Corpus Christi is the perfect Texas getaway for beach-goers and nature-lovers alike. The sparkling city does not lack in views, as it sits on Corpus Christi Bay and the north end of the Padre Island National Seashore. There are plenty of cool things to do in the Corpus area from sea-creature encounters, museums, to various water sports. Ready to dive in? Here is your complete weekend guide to Corpus Christi, Texas!
see also: the top 10 things to do in corpus christi
Your Weekend Guide to Corpus Christi, Texas
Have A Beach Day
A trip to Corpus Christi is simply not complete without making a trip out to the beach! The barrier islands to the East of the city are only a 20-minute drive from downtown. Texas beaches pride themselves on accessibility, meaning you can drive directly onto the regularly packed-down sand. You have plenty of beach options to go to as well. Below is my recommended list of beaches to visit:
- Whitecap Beach – Whitecap Beach is great because you have the option to not drive your car onto the sand if you don’t want to(plus you don’t need a beach permit). There is a parking lot off Windward Drive that has front door beach access, showers, and restrooms for your convenience.
- JP Luby Beach – If you want to take a surfboard out then I recommend JP Luby Beach. The jetty makes for nice waves and you will get to experience Corpus surf culture first hand. Farther along JP Luby Beach, you will see it is packed with cars, possible sand volleyball tournaments, and a good mix of families and young people here enjoying the beach.
- Bobhall Pier – if you take the last beach exit before the national seashore (access road 6) you will be at Bobhall Pier. Unfortunately, the pier itself is closed due to 2020 hurricane damage. If you visit, you will be able to see what mother nature is capable of (the storm surge destroyed the whole T-head). Nonetheless, Bobhall Pier still makes for pretty views, and is farther down from the rest of the popular beaches, meaning you might get some spots all to yourself!
Please note that if you decide to drive onto the beach, you will be asked to buy a beach parking permit. You can buy a beach parking pass at any of the gas stations on the Island or directly on the beach itself; they are $15.
Places to eat on The Island
After your beach day, I recommend eating at three different places on the island. For a beautiful sunset view, I recommend eating at Snoopy’s Pier or Doc’s Seafood & Steaks. These restaurants sit right next door to each other on the JFK Causeway. Both Island restaurants are great options for seafood and atmosphere. For a classic and delicious burger, eat at Padre Island Burger Company!
Things to do in Downtown Corpus
There are countless things to do in downtown Corpus Christi so buckle up and take notes. The most notable Corpus Christi tourist experiences include The Texas State Aquarium and USS Lexington, but I have plenty of other recommendations up my sleeve. Below is your complete list of all fun things to do in downtown Corpus Christi:
- Texas State Aquarium – The Texas State Aquarium is the perfect place for people to learn about aquatic species in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The aquarium is open daily from 10 am-5 pm and adult tickets cost $36 and children cost $26.
- The Art Museum of South Texas – If you are in the mood to appreciate some art then check out The Art Museum of South Texas. Here they display works of visual art with a particular focus on the Americas. Admission is $8 and is located on the waterfront downtown.
- USS Lexington – The USS Lexington 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 and is open year-round with guided tours available.
- Hurricane Alley Waterpark – Hurricane Alley Waterpark is a great place to visit as a family during the summer months. Here you can rent out a gazebo, race down three-story slides, float the lazy river, and my personal favorite – ride a wave on the FlowRider surf simulator.
- Whataburger Field – Catch a game at Whataburger Field, home to the minor-league team, the Corpus Christi Hooks. The field has a great view of the harbor bridge and waterpark and is a great outdoor experience to try downtown.
- Rent jet skis on North Beach – If you are looking for a little more action then sign up to rent a jet ski on North Beach. What better way to take in the views of downtown Corpus Christi than by water?
- Walk the Bayfront – Take a stroll down the Corpus Christi bayfront on Ocean Drive seawall. There are various electric scooters, four-wheel family bicycles called Surreys to rent, and pedal boats. Don’t forget to stop and admire the Selena Memorial.
Places to Eat in Downtown Corpus Christi
There are so many great places to eat downtown so I will break it up for you by best views, local cuisine, and best drinking spots. All places are recommended by yours truly.
Best Views:
- Harrison’s Landing
- The Republic of Texas
Best Local Cuisine:
- Water Street Oyster Bar
- Railroad Seafood
- Bella Luna Downtown
Best Drinking Spots:
- The Executive Surf Club
- Nueces Brewing Company
- Bus Bar Under the Sun
- Goldfish Bar
see also: the best places to eat in corpus christi
More Outdoor Activities on the Water
Whatever your preference in outdoor water adventures, Corpus Christi is one of the only places in Texas that has it all. Below is a list of popular outdoor water activities to try on your trip to Corpus:
- Surfing – Corpus Christi has one of the most well-known surf communities on the Texas Coast. I recommend renting a board from Wind & Wave Watersports and catching some waves at JP Luby Surf Park.
- Horseback Riding on the Beach – A great activity for horse-lovers & beach-lovers. Book your hour-long horseback riding experience with Horses On The Beach. They have a 69-dollar option for a regular hour session or a 99-dollar option for sunset riding.
- Fishing Guides – South Texas has the perfect weather year-round for bay fishing – where you can cast world-class redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum. There are dozens of professional fishing guides to book; my recommendation is Jay Watkins.
- Stand-up Paddleboard Yoga – SUP Yoga Classes are offered by WaterDog CC, a yoga and barre studio located on the Corpus Christi Marina. Taking a class is a unique experience that allows you to enjoy the bay as well as get a killer workout.
- Kayaking – For a water adventure with a little less intensity, kayaking is a great option! I recommend Coastal Bend Kayaking, located on Redfish Bay, where you can take a guided group tour or do a solo excursion.
- Windsurfing Lessons – If you are looking for an intense water sport lesson, then try out Worldwinds Windsurfing located on the Padre Island National Seashore. Worldwinds Windsurfing provides visitors the opportunity to windsurf the longest undeveloped barrier island in North America.
- Birding – Corpus Christi is named one of the “birdiest cities in America” with over 215 different species spotted in the area! I recommend Birding at the South Texas Botanical Gardens or at the Padre Island National Seashore.
see also: the best coffee shops in corpus christi
Final words on this weekend guide to Corpus Christi….
New here? I’m Erika! A Corpus Christi native. I created this weekend guide to Corpus Christi for people wanting to check out this coastal city but only have a weekend to spare. Everything here is tried and tested so you don’t need to worry whether it will meet your standards. I hope you have fun in this beautiful city, there is so much to explore!
