76 THE COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE • Early Summer 2018 TheCoastalBend.com Padre Island is the longest barrier island in the world, and the second largest island in the US, to Long Island, NY. Padre Isles is the largest waterfront development in the US outside the state of Florida, with some 4,000 single and multi-family homes located on the com- munity’s extensive network of canals. Although the vast majority of homes in Padre Isles include boat docks and/or lifts, and many residents own ocean-worthy rec- reational vessels, until 2006 the closest pas- sage into the Gulf of Mexico was through the Port Aransas Ship Channel more than 20 miles, and over an hour north. More beaches, greater beach access than any destination on the entire U.S. Gulf Coast COLLEGE/YOUNG ADULT ZONE FAMILY-FRIENDLY BEACH ZONE The official opening of Packery Channel in October 2006 was the culmination of decades of effort by hundreds of Texans at all levels of government. Not only does the channel provide direct access to the gulf in less than five nautical miles of most homes, but contrary to envi- ronmentalists’warnings about negative ecological consequences, water quality in Laguna Madre and in North Padre’s canal system was significantly improved, as was the fishing, with the opening of Packery Channel. Coastal BendTour Guide T here’s no question that the Coastal Bend’s gulf beaches are the number one attraction for visitors any time of year—and who can blame‘em? While summer weather in the Coastal Bend, and most of Texas for that matter, is anything but predictable, our islands tend to offer the most hospitable climate for any kind of outdoor activity. High daytime temperatures in mid- June can range from 85°F on a cooler day, to 95°F under high pressure and southeasterly winds. So whether it’s campfires and panchos, or board short and bikinis, our island beaches are where to be this summer. The islands offer the most, and the most accessible, beaches in the state of Texas for surfing, fishing, sandcastle building, or just“chillin’”under the sun. Padre and Mustang Islands beckon your visit this season!