Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall — A Corpus Christi Beach Day on North Padre Island

Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall in Corpus Christi, TX, brings together Gulf of Mexico views, sandy shoreline, and plenty of room for a laid-back day outdoors. Set beside the scenic seawall, this lively beach makes it easy to relax, explore, and enjoy the coast.

Everyone can experience the beach thanks to wheelchair access and ramps connecting the seawall with the sand. Clean, well-kept bathrooms are close by, while the paved parking lot sits only steps from the shoreline for convenient unloading. Spend the day in the sun, walk along the seawall, or watch the waves at this memorable coastal destination.

Getting to Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall

Reach Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall through Access Rd 3a from Windward Dr or via Whitecap Blvd from S Padre Island Dr. A parking permit must be purchased before arriving if you plan to park on the beach. Free paved parking is available at the Windward Parking Lot, accessed from Windward Dr off Whitecap Blvd.

Mile Marker Coverage

Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall extends from Mile Marker 221 to Mile Marker 213.

Nearby Stays and Places to Eat

Hotels

Lively Beach
Hawthorn Suites
Island House
Gulfstream Condos
Holiday Inn Express
El Constante
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

What to Know

Free paved parking is available at the Windward Parking Lot.
A parking permit is required to park on the beach.
Beach wheelchairs are available.
ADA Accessible Ramp to Beach
Restrooms are on site.
Free trash bag stations are provided.
A rinse area is available.
Camping is allowed.
Dogs are allowed.

What Visitors Love

A central family beach hub
Well-maintained sand and shoreline
A walking path along the seawall
Water fountain
Doggy pick-up bags
Hotels directly on the beach
An ideal setting for making sandcastles

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free parking available at Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall?

Yes. Free paved parking is offered at the Windward Parking Lot, which can be reached from Windward Dr off Whitecap Blvd.

Where can I purchase a permit to park on the beach?

Permit stickers cost $12 and are sold 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

What rentals can I find at Michael J. Ellis Beach?

Available rental providers include:

Gulf Coast Mokes
Love Shack Tiki Hut
Corpus Beach Rentals
Joyride Rentals
Pretty Picnics
Paint and Picnic

Are dogs permitted at Michael J. Ellis Beach?

Every beach in Corpus Christi is dog friendly, provided dogs remain on a leash or under verbal command. Pet-friendly beaches welcome pets and dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Dogs cannot visit Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall on all major holidays. During those dates, take them to Padre Balli Park instead.

Are lifeguards present at Michael J. Ellis Beach?

Yes. Mobile lifeguards patrol Michael J. Ellis Beach. For information about lifeguard coverage and mobile patrol throughout the year, consult the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department’s full lifeguard schedule.

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

How do I obtain a beach wheelchair?

Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation Department provides free use of Beach Wheelchairs for persons with disabilities. The chairs are designed for travel across the sand and into the surf. Availability is first-come, first-served while lifeguards are on duty.

Beach Wheelchairs must be reserved by phone Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. Call (361) 826-3469 to ask about availability.

Where should beach trash go?

Complimentary trash bags are available in the blue boxes positioned at beach entrances along all access roads. Their design allows sand to fall away without the bags catching the wind and blowing down the shore. Trash cans are located at every beach entrance and throughout the beach. Visitors are encouraged to help leave the shoreline in better condition for the next guest.

Are camping and campfires allowed?

Yes. Camping and campfires are permitted at Michael J, Ellis Beach, subject to these rules:

Fire areas may be no larger than 3’ x 3’ x 3’ and must leave no residue.
Campfires must be completely extinguished, and every hole must be filled.
Camping is not allowed in front of condos and hotels.
Camping may continue for 3 days & nights consecutively, with a limit of 6 days within a month.
Pallets and building materials are prohibited. Wood pallets and construction materials may carry toxic chemical coatings that are unsafe to burn, and hardware such as nails or screws can create hazards for people or wildlife.

More Corpus Christi Beach Information

Beach Know-Before-You-Go Information

Information is available about directions, parking permits, and other preparation details.

Live Beach Cameras

Check beach conditions before setting out.

Sea Turtle Releases

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