Traveling Down Island - Padre Island National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service) Padre Island National Seashore is one of the last undeveloped shorelines in the world, and is one of the only beaches of its kind that is open to driving on 60 of the 70 miles that it protects. Remember that in Texas all beaches are public highways and all traffic laws apply, including seat belt regulations. All vehicles traveling on Padre Island National Seashore must be street legal and licensed. Please note that, with rare exception, Texas will not license all-terrain-vehicles (ATVs) for use on highways (The National Seashore has one of the few exceptions, because it uses ATVs to patrol for nesting sea turtles.). The driving conditions at the beach are constantly changing due to the currents, winds, and tides.