Corpus Christi’s beautiful beaches are the heart and soul of the Texas Gulf Region. The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department cares for two bayfront beaches and designated stretches of beaches along our Gulf Coast.
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Get Our Daily Surf Condition
► Beach Flag Warning System (provides a description for each colored flag)
► WATCH VIDEO: Beach Flag Warning System
Know the surf conditions before you head to our gulf beaches.
We want you to play it safe and have a wonderful experience.
"Like" us on Facebook to get these daily updates on your phone as stories.
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Plan Your Trip to Our Gulf Beaches
The 2024 Beach Parking Permit is available for purchase now. We invite you to enjoy the many miles of salty breeze and surf along our beautiful Padre Island. Get set before you go.
► We encourage visitors to buy their permit before heading to the beach.
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Our Beaches
Corpus Christi’s beaches are some of our most vibrant natural resources you’ll want to explore for yourself!
The Bayfront beaches (North Beach and McGee Beach) are both set along Corpus Christi Bay, just minutes from the city’s downtown, marina, local attractions, restaurants, shops, and skyline.
McGee Beach is located downtown on Shoreline Boulevard along the seawall on Corpus Christi Bay. It is within walking distance of McCaughan Park, hotels, restaurants, a marina, and museums of art, history, and science. It is also near entertainment and sports venues, including the convention center. Learn more about McGee Beach.
North Beach – Located just a short drive over the Harbor Bridge where you can enjoy a relaxed beach vibe—stroll the Beachwalk promenade, lounge under a cabana, enjoy local seafood, board a historic aircraft carrier and explore the award-winning Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington - an aircraft carrier turned museum. Learn more about North Beach. PHOTOS of North Beach. PHOTOS of Historic North Beach. On July 29, 2024, the City held a ribbon cutting for the new Surfside Park with restrooms, parking, and a play area paid for with Bond 2020 funds.
Our Gulf of Mexico beaches on Mustang Island and North Padre Island offer endless recreational opportunities for visitors and locals. Swim in the warm waters, build a stunning sandcastle, or simply relax with your toes in the sun-kissed sand and breathe in the salty fresh air—ah!
Did You Know? Our beaches seasonally have large amounts of seaweed wash ashore. Seaweed, a natural part of our ecosystem, is a good thing! It provides food for birds, turtles, and marine life. Seaweed also helps form our protective dunes and breaks down into rich nutrients for our beautiful beaches. We appreciate your patience and understanding during these seasonal occurrences.
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Development Plan for North Beach
This naturally beautiful beach has been a tourist hotspot for over 100 years. This area of Corpus Christi is so important to our history and our future. Learn more about North Beach and the City's efforts to maintain and revitalize the area.
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Floating Wheelchairs Make the Beach Fun and Accessible
The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department offers free use of Beach Wheelchairs for persons with disabilities. These chairs allow you to move about on the sand and into the surf. Come bask in the sun's warmth and enjoy the feel of the surf and the roll of the waves.
To learn more about this program, view the VIDEO about our All-Terrain Wheelchairs for use on City beaches and the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve trails.
Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis while lifeguards are on duty. Please call (361) 826-8542 to inquire about availability.
Program Beach Locations:
- McGee Beach
- Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall
- Whitecap Beach
- North & South of Packery Channel
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FEATURED VIDEOS:
VIDEO - Free in CC - McGee Beach (April 5, 2018)
VIDEO - Free in CC - Walk Along North Beach Beachwalk (October 12, 2017)
VIDEO - Free in CC - Bird Watching at Laguna Shores (July 14, 2017)
Address: 8185 Highway 361, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Phone: (361) 826-3469
► City Gulf Beach Webcams
View the following live stream:
• Whitecap Beach Access
• Aquarius/Park Road 22 Intersection
• Commodores/Park Road 22 Intersection
• North Padre Seawall
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LOCATIONS & MAPS FOR AREA BEACHES
North Beach access by Surfside Blvd., CC, TX 78402
McGee Beach access by 222 S. Shoreline Blvd., CC, TX 78401
Mustang Island Beaches access by Zahn Rd., CC, TX 78418
Padre Island Beaches access by Park Road 22, CC, TX 78418
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Vendor Permits
Beach & Park Vendor Permit Applications are accepted year-round. Permits are issued on a seasonal basis and are subject to site availability. Please check back periodically for updates.
► Summer Vending Season
March 1st to September 30th
► Winter Vending Season
October 1st to February 28th
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Hiring Opportunities
Please check back periodically for opportunities.
► We're Hiring Gulf Beach Senior Lifeguards (flyer)
► Apply Online Today!
► WATCH VIDEO - We're Hiring for Gulf Beach Rescue Team (Posted 5-12-2021)
- Beach Parking Permits
- Corpus Christi Beach Rules
- Rip Current Forecast
- Rip Current Survival Guide - NOAA Video
- Break the Grip of the Rip - NOAA Video
- Break the Grip of the Rip - NOAA Fact Sheet
- Tips to Handle a Rip Current
- All-Terrain Wheelchair Accommodation Video
- Sand and Shoreline Maintenance Practices
- Texas Beach Watch