Padre Island is a slender barrier island that stretches for more than 110 miles between Corpus Christi and the Mexican border. The unspoilt and preserved central and northern area is the Padre Island National Seashore and is open to visitors year round. SOUTH PADRE ISLAND the neighboring mainland town of Port Isabel is a is one of the most beautiful resort areas in Texas. With hundreds of luxury hotels, convention facilities, restaurants and clubs, South Padre Island is the place to come and enjoy the beautiful sandy Texas beaches. Among the sights in Port Isabel are the lighthouse, which was built in 1853 and is now a State Historic Site.