J.P. Luby — Guide to North Packery Channel Beach

North Packery Channel Beach, known locally as J.P. Luby, is a watersports destination on Mustang Island. Surfing, jet-skiing, kiteboarding, wakeboarding, and other activities draw visitors, residents, and families during every season.

North Packery offers abundant outdoor recreation and some of the best surfing conditions in the area, thanks to offshore winds from the northwest. Surf fishing is also popular, with the Gulf’s warm water practically ensuring success for those casting a line. Visitors who prefer relaxing in the sun or taking an easy swim can use the areas set aside for swimmers during the summer months.

Getting There

From SH 361, reach North Packery Beach through Zahn Rd or Newport Pass Rd. A parking permit must be purchased before arrival to park on the beach.

Mile Markers

North Packery Beach extends from Mile Marker 207 to Mile Marker 195.

Places to Stay and Eat

Hotels

Lively Beach
Padre Escapes Vacation Rentals
El Constante
Aruba Bay Resort

Food

Padre Island Burger Company
Doc's Seafood & Steaks
Snoopy's Pier
Island Joe's Coffee & Gallery

Important Information

Parking Permit Required
Port-O-Potties on Site
Free Trash Bag Stations
Outdoor Showers Available
Camping Allowed
Dogs Allowed

Highlights

Packed Sand for Driving
Premium Surf
Water Sports Wonderland

Beach Parking Permits

Permit stickers are $12 and available year-round at the following locations:

Corpus Christi Visitor Information Center
Stripes convenience stores (Padre Island, Flour Bluff, and select stores in central Corpus Christi)
Circle K convenience store (Padre Island and Flour Bluff)
H-E-B grocery stores (Aransas Pass, Corpus Christi, Calallen, Portland, and Rockport)
Corpus Christi City Hall – Central Cashiering
Naval Air Station-Corpus Christi – ITT Department
Nueces County Padre Balli Park Headquarters Office
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi (University Services)
Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Beach Operations Office

Additional information about beach parking permits is available from the permit resources for Corpus Christi beaches.

Available Rentals

Rental options on North Packery Beach include:

Joyride Rentals
Love Shack Tiki Hut
Corpus Beach Rentals

Bringing Dogs

All beaches in Corpus Christi welcome dogs, provided they remain on a leash or under verbal command. The pet-friendly beaches accommodate pets and dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Dogs cannot visit North Packery Beach on all major holidays. During those dates, take them to Padre Balli Park instead.

Lifeguard Coverage

Mobile lifeguards patrol North Packery Beach. The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department provides the full lifeguard schedule, including information about lifeguard coverage and mobile patrol throughout the year.

The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Beach Operations Office can be reached at (361) 826-3469. Call 911 in an emergency.

Trash and Cleanup

Blue boxes at the beach entrances and access roads provide complimentary trash bags; visitors can take one or two when they arrive. The bags are made to keep sand behind and prevent them from blowing away. Trash cans are positioned at every beach entrance and along the beach. Help leave the shoreline in better condition for the next visitor.

Camping and Campfires

Camping and campfires are permitted on North Packery Beach, subject to these rules:

Campfires may be no larger than 3’ x 3’ x 3’, and no residue may remain.
Fully put out every campfire and fill any holes.
Camping is prohibited in front of condos and hotels.
Camping is allowed for 3 days & nights consecutively, but no more than 6 days within a month.
Pallets and building materials are not allowed. Wood pallets and construction materials may be coated with toxic chemicals that are unsafe to burn, and they can contain nails or screws that pose hazards to people and wildlife.

Additional Beach Resources

Know Before You Go

Directions, parking permit details, and other planning information are available for visitors.

Watch Live Beach Cams

Live beach cameras let visitors review current conditions before heading out.

Sea Turtle Releases

Visitors can check whether a sea turtle release is scheduled during their stay.