Big Sandy Bay Beach
- Unnamed Road, Wolfe Island, ON K0H 2Y0, Canada
- Wolfe Island, ON K0H 2Y0
About This Beach
Located on the sparkling Gulf Coast of South Texas, Corpus Christi Beach — often called North Beach — combines laid-back coastal charm with family-friendly attractions and city convenience. Offering soft sand, calm Gulf waters, and spectacular skyline views, this urban beach is a favorite for both locals and visitors.
Perfect for swimming, jet skiing, beach walks, or enjoying waterfront dining, Corpus Christi Beach is also home to two of Texas’s most popular attractions: the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay and the Texas State Aquarium. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing seaside escape or a full day of adventure, this beach delivers the best of both worlds.
📜 History & Unique Features
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Originally known as North Beach, this stretch of coast has been a local favorite for generations.
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The beach sits near the Harbor Bridge, offering panoramic views of the Corpus Christi skyline.
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The area was revitalized in the 1990s, transforming into a lively waterfront district with hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
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The nearby USS Lexington, a World War II aircraft carrier turned museum, is one of the most famous landmarks in Texas.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March – May): Ideal weather, perfect for beach walks and sightseeing.
Summer (June – August): Warm Gulf waters and family vacation season.
Fall (September – November): Fewer crowds, mild temperatures, and beautiful sunsets.
Winter (December – February): Pleasant for strolls and waterfront dining, with cooler weather.
Summer (June – August): Warm Gulf waters and family vacation season.
Fall (September – November): Fewer crowds, mild temperatures, and beautiful sunsets.
Winter (December – February): Pleasant for strolls and waterfront dining, with cooler weather.
Things To Do
Popular Activities
- Swimming & Sunbathing: Calm, shallow waters make it perfect for families and children.
- Beach Walks & Picnics: Enjoy relaxing strolls with views of downtown and the Harbor Bridge.
- Visit the USS Lexington: Tour a historic aircraft carrier and explore naval history exhibits.
- Texas State Aquarium: Meet dolphins, sea turtles, and stingrays just steps from the sand.
- Water Sports: Rent kayaks, paddleboards, and jet skis for a day on the bay.
- Fishing: Cast a line from the jetties or book a local charter boat.
- Dining & Nightlife: Dine beachfront, enjoy live music, or grab drinks overlooking the bay.
- Beach Events: Watch fireworks, local festivals, and seasonal concerts on the shore.
Plan Your Visit
Choose how you’d like to plan your trip to this beach — from places to stay to nearby experiences.
Amenities
Nearby Amenities
- Lifeguards on duty during peak hours
- Restrooms and outdoor showers
- Picnic tables and shaded areas
- Beach rentals for umbrellas, chairs, and water gear
- Public parking lots and street parking available
- Dozens of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals nearby
- Restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance
Beach Hours
Beach Hours
Open Now
Open 24/7
Events & Festivals
Events & Festivals
Barefoot Mardi Gras (Feb): Annual beachfront parade and celebration.
Bay Jammin’ Concert Series (Summer): Free live music in local parks.
Fourth of July Fireworks (July): Spectacular waterfront display.
Texas Jazz Festival (October): One of the nation’s longest-running free jazz events.
Harbor Lights Festival (December): Parade of lighted boats and holiday fun.
Bay Jammin’ Concert Series (Summer): Free live music in local parks.
Fourth of July Fireworks (July): Spectacular waterfront display.
Texas Jazz Festival (October): One of the nation’s longest-running free jazz events.
Harbor Lights Festival (December): Parade of lighted boats and holiday fun.
Hours/Lifeguards
Hours/Lifeguards
Beach Access: 6:00 AM – Midnight daily
Lifeguards: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (seasonal)
Attractions (USS Lexington, Aquarium): Typically open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Lifeguards: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (seasonal)
Attractions (USS Lexington, Aquarium): Typically open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing
Pricing
Beach Access: Free
Parking: $2–$10 (varies by lot)
USS Lexington Admission: ~$20 adults / ~$14 children
Texas State Aquarium Admission: ~$40 adults / ~$30 children
Rentals: Chairs & umbrellas ~$25/day; Jet skis ~$80/hour
Parking: $2–$10 (varies by lot)
USS Lexington Admission: ~$20 adults / ~$14 children
Texas State Aquarium Admission: ~$40 adults / ~$30 children
Rentals: Chairs & umbrellas ~$25/day; Jet skis ~$80/hour
Food & Drinks
Food & Drinks
Blackbeard’s on the Beach: Iconic seafood and steakhouse steps from the sand.
Yo Philly Cheesesteak & Subs: Great for casual beach bites.
Pier 99: Waterfront dining with local seafood and live music.
Republic of Texas Bar & Grill: Fine dining with skyline views (inside Omni Hotel).
Snowie’s Beach Hut: Shaved ice and snacks for families.
Yo Philly Cheesesteak & Subs: Great for casual beach bites.
Pier 99: Waterfront dining with local seafood and live music.
Republic of Texas Bar & Grill: Fine dining with skyline views (inside Omni Hotel).
Snowie’s Beach Hut: Shaved ice and snacks for families.
Contact Information
Primary Phone
Website URL
Location
Beach Address
Visitor Info Center, 309, North Water Street, Marina Arts District, Downtown, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas, 78401, United States
Access Points
Corpus Christi Beach (North Beach)
Surfside Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, USA
Located just across the Harbor Bridge from downtown Corpus Christi
About 15 minutes from Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP)
Public access points and parking available along Surfside Blvd
Wheelchair-accessible ramps and pathways
Surfside Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, USA
Located just across the Harbor Bridge from downtown Corpus Christi
About 15 minutes from Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP)
Public access points and parking available along Surfside Blvd
Wheelchair-accessible ramps and pathways
Visitor Info Center, 309, North Water Street, Marina Arts District, Downtown, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas, 78401, United States
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