Explore over 80 miles of scenic bay beaches and drivable gulf beaches
ECO-FRIENDLY BEACH PRACTICES
Discover sea turtle releases, unique coastal activities, and more.
Welcome to Corpus Christi, where the sun shines bright and the coastline stretches for over 80 miles, inviting you to unwind in true Texas style. Take a moment and take it all in. Sink your toes into the sand, feel that Gulf breeze, and listen to the rhythm of the waves crashing ashore. Relax on the beach or dive right into world-class water sports – the choice is yours.
GULF VS. BAY BEACHES
Corpus Christi has two types of beaches you can enjoy – Gulf and Bay. Our drivable Gulf beaches offer a vibrant beach scene with crashing waves, miles of sand, and wide-open views, while the Bay beaches provide a more relaxed vibe with scenic spots like the Seawall and Shoreline Blvd. Whether you’re after excitement or tranquility, there’s a beach for you!
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
GULF BEACHES
Roam gulf beaches on miles of sandy shores and endless adventures.
BAY BEACHES
Coast your way through the calm waters of our laid-back bay beaches.
MAP OF BEACHES
Locate key beach locations in the Gulf Coast Capital.
BEACH RULES
Learn important beach rules and regulations to abide by during your visit.
BEACH SAFETY
Find essential tips and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable beach experience.
INTERVIEW WITH AN EXPERT
Gain valuable insights from Padre Island National Seashore Park Ranger, Kelly Taylor.
SEA LIFE & CONSERVATION
See how to help protect critically endangered Kemp’s Ridley Sea turtles and beach wildlife.
ANNUAL BEACH EVENTS
Mark your calendar for exciting annual beach events in the Gulf Coast Capital.
BEACH ACTIVITIES
Elevate your beach experience with these unique coastal activities.
MUSTANG ISLAND STATE PARK | Mustang Island
Unwind on Mustang Island State Park, where you’ll find a serene getaway with miles of sandy beach perfect for day trips or longer vacations. The beach spans 18 miles of pristine coastline, offering camping, beachcombing, and wildlife sightings including turtles, dolphins, and birds. Ranger Programs and the Mustang Island Paddling Trail offer fun additions for visitors to enjoy the park’s natural beauty year-round.
JP LUBY/ NORTH PACKERY | Mustang Island
Rule the waves year-round at this watersports wonderland with surfing, jet-skiing, kiteboarding, and more. Surfing conditions are prime here, thanks to northwest offshore winds, while fishing is a popular pastime with no license required. Don’t miss the chance to also catch a stunning sunset by a campfire on the shore with the various camping options available.
NORTH BEACH | North Beach
Catch every moment on North Beach, from burying your toes in the sand and strolling down the beach to fishing from the jetties. Enjoy the comfortable rooms and amenities at the Doubletree and grab a bite to eat at Eighteen18 Eat & Drink before heading down to the USS Lexington where you can discover the history of her role in WWII, and enjoy an underwater adventure with over 250 species of marine life at the Texas State Aquarium. Your Pocket Guide To: Fishing Your Pocket Guide To: Beaches
BEACH 602 S SHORELINE BLVD
MCGEE BEACH | Downtown Corpus Christi
Coast your way in Downtown Corpus Christi and discover McGee Beach and its warm waters and soft sands. Located on Shoreline Blvd., it’s close to various hotels and within walking distance of the only major downtown marina on the Texas coast. Whether you’re renting a jet ski or surrey bicycle from Fun Time Rentals, strolling down the seawall, or exploring nearby parks, McGee Beach is perfect for family trips.
MCGEE
Your Pocket Guide To: Fishing Your Pocket Guide To: Beaches
Beach Rules YOU
RULES FOR ALL BEACHES
Please use plastic containers only and dispose of all litter in trash receptacles. Be sure to take all items with you at the end of the day.
RULES FOR DOGS ON BEACHES
Dogs must be on a leash, or they should be under verbal command. Please properly dispose of all pet waste. Access Rd. 3 to Zahn is off limits to dogs on all major holidays. At this time, redirect to Padre Balli Park.
ADDITIONAL BAY BEACH RULES
For your safety, driving on the beach is not allowed. Please use designated parking areas. BBQ pits, inflatable games, and campfires are also prohibited.
ADDITIONAL GULF BEACH RULES
Please keep your speed at 15 mph. Beach parking permits are required for Whitecap, JP Luby/North Packery, and Padre Balli Park beaches.
NEED TO KNOW RULES FOR CAMPFIRES
Keep campfires within 3’x3’, fully extinguish them after use, and refill any holes with sand. Campfires are allowed for up to 3 days at a time and 6 days per month. Avoid using pallets or building materials, and remember, campfires are not permitted in front of hotels and condos.
ESSENTIAL Beach Safety TIPS TO KNOW
CHECK CONDITIONS
Check the local beach forecast for potentially hazardous water conditions. For more information on beach safety, stop by the Visitor Information Center.
KNOW THE FLAGS
RED: Water conditions are extremely hazardous, such as the presence of strong wind, strong current, or large surf, and beachgoers should avoid the water.
YELLOW: Water conditions are moderately hazardous due to wind conditions. Swimming is permitted but be mindful of your surroundings.
GREEN: The most common of the colors you’ll encounter – this means the water conditions are safe for you to enjoy.
PURPLE: Indicates that marine life (i.e. jellyfish, stingrays, man-o-war) is present in the water and could pose potential risks to swimmers.
ORANGE: Indicates that environmental pollution is present and could be harmful. This may include high bacteria levels, especially after high tides, or poor air and water quality.
The Je’Sani Smith Foundation educates on beach safety and rip currents, offering awareness and water skills training to prevent danger on our beaches.
