Matt Slocum/Caller-Times file RELAXING DAY: A couple spends a summer afternoon resting in the shade near McGee Beach, a small strip in downtown Corpus Christi.

Enjoy the sand, surf, scenery

Beach-goers have fun swimming or surfing, fishing or camping


By Brendan Walsh, Caller-Times

Performing, Visual arts Beach rules and information Dogs No dogs are allowed at Rockport Beach Park, but they are allowed at Corpus Christi Beach, J.P. Luby Surf Park, McGee Beach, Port Aransas, Mustang Island State Park, Padre Island National Seashore and near Bob Hall Pier. Alcohol Alcoholic beverages are allowed at Rockport Beach Park, Port Aransas, J.P. Luby Surf Park, Padre Island National Seashore and near Bob Hall Pier. They are not allowed at Corpus Christi Beach, McGee Beach or Mustang Island State Park. Lifeguards Lifeguards are present roughly from Memorial Day to Labor Day at McGee Beach, Port Aransas and Bob Hall Pier. Lifeguards are not employed at Rockport Beach Park, Corpus Christi Beach, Mustang Island State Park or Padre Island National Seashore. Parking permits For $6, you can buy a beach parking permit that’s good for one year at Port Aransas, J.P. Luby Surf Park and Bob Hall Pier. Permits are $3 daily or $7 for the year at Rockport Beach Park. Cars with boats are free at Rockport Beach Park. Parking permits aren’t required at Corpus Christi Beach or McGee Beach. Entry fee is $3 per person age 13 and up at Mustang Island State Park. Entry fee at Padre Island National Seashore is $10 per week per vehicle or $20 annually. Helpful hints Jellyfish stings Treat Portuguese man-of-war stings with Windex, vinegar, hydrocortisone or a paste made from rubbing alcohol and unseasoned meat tenderizer. Don’t scratch the wound. If the stung area swells quickly, get medical help. Beat the heat The sun’s heat can be intense on local beaches. Smart sun worshippers drink plenty of water to avoid heat-related illnesses. They also slather themselves with strong waterproof sunblock to prevent nasty sunburns. On the Net Visit caller.com, keyword visitors, for more information on Coastal Bend beaches.

In the Coastal Bend, the tide always is turning in your favor.

Beach goers can party at J.P. Luby Surf Park and meditate in utter solitude at the wide-open Padre Island National Seashore. Visit the wildlife sanctuary at Rockport Beach Park. Or walk to seafood restaurants bordering Corpus Christi Beach.

In South Texas, there are plenty of fish in the sea and lots of shoreline for sun worshipers.

Rockport Beach Park

Families relax at the edge of placid Aransas Bay with picnic cabanas and a playground for children. The mile-long beach also includes a wildlife sanctuary, boat ramps and fishing piers.

Corpus Christi Beach

Hundreds of truckloads of sand earlier this year have greatly widened this beach on Corpus Christi Bay. City conveniences, the Texas State Aquarium and the Lexington Museum on the Bay are nearby.

McGee Beach

A small, sandy strip in the heart of downtown Corpus Christi, this beach is bordered by Corpus Christi’s seawall — great for long, scenic walks. McGee Beach features shade trellises and wheelchair ramps.

Port Aransas

Beaches in Port Aransas are good for swimming and general frolic for families and single folks. Surfing is best next to Horace Caldwell Pier. Fishing is good on the pier, in the surf and at the South Jetty.

Beach parking permits are $6 at convenience stores and float rental booths on the beach. Permits are valid for most beaches from Port Aransas to Bob Hall Pier. Camping is available at Port Aransas Park for $15 a night.

Mustang Island State Park

Not given to wild parties, this stretch of beach is great for families, with camping, rinse-off showers and a park store with souvenirs, ice, firewood and snacks.

J.P. Luby Surf Park

This is where young single people go to see and be seen. Tens of thousands congregate here to worship the sun and ogle each other during Spring Break, Memorial Day, Labor Day and other holidays.

Bob Hall Pier

Fishermen here catch everything from 8-pound speckled trout to 6-foot tarpon. Nearby, Padre Balli Park is a favorite for young people and families. Portable toilets, rinse-off showers and snack bars are among amenities.

Padre Island National Seashore

Fishing, hiking, bird-watching, camping, kayaking and windsurfing are big at the seashore, a 65-mile stretch of beach where it’s easy to find solitude.

A four-wheel drive vehicle is necessary after the first few miles.