Your furry friend doesn't have to miss out on vacation memories here in Corpus Christi. Our dog-friendly beaches welcome dogs of all shapes and sizes, so get ready for sandy paws, wagging tails, and a whole lot of fun during your next stay in the Gulf Coast Capital. 

 

Padre Island National Seashore 

Padre Island National Seashore, situated between the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre, is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including the endangered Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles and numerous bird species. Dogs on leashes are welcome throughout most of the park, including camping areas and over 60 miles of beach. Overnight camping is permitted in designated areas, offering a perfect opportunity for a sun-soaked adventure with your furry companions. 

Whitecap Beach 

Head out to Whitecap Beach for a fun beach day with your furry companion by your side. Your pup can wag their tail while running through manicured white sand that stretches nearly two miles. This well-known destination is a favorite for both locals and visitors who are wanting a peaceful beach moment. 

McGee Beach 

Head to Downtown Corpus Christi with your furry friend and enjoy a seaweed free beach with manicured sand, perfect for your fur baby to enjoy the outdoors. The calm waters and laid-back atmosphere of McGee Beach makes it a great family location. If there is a volleyball game going on, bring your pup to watch the action from the seawall, but be sure to always keep your pups on a leash, even on the beach.

Padre Balli Beach 

Bring your leashed pups to Padre Balli Beach and enjoy miles of picture-perfect sand and waves or opt for a spectacular camping experience with multiple campsites and various amenities.  Since, Access Road 3 to Zahn is off-limits to dogs on all major holidays, you’ll need to redirect your pups to Padre Balli during this time.

 

Activities and Safety


Leashed pups can take a nice walk while exploring the shore and soaking up the warm breeze. Let them roll around in the warm sand, and if they love to dig, try burying their favorite toy in sandcastles so they can search for it. Keep an eye on your dogs and make sure they don’t eat sand, seaweed, or anything else that isn’t their dog food.  

To ensure the safety of your pets and other beachgoers, make sure that your pups are trained with basic obedience skills like verbal commands, so they know to return to you when called. Beaches can get busy, especially here on the coast where the warmth is year-round, so your pups should be well-socialized, especially since there may be other dogs around. If your dog is uncomfortable around people or other dogs, choose a quieter time to visit the beach. Other important safety measures include giving them plenty of water to keep them hydrated, put dog-friendly sunscreen on their nose and other areas with minimal fur, and as always, properly dispose of pet waste.