Corpus Christi has been a beach weekend getaway for Texans escaping the heat since the early 1900s with Mustang Islands 23 miles of coastline, delicious seafood cuisine, and fun attractions for families alike. There’s so much to do here, you are bound to leave Corpus with a huge smile on your face and a tan. Without further ado, here are the top 10 best things to do in Corpus Christi.
Top 10 Best Things to do in Corpus Christi
1. Padre Island National Seashore
The Padre Island National Seashore is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world with more than 70 miles of coastline. The seashore and dunes are rich in wildlife and open year-round to the public. Some great activities to do here include swimming, fishing, camping, birding, and even watching sea turtle hatchling releases.
Address: 20301 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
2. Texas State Aquarium
The Texas State Aquarium is home to incredible marine animals and its aquatic exhibits showcasing the sheer biodiversity of the Gulf of Mexico. You can even get up-close and personal with the aquatic critters such as dolphins and stingrays at Dolphin Bay and Stingray Lagoon. The other animal exhibits display Otters, Turtles, Alligators, Eagles, and even two-toed sloths! Make sure to check out the new star of the show: the Caribbean Journey exhibit.
Address: 2710 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402
3. South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center is a 180-acre display of the Texas Gulf Coast’s beautiful flora and fauna. The nature center features 12 unique exhibits including the butterfly house and orchard room. Take a walk down the Wetland Awareness Boardwalk for a gorgeous view of Corpus Christi’s coastal wetlands. The nature center is the perfect place to bird watch!
Address: 8545 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78413
4. The Art Museum of South Texas
The Art Museum of South Texas collects and displays works of visual art with a particular focus on the Americas. Located on the waterfront in downtown Corpus Christi, the museum presents a variety of programs, which include lectures and bilingual gallery talks, workshops and art classes, and even dance, theatrical, and musical performances. A great activity for someone wanting to add cultural insight to their trip to Corpus!
Address: 1902 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
5. Ride horses on the beach
What better way to experience the beach than on horseback? Padre Island is the home of a family-run, reservations-only attraction that offers visitors a unique way to see the coastline. The company is literally called “Horses on the Beach.” Their stables are located just south of Bob Hall Pier/Padre Balli Park, you can check out their website here.
Address: 16499 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
6. Whataburger Field
Grab some popcorn and a hotdog and watch the Corpus Christi Hooks play minor-league baseball at Whataburger Field. The Hooks are a Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros. Whataburger Field itself offers a great view of the port, Harbor Bridge (for now), and Hurrican Alley Waterpark!
Address: 734 E Port Ave, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
7. USS Lexington
The USS Lexington nicknamed “The Blue Ghost” is a massive Essex-class aircraft carrier that served across the Pacific Ocean during World War II. Today, the warship is a museum full of educational exhibits of uniforms, vintage aircraft, pictures, and more while resting on her forever home, North Beach. The ship is open year-round and guided tours are available.
Address: 2914 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402
See also: The Best Places to Eat in Corpus Christi
8. Bob Hall Pier
Bob Hall Pier is worth a visit for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike who want to get out on the water. The pier juts approximately 1,240 feet into the Gulf of Mexico. It is open 24 hours a day/7 days a week and offers pole rentals through the Bait Shop. Parking is free. (Closed for construction due to Hurricane Hanna, will reopen in 2021)
Address: 15820 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
9. Jet Ski/Boat Rentals on the Corpus Christi Marina
Renting a jet ski, paddleboat, or taking a 30-minute dolphin tour is another fun way to get out on the water. There are several places to rent the boats downtown on the Corpus Christi Marina. Jet skiing is the perfect activity for someone wanting to add a little thrill to their Corpus Christi visit. Check out Full Time Rentals here.
Address: 51 Lawrence St T-Head Corpus Christi, TX 78401
10. Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Releases
The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle is the most critically endangered sea turtle in the world. Every year, these sea turtles return to the Padre Island National Seashore to nest, making it the most important beach in the United States for this species survival. Professionals locate the nests, collect and incubate the eggs, and release them directly on the seashore. They open some of these releases to the public, where you can watch baby sea turtles attempt to mad-dash to the ocean! This is by far one of the top 10 best things to do in Corpus Christi.
Address: 20301 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
