Beaches
Find Your Stretch of Sand
In Port ‘A’, it’s all about fun in the sun and sand! The beaches of Mustang Island are fantastically unique. There are eighteen miles of uninterrupted public shoreline, open for street legal vehicles and all things beachy! The warm Gulf waters and soft Texas sand are the perfect backdrop for a day full of beach, recreational activities, and nights highlighted with moonlight strolls.
Area Beaches
IB Magee Beach & Horace Caldwell Pier
Padre Island national Seashore
Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island
Padre Balli Park & Bob Hall Pier
San Jose Island
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IB Magee Beach & Horace Caldwell Pier
Located just on the other side of the rolling sand dunes that stretch along the small town of Port A is IB Magee Beach. Rent a golf cart, cruise the beach in your vehicle, or take a stroll into the sand. Wherever you are on the island, IB Magee Beach is no further than five minutes away. Located down from the jetty is the 1,200-foot-long Horace Caldwell Pier where you can walk out over the Gulf of Mexico and throw a line in the water or get a bite to eat at the grill. Visiting IB Magee Beach & Horace Caldwell Pier:- Parking Free during the day
- Overnight stays require permit per Nueces County Coastal Parks Information
- Pets must be on a leash
- Entrance fees: $2/person, $2/pole (4 rod limit per person), seniors 65+ and military $1/person, children 4 and under are free
- Public camping, RV hookups, and shower facilities
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Padre Island national Seashore
This scenic national park, found at the end of Park Road 22 on North Padre Island, is a nature enthusiast’s paradise. The site for camping among the coastal wildlife and catching hatchling releases, visitors of the 70-mile-long Padre island National Seashore have the chance to experience the coastline in its most natural state.
- Entrance and additional fees apply
- Kemp’s Ridley turtle hatchling releases
- Watersport rentals
- Primitive and Semi-Primitive Camping
- Showers/Restrooms
- Fishing
- Birding
- Parking lot
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Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island State Park is a five mile stretch of sandy beach along Mustang Island’s coastline, giving visitors the experience of a state park without traveling far from amenities in Port Aransas and Corpus Christi.- Entrance and additional fees apply
- Electric and Primitive Campsites
- Showers/Restrooms
- Fishing
- Birding
- Mustang Island Paddle Park Trail
- Ranger Programs
- Pet-friendly park
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Mustang Island
Mustang Island boasts 17 miles of beautiful, largely undisturbed Texas coastline. Visitors can drive right up to the water and BBQ, play horse shoes, camp out, or just enjoy the cool ocean breeze.- No entrance fees. Beach permit necessary
- Fishing
- Primitive Camping
- Use Access Roads 1, 1A, 2, and 3 to access the beach (4x4 may be necessary depending on sand conditions)
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Padre Balli Park & Bob Hall Pier
Padre Balli Park and Bob Hall Pier provide a convenient and fun beach experience for fishermen, families, and a little fun in the sun. Walk up the ramp to Mikel Mays for savory seafood and cold drinks.- No entrance fees to beach. Parking permit required
- Entrance fee to Bob Hall Pier is $2
- Paved parking lot
- Limited picnic tables with shade available
- Pet-friendly restaurant, Mikel Mays
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San Jose Island
Add a mini island getaway to your day and hitch a ride to the privately owned San Jose Island. It’s a brief ferry ride from Port A, but you’ll feel like you’re a world away. San Jose Island is largely uninhabited and undisturbed, with miles of quiet open beach to explore. Pack a picnic and bring a basket for your sea shell collection!
Visiting San Jose Island- Hop on passenger ferry boat at Fisherman’s Wharf
- Ferry service is limited, so plan ahead
- Be sure to bring food, water, and any other provisions as there are no stores on the island
Rip Currents
Before you get your feet wet, watch this video on Rip Currents to keep you and your family safe.
Beach Parking
Don’t forget your beach parking permit, available at City Hall, Family Center IGA, and The Islander. Learn more about beach parking: City Beach Information
Visit San José Island
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