How much is it to get into malaquite beach?

Fishing at Padre Island is no relaxing afternoon at the water. As any local angler knows, fishing is the biggest game in town at Padre Island, and if you didn’t come here to catch a big one, you might just pick up a new hobby by the end of your trip. Padre Island is a designated national seashore, and you can fish along the entirety of the Gulf of Mexico beach, as well as in the Laguna Madre, Yarborough Pass and Bird Island Basin. All locations require that you have a valid Texas fishing license, as well as a saltwater stamp. Both of these must be purchased at a gas station or tackle shop outside of Padre Island. What sort of fish will you catch, you ask? Speckled Trout, Southern Flounder, Black Drum and Red Drum, Blue Marlin and Sailfish. These fish are attracted by the high levels of nutrients found in the Padre Island waters, so consider Padre Island your new holy grail for fishing. But fishing is not without its rules and regulations, so read up before you cast that line.

in Padre Island National Seashore’s Malaquite Campground is one of the most beautifully located campgrounds in the National Park Service. Tent campers have the option of camping in their selected/named campsite or on Closed Beach, which runs directly in front of the campground. Malaquite Campground has 48 campsites and only a parking space and a picnic table are available at the paved campsites.

Malaquite Beach is located on Padre Island right near the visitor center for Padre Island National Seashore. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Corpus Christi with no traffic and is definitely worth it! It’s one of the best ‘wild’ beaches in the area with soft sand and clear water, adjacent to a well-maintained visitor center with helpful staff and clean and neat restrooms, changing areas, showers, snack machines, and a gift shop.

Moreover, the center carries out educational lessons and the turtle release program, which is a remarkable event for nature lovers and any curious visitors (check their online schedule in advance).

Malaquite Beach is calm and quite secluded – a really nice place for camping and family beach going. There aren’t too many visitors, and many of them are families with little kids.

The beach is dog-friendly, so you’re welcome to take your pet as well and have a great time all together in a relaxing and picturesque natural setting. Camping on the shore is also possible – with picnics in the fresh air and sleeping to the sound of waves. A truly enjoyable place!

Access and Parking

The beach is easy to reach; nevertheless, it may take you one hour to drive here from Corpus Christi, depending on the traffic intensity. The entrance fee is $10 per car; they also accept National Park passes.

The visitor center offers a good and spacious parking lot, located within a short walk from the shoreline. If you have a motorhome, you may drive directly on the beach to find a nice secluded spot near the water. For driving on the sand, a 4WD vehicle is recommended.

Facilities

There are no restaurants or stores around, so you should take any food and drinks you may need with you – the shaded picnic tables are a convenient spot for having lunch outdoors. If you’re okay with snacks instead of a bigger meal, you can make use of the vending machines at the visitor center, which is an acceptable option once you feel the need to take the edge off your hunger.

Swimming Conditions

Malaquite Beach is long and flat, with sugary-soft clean sand without too many shells – nice for walking barefoot, or building castles, or lying relaxed in the sun. In contrast to Galveston beaches, the water is really clear and much more pleasant to take a dip.

Nevertheless, note that there are no lifeguards and the surf gets very strong from time to time, so be careful. If you’re looking for a calm swimming spot, there are natural wave-pools for toddlers and a nice saltwater lake, which is a few miles down.

Ambiance and Wildlife

The beach is beautiful, good for long unhurried walks, either barefoot on the velvety sand or with feet in the warm and clear water. There are many seagulls, pelicans, and other sea birds flying around (note that seagulls may try to steal your food if you decide to have a picnic). If you’re an animal lover or you have kids with you, you should go to the dunes – there’s a good chance to find small mammals and crabs.

Driving Time

  • 45 minutes from Corpus Christi, TX
  • 1 hour 15 minutes from Kingsville, TX
  • 2 hours 5 minutes from Victoria, TX

Hotels and rentals

If you're considering staying for one or even a few nights, there are plenty of options available near the beach. Chose your preferred accomodation type and your favourite room provider:

Malaquite Campground does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. Enjoy your visit!

Overview

Malaquite Campground is open to tents and RVs. It is right next to the beach and has paved parking, designated sites, restrooms, cold water showers, and picnic tables. Some sites have grills and shade structures. No hookups. A black/gray water dumping station and potable water station are on the road entering the campground. Those with a paid site in the campground can pitch a tent either at the site or on the beach in front of the campground. This campground is first-come, first-served (no reservations).

How much is malaquite beach?

- Entrance fee is $10/vehicle and good for 7 days - unless you have annual National Park Pass or Senior Card for NP. Looks like better value and you can also enjoy may be more wildlife, up to 50 miles to drive (with 4WD) on the natural beach and camp wherever you want.

Is Malaquite Beach open?

Malaquite Visitor Center: Open daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Malaquite Pavilion showers and restrooms: Open 24 hours per day except when being cleaned from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. ... Malaquite Campground..

Can you drive on Malaquite Beach?

Malaquite Beach, which is in front of the Malaquite Visitor Center, is part of Closed Beach. To get to the portion of the park where you can drive on the beach and down to the remote parts of the island, continue on the main park paved road (Park Road 22) past Malaquite Visitor Center until the pavement ends.

What time does Malaquite Beach open?

The Malaquite Visitor's Center, located on North Padre Island, is open year-round (with the exception of Christmas Day) from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. In the corner parking lot is the Malaquite Picnic Shelter, where you and your family can sit under some shade while taking in the beautiful view of the white sandy beach.