With miles of shoreline stretching from Gulf beaches to protected coastal parks, Corpus Christi gives visitors plenty of ways to experience the coast. Spend the afternoon casting a line from the surf, take a drive down Padre Island, or settle in for a full weekend of camping, kayaking, and fishing under open skies. Some beaches allow vehicle access directly on the sand, while others require parking permits or entrance passes depending on where you go. Whatever brings you to the coast, here’s what you need to know about beach permits, parking, and fishing licenses before you go.

Corpus Christi Beach Permits

Back to Top of List

 

2026 Beach Parking Permit

Permit Required:

Entrance Fee Required:

  • Mustang Island State Park - Gulf Beach
    • $7 daily entrance per person 13 years & older
    • $70 Texas State Parks Annual Pass
    • Free for children 12 years & under
  • Padre Island National Seashore - Gulf Beach
    • $10.00 per vehicle for a 1-day pass (expires at midnight)
    • $25.00 per vehicle for a 7-day pass (valid for 7 days from date purchased)
    • $45.00 per vehicle for a 1-year pass (valid for 12 months from date purchased)
    • $5.00 per person for bicyclists and pedestrians for a 1-day pass (expires at midnight)
    • $15.00 per person for bicyclists and pedestrians for a 7-day pass (valid for 7 days from date purchased)
    • $5.00 per motorcycle for a 1-day pass (expires at midnight)
    • $20.00 per motorcycle for a 7-day pass (valid for 7 days from date purchased)
    • Individual pass not required for visitors aged 15 & under
    • Additional camping fees may apply

Free Paved Parking:

 

Where to Buy a Beach Permit

Cost: 
  • $12
  • Permits are available year round and are valid from January 1 to December 31 of the year of purchase
Purchase your 2026 Beach Permit at the following locations: 
  • 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 Christ, Portland, and Rockport)
  • Corpus Christi City Hall – Central Cashiering
  • Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi (University Center, Unit 5793, UC 107)
  • Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Beach Operations Office

Beach Permit FAQ

Does my permit work on all beaches?
Yes! This pass is valid for all city and county beaches—including Port Aransas. One permit gives you unlimited access for the entire year.
Where do the permit fees go?
Beach permit fees go directly toward maintaining the beaches! They help fund beach maintenance, lifeguard salaries, and efforts to keep our beaches clean and safe.
Do I need a permit if I'm not driving on the beach?
No, you don't need a permit if you're not driving. Parking off the beach is free! 
 

Permit Fees Help Keep Our Beaches Clean

Thousands of visitors come to enjoy the coast, especially the miles and miles of Corpus Christi beaches. Our beaches require several resources to keep them safe and easy to use. Beach Permit stickers are required for parking along certain sections of the beach, and the funds are used to keep our beaches clean. In addition to keeping trash off the beach, city and county parks departments work hard to ensure that the sand is firmly packed for drivability.

Corpus Christi Beach Permits make great gifts for your beach-going crew. Purchase one in advance and have it ready for your next Corpus Christi adventure! For more information and frequently asked questions about Corpus Christi beaches, visit this FAQ page.

Texas Fishing Licenses

Back to Top of List

Before you cast a line along the coast, make sure you’re set up with the proper fishing license. Anyone age 17 or older is required to have a valid Texas fishing license to fish in Corpus Christi, whether you’re surf fishing on Padre Island, casting from a pier, or heading offshore. Licenses are easy to purchase online or at retailers throughout the city, including bait shops, sporting goods stores, and select convenience stores.

Licenses can be purchased at the following: 

To purchase online or filter your search and find a specific retailer, view the Texas Parks & Wildlife License Retailer. 

Looking for more ways to spend your time on the coast? Check out  upcoming events happening around Corpus Christi, browse our visitor guides  for local favorites and trip ideas, and sign up for the newsletter to stay up to date on what’s happening next along the water.

Padre Island National Seashore (PINS)

Things To Do on Padre Island

Looking for the best things to do on North Padre Island? This laid-back barrier island…

Looking for the best things to do on North Padre Island? This laid-back barrier island…

Read More