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!

2025 Beach Parking Permit

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
    • 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)

Free Paved Parking:

 

Where to Buy a Beach Permit

Permit stickers are $12 and available year-round on the beach and at various locations throughout the city. This permit gives you access to miles of our local gulf beaches - just display the sticker on your vehicle's windshield and enjoy the beach! Permits are valid from January 1 to December 31 of the year of purchase. 

Purchase your 2025 Beach Permit at the following locations: 
  • Gulf Beaches
  • 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

Additional Information

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.