Let’s face it, there are a lot of great weekend getaways in Texas. I mean, you can get away to a Texas small town, or get your adrenaline fix in a big city.
No matter what you are looking for, Texas has it!
Well, if you are looking for a fun Texas coast getaway, then look no further than Corpus Christi, Texas.
There are so many fabulous things to do in Corpus Christi that you might find yourself returning again and again!
Corpus Christi offers a great coastal climate, sandy beaches, unique museums, and some great Southern hospitality!
All of this explains why Corpus Christ is one of the top places to visit in Texas!
Keep reading to discover all of the Corpus Christi attractions just waiting to be discovered!
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Outdoor/Nature Attractions in Corpus Christi
1. North Beach
What is today known as Corpus Christi’s North Beach used to be named Corpus Christi Beach. I guess that makes sense since it is on the north side of town.
This 1.5-mile stretch of beach is a located close to Corpus Christi’s Harbor Bridge in a prime downtown location.
Spending time at North Beach should definitely be on your list of things to do in Corpus Christi.
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, or just wasting the day away in the Texas sun during your time at North Beach.
2. Padre Island National Seashore
One of the favorite things to do in Corpus Christi for both visitors and locals is to spend time exploring the Padre Island National Seashore, one of the best beaches in Texas.
The Padre Island National Seashore is the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world!
That means you have plenty of room to stretch out, relax, and find your own private piece of the island.
Spanning 70-miles and comprised of over 130,000-acres of land, this barrier island would take more than just a day to explore.
The diverse landscape includes miles of sand dunes, grasslands, and beaches for as far as the eye can see!
On one side of the island, you will find the calm, protected waters of the Laguna Madre, the perfect area for birdwatching and paddle boarding!
On the other side of island, you can enjoy the sand and surf of the Gulf of Mexico.
Try out windsurfing on the calm Laguna Madre side, or fishing on the Laguna Madre or the gulf side during your time on Padre Island National Seashore.
Of course, you could also just spend the day relaxing on the Laguna Madre or the Gulf also.
If you are here during the summer months, be on the lookout for the hatching of the baby sea turtles from the beach.
This nature park is home to the rare species of Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle. If you are lucky enough to witness them hatching, then you are in for a special treat!
The Padre Island National Seashore is located at 20301 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418.
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3. South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center
One of the things to do in Corpus Christi that will have you falling in love with the city is a visit to the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.
The South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center has over 180-acres housing a butterfly house, an orchid conservatory, numerous flower gardens, and a hummingbird garden!
Roaming around the South Texas Botanical Gardens and nature center allows you to get up close and personal with the various species of flora and fauna the area is known for.
Kids will love burning off some energy at the on-site playground at the nature center, and will also enjoy getting up close and personal with the birds and reptiles that call the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center home.
You will find the Botanical Gardens at 8545 S. Staples St., Corpus Christi, TX 78413.
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4. Texas State Aquarium
Kids of all ages will agree that one of the fun things to do in Corpus Christi is to visit the Texas State Aquarium.
The mission of the Texas State Aquarium is to inspire people to engage with the sea and support wildlife conservation. Thanks to their educational programs and interactive exhibits, they live up to this mission every day.
One of the most loved marine life exhibits at the Texas State Aquarium is Dolphin Bay.
Dolphin Bay is a 40,000-gallon, 12-foot deep saltwater pool that is home to the aquarium’s four Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.
Visitors can view the dolphins throughout the day from the Underwater Observation Area.
The real treat is to catch their twice daily performance that happens at the top level of Dolphin Bay.
This performance allows the dolphins to show off their skills to the admiring crowd all while also teaching about the importance of preserving and protecting our ocean environments.
Since the four dolphins at the Texas State Aquarium were born in captivity, they cannot be released into the wild. Instead, they serve as ambassadors for the aquarium to educate and entertain.
Another popular attraction at the Texas State Aquarium is the Living Shores exhibit.
The Living Shores exhibit provides information directly related to the Corpus Christ sea shore.
The Living Shores is also allows the guests to interact with and view a wide variety of sea creatures.
This area is also home to the largest touch pool experience in the state of Texas!
The aquarium is also home to a variety of coral reefs, flora, fauna, and some birds of prey.
During your visit, check out the Hawn Wild Flight Theater to see the birds of prey in flight and to learn more about them.
