Ever wonder if a beach is free, requires a permit, or has an entrance fee? Have no fear! We're here to give you the scoop on everything you need to know about beach permits, where to buy a permit, what beaches require them, and how your permit purchase benefits the beaches!

2024 Beach Permit

Fees go to beach maintenance

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.

 

Where to buy a beach permit

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

 

Where beach permits are required

To determine which areas require the permit, use this handy guide:

Permit Required:

Entrance Fee / No Permit Required:

  • Mustang Island State Park - Gulf Beach
    • $7 per person 13 years & older
    • $70 Texas State Parks Annual Pass
  • 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)

Free Paved Parking:

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.