Corpus Christi and Padre Island offer plenty to do, as we covered in a previous article. But Real Food Traveler’s Eco-Friendly Food, Travel and Adventure Editor, Jimmy McDonough, focuses on the more active side of things in this article which guides visitors in a variety of ways to connect with nature, expand their horizons and stay active. 

Save this article to Pinterest to help you plan your trip to Padre Island Nature Adventures. Photo and graphic by RealFoodTraveler.com.

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Padre Island Nature Adventures

Corpus Christi’s geography meets the Gulf of Mexico in a complex blend of inlets, lagoons, wetlands, marshes, dune fields, beaches, and a skinny line of sand called Padre Island. Collectively known as the Coastal Bend, an incredibly diverse web of life exists where freshwater mingles with sea water. Happily, this natural world is quite accessible and easy to enjoy if you take advantage of local institutions and businesses that offer unforgettable experiences. I’d like to share a few of mine to inform your trip planning.

Getting to know Corpus Christi’s Wild Side

Corpus Christi Bay and the Gulf of Mexico teem with life above and below the waves and a great place to learn more about area wildlife is the Texas State Aquarium in the North Beach neighborhood across from downtown Corpus Christi. A major exhibit called “The Gulf” provides close-up opportunities to see and even touch some of the animals living in these waters.

SSA view of Dolphin Bay at the Texas State Aquarium where dolphins perform and caretakers educate guests about their behaviors and care.The aquarium visit was helpful preparation for visiting Padre Island National Seashore – it provided an appreciation of the diverse wildlife swimming in these waters. With 66 miles of undeveloped, natural coastline, this is the longest such barrier island on the planet! The road ends at the Visitor Center, then you may either drive on the beach, cycle, or hike your way down the remaining 55 miles of this thin ribbon of land separating the Gulf of Mexico from mainland Texas. High-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles are required to traverse much of the island’s rugged beaches and any beach driving requires a 4-wheel drive vehicle; most of the island does not have cell service, so help may not be “just a call away”.

On my visit, I stayed close to the Visitor Center, strolling the wide empty beach, with only the sound of churning surf to break the silence. Except for a few gulls, pelicans, and sand pipers, miles of solitude. A remarkable feeling of isolation and connection with nature, even though the city of Corpus Christi was but 20 minutes away.

IF YOU GO: Beyond the Visitor Center, Padre Island National Seashore offers limited facilities managed by the National Park Service. Tent camping is available in limited areas; bathroom facilities are extremely limited. Tides and weather must be closely monitored as conditions can change and become dangerous. Hot weather combined with high humidity levels can be especially dangerous- drink plenty of water. Consider visiting during cooler months (November through April).

Expansive views of an unspoiled beach on Padre Island National Seashore.

Silverado tolerated me as I squirmed in the saddle and kicked off the stirrups to stretch my aching legs. The ride through the dune meadow was quietly beautiful, high grasses and yellow flowering shrubs swaying in the breeze, cooling as the sun sank lower toward Laguna Madre. Narrow trails with deep washboard grooves hallowed out by numerous hooves, seemed to annoy Silverado, who sought more solid footing; I patted his muscly neck and thanked him for working so hard. So warm to the touch and surprisingly soft, I could feel muscles and tendons moving. It was humbling to be atop such a strong beast!

Our group from Horses On The Beach crested a dune and the Gulf waters suddenly appeared, the quiet replaced by tumbling surf. The riders spread out a bit, some guiding their horses into the waves. Silverado chose a path almost exactly where the waves petered out before recoiling – wet sand, but not watery. I chuckled a bit at how he enjoyed the spongy wet sand, but avoided submerging his hooves altogether. I appreciated that specificity.

We fell way behind the group and the rear escort said Silverado was ornery, always looking to only walk as far as he had to. Again, I chuckled in appreciation for this horses’ character. Reminded me of my quirks. I whispered, “That’s ok with me Silverado, you do what feels good for you! I am just happy to be here.”

And I was. This was only my second time riding and it was memorable. The sweeping beauty of the dune meadow, spreading out in all directions, then the beach and surf – and the return ride toward the horizon aglow in coral pink-orange – was magical. There is a mystique and a wonder to riding a horse, especially so along the ocean. Perhaps it is the history it evokes? Here on the wide sandy beaches of South Padre Island, I imagined the history of horses in this region and their impact on the land and its peoples; the Spanish introduced horses to this region, forever changing their history.

So many stories lost to time. Powerful stories from a multitude of cultures, starting with the Karankawa, Coahuiltecan and other indigenous peoples, who were almost wiped out by disease and conflicts with a succession of Europeans who entered the region. Descendants of the original peoples still live in the region, fighting to preserve their culture and protect the delicate balance of ecosystems.

It all left me with much to contemplate. On this sunset ride, I was blessed to share a moment with a powerful, ornery horse named Silverado amid a beautiful landscape, and to leave with my own little story to share.

