In April 2023 I wrote this blog for Visit Corpus Christi. Be sure to check out their website to see the best things to do and best restaurants to eat at in Corpus Christi!
https://www.visitcorpuschristi.com/blog/post/corpus-christi-made-accessible/
Do you use a wheelchair or other mobility aid and stress over making travel plans? I am here to help and provide you with a wide variety of accessible travel tips before your outdoor adventure in the Gulf Coast Capital. These tips will include accessible restaurants, restaurants on the beach, beaches with sidewalks, beaches with wheelchair accessibility, beach wheelchair rental programs, and accessible hotels.
Beaches with Accessibility Accommodations
Whitecap Beach
Wheelchairs available at lifeguard stands
McGee Beach
Wheelchairs available at lifeguard stands
North Beach
Wheelchairs available at lifeguard stands
Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall
Wheelchairs available at lifeguard stands
North Packery Channel
Wheelchairs available at lifeguard stands
South Packery Channel
Wheelchairs available at lifeguard stands
Padre Island National Seashore
Wheelchairs available at Malaquite Visitor Center
Mustang Island State Park
Wheelchairs available at Mustang Island State Park HQ
From the bay to the gulf, these beaches offer floating or all-terrain wheelchairs for those with mobility issues. Water Wheels/beach wheelchairs can be accessed at lifeguard stands or via the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department. Check out the lifeguard schedule at Corpus Christi beaches here. These beach wheelchairs allow for people of all abilities to enjoy a day in the sand and near the water!
Beach wheelchairs can be requested by calling Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department at (361) 826-3469 or by contacting the lifeguards on duty.
Beaches That Offer Sidewalks Along the Sand Line
Whitecap Beach
McGee Beach
North Beach
These three beaches each have their own benefits. Whitecap Beach is near Island House Beachfront Condominiums and Wyndham-Corpus Christi Resort. McGee Beach has sidewalk access to Selena's Mirador de la Flor, Waters Edge Park, and the T-Heads in the Corpus Christi Marina. North Beach is right by the USS Lexington, DoubleTree by Hilton Corpus Christi, and the Pier 99 restaurant.
Wheelchair Friendly Restaurants
Landry’s Seafood House
Landry’s Seafood House has a gluten-sensitive menu that includes steaks and different seafood. There is plenty of room to wheel in the restaurant as well as space to get between tables.
The Lookout
The Lookout at Bluff's Landing is celiac-safe and has a 100% gluten-free menu with a wide variety of food options. They offer a wheelchair-accessible ramp that goes from the parking lot to the deck where you will have a view of the Laguna Madre, which is near the tip of Corpus Christi Bay.
Joe's Crab Shack
Joe's Crab Shack has a wheelchair ramp to enter the restaurant which overlooks the Corpus Christi Marina in Downtown Corpus Christi. There is plenty of space to get around and the tables are easy to roll up to. Joe's Crab Shack has a large variety of seafood options and offers a gluten-sensitive menu.
Executive Surf Club
Executive Surf Club is a casual bar and grill that offers classic seafood staples and burgers. This is the place to come enjoy a drink and listen to live music on the patio before a day of exploring all that Water Street Market has to offer. There is plenty of space inside and outside to get around in a wheelchair and wide doorways for easy entrance.
Check out these other waterfront restaurants that also provide wheelchair access via ramps!
Pier 99
Doc’s Seafood and Steaks
Yardarm Restaurant
Accessibility-Friendly Hotels
Omni Corpus Christi Hotel
The Omni Corpus Christi is located on Corpus Christi Bay with accessible balcony rooms that include elevators, enlarged door spaces, roll-in shower options, or a tub with grab bars and a provided shower chair.
Quality Inn & Suites
Quality Inn & Suites on the Beach is located directly on North Beach and provides wheelchair-accessible rooms including grab bars in the bathroom, wide doorways, and lowered mirrors at eye level.
Emerald Beach Hotel
The Emerald Beach Hotel offers wheelchair-accessible balcony rooms on the first floor right next to McGee Beach. The accessible rooms have plenty of turnaround space, grab bars and wide entryways. They have an outdoor deck overlooking the bay that is accessible, as well as a pool lift for their indoor pool.
DoubleTree by Hilton Corpus Christi Beachfront
DoubleTree by Hilton provides a wide variety of accessibility options from lowered buttons, lowered sinks, and lowered peepholes in the doors to accessible elevators and an accessible registration desk. DoubleTree by Hilton is located right on North Beach.
Wheelchair Accessible Attractions
The USS Lexington is partially accessible. There are two decks that are accessible, the Hanger Deck and the Flight Deck. The other two are not accessible due to narrow hallways and stairs.
Texas State Aquarium is fully accessible to all guests who use a wheelchair. The Texas State Aquarium has a limited number of wheelchairs available for rent, but they encourage you to bring your own medical device due to their short supply.
All art galleries at the Art Museum of South Texas are wheelchair accessible. They also have wheelchairs available for guests to use who have limited mobility. If you have questions or concerns about accessibility at the Art Museum of South Texas, you can call (361)-825-3500.
Everyone deserves to have a peaceful getaway and I hope these accessibility tips give you that boost you need to book your next trip!