the Blue Gull - Ultimate Guidebook
Beaches
This stretch of beach is just a 5 minute walk from the condo and is a local favorite! Just follow the yellow brick road...errr, uh, more like red brick sidewalk!
82 residents recomanen
Platja Whitecap
14802 Whitecap BlvdThis stretch of beach is just a 5 minute walk from the condo and is a local favorite! Just follow the yellow brick road...errr, uh, more like red brick sidewalk!
This stretch of beach is the Michael J Ellis beach. You can access it via the Seawall parking lot or the entrance at the end of Windward. Bike, roller skate, or take a stroll down the seawall. Local fav spot!
15250 Windward Dr
15250 Windward DriveThis stretch of beach is the Michael J Ellis beach. You can access it via the Seawall parking lot or the entrance at the end of Windward. Bike, roller skate, or take a stroll down the seawall. Local fav spot!
Just a short drive down the road, take a picnic and enjoy the beach!
80 residents recomanen
Mustang Island State Park
9394 TX-361Just a short drive down the road, take a picnic and enjoy the beach!
If you want to get away from the crowds, head down to PINS for a little privacy. Miles and miles of beach to play on, treasure hunt, and bird watch. (NOTE: 4x4 vehicle recommended if you go further than a few miles down)
They also offer baby sea turtle releases every so often, so be sure to check out their website. It’s a sight to see!
34 residents recomanen
Padre Island National Seashore
If you want to get away from the crowds, head down to PINS for a little privacy. Miles and miles of beach to play on, treasure hunt, and bird watch. (NOTE: 4x4 vehicle recommended if you go further than a few miles down)
They also offer baby sea turtle releases every so often, so be sure to check out their website. It’s a sight to see!
To get to this stretch of beach, that is literally covered in “big shells,” you have to enter the Padre Island National Seashore (PINS). Once there, drive down the beach to about mile marker 25.
NOTE: 4x4 highly recommended and also be sure to check that it’s a low tide, otherwise you may not make it out or back.
Big Shell Beach
To get to this stretch of beach, that is literally covered in “big shells,” you have to enter the Padre Island National Seashore (PINS). Once there, drive down the beach to about mile marker 25.
NOTE: 4x4 highly recommended and also be sure to check that it’s a low tide, otherwise you may not make it out or back.
Located inside Padre Island National Seashore. Waters are always calm, so it’s a great place to windsurf, kayak, paddle-board, camp, or picnic for the day.
Bird Island Basin
Located inside Padre Island National Seashore. Waters are always calm, so it’s a great place to windsurf, kayak, paddle-board, camp, or picnic for the day.
Sightseeing
Take a stroll or fish from the jetties, and watch the boats head out into the open! (NOTE: Be very careful, at the end and on turbulent days, the waves can splash over and sweep you off your feet if not paying attention)
15 residents recomanen
Packery Channel County Park
14218 S Padre Island DrTake a stroll or fish from the jetties, and watch the boats head out into the open! (NOTE: Be very careful, at the end and on turbulent days, the waves can splash over and sweep you off your feet if not paying attention)
Bored and want to take a little drive? Drive to Port A and take the ferry across, then turn around and take it back. Be sure to get out of your car on the ferry and look for dolphins!
17 residents recomanen
Ferry Landing
619 W Cotter AveBored and want to take a little drive? Drive to Port A and take the ferry across, then turn around and take it back. Be sure to get out of your car on the ferry and look for dolphins!
Activities
How about a little friendly competition? Putt putt right here on the island. Choose from 2 different courses or play both!
53 residents recomanen
Treasure Island Golf & Games
14041 S Padre Island DrHow about a little friendly competition? Putt putt right here on the island. Choose from 2 different courses or play both!
Stroll down the pier, go fishing, grab a bite to eat, listen to some live music, sit outside and watch the sunset, play some sand volleyball...they’ve got it all!
23 residents recomanen
Marker 37 Marina
13317 S Padre Island DrStroll down the pier, go fishing, grab a bite to eat, listen to some live music, sit outside and watch the sunset, play some sand volleyball...they’ve got it all!
Beautiful, mostly beach, art made by locals! Who knows...You might find a piece you just have to take home with you! They sometimes offer classes as well!
8 residents recomanen
Padre Island Art Gallery
14646 S Padre Island DrBeautiful, mostly beach, art made by locals! Who knows...You might find a piece you just have to take home with you! They sometimes offer classes as well!
