In honor of America's 250th birthday, Padre Island National Seashore opens its gates without an entrance fee for a long Fourth of July weekend — three days to roam one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline in the country. Miles of wild beach, wind-swept dunes, and open Gulf horizon make this one of the most rewarding drives on the Texas coast. Note that boat ramp and campground fees still apply during the event.
It's an easy half-hour from Beached Inn, and after a day of wide-open shoreline, there's something quietly perfect about returning to the softer pace of Cinnamon Shore — the salt air greeting you at the door and the porch at Beached Inn ready to close out the evening.