Meet Your Insider -- Alene Snodgrass

Alene SnodgrassHi, my name is Alene Snodgrass, the CEO of Padre Island Vacation Rentals. I know you don’t know me, but I am crazy in love with North Padre Island here in Corpus Christi, Texas. Thanks for visiting and finding out a little more about us and this island.

Padre Island Vacation Rentals  —

is really a mom and pop shop, which means we really care about your vacation needs. We continually search out the best places to eat, relax, and play on this amazing island. It’s a really rough job, but somebody has got to do it — so I signed up! I mean, what’s not to love about beaches, beautiful weather, amazing restaurants, and fun times with family and friends? And if you decide to rent from us, you get us — the mom and pop. No middle third company to filter your questions through – nope, you get us — we make sure you have our personal contact information.

My husband, Curt, and I enjoy sharing insider information with our guests and friends. If you need any tips about how to get the most out of your family vacation, just drop us a line. We’ve made plenty of vacations with our three children, which has now turned into 10, so chances are we’ve experienced your situation with our own family and would love to share the info with yours.

We have a four properties available for guests.

We know how hard it is to arrive to an area, especially when you only have a few days to vacation, and to know what are the things you must do. So we want to be your eyes here on the island, before you even think of visiting. We want to share the awesomeness this coast has to offer. We want you to visit and make memories that will last a lifetime. This is personal and so important to me — you can read why by clicking here.

We personally use our own vacation homes, so we try to make sure all amenities are available to guests that we would want for ourselves. Since opening our first home in 2013, we have hosted many guests and each one that stays and falls in love with Padre Island means so much to us. With that said, we do our best to make the vacation home rental experience the best vacation our guest have had.

As I said earlier, you can contact me directly if you need any assistance. For the quickest response, text 361-960-4601.

BUT FIRST, read on and let me share some exciting island information with you —

Here's 3 Beaches You'll Want to Visit!

Here you are on the Third Coast (not the Pacific or Atlantic, but another big coast) known as North Padre Island, and you are wondering where to go first. There are some great sneak-away beaches you won’t want to miss. All are easy to get to and perfect for your family beach day. Pick one or try them all!

1. Whitecap Beach

This beach is so easy to get to and one you will definitely want to visit. Once arriving on the island via PR22, you’ll take a left on Whitecap Blvd and this will take you straight to the entrance of the beach. NOTE that you will need a Beach Permit to drive and park on the beach, which can be purchased at the Stripes at the corner of Whitecap Blvd. Any car can make the drive on the beach here, just stay clear of loose sand. You will love the relaxing atmosphere of having your car and belongings right there on the beach with you. This is a great family beach. You may BBQ and build bonfires here. So pack your beach toys for the family and come enjoy the day.

2. Michael J. Ellis Beach

You can reach this beach two different ways. If you don’t care to drive your car on the sand, then this beach is where you will want to be. You will find a free public parking lot — Windward Parking Lot — off of Windward Drive, which is right on the beach. This parking lot also has a restroom and showers to rinse off once your fun day at the beach comes to an end. Once you park, you’ll take the ramp down that will put you on beach level. You’ll need to carry your beach gear and toys with you. Beach wagons and coolers with wheels are you best bet. On the other hand, if you don’t mind driving your card on the sand, you can go to the end of Windward and take Access Rd 3A. This road will take you to the beach. NOTE, you will need a beach parking permit if you decide to drive. But the great thing about driving your wheels to the spot you want is that you’ll have all your beach goodies with you — close and convenient. You can still walk to the bathrooms and showers as they will be in close distance.

3. Bob Hall Pier and Beach

Bob Hall Pier and Beach is a favorite. If dad doesn’t like laying out in the sun, he can bring his fishing pole and fish while you do. But the beach area has so much to offer. If you’d rather not purchase a Beach Parking Permit, know that you can park for FREE at Bob Hall as long as you park within their parking lot. It’s a perk, plus you’re on the beach so loading your beach items to the waters edge is not a big deal. And this area has wooden picnic tables! But take notice that if during the summer months you’d like a table for your family, you must get there early. Tables are taken on a first come basis. Any time you are at the beach, please take notice of the Beach Warning flags that are flying. If a red flag is flying, it’s a good idea to stay out of the water. Rip tides will be sure to occur, especially around the pier area. Another great feature about Bob Hall Pier area is that there are pubic restrooms close by and if you get hungry Mikel May’s is right there. It’s the perfect beach to bring your family, but get there early!