Kids will also enjoy the fossil dig and the splash park that are on site at the aquarium. See, Corpus Christi is such a cool coastal city!
You will find the Texas State Aquarium at 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78402.
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5. Bob Hall Pier
You will find Bob Hall Pier on Padre Island in Padre Balli Park.
The Bob Hall Pier is a long pier (over 1,200 feet to be exact) that stretches out over the Gulf of Mexico.
The fact that you can rent fishing gear here thanks to their Tackle Loaner Program that is on site, makes this one of the fun things to do in Corpus Christi.
Of course, if catching deep water fish isn’t your thing, then you can just walk out and enjoy the serenity of the Bob Hall Pier during sunset!
Another great thing about Bob Hall Pier is that it is a quick and easy visit from Corpus Christi, Texas so you can easily combine it with other activities to complete your day.
6. Mustang Island State Park
Nature lovers will not want to miss the opportunity to visit Mustang Island State Park during their time in the coastal city of Corpus Christi, Texas.
This 18-mile stretch of golden sands barrier island is located about 30 miles south of downtown Corpus Christi so it one of the quick and easy things to do in Corpus Christi.
Mustang Island State Park is the perfect places to enjoy some outdoor activities.
People love to come to Mustang Island to spend a day at the beach sunbathing and building sandcastles.
Of course, if you are the more adventurous type, Mustang Island has you covered there also.
Mustang Island State Park is the perfect place to try your hand at fishing, kayaking, or to just do some birdwatching.
Like Padre Island National Seashore, Mustang Island State Park is also a great place to see the baby sea turtles hatching during the summer months.
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7. Corpus Christi Bay Trail
If getting in some exercise is important to you during your time in Corpus Christi, Texas, then you are in luck. The Corpus Christi Bay Trail is the perfect place to make this happen!
The Corpus Christi Bay Trail is a 8.8 mile paved trail that runs from Oso Bay to Corpus Christi’s downtown area.
The Corpus Christi Bay Trail is perfect for running, walking, or cycling.
Not only will you be able to get in some exercise, but you will also see some great views of the city of Corpus Christi.
8. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
A visit to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge should be on everyone’s list of things to do in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Head about an hour outside of town to find the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.
Here, you can enjoy interacting with nature in its own protected environment.
The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is the winter home for the endangered bird, the whooping cranes.
If you visit in the winter months, you will see the whooping cranes all over the refuge.
In addition to the whooping cranes, you will also find alligators, snakes, bobcats, and numerous other species of birds calling the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge home.
Enjoy the many nature trails that can be found throughout the park.
These nature trails are a great way to spend the day hiking or biking.
There are also areas where you can enjoy a picnic, go fishing, or just enjoy the serenity of the preserve.
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9. Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge
Another great wildlife refuge in the area is the Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge.
This Wildlife Refuge tops the list of places in the world for sea bird watching. Yes, you read that correctly, in the WORLD!
You will find the refuge on the shore of Oso Bay. This is a great vantage point to see the many sea birds that frequent the refuge.
Species of birds to look out for include herons, spoonbills, pelicans, and more.
There is also some great trails, a picnic area, and a pier for visitors to enjoy.
10. Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge
One of the fun things to do in Corpus Christi at night is to visit the Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge.
During the day, the Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge connects the city to its port, so it serves a great function and is pretty to look at.
But at night, the bridge comes alive with over 10,000 lights.
These lights put on a great show for visitors to enjoy! That is why we said you have to visit the Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge at night!
Honestly, this is an easy addition to your things to do in Corpus Christi list.
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Museums and Art Centers in Corpus Christi
11. The USS Lexington Museum
The USS Lexington is a warship that has seen its fair share of battles.
A key component at Pearl Harbor during World War II, the USS Lexington is now the USS Lexington Museum.
The ship, nicknamed the Blue Ghost thanks to its color, served as an aircraft carrier during World War II and was a key player in the war.
Today, the 1943 vessel calls the Corpus Christi Bay home and welcomes visitors aboard to learn all about its history.
The USS Lexington is a great addition to your list of Corpus Christi, Texas attractions!
Once onboard the USS Lexington, guests can take a self-guided tour of the ship’s 1,000-square foot interior to learn what life is like for sailors.
There are also several opportunities to learn about not only the ship, but naval history in general.
The unique thing about the USS Lexington (aka the Blue Ghost) is that it also houses an escape room, a flight simulator, a 3D movie, and virtual battle stations!
