Bird the Texas Gulf Coast
Bird-watchers must flock to Bird Island Basin: The aptly named mecca lures over 350 bird species to the warm and shallow waters of Laguna Madre. The basin is a fertile nursery for saltwater fish, creating the ideal environment for white pelican that scoop up fish by the mouthful. You'll also see lots of terns, herons, egrets, gallinules, and grebes. Situated on the Central Flyway, the island draws a variety of migrating birds from South and Central America during the summer. During the winter, migrating birds arrive from as far away as the Arctic. Wintertime on Padre Island is also an excellent time for spotting hawks and sparrows in the upland areas.

Hike the Grasslands Nature Trail
The two-mile loop trail snakes its way through sand dunes and grasslands. Keep a keen eye out for elusive wildlife including coyotes, black-tailed jackrabbits, and lizards. Birds such as killdeer, meadowlarks, and sandhill cranes thrive in the island's inland terrain. Do yourself a favor, stick to the trail: Western diamondback rattlesnakes give Keep Off the Dunes a whole new meaning.

Windsurf Laguna Madre
The saltwater lagoon that separates Padre Island from the Texas mainland is widely considered one of the top windsurfing destinations in the nation. The 120-mile lagoon frequently hosts competitions because its unobstructed winds allow surfers to reach some ridiculous speeds. But even if you've never been on a board in your life, this is a good place to learn: The lagoon is seldom more than three to five feet deep and features a soft, sandy bottom.