IF YOU GO: Horses on the Beach stables offer horseback rides year-round; my early November was ideal- low humidity, warm temperature, mild breezes, and no bugs. We have heard that other times of year (summer) can be hot, humid, and buggy. Free parking is available on site. Bring your own water. Porta potties are available. The young crew works hard and tips are appreciated – bring cash.

Horses On The Beach provides guests with a unique way to have an adventure on Padre Island.

Kayaking Laguna Madre after sunset

To my disbelief, Aza plunged his hand into the water and grabbed a large white blob and held it out for me to inspect. “A Moon Jelly!” he smiled, excitedly. A gooey gelatinous mess, bits of it dripping off into the water, I asked incredulously, “Aren’t you getting stung? Doesn’t it hurt?!” I had read about the painful stings of jellyfish from area beach signs. “Naw, not anymore. Been stung so many times, I have a resistance. Just a lil’ rashy now.” Although Aza was behind me in the kayak, his buoyant voice told me he was grinning wide with pride at impressing a landlubber.

Under a full moon, our flotilla of three glowing kayaks (thus the company name: GlowRow) slipped through the brackish waters of Laguna Madre. With Aza as our guide, we were on the lookout for creatures swimming below and around our translucent kayaks outfitted with colorful LED lights. Our craft glowed fuchsia, green, and blue, like fanciful floating lanterns in the dark water. The early November night was breezy but pleasantly warm and my bare feet were not cold, even though they were wet from wading into the cool waters to step into the kayak. “Bare feet won’t scratch the finish of the kayak so they stay clear,” explained Aza.

Around the kayak, fish of many types and sizes darted in and out of the light; long skinny Needlefish, hefty Speckled Trout, chunky Red Fish, and others. In the shallow waters near a small island, plants softly brushed the underside of our kayak and frying pan-sized rays gently glided by. Ghostly jellyfish undulated along in the current. Above the water, moonlight outlined the silhouettes of tall herons standing in the shallows. It was peaceful and, except for the work required when rowing against the wind, relaxing.

After an hour or so, we paddled back into the deeper channel to return to the launching beach. Aza hopped out and, with the help of a rower from each kayak, picked each one up and placed them carefully on a rack to not scratch the clear hulls. I did the same and it was surprisingly light. It felt good to be more than just a passive passenger and more like a participant. Aza, ever smiling, handed out coupons to enjoy a discounted margarita at Doc’s restaurant right nearby and wished us all a good night; he had to prepare for the late night glow row at 10:30. “As long as enough folks want to row, I am happy to take ‘em out – I love it!”

IF YOU GO: GlowRow kayaks offer nightly adventures from a sliver of “beach” right next to Doc’s Restaurant (a popular place for casual seafood, burgers, and cool beverages); free parking is available in the dirt lot. Adults 18+ only; Aza explained that, even though children would love the experience, the risk of liability for unaccompanied minors was just too great. No experience necessary; Glow tour guides provide instruction, safety rules, and life vests. Read the website carefully regarding weight restrictions, which not only includes passengers but coolers, too. This is an active experience so don’t expect to be a passive passenger, you will paddle and forearm muscles you rarely use will get sore! Tips are appreciated – bring cash or Venmo.

Left, my guide Aza helps a couple get into their GlowRow kayak. Right, Aza picks up a jellyfish, illuminated green from a light on the kayak.

Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend offers numerous outdoor adventure options

Every sort of watersport can be enjoyed in the area: sailing, jet skiing, SUPs, kayaking, etc. Oh, and simple, easy-going beach lounging on the miles of fine sand beaches is a must.

Fishing is hugely popular and can be done on shore, from a small boat in the Bay, or on the Gulf of Mexico for big fish. Numerous businesses offer supplies and guide services.

Coined the “Birdiest City in America,” bird watching is popular thanks to the migratory flyways of numerous species as well as those who call it home year-round; the delightfully bright pink Roseate Spoonbills are worth stopping the car for!

Nature walks and hikes on Mustang Island State Park and the Padre Island National Seashore as well as numerous other smaller parks and public beaches, are accessible ways to get close to nature. Time it right, and you may be here to witness the sea turtles’ annual egg laying or hatching seasons.

Visit the South Texas Botanical Gardens for a primer on native plants, animals, and some human history of the region. It also offers a terrific Orchid Pavilion, Butterfly House, and nature walk with interpretive signs.

The South Texas Botanical Gardens has many diverse areas to peruse on its grounds including a special area for butterflies and butterfly-friendly plants. 

IF YOU GO: To learn more about Padre Island and Corpus Christi, Texas, the official Visit Corpus Christi tourism website is an excellent resource for trip planning to enjoy all the natural and manmade wonders of the Coastal Bend.

Use our affiliate links to book flights to Corpus Christi.

 -Story and photos by Jimmy McDonough, Eco-Friendly Food, Travel & Adventure Editor, RealFoodTraveler.com

Please note, as is common practice in this industry, this was a hosted visit, however, all opinions are honest and based on the author’s opinion for the purpose of informing our readers.