They’re committed to educating the community and visitors about sea turtles and their environment to ensure their future survival, but they rescue all kinds of animals. They even had an alligator visit recently. Tours of the facility are offered Wednesday through Sunday. Best to call ahead.
18 residents recomanen
Texas Sealife Center
14220 S Padre Island DrThey’re committed to educating the community and visitors about sea turtles and their environment to ensure their future survival, but they rescue all kinds of animals. They even had an alligator visit recently. Tours of the facility are offered Wednesday through Sunday. Best to call ahead.
Call ahead and schedule your beach ride!! Best times are late afternoon or sunset tours!
53 residents recomanen
Horses on the Beach
19136 S Padre Island DrCall ahead and schedule your beach ride!! Best times are late afternoon or sunset tours!
Arrrrgggg you ready to ride on a real pirate ship?! Fun experience for kids and adults alike!
41 residents recomanen
Red Dragon Pirate Cruises
440 W Cotter AveArrrrgggg you ready to ride on a real pirate ship?! Fun experience for kids and adults alike!
Fun family outing! Can’t go to the beach for some reason...then come here and paint your beach blues away! Great selection of paint-your-own pottery!
11 residents recomanen
Fire It! Ceramics
611 S Alister StFun family outing! Can’t go to the beach for some reason...then come here and paint your beach blues away! Great selection of paint-your-own pottery!
This is a 162-acre nature preserve dedicated to furthering knowledge of the flora and fauna of South Texas. Explore the 4 miles of nature viewing trails and walk away with a new found experience and understanding of the importance of protecting the wetlands for future generations.
17 residents recomanen
Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center
2446 N Oso PkwyThis is a 162-acre nature preserve dedicated to furthering knowledge of the flora and fauna of South Texas. Explore the 4 miles of nature viewing trails and walk away with a new found experience and understanding of the importance of protecting the wetlands for future generations.
A great place to take the kids! They have reptiles and birds and several trails that weave through the gardens, wetlands, and greenhouses. I believe they even have a seasonal butterfly house.
83 residents recomanen
South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
8545 S Staples StA great place to take the kids! They have reptiles and birds and several trails that weave through the gardens, wetlands, and greenhouses. I believe they even have a seasonal butterfly house.
Great place to take the kiddos!! It’s a hike across town, but definitely fun for all!
292 residents recomanen
Aquari Estatal de Texas
2710 TX-286Great place to take the kiddos!! It’s a hike across town, but definitely fun for all!
Want a little history lesson after visiting the aquarium? The USS Lexington is right next door.
272 residents recomanen
USS Lexington
2914 N Shoreline BlvdWant a little history lesson after visiting the aquarium? The USS Lexington is right next door.
Attention art lovers!! Great place to visit and enjoy different art exhibits showcased throughout the year.
79 residents recomanen
Museu d'Art del Sud de Texas
1902 N Shoreline BlvdAttention art lovers!! Great place to visit and enjoy different art exhibits showcased throughout the year.
Great place to take the kids for an interactive and educational experience!
74 residents recomanen
Museu de Ciència i Història de Corpus Christi
1900 N Chaparral StGreat place to take the kids for an interactive and educational experience!
Museu de Selena
5410 Leopard StTake a walk along Corpus Christi’s North Beach to find this statue, you don’t even have to get sandy, as there is plenty of seawall to walk along.
66 residents recomanen
Estatua Memorial de Selena
600 N Shoreline BlvdTake a walk along Corpus Christi’s North Beach to find this statue, you don’t even have to get sandy, as there is plenty of seawall to walk along.
Restaurants
Great view at sunset! Doc’s has a nice selection of seafood and steaks to appease all the differing tastes in your party.
118 residents recomanen
Doc's Seafood and Steaks
13309 S Padre Island DrGreat view at sunset! Doc’s has a nice selection of seafood and steaks to appease all the differing tastes in your party.
Great view at sunset! Hands down, the best fresh, fried fish!!! And be sure to visit Scoopy’s, right next door, for an ice cream treat.
130 residents recomanen
Snoopy's Pier
13313 S Padre Island DrGreat view at sunset! Hands down, the best fresh, fried fish!!! And be sure to visit Scoopy’s, right next door, for an ice cream treat.