Scan the QR for more information on beach rules and safety tips.
LET’S TALK BEACHES
Q&A WITH KELLY TAYLOR,
CHIEF OF INTERPRETATION & EDUCATION
AND
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
Q. WHAT ARE SOME RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO VISITORS?
PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE is contiguous and protected, but it’s also where migratory birds and insects hunker down for food and protection. The Laguna Madre itself is unique since it is one of 6 hypersaline bodies of water in the world.
A: There are plenty of activities, but the most popular is beach driving. Visitors also enjoy anything from camping, fishing, and kayaking to beach combing, collecting shells, and stargazing. Others simply come down to disconnect since there is no reception down here.
Q. DESCRIBE THE UNIQUE HABITATS WITHIN THE NATIONAL SEASHORE.
A: The barrier island itself is unique, and the first protector for the mainland from storms. We have the coastal prairie on the national seashore that
A: The 66 miles of wild coastline is a conservation effort that allows us to maintain this unobstructed and undeveloped area. Another effort is through our work with turtles. We look for the turtles and take the eggs back to the lab to hatch them, and then we release those turtles back into the water. Your Pocket Guide To: Fishing Your Pocket Guide To: Beaches
Q. WHAT CONSERVATION EFFORTS ARE IN PLACE TO PROTECT ENDANGERED SPECIES AND ECOSYSTEMS WITHIN PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE?
SEALIFE & CONSERVATION
PROTECTING AND RESPECTING CORPUS
CHRISTI'S BEACHSIDE RESIDENTS
Prioritizing eco-friendly practices on our beaches not only preserves the natural beauty but also safeguards marine life and habitats. Corpus Christi’s beaches offer a look into the region’s wildlife, including over 300 bird species and Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles. Inland, you might spot animals like coyotes and deer. Remember, feeding them can lead to harmful habituation, resulting in their euthanasia to protect both them and visitors.
Visitors can help reduce plastic waste by using reusable bags and water bottles, while biodegradable sunscreen protects both skin and sea life. Respecting beach signs and wildlife ensures a balanced ecosystem, and using beach trash bags makes it easy to keep the shores clean. Together, we can enjoy and protect these beaches for future generations.
THE PORT OF CORPUS CHRISTI CENTER FOR WILDLIFE RESCUE
Experience the comprehensive care and rehabilitation of marine mammals, raptors, shorebirds, and sea turtles at Texas’s premier coastal wildlife rescue facility, featuring cutting-edge medical services and educational exhibits, including the state’s only wildlife-specific CAT scan.
KEMP’S RIDLEY SEA TURTLES HATCHINGS
Every year, thousands of endangered Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles are nested and hatched in Corpus Christi, then released into the Gulf of Mexico. You can enjoy these turtle releases on Whitecap Beach or Mustang Island courtesy of the Texas Sealife Center. While roaming our beaches, avoid any areas with reflective lollipop stakes in the sand near the dunes.
Since sea turtles and their nests are difficult to see, biologists use these reflectors and flagging tape to mark their locations to avoid them being crushed by vehicles on the beach. By making these delicate areas more visible, these markers ensure that drivers steer clear of them. It is imperative that the reflectors remain undisturbed until the biologists remove them once the nest has been recovered.
ANNUAL EVENTS ON THE BEACH
ELEVATE YOUR COASTAL EXPERIENCE WITH THESE ANNUAL BEACHSIDE EVENTS
BEACH TO BAY | MAY
Join runners from around the world at the largest relay marathon in the U.S. The course begins on North Padre Island, winds through Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, and finishes along the scenic Shoreline Drive at McCaughan Park.
ADVENTURES ON THE BEACH
ELEVATE YOUR BEACH EXPERIENCE WITH THESE UNIQUE COASTAL ACTIVITIES
SURFING LESSONS
The ideal weather on the coast calls for surfing lessons. Padre Island Surf Camp and Texas Surf Camp offer single and group lessons or challenge yourself with windsurfing lessons at Worldwinds Windsurfing.
SEASIDE PICNICS
Enjoy a luxury pop-up customizable picnic experience with Pretty Picnics or test your art skills with Paint and Picnic while dining on locally made treats from French restaurant Bien Mérité.
PRETTY PICNICS
HORSES ON THE BEACH
Explore the coastline with Horses on the Beach. Whether you’re experienced or trying it for the first time, enjoy a relaxed ride along the shore with welltrained horses. With one-hour or sunset rides, it’s a unique way to experience the beach and take in the ocean views from a new perspective. Perfect for a quiet, scenic outing.
HORSES ON THE BEACH
TEXAS SURF CAMP
BEACH RENTALS
Cruise the coast on an eco-friendly, zero-emission vehicle, designed for beach adventures from Gulf Coast Mokes. With comfortable seating for 4 people, and up to 8 hours of drive time on a full charge, a Moke rental is perfect for a day of fun in the sun.
When
you’re ready to relax, Corpus Beach
Rentals at JP Luby Beach (marker 206) provides everything you need, from tables and chairs to snackleboxes with fresh charcuterie delights in a convenient and food-safe tackle box. Choose from Bundle and Save packages or build your own perfect beach day with a custom package.
Party into the night with a full-day rental from Love Shack Tiki Hut. Pick your spot on the beach, give them your mile marker, and prepare to sip on margaritas and relax on hammock swings on a tiki hut with string lights, bluetooth speakers for music, and more.
GULF COASTERS
While roaming our beaches, look out for our friendly Gulf Coasters! You can spot them in their signature orange fishing shirts and cruising around on their ‘Gulf Carts.’ They are ready to make sure you enjoy everything Corpus Christi has to offer.
