Gulf Coast · 6 min read

The Gulf Coast With Kids in Tow

Sea turtles, free ferries and shrimp straight off the boat.

Wild beach first

Skip the crowds and drive down to Padre Island National Seashore. If you're lucky with timing, you'll watch rangers release Kemp's ridley hatchlings into the surf.

Then island time

Take the free ferry over to Port Aransas, rent a golf cart, and let the kids pick the pier. Dinner is whatever the boats brought in.

Spots in this story

Gulf Coast · Beaches

Padre Island National Seashore

The longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world — dunes, shorebirds and sea turtle releases.

Gulf Coast · Beaches

Port Aransas

A laid-back island town reached by a free ferry, with fishing piers, golf carts and fresh Gulf seafood.

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