Looking for the best beaches in Corpus Christi to visit this summer?
Corpus Christi, with its 100 miles of sandy shoreline, is one of the most underrated beach destinations in the US.
The Texas beach city has beautiful white sand beaches, a mild climate year-round, and warm water perfect for swimming.
Whether you’re looking for long stretches of secluded coastline…
….or lively urban beaches with plenty of restaurants and activities
There’s something for everyone in this Texas beach town!
Also Read: 16 Best Beaches in Texas for families
Best Beaches in Corpus Christi, Texas
Corpus Christi beaches are sunny and offer gorgeous Gulf views.
They are popular places to unwind and soak up the sun.
Some of our top picks for the best beaches in Corpus Christi would include North Beach, Mustang Island State Park, and Whitecap Beach.
Remember to get the yearly beach parking pass if you are a frequent visitor to the city!
You can buy the Corpus Christi beach parking permit at various locations in the city.
Here are the best beaches in Corpus Christi to visit on your next trip.
North Beach
There are many amazing beaches in the coastal city of Corpus Christi, each with its unique appeal.
The most popular beach is undoubtedly North Beach, a bayside beach.
Stretching for almost 3 miles, North Beach is the city’s most beloved spot for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and simply taking in the stunning Gulf views.
The beach is also adjacent to the popular boardwalk, which is a great place to stroll, rollerblade, or bike.
You will find basic amenities at the beach including showers, restrooms, and parking.
The beach is located across the Harbor Bridge from downtown Corpus Christi.
It is close to the popular museums of USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium, Ferris wheel, as well as other attractions in the city.
If you are looking for a place to stay near North Beach, there are plenty of great hotels and vacation rentals in the area.
Good for – families wanting to stay close to town and popular attractions including museums.
McGee Beach
Located along Shoreline Blvd, McGee Beach is one of the city’s nicest urban beaches.
It is a popular spot for families due to its calm water and shallow depth.
The beach overlooks Corpus Christi Bay, making it a great place to watch the sunset.
The beach is beautifully maintained and has several amenities including beach chair and umbrella rentals, watersports, beach volleyball, restrooms, and showers.
If you’re looking for an urban beach that feels more like a city oasis than a crowded tourist destination, McGee Beach is perfect!
Good for – families wanting an urban beach with watersports activities close to popular attractions downtown.
Whitecap Beach
Looking for a true Gulf beach experience?
Head to Whitecap Beach on the barrier island of Mustang Island!
Whitecap Beach is the cleanest and best white sand beach in Texas!
It is a beautiful natural beach with no high-rise buildings or tourist traps.
The beach is great for swimming, fishing, and simply relaxing on the sand.
It also offers free camping, bonfires, and restrooms.
Good for – families or couples seeking a true Gulf beach, looking to escape crowds, or planning to camp on primitive sites.
Padre Balli County Park
Another favorite beach destination in Corpus Christi is the Padre Balli Surf Park.
This county park has RV campsites, tent campsites, bathhouses, paved camping, and restrooms.
The beach is great for swimming, fishing or simply relaxing on the sand.
You can also drive on this beach with a permit.
The Bob Hall Pier is also located here.
It is one of the most popular spots for fishing in Corpus Christi.
Good for – those looking for electric RV or tent sites and a clean beach on the Texas coast.
South Packery Channel Beach
South Packery Beach is a great spot for surfing, fishing, and swimming.
The beach is located on North Padre Island and is known for its strong rip currents.
It is also a popular spot for windsurfing.
The beach also allows camping.
Good for – those seeking a more adventurous beach experience, looking to surf or windsurf.
North Packery Beach / JP Luby Surf Park
North Packery Beach is another favorite beach in the area, one of the best beaches for surfing.
The beach park is located at the far southern tip of Mustang Island and has great waves for surfers of all levels.
The JP Luby Surf Park is also a fun place to go kiteboarding, paddleboarding, or kayaking!
Good for – those looking for excellent surfing conditions on the Texas coast.
Michael J. Ellis Beach and Seawall
The Padre Island Seawall Beach is also known as Windward Beach.
This is a beautiful white sand beach with excellent water quality.
This beach is popular among families and tourists due to its calm, shallow waters that are perfect for swimming or simply relaxing in the sun.
There is also a walking/biking trail that runs along the seawall.
Good for – families looking to swim or relax in calm, shallow waters.
Padre Island National Seashore Beaches near Corpus Christi
Looking for solitude?
Leave downtown Corpus Christi and head to Padre Island National Seashore.
