Visiting Corpus Christi usually means the same thing for everyone: hitting up the beach! The most popular beaches in Texas are located right here in Corpus Christi. Sand, sun, and FUN await! With so many locations to find fun in the sun, it can be hard to determine the best location. Here is a quick Corpus Christi Beach Guide just for your beach planning needs to help you create the perfect day at the beach!
North Padre Island Beaches
Mustang Island State Park – Primitive camping sites, electric/water sites, paddling trails, outdoor showers, public bathrooms, this place has it all! It is also a very popular place to go shelling and bird watching! For entry fee and location information, visit the Mustang Island State Park website here.
North Packery Beach/J.P. Luby – The locals call the North Packery area “North Pak” but everyone knows where you are going regardless of the label you provide. This is prime location for surfing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing. For your water sport rental needs, check out Nauticool Rentals. When you arrive, if you take the first right turn, you will find a parking lot and a seawall that goes down to a jetty. This is a location that fishermen flock to!
Padre Island National Seashore – This is a beloved spot in Corpus Christi. The beaches are well maintained, visitors can camp, shower, have access to multiple programs and events, and it is just beautiful! The National Seashore also hosts turtle releases! This is a once in a lifetime event. A day pass runs $10 per vehicle and all fees help maintain the 60 miles of protected beach lands. Check out their site for more information.
Whitecap Beach – White Cap Beach is an expansive area that hosts Micheal J. Ellis, the locally popular Seawall, and South Packery Channel Beach. The initial entry point is at the end of Whitecap Road on North Padre Island. Once you arrive, take a left to continue to Micahel J. Ellis, the Seawall, and South Packery Channel Beach. Taking a left will take you toward Padre Bali Beach. You do need a parking pass to visit this area. Renting a golf cart is a FUN way to cruise the area also!
Michael J. Ellis – This location is actually a specific part of Whitecap Beach. Visitors are able to park in a public parking lot (which can help keep some sand out of your car, and avoid the need of a parking permit). In addition to public parking, there are stairs and a ramp that lead to the beach. There are outdoor showers and public restrooms also. The Seawall is also located in this area. This is a great place to walk, bike ride, or skateboard! You can find the exact location at 14926 Windward Dr, Corpus Christi, TX.
South Packery Channel – As a part of the Whitecap Beach, this is a very popular fishing spot in the area because of the jetties that are easily accessible. This is also a go-to surging spot! Interesting fact: this a dividing point that separates Mustang Island and North Padre Island. Yes, you also need a beach parking permit to visit this location. You can find its exact location at 14802 Windward Dr., or enter at the end of Whitecap Drive and drive along the beach a few miles before you reach the South Packery Channel area.
Padre Bali – Here you will find miles of sandy beach accessible by car. You can cruise the beach in your car or rent a golf cart! Don’t forget your Beach Parking Permit though! There is also an RV and tent camping site. Check out their website here. Padre Bali is not far from Horses on the Beach, check them out here and make your beach visit even more memorable! You will find the entry point at 15820 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX.
North Beach
North Beach – This beach is located north of downtown Corpus Christi just over the Harbor Bridge. This is a popular beach destination for those who want to visit the U.S.S. Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium and go to the beach all in one day! Cars cannot park on the beach, so no parking permits are required. There are some free and paid parking spaces available for visitors. This is a growing area of the city where many renovations are taking place. There are restaurants and beach shops all within walking distance of the beach!
Downtown Corpus Christi
McGee Beach – Surrounded by many attractions, walking distance to restaurants, a nearby marina, and so much more, it is no surprise this is a popular beach destination. Here you can rent umbrellas, chairs, kayaks, etc. Parking is free anywhere along the Seawall area. Even if you do not plan to go to the beach, the walk along the Seawall offers magical views, especially at sunrise and sunset!
Beach Parking Permits
Beach Parking permits for North Padre Island beaches can be purchased at CVS and Stripes gas stations on North Padre Island. They can also be purchased at H-E-B in Flour Bluff.
A Day at the Beach
Visit one, visit them all- but make sure you get the necessary permits or entry fees taken care of, and make sure you are ready for your day in the sun! Here are some tips to make sure you have the perfect day at the beach:
● Sunscreen (Obviously)
● Ice chest of drinks and snacks (No glass!)
● Chairs (depending which beach you visit, you may be able to rent chairs and other gear)
● Towels
● Umbrella/canopy
● Sunglasses/hats
● Check the Flag color at city beaches for safety info: click here for more info
● Trash bag- to clean up your trash. Keep our beaches clean, please!
Elevate your beach experience! Check out Love Shack Tiki Hut!
Find a condo on the beach here!
Looking for family friendly fun ideas for your Corpus Christi vacation? Look no further there here!