10 Best Beaches in Corpus Christi

Encompassing 66 miles of protected coastline, Padre Island National Seashore is a jewel in Texas’ aquatic crown. This stunning barrier island showcases one of America’s last remaining seaside prairies and is celebrated for its unspoiled beaches, primitive camping, flora and fauna, and salty lagoon.

Cast a line into the Mansfield Channel, watch rare and endangered sea turtles hatch on the sand, or take to Laguna Madre in a kayak or canoe. Padre Island is also home to some of the state’s most sacred birds including the elusive peregrine falcon, the striking white-tailed hawk, and the candy-colored roseate spoonbill.

Also known as Rincon Point, North Beach is a 1.5-mile stretch of glorious golden sand that’s lined with lively waterfront restaurants, spirited souvenir shops, and 2 of Corpus Christi’s most iconic attractions – the USS Lexington Museum and the Texas State Aquarium. Explore a WWII Essex class aircraft carrier out in the Gulf or snorkel with sharks at the Caribbean Sea exhibit.

Back on the beach, you can fish from the jetties, kayak beautiful Nueces Bay, or watch the sun set on the water at a buzzing neighborhood restaurant. Swing by Blackbeard’s for Baja tacos and key lime pie, or Elizabeth’s at the Art Museum for a swanky signature cocktail.

Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Corpus Christi, McGee Beach is a veritable playground for watersport fanatics thanks to its fabulous jetty fishing, exhilarating windsurfing, and paddle boat and jet ski hire. You can easily while away an afternoon sunbathing on the sugar-soft sand before taking a dip in the calm azure water.

With its free admission, ample parking, and fun-filled activities including volleyball and sandcastle building, McGee Beach is beloved by families. A host of food trucks can also be found here serving shaved ice treats and tasty tacos.

Showcasing unforgettable vanilla-hued sands, Whitecap Beach on Padre Island is 1 of Corpus Christi’s lesser-known gems – a soul-soothing sanctuary that’s far from the crowds. Here, you can watch flocks of pelicans while paddling in the crystal-clear water, before enjoying a picnic on a blanket or beach towel.

After dark, head to a nearby restaurant for a round of ice-cold beers and a sumptuous seafood dinner. Try the Angry Marlin for pan roasted sea trout and caramel bread pudding or the Boathouse Bar and Grill for fried shrimp and cheesecake.

Found on the dreamy-sounding Seabreeze Drive, Rockport Beach is a world-class natural wonder that’s famous for its spotless golden sand, inviting blue waters, and wealth of things to do and see. Part of the Clean Beaches Coalition, this Corpus Christi favorite is committed to providing an exceptional outdoors experience with its disabled access, volleyball courts, freshwater showers, and BBQ facilities.

Boasting 2 fishing piers, tropical thatched cabanas, and a kids play area, Rockport is a perfect location for weekend get-togethers and fun-filled family outings. There’s even a saltwater pool (where dolphins have been known to swim) and a picture-postcard walking trail.

With over 5 miles of unsullied coastline (and over 3,000 acres of dunes, wetlands, and tidal flats) Mustang Island State Park offers a bona fide escape. Featuring 48 mains connected campsites (and 50 simple alternatives), you can enjoy the creature comforts of electricity and water or go back to basics by sleeping in the wilderness.

This barrier island paradise is peppered with breathtaking bike trails, heavenly hiking paths, and plenty of waterways for paddling kayaks. Fishing enthusiasts are also well catered to with an abundance of black drum, flounder, and redfish to catch.

Set on picturesque Padre Island, Malaquite Beach offers a scintillating seaside experience with its expanse of white sand, aquamarine water, and environmentally conscious turtle release program. Renowned for its seductive seclusion and unhurried pace, it’s perfect for swimming, bird watching, strolling, and sunbathing.

45 minutes from Corpus Christi, Malaquite Beach is in close proximity to popular bars and eateries including Snoopy’s Pier, Yardarm Restaurant, and Doc’s Seafood and Steak. Grab a table with a waterfront view and treat yourself to the catch of the day.

The darling of South Padre Island, immaculate Isla Blanca is a beach that’s got it all – from its Christ de los Pescadore statue (that watches over the Gulf Coast’s fishermen) to its charismatic restaurants and sublime array of walking trails.

A generous boardwalk runs parallel to the beach, delivering a dynamite vantage point for leisurely strolls and postcard-quality photographs, while paved pavilions offer stylish picnicking with their benches, tables, and BBQ grills. Anglers will enjoy the rock jetty at Isla Blanca’s south end where you can cast a line and gaze at the boats.

Positioned on the northeast tip of Mustang Island, Port Aransas is a popular Corpus Christi resort beach that’s lined with hotels and condos that cater to holidaymakers. It’s known for its extensive stretch of super-soft sand, evening campfires, seashell hunting, big wave surfing, and body boarding.

Port Aransas’ on-duty lifeguards make this an attractive and safe beach for families with kids. What’s more, you can camp on the sand with an annual $12.00 permit, so bring your tent (or your trusty RV).

At 74 acres, Padre Balli Park does everything on a larger scale – from its mammoth sandcastle sculptures to its sprawling well-equipped campsite. You can easily spend a weekend here soaking up the Gulf Coast rays, swimming in the warm blue waters, or enjoying a spot of ocean kayaking.

At the beach’s south end, stroll the Bob Hall Pier to Mikel May’s Restaurant or kick back in a fold-out chair to land the perfect catch. Beach Bum Rentals offer an array of golf carts for laid-back cruising including 4-person buggies and 6-person vehicles.