’s defense for nearly 50 years. Her World War II record is second to none and as a place where Americans died in defense of freedom, she is a memorial worth preserving. She continues to serve today as a museum and educational facility. The USS LEXINGTON is open year-round seven days a week for touring and special events.