Use these suggestions for things to do in Texas’s Gulf Coast Capital.
Living in a landlocked city has me dreaming about a Texas getaway. I recently visited Texas’s Gulf Coast Capital. As a native Texan, this was not my first visit to the area, but it had been several years since I last visited. Corpus Christi still has sleepy beach town vibes, but much has changed. If you’re planning a vacation soon, be sure to check out these top things to do in Corpus Christi.
With a creative cocktail scene, fresh seafood, colorful street art and murals, and miles of picturesque beaches, Corpus Christi makes a great vacation spot for solo travelers, couples, and families. There are many tourist attractions for all to enjoy.
I’ve put together some tips and itinerary suggestions for visiting Corpus Christi, including what to do at the beach, where to eat, drink, and activities for when you want to get out of the sun.
Visit Corpus Christi sponsored my visit. All opinions are my own.
Top Things To Do In Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi has six islands, nine beaches, and eighty-plus miles of coastline. Each beach shares the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and pretty sunsets.
For the sun seeker and beach lover who wants to escape the city, book a stay on North Padre or Mustang Island. North Padre Island is the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world. There are sixty miles of pretty beaches to explore.
Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island State Park is an 18-mile-long barrier island and a significant attraction in Corpus Christi. Visit Mustang Island for its pristine beaches and wildlife adventures, where you can spot turtles, dolphins, birds, and enjoy shallow-water fishing spots. Ranger programs, such as stargazing and birding, are also available. You can camp on the beach here and even drive your vehicle onto the beach.
Travel Tip: You’ll need a beach parking permit.
Padre Island National Seashore
A little south of Mustang Island State Park lies the Padre Island National Seashore, a 130,000-acre expanse of dunes, grasslands, and beaches – in short, a paradise on the Texas coast. Check out the Grasslands Nature Trail and learn about the plant and animal life that inhabit the dunes and marshlands.
Birdwatching
Are you a bird watcher? With over 200 bird species migrating annually to this coastal city, the city of Corpus Christi has been named the “birdiest city in America” multiple years in a row by the Coastal Bend Audubon Society. Big Bird Island at Padre Island National Seashore is the perfect place for birdwatching, and campsites are available.
Sea Turtle Release Program
If you visit at the right time of year, the park offers a visitor program that allows you to watch freshly hatched sea turtles as they are released into the Gulf of Mexico. Call the Hatchling Hotline for updates on the next releases. (361)949-7163.
Windsurfing
Padre Island National Seashore is also one of the top destinations in North America for windsurfing. Check out Worldwide Windsurfing for paddleboard, kayak, and windsurfing classes.
Outdoor Beach Activities in Corpus Christi
Horse Rides on the Beach
Horses On The Beach can accommodate all ages and levels of experience. A guide helps everyone get on the right horse and leads the way to ensure nothing in the path might spook the animals. My group gave a thumbs-up ride along the beach. Horses on the Beach is open year-round, but hours may be limited during the fall and winter months.
Surf Camp
Though not known as a surfing capital, you can still catch a wave in Corpus Christi. Many people come here to learn at either Padre Island Surf Camp or Texas Surf Camp. Both offer private and group sessions. The availability may vary during the winter; please check the website for updates.
Glow Row
Glow Row is fun and easy, regardless of your fitness level. The boats are five feet long and three feet across, accommodating two people. If you’re solo, you sit in the back. Equipped with several different light colors and patterns, it’s a fun adventure to paddle around the calm, shallow waters of the harbor with a group glowing in the dark.
The experience is about an hour long, and you’ll paddle about three-quarters of a mile. For perspective, we started and ended at the bridge across from Snoopy’s.
There are so many more activities on the beach to consider.
North Padre Island
Places to eat, drink, and hang out are on the island’s north end (North Beach). Sunset Island is where the action is. Check out Marker 37 Marina for boat launches and places to pick up fishing gear. This is where all the fishing charters depart.
Tip: Most charters will clean and cook anything you catch.
Snoopy’s Pier is among the most popular spots for dining, drinking, and sunset views and has dining options for casual food and lots of fresh seafood.
Island Joe’s a cute, colorful place for various java-fueled drinks housed in shipping containers.