A great little bar and grill. Go for the food, live music, etc. It’s right on the water with great views. Enough said.
Packery Bar and Grill
13402 South Padre Island DriveA great little bar and grill. Go for the food, live music, etc. It’s right on the water with great views. Enough said.
Decent little bar and burger joint. Hungry for hamburgers, this is your spot!
85 residents recomanen
Padre Island Burger Company
11878 TX-361Decent little bar and burger joint. Hungry for hamburgers, this is your spot!
Now you don’t have to go OTB (over the bridge) to get their pizza! Just order one to go and you’ll see what we mean!
new york pizza padre island to go
14225 South Padre Island DriveNow you don’t have to go OTB (over the bridge) to get their pizza! Just order one to go and you’ll see what we mean!
Who doesn’t love pizza? Decent pizza and pasta joint. We like their cauliflower crust pizza, pepperoni rolls, and lasagna.
48 residents recomanen
Padre Pizzeria
14493 S Padre Island DrWho doesn’t love pizza? Decent pizza and pasta joint. We like their cauliflower crust pizza, pepperoni rolls, and lasagna.
Swanky little lounge. A little on the pricey side, but all the sushi we’ve had there has been excellent! Our favorite dish (appetizer) is the stuffed avocado...yum!!!
59 residents recomanen
Rock & Rolls Sushi Lounge
15121 S Padre Island DrSwanky little lounge. A little on the pricey side, but all the sushi we’ve had there has been excellent! Our favorite dish (appetizer) is the stuffed avocado...yum!!!
Got a hankering for Tex-mex food...their homemade flour AND homemade corn tortillas are the rockstars here!! Have a breakfast taco, or two! Oh and don’t forget about homemade salsa!!
27 residents recomanen
La Palma
15326 S Padre Island DrGot a hankering for Tex-mex food...their homemade flour AND homemade corn tortillas are the rockstars here!! Have a breakfast taco, or two! Oh and don’t forget about homemade salsa!!
Again, who doesn’t like pizza...great selection of pizza and pasta here too!
37 residents recomanen
Brooklyn Pie Co.
15326 S Padre Island DrAgain, who doesn’t like pizza...great selection of pizza and pasta here too!
We’ve honestly never been here, but we’ve heard good things. Let us know if you try it out.
35 residents recomanen
Angry Marlin and Coolwater Bar
15605 S Padre Island DrWe’ve honestly never been here, but we’ve heard good things. Let us know if you try it out.
Surfside Sandwich Shoppe
15113 S Padre Island DrYummy, unique sandwiches and more!
Celsita's
15401 South Padre Island DriveExcellent authentic Mexican food! Try the Molè Chicken or Lonches!!!
Nom's Kitchen
The island’s most excellent offering of Thai cuisine!
They’ve got a great selection of fresh donuts, pigs in a blanket, and kolaches. Their Apple fritters are our favs. Get there early or you’ll miss out!
Donut Palace
1602 S Padre Island DrThey’ve got a great selection of fresh donuts, pigs in a blanket, and kolaches. Their Apple fritters are our favs. Get there early or you’ll miss out!
Worth the drive into Port A if you’ve got a sweet tooth for baked goodies!
57 residents recomanen
Irie's Island Food
200 W Avenue GWorth the drive into Port A if you’ve got a sweet tooth for baked goodies!
A little pricey and located about 15 minutes down the road toward Port A, but their food is fantastic! Try the shrimp and grits!
25 residents recomanen
Black Marlin Bar and Grill
258 SnapdragonA little pricey and located about 15 minutes down the road toward Port A, but their food is fantastic! Try the shrimp and grits!
Quick trip OTB (over the bridge) for a yummy breakfast! We haven’t been here yet but I’m hearing great things!
My Mimi's Kitchen
Quick trip OTB (over the bridge) for a yummy breakfast! We haven’t been here yet but I’m hearing great things!
While this place isn’t on the island, they have some of the most excellent seafood! It’s personally one of our favorite “OTB” (over the bridge) restaurants! It’s worth the trip.
The Blue Clove Seafood Bar and Grill
5884 Everhart RdWhile this place isn’t on the island, they have some of the most excellent seafood! It’s personally one of our favorite “OTB” (over the bridge) restaurants! It’s worth the trip.
Worth a trip OTB (over the bridge)! They have an amazing and unique breakfast selection but also serve lunch and dinner. The portions are huge, so consider sharing.