Things to See in Corpus Christi

While you might be coming to island for just the beaches, sometimes you might want to sneak away. And within an easy  30 minute drive from the island is the beautiful Bayfront of Corpus Christi. There are attractions and things to see to keep you busy for a day! Don’t want to be that busy — just stroll the bayfront promenade while enjoying the breeze and relaxing atmosphere.

1. Texas State Aquarium

Looking to escape the beach for a day or maybe it’s raining, here’s where you need to head — The Texas State Aquarium. There is something here for everyone. Your admission into the aquarium lets you explore all different types of environments: Blue Hole, Coral Reef, Jungle, Caribbean Sea, and Stingray Lagoon. And my family’s favorite of all — Dolphin Bay. There is also a Dolphin Show, as well as Bird and Reptile exhibits. If you are visiting on a hot day, be sure to pack a bag with bathing suits for the little ones as there is a splash pad. You can buy tickets online and often they have discounts. This is a treat you don’t want to miss!

2. USS Lexington Museum on the Bay

The USS Lexington, also known as the Blue Ghost, rests in the Corpus Christi Bay just across the ship channel in downtown Corpus Christi. This museum is much more than that. You can take a tour or a self-guided tour. There is a 3D theater, virtual battle stations where you can fight a fleet of warships, and there is even flight simulator you can climb on it. Are you into Escape Rooms? How about book your next adventure aboard the USS Lexington? This old ship is full of stories, and you can write the next one! Lockdown On The LEX is an escape room experience that is sure to mess with the mind, shock the senses and baffle even the most experienced escape room enthusiast. High-tech and high-intensity these rooms are perfect for groups outings large and small. Get more information here and book your tour.

3. Padre Island National Seashore

Hey, maybe you’re like my husband and I and trying to visit all the National Parks. If you are, then the National Seashore is a must. Just 10 more miles down the road from the above beaches and you’ll enter the seashore. NOTE you will need to buy a park pass at the gate. Padre Island National Seashore separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre, and it’s one of the largest shallow water lagoons in the world.  The park is a safe nesting ground for the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles and a haven for over 380 bird species.  Come see the hatchling release of baby Ridly sea turtles. You can call the Hatching Hotline at 361-949-7163 to find out when the releases are scheduled. If you’d like to paddle board on Laguna Madre, be sure to stop by Bird Island Basin as you enter the park. Bring a picnic lunch and come early as the winds tend to pick up in the afternoon. You can rent boards, kayaks, and learn to wind surf. Another beautiful beach to be sure to stop at is Malaquite. Browse the shore and look for shells. There’s something for everyone at this Park.

Alene's Top Vacation Tips

If you are interested in vacationing on the beach, we welcome you with wide arms. As you can see, there is so much for everyone to experience here on the island. So if you are serious about putting that vacation on the calendar, here are few things that will help you have the most perfect relaxing time away.

  • Book your place to stay early.

Guests book months out and in some cases, even years. We’d love to have you stay with us, of course, because guests are our favorite. You can find our properties on our website by clicking here. We have places that will sleep anywhere from 4 to 13. But if you’re looking for something a little different, we partner with many others. Browse by searching here. All of our properties are rated 4.9 stars. The  key to having a great experience is to read those reviews!

  • Buy your beach toys and accessories ahead of time.

There’s nothing worse than getting to your destination and having to stock up on all you might need while the kids are hollering they just want to be at the pool.🤪 There are a few things you’ll want to be sure to bring when visiting the island. Here are a few:

Beach Chairs — these are easy to rinse and carry

Beach Towels — quick drying sand free towel

Sunscreen — if you’re sensitive or looking for a less chemically loaded version, this is my favorite

Sunglasses —

Cooler — make sure you get one with wheels, it’s so much easier

  • Order your groceries ahead of time.

Once you are prepared to go, order your grocery needs ahead to save time. Skip the food shopping after you arrive and instead order ahead of your arrival for pick up or delivery. Download the Walmart Grocery app now. Walmart Supercenter has a free pick up option and is on your way to the island. Use our referral link by clicking here for $10 off your first order.