All of these components make the USS Lexington one of the fun things to do in Corpus Christi!
You will find the USS Lexington at 2914 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78402.
12. Art Museum of South Texas
The Art Museum of South Texas started with a small collection of art in 1944.
Today, the Art Museum of South Texas is anything but small.
The campus is comprised of two buildings that each house both permanent and rotating exhibits of art.
The Art Museum of South Texas prides itself on showcasing local artists as well.
The permanent collection at Art Museum of South contains over 1,800 works of art!
These works of art include art from North, South, and Central America.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of art during their visit. The museum houses paintings, watercolors, sculptures, ceramics, and more.
In addition to the great artwork, the Art Museum of South Texas also welcomes the public to visit by hosting several events throughout the year.
Come check it out and see why this is one of the top tourist attractions in Corpus Christi, Texas attraction.
The address for the Art Museum of South Texas is 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78401.
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13. Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History is another one of the fun things to do in Corpus Christi.
The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History originated in 1957 and is a great way to get up close and personal with not only science, but also South Texas history.
This great museum allows visitors to learn all about the south Texas region, and specifically about the history of the Corpus Christi area.
Visitors can explore historic pictures, investigate local flora and fauna, and learn all about the history of South Texas.
Kids will love the Science Center. The Science Center houses several hands-on exhibits and a playground for kids to enjoy.
Of course, part of the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History’s community outreach efforts means that it hosts events and special programs throughout the year also.
The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History can be found at 1900 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401.
14. Texas Surf Museum
If you are into surfing and the surf culture, then you don’t want to miss the Texas Surf Museum during your time in Corpus Christi, Texas
Heck, even if you are not into the surf culture, the Texas Surf Museum is still a cool place, so check it out!
You will find the Texas Surf Museum in the downtown Corpus Christ area.
The Texas Surf Museum is a fun and quirky museum that originated in 2005.
Their collection of surfing artifacts and paraphernalia rotates, so you never know what you are going to see when you visit!
Really, add this to your list of Corpus Christi, Texas attractions!
The Surf Museum is located at 309 N. Water St., Corpus Christi, TX 78401.
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15. Selena Museum
The Tejano music icon Selena is a legend in Corpus Christi, Texas.
The singer and her family called Corpus Christi home for years.
If you aren’t exactly sure who Selena is, well, let me tell you. Selena Quintanilla-Perez was a Grammy winning Latin pop artist until the president of her fan club shot and killed her, taking a Latin singing sensation from the world far before her time.
Selena was the world’s highest-charting artist in her genre and all of this occurred prior to her death at 23 years old.
Selena has a cult following of fans and is a true Latin pop sensation.
After her death, Selena’s family chose to create the Selena Museum in her honor.
The Selena Museum was created as an attachment onto their recording studio, Q-Production Studio.
A visit to the Selena Museum should be on your list of things to do in Corpus Christi even if you don’t know a lot about to Selena.
This museum allows you the opportunity to learn about a young lady who was passionate about music and who lived in the Corpus Christi community.
During your visit to the Selena Museum, you can see items such as Selena’s most famous costumes, her awards, personal photos, and Selena’s prize possession, her red Porsche.
There is also a bronze memorial to the singer located at Seaside Memorial Park on the seawall.
You will find the Selena Museum at 5410 Leopard St, Corpus Christi, TX 78408.
16. Art Center of Corpus Christi
Another great area for art lovers is the Art Center of Corpus Christi.
The Art Center of Corpus Christi originated in 1972 with the hopes of bringing all forms of art to the Corpus Christi area.
Today, the Art Center of Corpus Christi does just that. The Art Center of Corpus Christi not only brings in rotating art exhibits for the community to enjoy, but they also offer art classes.
One of the most popular classes at the art center is at the Barry Brown Clay Studio.
This class teaches participants how to create pottery, so it is easy to see why it is a favorite.
In addition, the art community center also hosts a wide range of weekly events.
The Art Center of Corpus Christi is located at 100 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78401.
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17. Harbor Playhouse
A trip to the Harbor Playhouse should be a definite addition to your things to do in Corpus Christi.
The Harbor Playhouse originated in 1925 and has been entertaining the Corpus Christi, Texas community ever since!
Guests are treated to a wide variety of shows to choose from at the Harbor Playhouse.
They offer musicals, dramas, comedies, and more, making this a fabulous Corpus Christi attraction.
