![]() We decided to drive out to Corpus Christi to sample the beaches there. I live in the Houston area, and while close to the ocean, I wouldn't dare immerse my body in the waters surrounding the area for fear of certain death. I have to admit, I wasn't expecting much. Be careful with rip current (Same in every beach of course). Be careful with jellyfish, or small crabs that can hurt you. How can someone clean this long stretch of beach - like 50 plus miles. Can not predict whether there will be seaweed on the shore when you visit. You can jump into water at anytime which is the strong point of both places. A lot of people bring tents and cook food on the beach. Not a big deal but if you want to surf, you will need to go pretty far. Therefore, waves tend to break long before it is near to beach. Since beach is on barrier island, water is shallow until you go quite far away from the beach. ![]() ![]() I heard "South Padre Island" - that one broke from this place has a slightly better quality but it is like another 11/2 hours drive towards Mexico border. I would say ok quality but not crystal clear as in Carribean/Hawaii or Mexico. Water quality: not as muddy as in Galveston. Great if you bring you own food for a day trip and enjoy literally next to water. Nice gazebo/ picnic tables/wooden tents present in this place only. Real restroom is at nearby office only and always crowded. Both has places to clean up seawater (open showers) and restroom is a portable, temporary plastic one. Entrance fee is $5/person/per day - unless you have TX state park pass ($70/year). No picnic table available, although you can sit on tables near the office with partial view to the sea. Outdoor showers present and there is covered shower/changing room/restroom pretty close to beach. Looks like better value and you can also enjoy may be more wildlife, up to 50 miles to drive (with 4WD) on the natural beach and camp wherever you want. Entrance fee is $10/vehicle and good for 7 days - unless you have annual National Park Pass or Senior Card for NP. Both places are on the same "barrier island" where north to South Padre Pwy is called Mustang Island and south of it is called Padre Island. I do not know why Mustang Island State Park is listed under Port Aransas whereas Melaquite (Part of Padre Island National Park) is under Corpus Christi. Overall, I'd say it's a good park to go to check off your list & move on to your next destiation. The nature guys on TV make it look so fun BUT we were scared. Late in the afternoon when the tide was low, my Wife & I were finding Sand Dollars past the first sand bar in waist deep water, to our surprise we saw a 3 foot Black Tip Shark. No lifeguards were present.ĭon't go when the winds are out of the North or the wind is fairly mild in late August. ![]() Park Rangers patrol the area on ATV's from time to time. I was impressed with the beech wheel chairs that are availaable for those with mobiity issues. The park is isloted enough that you don't have a hotel or pier obstructing your vistas. We just wanted to swim & lay out in the sun. This is a family park you don't have to worry about "spring break " type behavior. Nice beech by Texas standards, clean facilities with a conveiece store, showers, sand rinse, picnic tables, education center, tours.
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