Whitecap Beach
Go Where the Locals Go at Whitecap Beach on North Padre Island
Whitecap Beach, named after the white sands you'll find on this untouched shore, is an excellent location for families, small groups or solo travelers. This location is an excellent choice for those looking to find a classic beach day. You can find Whitecap Beach sandwiched between Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall and Padre Balli Park. Each beach offers something different, but Whitecap is a locals' classic. On Whitecap Beach, creating the picture-perfect beach day is easy, with a variety of rental vendors, restaurants, and beachfront hotels in close proximity.






HOW TO GET THERE
You can access Whitecap Beach at Whitecap Blvd or Access Rd 4 from S Padre Island Dr. Be sure to purchase a parking permit before your arrival to ensure you can park on the beach!
MILE MARKERS
Whitecap Beach claims Mile Marker 224 to Mile Marker 222.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotels: Lively Beach, Hawthorn Suites, Island House, Gulfstream Condos, Holiday Inn Express
Food: Padre Island Burger Company, Doc's Seafood & Steaks, Snoopy's Pier, Island Joe's Coffee & Gallery
WHAT TO KNOW
- Parking Permit Required
- Port-O-Potties on Site
- Free Trash Bag Stations
- Camping Allowed
- Dogs Allowed
WHAT TO LOVE
- Perfect Sand for Sandcastles
- Beach Play Perfection
- Easy Access to Other Beaches
- Lifeguards on Duty During Summer Season
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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.
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All beaches in Corpus Christi are dog friendly, but they must be on a leash or under verbal command. Our pet-friendly beaches welcome pets and dogs of all shapes and sizes!
Whitecap Beach is off-limits to dogs on all major holidays. Redirect your pups down the beach to Padre Balli Park during these times!
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Yes! There are mobile lifeguards that patrol Whitecap Beach. During the Summer Season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) you will find lifeguard stands on the beach. 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.
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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 leave sand behind and 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!
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Yes! Camping and campfires are allowed on Whitecap Beach, but be sure to follow these general rules:
- No larger than 3’ x 3’ x 3’ with no residue left
- 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.
Check out all of our hot tips for camping here!
* Please note that there is a burn ban in Nueces County until April 13, 2025.
Know Before You Go
Get directions, parking permit information, and more!
Watch Live Beach Cams
Check out the conditions before you head out!
Sea Turtle Releases
Find out if a sea turtle release is happening during your visit!