Padre Island

Barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, USA, apportioned to five counties of southern Texas. Extending 183 km/113 mi north–south, and up to 5 km/3 mi in width, it is the longest island of its type in the USA. A recreational and wildlife area, it mainly consists of beach and grassy dunes, and is noted for its marine life. Mackerel, sailfish, and tarpon fishing, and bird-watching are popular activities. In 1962 most of the island became Padre Island National Seashore, a reserve covering an area of 52,800 ha/130,400 ac, including 109 km/67.5 mi of beach. The southern resort community of South Padre Island is the only settlement.

When first sighted by Europeans in 1519, the island was inhabited by the Karankawa. It came to be called Isla del Padre around 1800. On the Texan shoreline, Corpus Christi stands near the northern end of the island, and Brownsville opposite the southern tip.