Nueces County Parks offer exceptional recreational facilities. John J. Sablatura Park, near Banquete on Texas 44, has picnic, barbecue and camping facilities, and small zoo with animals of South Texas.

J.P. Luby Surf Park on Texas 361 offers a surf pier for wave generation. To the south, Padre Balli Park (361/949-8121) features overnight camping hookups, covered picnic areas, pavilion, park ranger station, and 1,200-ft. Bob Hall Pier (361/949-8425) with snack and tackle shop. Packery Channel Park, on Padre Island near junction of Texas 361 and Park Road 22, is excellent day-use park with good fishing. Padre Island Park, on Gulf side from Park Road 22, has bathhouse, sandy swimming beaches, overnight camping facilities, fishing pier, and small Beachcomber's Museum in park office with nautical and unusual items found along beach. Port Aransas Park, at northeast end of Mustang Island on Gulf side, has similar facilities. Labonte Park, I-37 at Nueces Bay, offers exceptional recreational facilities.