(Due to current world events, please check in with each place before heading out to ensure that they are accepting people. So your time will not be wasted.)

Events – Annual

Texas Sandfest – Between beach mile markers 9 and 13, Port Aransas, TX
Huge professional sand sculptures on the beach. Shopping, food, and music also offered. Usually happens in April.

Food

Blackbeard’s On the Beach – 3117 Surfside Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402
One of the first seafood places I ever went to in the area. Still one of my favorites. No frills. Just a beach vibe. Kinda of a tourist trap since it is near the ship and the aquarium. But I’ve always liked the food here. I usually get the Shrimp Sampler appetizer as a meal. I really like the blackened shrimp. I’d also recommend the frozen mixed drinks.

Snoopy’s Pier – 13313 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Standard beach food with a view of the calm side of the water. Can catch the sunset here. The highway is nearby so it’s not completely quiet, but still has the vibe. Sit near or on the patio for the full experience.

Hotels

Plantation Suites & Conference Center – 1909 TX-361, Port Aransas, TX 78373
I used to stay here every time I went to Port Aransas. Just a few blocks from Sandcastle Drive beach access. No frills, but very comfortable. I found it quiet. On the smaller side. I didn’t ever experience a party-vibe here. No beach view, but I thought it was a great affordable place to crash after a long day at the beach.

Parks

Mustang Island State Park – 9394 TX-361, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
This used to be my go-to spot for the beach in this area. There are bathrooms and showers. Paid access. I like the waves at this spot. Calm enough but still able to bodysurf. You can walk really far out when the water is low enough.

North Beach Camping – N Beach Access Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
This is one of the last free beach access points before Padre Island National Seashore state park. No frills. Bring anything you’ll need. Gas up. But there are miles of beaches to access. Drive onto the beach. Also there is an area to walk down that cars are not able to access. However, there was a naked man that approached me one time when I went down to this area alone. So please exercise caution and let people know where you are going if you go by yourself.

Padre Balli Park – 15820 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
This is my new favorite spot to go to the beach in the Corpus Christi area. Bathrooms and showers. Also have some covered picnic tables. And a big elevated pier that you can pay to access. Beach parking permit required to use the park. You can usually buy these at any convenience store in the area.

Roberts Point Park – 301 J C Barr Blvd, Port Aransas, TX 78373
A great spot to see the ferry boats coming in from Aransas Pass. The parking for the ferry can get very long on busy days. This will impact your trip to the park.

South Padre Island County Beach Access #3 – Beach Access 3, South Padre Island, TX 78597
Free access to the beach. No frills. Bring what you’ll need. And shoes to walk across the parking lot to the beach. Unless you roll like that. You can walk a long long way on the beach in either direction. Flat beach.

Public Art

Selena Memorial Statue – 600 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
If you know, you know. Just like taking the obligatory photo in front of the Alamo in San Antonio, it seems wrong to go to Corpus and not take a photo with Selena at least once. RIP.

Sightseeing

Harbor Bridge – Harbor Bridge, Corpus Christi, TX 78402
There is a new bridge being built, but the old bridge has a great view of the ocean and pretty LED colors at night. Please check first before you plan on walking the bridge. It might not always be available.