What to do and see in Corpus Christi, Texas (TX): The Best Beaches

January 25, 2022 Madelene Haan

Corpus Christi possesses all of the main ingredients of an ideal weekend getaway: the sun, the sea, the sights, plus exhilarating and engaging activities the whole family can enjoy. Spend the day on the beach soaking up the sun or wind surfing, the breezy city's favorite pastime. Visit the massive Texas State Aquarium with its new Dolphin Bay, a protected habitat for dolphins unable to survive in open water. Take a tour of The USS Lexington, one of the most famous aircraft carriers in U.S. naval history. Stroll through fabulous flora and fauna at the Botanical Gardens. At the Museum of Science and History, check out the recreated Pinta and Santa Maria, two of the ships Columbus used to sail to the new world. At night, enjoy a succulent seafood dinner at any number of fine restaurants, then head to the historic Harbor Playhouse for delightfully original community theater and a true taste of what Corpus Christi is all about.
Restaurants in Corpus Christi

1. Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall

15200 Windward, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Excellent
76%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 25 reviews

Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall

Reviewed By gypsygirl425 - Horseshoe Bay, United States

We are lucky to be renting an Airbnb right across the street from the Michael J Ellis beach and it is absolutely beautiful! The sand is fine and the beach is really clean! There is a lot of different types of birds at the beach as well. There are miles of sand, two piers and a restaurant along the beach. It is a great place to hang out!

2. Padre Island National Seashore

20420 Park Road 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418-6529 +1 361-949-8068 https://www.nps.gov/pais/index.htm
Excellent
69%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,859 reviews

Padre Island National Seashore

A 15-minute drive from downtown Corpus Christi transports you to this magnificent 70-mile stretch of white sand beach, scenic dunes and warm ocean water, offering ideal conditions for swimming, fishing, beach-combing, windsurfing, camping, bird-watching and viewing wildlife.

Reviewed By M8870IWjasonr

A fantastic national asset. Best enjoyed though with a capable 4x4 vehicle. Tourist crowd the first 5 miles of beach while the real beauty exists South of the 20 mile marker. Ask some locals before taking off down the beach, it does have it's risks. For those adventurous types a trip 60 miles south to the Mansfield jetty is worth the trip.

3. Malaquite Beach

20420 Park Road 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418 +1 361-949-8068 http://www.nps.gov/pais/index.htm
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 481 reviews

Malaquite Beach

This beach on Padre Island is a great camping and beach-going spot.

Reviewed By katv55

Malaquite Beach is a jewel along the Texas Gulf coast as part of the Padre Island National Seashore. With the adjacent NPS Visitor Center and its showers, restrooms, interpretive programs, and gift shop, this vehicle-free stretch of beach is the perfect for a day’s outing year round. Visitors are in for a treat from May to September when the hatching and releasing of baby sea turtles occur.

4. Padre Island Sea Wall Beach

Corpus Christi, TX
Excellent
51%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 35 reviews

Padre Island Sea Wall Beach

Reviewed By washyourcooze - Cedar Park, United States

Padre Island is the place to stay and play when coming to the beach in Texas. The best time to come is when the kids are in school. Once school starts the beach loses 2/3 of its crowd.

5. McGee Beach

402 S Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Excellent
46%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

McGee Beach

Reviewed By DarrenDaugherty - Texas, United States

Before going to McGee Beach, we noticed that a number of reviews commented on family friendliness. After going there with our group of 10 family members, we agree. The beach was clean and well cared for. The sand was beautiful, and there were many seashells for the little ones to hunt for. We were able to wade out very far before experiencing a noteable decline; thus we didn't have to stress about water depth with the little ones. Nice beach!

6. Whitecap Beach

14802 Whitecap Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 103 reviews

Whitecap Beach

Reviewed By JoDeeE77 - Reardan, United States

Loved being able to drive for miles on the beach! The sand is so soft when you walk in it! Love it! All the little birds digging for clams in the surf are fun to watch and it’s neat to see what the fishermen get too!

7. North Beach

Surfside Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402 361-826-3469 http://www.cctexas.com/government/parks-recreation/programs-services/beaches/index
Excellent
35%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
8%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 228 reviews

North Beach

Reviewed By ilike2search - Kemp, United States

This is one of my favorite beaches in the downtown area. It’s just a hop skip and jump over the Harbor Bridge. Just be aware 2018-2019 the Harbor Bridge is undergoing a Bridge contstuction project. There could be some exits closed near the downtown area. This beach is in the bay or harbor depending on how you see it. It’s protected by Mustang Island. The waves are usually small and great to take the little ones to or just a place to totoally relax. As even on the hottest days it’s not totally packed like it is on the island. There is a very nice paved Harbor Walk on the outside edge of the sand. I think it’s 5 miles long from Dolphin Beach on the north end to the North Beach side on the south. This is where the aquarium and the Lexington are located. This is the beach I go to when I just need to relax or meditate. I usually go to Dolphin Beach there is a break water down there. You will usually find a few fisherman/women down there. I’ve found many interesting shells on the beach from the Texas Whelk shells, oyster shells, small shells and sea glass. Make sure to bring a bucket or bag as I’m sure you’ll find some treasures to take home. The view from this side of the Harbor is stunning. You can see the downtown, The Lexington, the Harbor Bridge and barges coming in. Now for the really good thing. There are public bathrooms, outdoor beach showers to wash the salt off and plenty of free parking. Now the bad thing. There are no lifeguards. So swim at your own risk and beware of the rip tide anywhere you swim even in the bay or harbor.

8. Padre Balli Park

15820 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Excellent
54%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
7%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 46 reviews

Padre Balli Park

Reviewed By Cleep56 - Lake Saint Louis, United States

Easy beach access with convenient parking and covered areas to sit and/or picnic and sunbathe when the sun is at the correct angle. Restrooms are near as is the Mikel May restaurant.

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