Mustang Island State Park

Mustang Island State Park is a coastal preserve in Texas spanning 5 miles (8 km) of shoreline where sand dunes and beaches dominate the landscape. The property also includes grassy wetlands that support diverse plant and animal life.

The island served as home to Native Americans for centuries before Spanish explorers released horses there in the 1700s. Those wild herds gave the place its name and became part of its lasting story.

The park offers visitors a chance to experience coastal life through ranger-led walks that explain the region's wildlife and plant communities. These programs help people understand how the dunes, beaches, and wetlands function as connected parts of a living ecosystem.

The park provides two types of camping: developed sites with utilities and simpler beachfront options for those wanting to sleep near the water. Facilities are spread across the property, allowing visitors to choose between comfort and direct beach access.

The park serves as a nesting ground where endangered sea turtles return each year to lay eggs on the beach. The shoreline also welcomes over 400 bird species that pass through or breed in the area.