The Ultimate Guide to North Beach in Corpus Christi, Texas
My plans to Island hop in Corpus Christi, Texas, came to a halt last year, when Hurricane Harvey hit, destroying many Businesses and Homes on various Islands.
Our Family was very fortunate to have inland Property for shelter with minor damages.
I forfeited my plans, because I wanted to highlight the Islands at its best, instead of what was being seen on the news, during and after the storm..
Location
Located on the Gulf of Mexico in South Texas, Corpus Christi boasts over 9 Beaches, and is surrounded by 5 Islands; Padre Island, South Padre Island, Mustang Island, Laguna Madre, and Brazos Island.
The hidden gem lays quietly on the Coast, and is the 8th largest City in Texas! It is only 3 hours away from Houston, and 2 hours away from San Antonio.
History
Corpus Christi's very first Occupants are said to be The Karankawa Indians, who were known to live and travel along The Gulf of Mexico.
According to history, Spanish explorer Alonzo Alvarez de Pineda, discovered a very rich, lavish, and partly Tropical Bay, on the Roman Catholic Feast Day in 1519. Thus, naming it Corpus Christi.
The name Corpus Christi means the body of Christ in Spanish. It is also currently identified as it's County Nueces Bay, and has been nicknamed "The Sparkling City by the Sea," by Locals and Tourist.
There are Islands within Islands here in Nueces Bay that I would like to show you! But first, North Beach!
The Ultimate Guide to North Beach Corpus Christi, Texas
If you you were raised on the West Coast like me, you may be very surprised that within the Lone Star State of Texas, there are Beaches, Islands, Palm Trees, Beach Homes, Dolphin watching, Surfing, and almost everything else that we associate The Golden State of California with!
Right across the Harbor Bridge on the far North end of the City of Corpus Christi, is a very attractive Seashore, named North Beach.
North Beach is where most Tourist come to experience just a taste of Nueces Bay!
Ways To Get To North Beach
Whether you drive, catch a Taxi or Uber, or board The Trolley Bus, you will have the most enjoyable and scenic ride across the 243ft Harbor Bridge.
If you choose to drive, parking at the Beach is always free! Yay!
Be sure to cross the Bridge at least one time at night, so that you can get the perfect close up view, as it lights up the bay every evening with an LED light show!
You can also see the The Harbor Bridge lights in all of its glory, in the downtown Museum district, right next to The Marina.
Trolley Bus
A fun way to get across the bridge to North Beach is via Trolley!
You can catch the Trolley by The Marina, at the designated Trolley Bus stops in front of McGee Beach, or at the newly remodeled, Corpus Christi Bus Station, which is just 5 minutes away from McGee Beach.
These cute Trolley Buses kind of remind me of the San Francisco Cable Cars...minus the Train rails & cables, tinted windows, and wheels!
The cost to ride the Trolley Bus is only 75 cents.
Prepare for your Trolley Bus trip, and gain more information about Corpus Christi Bus schedules and fares, at www.ccrta.org
Lodging
North Beach is like its own tiny city Island!
All lodging is either directly on the Beach, or within a short walking distance from the Beach, and all local Shops, Activities, and Dining.
Beach Homes and Condos
The Beach Condos on North Beach are so adorable!The vibrant colors will instantly lure you in.
Hotels and Motels
There are also several low-budget Motels, that look like cute little Bungalows, or Apartments.
How would you like to stay at a hotel, where you walk right out of your room, and onto the Beach?
Be sure to book ahead of time, as they tend to fill up fast! After summer, between September and December, is when you will find the best rates.
Weather
You may be a little reluctant to plan a Beach vacation during the winter, but remember, this is Texas! Warm weather and humidity allow you to enjoy the Beaches all year round.
Cooler months fluctuate between November and February-and I do stress fluctuate, because one Winter day it may be super cold, and the next day warm!
Also, it may rain and look gloomy in the morning and afternoon, then by 5 pm- beautiful sunshine until sunset!
Overall, the average temperatures on North Beach range between 80 and 90 degrees from April through October, and drops down to 60 and 70 degrees, between November and March.
Exploring North Beach
Which way should we go, and what should we do first?
Let's Eat!
Before we fully explore North Beach, lets eat!
At Fajitaville, you will enjoy a fun, relaxed Beachfront vibe, delicious food, a bar, music, and balcony views, right on the Beach.
Make this your very first stop right after you drop your belongings off!
They also have a Ferris Wheel, but you have to dine in at Fajitaville in order to ride!
Other food options on North Beach:
A cute little ice cream and snow cone spot called Big Daddy's, located next to the entrance of the USSR ship,
Blackbeard's Restaurant, where they have live music, and serve pirate themed food,
A popular Philly cheese steak joint called, 'Yo Philly Cheesesteak',
and the infamous, mouth-watering, Texas Whataburger, which almost immediately greets you, right after crossing the Harbor Bridge.
Now that our tummies are full, let's walk our food off, and explore!
North Beach has several cool Beach Shops right by the Beach, with an array of items to buy.
Forgot your Beach towel? North Beach Shops will have most of your Beach Essentials- along with Swim Suits, Apparel, Souvenirs, Handcrafted Beach Decor, and more.
Get a Henna Tattoo, buy from Locals, and experience some major fun Beach Shopping!
Explore The Aquarium right at the Beach
The Texas State Aquarium is a very popular spot here in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Touch some Stingrays, hold a Sea Urchin, watch Crocodiles up close, attend a Dolphin show, and see some Sharks.
Source:Texas State Aquarium
Whoever came up with the idea of placing an Aquarium that is practically on the Beach, is a genius!
Explore The USS Ship
The USS Lexington Ship is a WW2 Aircraft Carrier. This is the Islands pride and joy!
But it is not just a Historical Ship..., It's also a Museum. Another genius idea!
Boarding
Hop on a shuttle, and enjoy a breezy ride all the way up to the front entrance of the ship. (Don’t worry, it will be back for you when your done!)
The ride is so much fun, as you will be able to see the entire North Beach!
Watch war action in a 3d Mega Theatre, go behind the doors of a War Plane, get educated in Naval History, control your own Virtual Battleship, and get a close up look at Historic Aircraft.
Lounge on the Beach
Beach Bum It!
Walk around in your bathing suit all day, lounge around on the Beach, swim in the warm Texas Beach Ocean, and play a game of Volleyball in the sand.
Warning! For some of you, this may turn into a stay or workation!
Sports & Recreation
Rent a Jet Ski, Wind Surf, and go Kayaking! If you don't try any of these activities, you will still have a ton of fun watching, pointing, and waving at those who do.
Also, you can Jet Ski and Wind Surf from North Beach to McGee Beach!
A few other activities that you will enjoy at North Beach are-Fishing on big rocks-Side Walk Strolling-Playing at Surfside Park-Viewing a small stuffed animal exhibit.
Other Beach Information
*You can barbecue near your vehicle in certain Parking Areas by the Beach, but not on the Beach.
* There is a Public Bathroom and Bathhouse right next to Surfside Park
My personal preference is to Swim at McGee Beach, and lounge on North Beach.
You can even see Downtown Marina and McGee Beach, while lounging on North Beach! How cool is that??
Because of the short distance between the two Beaches, you will always have the best of both Beach Worlds!
*Originally published on 10-12-2018
*Updated January 2022
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