![]() ![]() You can observe the stars yourself with a pair of binoculars or your naked eye. Nicknamed “Texas’ Gift to the the Nation,” visitors can see why when stargazing at the darkest night sky of the lower 48 states. The stars at night are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas, especially at Big Bend. Milky way from Big Bend Photo by Vincent Lock | CC-BY-2.0 Best for stargazing: Big Bend National Park The closest city is Corpus Cristi, Texas around an hour and a half drive away. There are no RV hook-ups anywhere in the park, but an RV dump station and a water filling station are available for all campers staying in the park. Campers, including beach campers, must have a camping permit, which is available from the kiosks at the entrances of each campground. The park has five campgrounds open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. See a hatchling up close when a volunteer or park ranger brings them around for the group to see. ![]() ![]() On Malaquite Beach, the hatches begin at 6:45 am and last 20-45 minutes. If you are visiting from mid-June to August, you can watch sea turtle hatchling releases. The park is open 24 hours all year, and there is an entrance fee from $15-25 dollars depending on the duration of your visit. The prime time for bird watching is during the migration of thousands of birds in early spring or during fall and winter.įinish your day by stargazing at the Night Sky Observatory or along the beach where darkness allows for a great view of the stars. Bird lovers are in paradise as the area has more species of birds than any other city in the U.S. To fish, you need to obtain a Texas fishing license package unless you are under 17 years of age. If staying on shore is more your thing, grab a chair and cast a line from the beach. There are also opportunities for sea kayaking for a unique fishing opportunity. Check the weather forecast before heading into the water to ensure safety. Once you’re done splashing around, the Laguna Madre provides water conditions that favor both a beginner and expert in kayaking and canoeing. You may even find historic artifacts like arrowheads ! Let a park ranger know if you do. The current that flows brings in diverse treasures to collect. It is one of the last intact coastal prairie habitats in the United States.ĭuring the day, you can swim in the Gulf of Mexico and collect shells along the shore. Today, you can see the island as it existed to the early explorers. Before Europeans arrived, nomadic Native American tribes visited the island for thousands of years. The land has maintained its natural state through four different countries’ flags flying over its beaches. Step back into the past when you visit Padre Island’s beaches. But late night beach fires, sleeping to the sound of the waves, solitude, dark sky, Texas! A couple nights was enough, but my family enjoyed it.Padre Island National Seashore, Texas Photo by Thomas Shahan | CC-BY-2.0 Park Service drove by several times per day, and Sea Turtle watch/capture vehicles did the same. More birds than neighbors, no bugs to speak of, and the birds weren't trying to get into our trash.fines for feeding birds helps that. No neighbors within 100 yards either way, other than people driving by which was occasionally busy given it's Memorial Day weekend. It was really windy for most of our trip.of course it calmed our final day. The further you go, the more likely you'll want more than any 4x4.you'll want high clearance as well, especially towing a trailer. There is a single entrance into South Beach, the first mile is full of daily visitors, each additional mile is fewer and fewer people. While on day 1 I questioned that advice, on day 2 the Park Service erected 4x4 required signs.the sand had softened and 2wd vehicles were getting stuck all over. Just returned from a couple nights at PINS (Padre Island National Seashore) This is literally camping ON the beach.any spot along "the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world" If you don't have a 4x4 vehicle, you might be best considering a nearby paved camp area. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |