There are two parts to Padre Island, separated by the Port Mansfield Cut. From Corpus Christi south to the Port Mansfield Cut is called North Padre Island. You can metal detect the beaches there but not in the National Seashore area which is mainly the biggest part of the south end of North Padre Island. Now, South Padre Island is the part that is located on the south side of the Port Mansfield Cut and continues south to the Isa Blanca Park. You can hunt this area at the beaches, there is no parking permit required, but parking is limited in the town area (there is no driving on the beach around the town area). There is a section of beach in which you may drive on at the north end of South Padre, but a four wheel drive is strongly recommended. The Isa Blanca Park is not a state park and therefore you can metal detect in this park. There is a small daily entrance fee at this park but it is well worth it. There are a tremendous amount of people who utilize this park.
Remember though, that the sea turtles, there habitat, and the sand dunes are all protected areas.
I am from the Corpus Christi area, and my sister lives in the Valley (South Texas) and regularly hunts South Padre Island. You can contact her from the little club forum she created and runs http://southtxmetaldetectors.com Her name is Dawn (txkickergirl), and she will be more than happy to help you further. If you go to the site you may have to register and wait for her to email you back. She does this to keep the spamers out of the site.
If I can help with anything just let me know. Also, I personally know Willee and he will help you anyway he can.
Kevin
