Tips for a Safe and Fun Day on Corpus Christi Beaches

If you're visiting Corpus Christi, chances are you'll be spending at least one day at the beach. With miles of beautiful coastline, it’s important to keep our shores clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you're swimming, sunbathing, or cruising along the sand, following a few simple guidelines will help ensure a great beach experience for all. Before you head out, be sure to grab your beach parking permit at the Visitor Information Center.

No Glass Containers

Glass on the beach is a safety hazard waiting to happen. Broken glass can be difficult to see in the sand, creating a risk for beachgoers and wildlife alike. Instead of glass bottles, bring drinks in cans or reusable bottles, and keep them chilled with a Roam the Beach koozie, available at the Visitor Information Center. These koozies make a great souvenir while also promoting responsible beachgoing!

Dispose of all trash properly

Help keep our beaches beautiful by picking up after yourself! Complimentary trash bags are available at the Visitor Information Center and from the blue boxes at beach access roads. These bags are designed to resist the wind, so they won’t blow away while you're enjoying the shore. Pro tip: They also make a great way to carry beach toys—just shake the sand out when you're done!

If you dig a hole, fill it in before you leave

Digging in the sand can be fun, but leaving holes behind creates a hazard for other beachgoers and makes it harder for maintenance crews to keep the beaches clean. Whether you're building a sandcastle or just having fun in the sand, always fill in your holes before you leave to keep the beach safe for everyone.

Follow driving rules and stay out of the dunes

If you're driving on the beach, remember that a beach parking permit is required if you plan to park on the sand. Most importantly, never drive in the sand dunes—they play a crucial role in protecting the beach ecosystem and keeping our coastline intact.

Note:

During the summer, you may notice reflective lollipop stakes in the sand near the dunes. These red markers serve a fundamental purpose in protecting Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles and their nests. Since the turtles and their nests are difficult to see, biologists use these reflectors and flagging tape to mark their locations to avoid them being crushed by vehicles on the beach. By making these delicate areas more visible, these markers ensure that drivers steer clear of them.

It is imperative that the reflectors remain undisturbed until the biologists remove them once the nest has been recovered. If you witness someone tampering with the reflectors, sea turtle nests, or eggs, act quickly and report the incident by calling 1-866-TURTLE-5 or notify any park official in the vicinity.

Know the location of public restrooms

Restrooms are an essential part of any beach visit. Instead of resorting to outdoor alternatives (which are harmful to the environment), locate the nearest public restrooms before settling in. Michael J. Ellis Beach has convenient restroom facilities and rinse showers to keep you comfortable throughout your beach day.

Don't leave pop-up tents unattended

Leaving a pop-up tent overnight might seem like a good way to reserve your spot, but unattended tents will be removed by beach crews to keep the area clean and accessible for all visitors. If you bring a tent, be sure to pack it up before you leave for the day.

By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure that Corpus Christi’s beaches remain clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone. Now that you're prepared, grab your beach pass, bring your essentials, and enjoy a fantastic day on the sand!