Marina Arts District In Downtown Corpus Christi
I loved the vibrant art and culture scene of downtown Corpus Christi, accented by restaurants serving fresh seafood and refreshing cocktails. If you stay near the marina, you can walk to the shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. The marina area is a great place to walk or jog.
Instagram-Worthy Murals
Corpus Christi is awash in art, and murals are everywhere downtown, even on electrical boxes. There’s so much to see – you could spend a couple of hours just walking around looking at the murals. Don’t miss a chance to take your photo with Selina. Another famous face of Corpus Christi is Farrah Fawcett, known for her role in the TV show Charlie’s Angels.
In my opinion, a few not to miss include the Farah Fawcett mural on Water St., the art on the side of Dokoyo Dauntaun restaurant (where you should also go for Asian-inspired eats and drinks), the Lotteria on the side of K-Space Contemporary (another cool gallery to visit), and Where the Music Meets the Bay at 201 S. Chaparral St.
If possible, the Selena Museum is located at 5410 Leopard St.
Art Museum of South Texas
The Art Museum of South Texas was designed by Phillip Johnson, with additions designed by renowned Mexican architect Ricardo Legoretta. The building materials are poured concrete blended with aggregate to mix with the environment easily. With sweeping views of the Bay and an extensive collection of art, sculpture, and artifacts, plus community programs, the museum is a cultural gem on the Bay.
USS Lexington Museum
The USS Lexington is the world’s oldest naval aircraft carrier. In 1992, it became a Naval Aviation Museum permanently located in Corpus Christi. The flight is two acres and nineteen stories high. The USS Lexington offers numerous opportunities to learn and have fun aboard this retired naval aircraft carrier. Escape Rooms, overnight camping, a Pearl Harbor exhibit, and many other activities make the Lexington Museum a fun visit for all ages.
Best Restaurants & Bars In Corpus Christi
Water Street Market
This is a cute development with good coffee shops and bars. Try Lucy’s Snackbar for coffee, pastries, wine, and beer. Central Kitchen offers fresh, oven-baked bread and a variety of breakfast and lunch selections. The Executive Surf Club is also located here.
Dokyo Dauntaun
Dokyo Dauntaun serves classic Asian favorites and inspired cocktails. There are two dining sections, but one is a bit darker, quieter, and sexier.
Elizabeth’s
Elizabeth’s is a tapas-style dining experience in the Art Museum of South Texas. Combine waterfront views, a great atmosphere, and some of the prettiest cocktails I’ve seen. I highly recommend visiting the museum and then dining here. It’s also a good spot for that Instagram photo op.
Water Street Oyster Bar
Water Street Oyster Bar is a long-time favorite in town. It offers waterfront views and the freshest seafood. Try the raw bar, sushi bar, and cocktail bar. Mix it up.
Executive Surf Club
This club is a popular spot for locals and visitors. Since opening in 1990, it has hosted some of the biggest names in music history. It also offers good food, a great atmosphere, and a lovely patio. The Executive Surf Club offers a daily happy hour, live music on weekends, and open mic nights.
Bus (Bar Under the Sun)
Housed in a former Greyhound Bus station, this bar and eatery is casual and offers just the right mix of craft cocktails, games, food, and an outdoor dining area. It’s also family— and pet-friendly, and open six days a week. Menu items include a classic burger, tuna tostadas, and poblano quesadillas. They also serve Sunday brunch.
The Goldfish Bar
For a great outdoor patio (pet-friendly), cocktails, wine, and beer, head to 724 North Mesquite. It is open until 2 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and it is closed on Sunday and Monday.
Nueces Brewing Company
A newcomer to Corpus Christi’s thriving brewery scene. Nueces Brewing Company combines old-world brewing techniques with Texas BBQ, which sounds like a good match. There are a few outdoor tables, but most of the seating is inside the spacious former car dealership space.
Corpus Christi is suitable for anyone who wants to have a beach vacation without the jet lag, the expense of flying across the country, and the necessity of a passport.
Insider Tip: Corpus Christi is very spread out. If you stay downtown, you’ll need a car to visit urban attractions like the USS Lexington, the Texas State Aquarium, and the Art Museum of South Texas, but nothing is far away. You’ll also need transportation to visit the beaches.
All photos are by Penny Sadler.
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