Your guide to Corpus Christi, Port Aransas and Rockport beaches near you

Lina PortmanMay 30, 2024

0 4 minutes read

The Coastal Bend is full of beaches and waterfronts to visit during spring break, summer, and any other time, too.

Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, and Rockport are popular tourist destinations, and locals are proud beachgoers. The Caller-Times rounded up 11 beaches along the coastline that make perfect sandy getaways, six of which were named USA TODAY's Top 10 Best Beaches.

On Tuesday, USA TODAY announced the results of its survey of the best beach in Texas, along with the best beaches in six other states. Of the 10 beaches recognized in the top 10, Coastal Bend beaches took six spots.

Rockport Beach was second, Malaquite Beach on North Padre Island fourth, Magee Beach in Port Aransas fifth, Whitecap Beach seventh, Mustang Island State Park eighth and South Beach on Padre Island National Seashore ninth.

The full list is:

Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island
Rockport Beach
Boca Chica Beach in Cameron County
Malaquite Beach on North Padre Island
Magee Beach in Port Aransas
Beach by the surf
Whitecap Beach
Mustang Island State Park
South Beach on the Padre Island National Seashore
Galveston Island State Park

Be sure to purchase a $12 beach parking permit before you go, though. Permits can be purchased at participating Stripes stores, HEB, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi Visitor Information Center, Nueces Padre Balli Park County Headquarters Office, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, City Hall, participating Circle K stores and participating Murphy Oil USA stores.

Did you pack the sunscreen? Let's find your perfect Coastal Bend beach.

JP Luby Surf Park

North Packery Beach, better known as JP Luby Surf Park, is a beach filled with surfers, jet skiers, kite surfers, surf fishermen and beachgoers throughout the year.

People can camp on the beach. Grills, picnic tables, and beach baths are also available on the grounds.

McGee Beach

Located in downtown Corpus Christi, McGee Beach is a seaweed-free place for a laid-back experience.

Stretching along the sea wall, you can enjoy fishing, sand volleyball and sunbathing. You can also visit Fun Time Rentals and try out a jet ski or pedal boat. It is the ideal beach for a safe family visit.

Michael J. Ellis Beach and Seawall

This 1.6 km stretch of paradise is generally inhabited by surfers, beach volleyball players and sunbathers.

A popular hotspot with locals and tourists alike, the seawall offers panoramic views perfect for beach walks. As an added bonus, there are plenty of hotels and beach rentals for those who want to stay right on Michael J. Ellis Beach.

Mustang Island State Park

With over 5 miles of open beach, Mustang Island State Park is one of the most popular beaches for families in Coastal Bend.

The park offers many activities including camping, picnicking, fishing, swimming, hiking, surfing, bird watching and much more. Park facilities include campsites with water and electricity, primitive beaches, shaded picnic areas, restrooms and showers.

North Beach

Best known for its surrounding attractions, North Beach is a 1.5-mile-long beach located near the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay and the Texas State Aquarium.

After splashing in the water, be sure to visit some of the local businesses and grab something to eat at Fajitaville, shop at Palace Beachwear & Gifts, or even get a tattoo at Electric Cobra Tattoo.

North Padre Island

Part of the Padre Island National Seashore, North Padre Island is the perfect destination for beach lovers.

The Malaquite Visitor Center, open daily, provides restrooms and showers for visitors. North Padre Island also offers beachgoers fishing, swimming, surfing, sunbathing and more.

Padre Balli Park

Open year-round, Padre Balli Park is located right next to Bob Hall Pier and is known as a camping spot for beachgoers.

There are 98 RV sites and 12 tent sites with water and electricity hookups and a dump station located nearby for visitors. Camping fees include use of the shower and Wi-Fi access. Enjoy fishing, swimming, walking on the beach, and even releasing sea turtles from time to time.

Padre Island National Seashore

With more than 130,000 acres of dunes, meadows and sand, the Padre Island National Seashore is a national park and refuge for family activities and wildlife.

Be sure to stroll along the Prairie Nature Trail to get a glimpse of the animals that live inland, including coyotes, deer, kangaroo rats, ghost crabs and more. A regular park schedule also allows visitors to watch newly hatched sea turtles begin their lives in the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Port Aransas Beach

Warm, clear water, open sand, and fresh air are what you can find in abundance at Port Aransas Beach.

Campfires on the beach are a popular activity here, as are spring break parties. Keep this in mind when planning your visit with your family to avoid locals and tourists getting their beer bongs ready.

Rockport Beach

Rockport Beach is Texas' premier Blue Wave beach, meaning it is kept clean, responsibly managed, and focuses on protecting human health and the environment.

Beach amenities include a water jump loop, free boat ramp, fishing piers, walking trail, picnic huts, paddle board launch sailing, volleyball courts, playgrounds, bird watching opportunities, toilets and showers.

Whitecap Beach

Near Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall and Padre Balli Park you will find Whitecap Beach.

Named for the white sand, it's a great place to bike, jog, or just spend a relaxing day at the beach. Hotels and resorts are located nearby for tourists wanting scenic ocean views and easy access.

Lina Portman

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