10 residents recomanen
Chops & Eggs
5802 Yorktown BlvdWorth a trip OTB (over the bridge)! They have an amazing and unique breakfast selection but also serve lunch and dinner. The portions are huge, so consider sharing.
BEST pizza on the planet!! Quality and quantity! Worth the trip “OTB” (over the bridge)! Try the chicken Alfredo OR the penne a la vodka with homemade meatballs, if you don’t want pizza.
Authentic New York Pizza
5838 S Staples StBEST pizza on the planet!! Quality and quantity! Worth the trip “OTB” (over the bridge)! Try the chicken Alfredo OR the penne a la vodka with homemade meatballs, if you don’t want pizza.
True, authentic Mexican food! This is not Tex-Mex. So if you want a taste of Mexico, this restaurant is for you!
Guajillo's On The Island
True, authentic Mexican food! This is not Tex-Mex. So if you want a taste of Mexico, this restaurant is for you!
Shopping and Souvenirs
Souvenirs, beach toys, and beach wear! Don’t forget to take a pic with the submarine!
8 residents recomanen
Padre Islander & Island Sports
14514 S Padre Island DrSouvenirs, beach toys, and beach wear! Don’t forget to take a pic with the submarine!
Souvenirs and beachy stuff galore! Don’t forget to take a pic with the mermaid!
8 residents recomanen
Ocean Treasures
14049 S Padre Island DrSouvenirs and beachy stuff galore! Don’t forget to take a pic with the mermaid!
If you make it past those teeth, then you can shop til you drop!
10 residents recomanen
Third Coast Beach Co
14501 S Padre Island DrIf you make it past those teeth, then you can shop til you drop!
Groceries
Great selection of groceries, right here on the island. They even have fresh produce and a meat market.
22 residents recomanen
Island Market IGA
15401 S Padre Island DrGreat selection of groceries, right here on the island. They even have fresh produce and a meat market.
What can I say....they have EVERYTHING you need to cook an amazing meal at home! Worth the trip “OTB” (over the bridge).
27 residents recomanen
H-E-B plus!
1145 Waldron RdWhat can I say....they have EVERYTHING you need to cook an amazing meal at home! Worth the trip “OTB” (over the bridge).
Dollar General
15402 S Padre Island DrGreat selections for great prices! You might find some treasures here too!
In a pinch? Need some milk, some sugar...they’ve got a few selections to chose from. They’ve also got a pharmacy.
22 residents recomanen
CVS
14525 S Padre Island DrIn a pinch? Need some milk, some sugar...they’ve got a few selections to chose from. They’ve also got a pharmacy.
Best place to purchase fresh caught seafood. Just a short drive OTB (over the bridge).
7 residents recomanen
Paul's Seafood
9810 S Padre Island DrBest place to purchase fresh caught seafood. Just a short drive OTB (over the bridge).
Beach Rentals
www.ccbeachrentals.com
They provide all kinds of beach rentals and will even set it up for you (ie. canopies, chairs, umbrellas, etc)
Holiday Beach Rentals
3200 Surfside Blvdwww.ccbeachrentals.com
They provide all kinds of beach rentals and will even set it up for you (ie. canopies, chairs, umbrellas, etc)
Want to get around easily while staying on the island...they have golf carts and bikes available for rent. Just down the road from the condo.
11 residents recomanen
JoyRide Rental Co Padre Island
14414 Whitecap BoulevardWant to get around easily while staying on the island...they have golf carts and bikes available for rent. Just down the road from the condo.
Rent or buy kayaks, paddle boards, and other water sports equipment. I believe they even provide the gear to put it on your vehicle.
8 residents recomanen
Wind & Wave Watersports
10721 S Padre Island DrRent or buy kayaks, paddle boards, and other water sports equipment. I believe they even provide the gear to put it on your vehicle.
You can rent windsurfing equipment, kayaks, and paddle-boards. They also offer windsurfing lessons. Located at Bird Island Basin.
Worldwinds Windsurfing
Bird Island Basin RoadYou can rent windsurfing equipment, kayaks, and paddle-boards. They also offer windsurfing lessons. Located at Bird Island Basin.
Beach Bum Cart Rentals Padre Island
15715 S Padre Island DrRent a golf cart here.
North Padre Cart Rentals
14425 Whitecap BlvdRent a golf cart here.