The Malaquite Visitors Center at the Padre Island National Seashore brings
a bit of civilization into the natural, coastal terrain of the Padre Island seashore. The Malaquite Visitors
center houses a gift shop, small museum, educational auditorium, covered deck, two viewing platforms, and a small
snack shop.
The Visitor Center is the entrance to Malaquite Beach. One of only a few beaches on North Padre Island that is closed to
vehicles. A paved parking lot is available for visitors. A short walk down the Malaquite Visitors Center boardwalk
or one of two paved walkways (north and south of the Visitor Center) puts you right on the white sand beach at
Malaquite Beach. Malaquite Beach is 4-5 miles of unspoiled Padre Island beach. It is a great location to
spend the entire day. Come prepared with chairs (or rent them on the beach in
the summer), coolers and sunscreen.
Year round events, talks and guided walks are held at the Malaquite Beach Pavilion. Most
notorious for the turtle releases that
take place each year the Padre Island National Seashore has many interesting activities. Evening
talks about the stars and constellations are held periodically along with Friday night viewings of the moon. Rangers
are on hand at the Malaquite Pavilion to explain various aspects of the wildlife and dynamic beach system
of North Padre Island.