Check out their schedule and then plan a visit during your time on the Texas Coast!
You will find the Harbor Playhouse at 1802 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401.
Historic Sites in Corpus Christi
18. Britton Evans House and the Sidbury House
A visit to Heritage Park in Corpus Christi, Texas should be on your list of Corpus Christi things to do if you are a history lover.
Two houses in particular top this list, the Britton Evans House and the Sidbury House.
A visit to these historic homes allows visitors to see what life was like in Corpus Christ in the 1800s.
The Britton House was built by Forbes Britton in 1849 and is often referred to as the Centennial House.
Britton was a prominent businessman in the 19th century who operated a freight line between Galveston and Corpus Christi.
The Britton Evans House is a great example of an 1800s Greek Revival style home, complete with period specific furnishings and antiques.
In addition, a tour of the Britton Evans House allows you to see the many roles that the homes has served throughout history including a private home, a hospital during the Civil War, and now, a museum.
Don’t miss the Sidbury House during your time in this area as well.
Also built in the late 1800s, the Sidbury House is the city’s last remaining example of Victorian architecture from this era.
Constructed for prominent community leader, Charlotte King Cook Sidbury, the Sidbury House is a shining example of architecture and is now a Texas Historical Landmark.
If you are a ghost hunter or just like fun ghost stories, then the Sidbury House should definitely be on your list of things to do in Corpus Christi as it is said the be the most haunted locations on the island!
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Recreational Activities in Corpus Christi
19. Whataburger Field
Whataburger field is one of the fun tourist attractions in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Home to a minor league baseball team, the ballpark has over 7,000 seats for fans to enjoy!
Completed in 2005, Whataburger Field is home to the Corpus Christi Hooks, a Double-A Texas Houston Astros affiliate team.
While watching a game at Whataburger Field, fans can get their fix of junk food from the various stands on site. I mean, what is a baseball game without hot dogs, peanuts, and pretzels?
That isn’t all that Whataburger Field has to offer though. There is also basketball courts, a climbing wall, and a recreation area on site.
Whataburger Field is located at 734 E Port Ave, Corpus Christi, TX 78401.
20. Hurricane Alley Waterpark
If you have ever visited Texas in the summer, then you know that air conditioning and water recreational areas are the only ways to escape the Texas heat.
Luckily, Corpus Christi has you covered on this end also thanks to their Hurricane Alley Waterpark.
The Hurricane Alley Waterpark is one of the fun things to do in Corpus Christi, especially if you are traveling as a family.
Parent’s will love the affordable admission price, making it easy to have a fun-filled day at the water park. Kids (and kids at heart) will enjoy the wave pool, lazy river, and water slides that Hurricane Alley Waterpark offers!
Visit Hurricane Alley at 702 E Port Ave, Corpus Christi, TX 78401.
Places to Eat and Hang Out in Corpus Christi
21. Republic of Texas Bar and Grill
For dinner with a fabulous view, then you have to go to the Republic of Texas Bar and Grill.
You will find the Republic of Texas Bar and Grill located in the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel.
This restaurants offers up delicious, mouthwatering food and one of the best view in all of Corpus Christi, Texas.
You will find the Republic of Texas at 900 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78401.
22. Lazy Beach Brewing
When you need some down town and want to explore the local beer scene, then head to Lazy Beach Brewing.
This micro brewery serves Corpus Christi some delicious, cold beer in a fun, laid back atmosphere.
Locals and tourists have enjoyed visiting Lazy Beach since 2014, and they are still going strong today.
The taproom offers a variety of beer, which is the perfect opportunity for you to try a few and figure out which one is your favorite!
23. Snoopy’s Pier
Snoopy’s Pier is a casual eatery that serves up delicious seafood in a casual water view atmosphere.
A visit to Snoopy’s Pier will allow you to sink your teeth into some incredible fish and chips, Texas shrimp, and crab cakes!
The view with lunch isn’t that bad either. Check it out during your time in Corpus Chrisi, Texas!
Snoopy’s is located at 13313 S. Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78418.
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About The Author
Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and enthusiast of different cultures. Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through her informative writing style on her blogs, That Texas Couple and Totally Texas Travel. Her practical tips and suggestions help make travel dreams a reality while immersing her readers in the history, culture, and food of a region. She is happiest sipping wine in Italy or chilling on a beach with her husband, Marty.