This is our favorite national park in Texas.
It has a 60-mile stretch of undeveloped coastline that is perfect for fishing, swimming, bird watching, and simply enjoying the tranquility of nature.
There are no lifeguards on duty, so be sure to use caution when swimming.
Also Read: Best places to camp on the beach in Texas
Malaquite Beach
Malaquite Beach is the most popular beach in the park.
This beach is located near the park visitor center and the Malaquite campground.
The beach has a designated swimming area and is great for families with younger children.
Malaquite Beach is also where the sea turtle hatchling release takes place within the park.
Good for – those looking to escape crowds and enjoy nature at the NPS site, while remaining close to basic amenities.
North Beach
North Beach is perfect for those looking for a more secluded beach experience.
This stretch of undeveloped coastline is great for hiking, swimming, primitive camping, and bird watching.
The sand here is packed and can be reached by 2WD vehicles.
There are no amenities at this location so be sure to pack everything you need before heading out.
Good for – those looking to escape crowds, drive on firmly packed sand, and enjoy nature.
South Beach
South Beach is a secluded spot along the park coastline.
This beach has excellent swimming and fishing conditions but comes with the caveat of no lifeguards or amenities on site.
The beginning 5 miles of the beach is hard-packed and accessible to 2WD vehicles, but further south the sand is looser and better suited for 4WD vehicles.
You can spend the entire day here or even camp anywhere on the beach near the base of the dunes.
For more secluded sites, be sure to drive south.
Good for – those looking to drive on loosely packed sand and camp on the beach
Little Shell Beach
Little Shell Beach is a small, secluded beach located 10 miles from South Beach.
This beach is known for its deposition of small seashells due to the geological conditions.
The beach is unmarked and is the ultimate adventure.
It is also a great spot for bird watching and enjoying the surf and the sand.
The Little Shell Beach is only accessible by 4WD vehicles due to the soft sand.
Good for – those with 4WD looking to explore isolated areas of the national park by hiking, biking, beach driving, and camping
Big Shell Beach
Big Shell Beach is similar to Little Shell Beach but has much larger seashells.
This beach is also secluded and only accessible by 4WD vehicles.
The beach is 12 miles long and popular with locals who have been visiting here for a long time.
Good for – those who are comfortable with driving on the beach in a 4WD vehicle, primitive camping, and shelling
Other awesome beaches near Corpus Christi
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly swimming beaches or more secluded spots perfect for hiking, bird watching, and camping, there are plenty of great options near Corpus Christi.
Also Read: Best islands near Texas
Mustang Island State Park Beach
Just a short drive from Corpus Christi is Mustang Island State Park, one of the most beautiful beaches in Texas.
The state park features coastal dunes, wetlands, and 5 miles of beaches.
Amenities at the park include beachside campsites, covered picnic tables, and restrooms.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle.
Along with its beaches, Mustang Island State Park is popular for birdwatching, hiking, surfing, or simply enjoying the stunning views.
The park provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Texas’ coastal ecosystem.
Good for – those who want a family-friendly, fun, and educational beach experience.
Port Aransas Beaches
Port Aransas is a beach town located on Mustang Island, just north of Corpus Christi.
The town is home to the Port Aransas beach, Horace Caldwell Pier, Gulf of Mexico views, and many more attractions.
Port Aransas is a great place to enjoy fishing, crabbing, swimming, sunbathing, and having a relaxing time with the kids.
Good for – those looking to fish and enjoy the sandy shores
Rockport Beach
Located just 37 miles north of Corpus Christi, Rockport Beach is another great option for a beach getaway.
Rockport Beach is the cleanest beach in Texas.
The beach is perfect for surfing, fishing, swimming, and enjoying the sun and sand.
Rockport Beach is also a great place for birdwatching, shelling, and experiencing local wildlife.
Good for – families looking for a fun, budget-friendly beach vacation
South Padre Island Beaches
South Padre Island is an iconic beach destination, known for its turquoise waters, fun vibe, and soft sand beaches.
This island offers a wide selection of activities, including dolphin watching, kiteboarding, parasailing, and more.
Visitors can also enjoy great seafood at one of South Padre’s many restaurants or take part in a variety of watersports like jet skiing, surfing, or paddleboarding.
Good for – anyone who wants to enjoy an active beach getaway with lots of water sports and fun activities!
Which are your favorite Corpus Christi beaches? Show us your favorite pictures of Corpus Christi beach vacation or drop a comment below!