NORTH BEACH
North Beach is located 5.5 miles from the center of town, directly across the Harbor Bridge. The sandy beach stretches 1.5 miles and houses local hotspots such as the Lexington Museum on the Bay and the Texas State Aquarium. The concrete boardwalk allows access for bikes, strollers and for tourists who want to enjoy the view. There is no parking allowed on the beach, but parking lots are designated around the length of the beach for vehicles. The beach requires no entrance fee or parking permit. Public restrooms and showers are placed at Dolphin Park, Surfside Park and near the Lexington.
MCGEE BEACH
McGee Beach is located 1.6 miles from the center of town, on Corpus Christi Bay. The family friendly beach holds nearby facilities such as bathrooms, restaurants, hotels and a playground. There is no entrance fee or parking permit required. There is no parking on the beach, but guests are allowed to park in nearby parking lots or along the street in the designated spots.
WHITECAP BEACH
Padre Island’s Whitecap Beach is located 21 miles from the center of town and stretches 1.5 miles. The beach is far off from the spring break party scene and less crowded than other beaches in the area. No entrance fee is required and there are no public restrooms on the beach. Parking is allowed on the beach but requires a parking permit.
ROCKPORT FULTON BEACH
Rockport-Fulton Beach is located 34 miles from the center of town. The beach includes pavilions, public restrooms and numerous picnic sites. Hours are from 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 6 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday. Parking costs $5 per day or $20 for an annual pass. Bicycle riders and walkers can enter the beach for free. There is no citywide beach pass. Beach passes are purchased at the front entrance booth upon arrival.
PORT ARANSAS BEACH
Port Aransas Beach is located 36 miles from the center of town and stretches 6.3 miles. Small campfires are allowed on the beach. Port-A-Potties and showers are provided around the beach for guest use. Tents and RV/campers are allowed on the beach, but are limited to three nights in one spot. RV/campers must have a specific parking permit that will last till the end of the year. Parking permits are required to park on the beach and driving is designated between the sand dunes and wooden marker posts.
PADRE BALLI PARK/BOB HALL PIER
Padre Balli Park is located 21 miles from the center of town and spans 400 acres. Picnic tables and cabanas are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Restrooms and beach bath houses are also available. Bob Hall Pier is a hotspot for fishing. The 1,240-foot pier features depths suitable for beginner and experienced fisherman. The prices are $2 per person/$2 per pole with a four pole limit per person. Seniors 65 and older have a discounted price of $1 per person/$1 per pole. Parking permits are required to park on the beach.
PARKING PERMITS
Permits are required to park on beaches in the Corpus Christi/Port Aransas area. The permit is $12 and is valid until Dec. 31. The pass must be displayed on the vehicle windshield. A list of places to purchase permits can be found on the Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation website. Port Aransas parking permits and $40 RV/camper permits are available at the Port Aransas City Hall, IGA grocery store and various convenience stores around the island.
