National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore offers 66 miles of wild Gulf Coast beach

Padre Island National Seashore, located near Corpus Christi, protects one of the longest undeveloped barrier island coastlines in the United States.

Nueces County The Great Outdoors

The seashore covers three ecosystems: the Gulf beach, coastal grasslands, and the Laguna Madre — a highly salty lagoon on the back side of the island. Visitors can swim, fish, camp, bird-watch, and explore by 4-wheel-drive vehicle on the more remote stretches of beach.

The park is open year-round. The Malaquite Visitor Center serves as the main entry point. The park also runs a sea turtle hatchling program where visitors can observe turtle releases. Check the NPS website for current entrance fees and driving rules before you go.

Source to confirm: NPS — Padre Island National Seashore

More Nueces County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two different offices handle your property tax

The appraisal district sets your property value; the tax office sends the bill and collects the money.

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Homestead Exemption

A homestead exemption can lower your property tax bill

If this home is your main residence, you may qualify for an exemption that reduces the taxable value of your property.

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Special Districts

Several special districts can add to your tax bill

Depending on where you buy, Emergency Service Districts, drainage districts, and hospital and water authority districts may all appear on your tax statement.

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Agricultural Valuation

Farmland can be taxed on what it produces, not its market value

Qualifying farm or ranch land in Nueces County may be appraised at productivity value rather than full market value, which usually means a much lower tax bill.

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