Everything You Need to Know Before Heading to the Beach

Corpus Christi has beaches for everyone that are open year-round. If you're looking for a classic beach day, locals will tell you to head to one of our Gulf Beaches, like North Packery Beach or Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall. If you're on the hunt for a family-friendly beach day, our Bay Beaches like McGee Beach or North Beach might be more your speed. Want something a little more off-the-grid? Check out Padre Island National Seashore or Mustang Island State Park. There's a beach to fit anyone's needs here!

223 is the average number of sunny days in Corpus Christi, but conditions can quickly change. Check out NOAA's weather report or our live beach cameras before heading out to ensure you've got prime conditions for your beach day!

Yes! Our Gulf Beaches allow you to drive on the beach. Be sure to follow the rules of the road, stay out of the dunes and get your beach parking permit before you head out. Most Gulf Beaches are maintained, but some aren't. 4WD is recommended for those areas and driving in the sand should be done so at your own risk.

Permit stickers are $12 and available year-round at:

• Corpus Christi Visitor Information Center
• Stripes convenience stores (Padre Island, Flour Bluff, and select stores in central Corpus Christi)
• Circle K convenience store (Padre Island and Flour Bluff)
• H-E-B grocery stores (Aransas Pass, Corpus Christi, Calallen, Portland, and Rockport)
• Corpus Christi City Hall – Central Cashiering
• Naval Air Station-Corpus Christi – ITT Department
• Nueces County Padre Balli Park Headquarters Office
• Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi (University Services)
• Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Beach Operations Office

For more about beach parking permits, click here.

From the Gulf Beaches on North Padre Island to the Bay Beaches in Downtown Corpus Christi, there's a plethora of beaches to choose from. Head to our Beaches page and find a beach that fits your vibe. Once you do, each beach page includes a map of where each beach is located and how to access it.

Yes! On North Padre Island, the Windward Parking Lot, located on Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall, provides free parking, clean facilities, showers, and dressing rooms. In the Downtown and Bayfront area, there is paved parking near McGee Beach and North Beach. Parking in these areas is free and you do not need a parking permit!

There are mobile lifeguards that patrol most Gulf Beaches. However, there are some beaches or stretches of beach without lifeguards on duty. Check out the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department’s full lifeguard schedule for more details on lifeguard coverage and mobile patrol throughout the year. 

The phone number for the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Beach Operations Office is (361) 826-3469.

If there is an emergency, please call 911.

All beaches in Corpus Christi are dog friendly, but must be on a leash or under verbal command. Our pet-friendly beaches welcome pets and dogs of all shapes and sizes!

However, all beaches are off-limits to dogs on all major holidays. Redirect your pups to Padre Balli Park during these times!

All of our beaches have permanent restrooms or portable toilets available for public use. Most beaches also have showers or rinse areas as well!

Head to our Beaches page and find a beach that fits your vibe. Once you do, each beach page includes a map of where bathrooms, showers and rinse areas can be located on each beach.

Pick up a complimentary trash bag or two from the Visitor Information Center downtown or from the blue boxes that are located as you come onto the beach at all access roads. These bags are cleverly designed so they won’t catch the wind and fly off down the beach. Trash cans can be found at every beach entrance and all along the beach. Thanks for doing your part to leave our beaches better for the next visitor!

Bonfires, campfires and camping are allowed in certain areas along the beach – check out our top recommendations. 

Be sure to follow these general rules:

• No bonfires/campfires larger than 3’ x 3’ x 3’ with no residue left
• Bonfires/campfires must be fully extinguished and any holes must be filled
• Camping is prohibited in front of condos and hotels
• Camping is allowed for 3 days & nights consecutively, but no more than 6 days within a month
• No pallets or building material allowed. Wood pallets and building material used in construction are often coated in toxic chemicals that are not meant to be burned in campfires. They also may contain hardware such as nails or screws which could become dangerous to others or wildlife.

Pick up bonfire/campfire supplies at any one of the grocery stores on your way to the beach. Check out all of our hot tips for camping here!

Yes, you can drink alcohol on Corpus Christi beaches if you are of legal age, 21 years and older. However, glass is not allowed on the beach, so be sure your drinks come in aluminum cans or plastic containers. Always remember to drink responsibly!