Corpus Christi

Stroll along a soft, sandy beach as the warm surf gently nudges your feet, as if beckoning you for a quick swim. Rest your legs on the boardwalk and watch white sailboats glide across a blue-water bay under a luminous yellow and orange sunset. Step inside a legendary World War II aircraft carrier or tour a museum dedicated to the international music icon that is Selena. These are among the many experiences you can have when you visit Corpus Christi, the largest coastal town in Texas. With miles of pristine beaches and a wealth of world-class attractions, Corpus Christi combines outdoor adventure with big-city culture to create something that just about any traveler will love.  

Although there’s an incredible number of ways to enjoy a trip to Corpus Christi, the “Sparkling City by the Sea” is primarily known for its beautiful beaches. There are a total of ten beaches you can choose from, each of which offers its own set of experiences. Head to North Beach or McGee Beach if you want smooth sands and calm waters ideal for swimming, all just steps away from a bevy of restaurants and the town’s top attractions. For some of the best fishing around, look to Padre Island Balli Park or North Packery Beach, if you’re into surfing and people watching. To see some of the birds and wildlife that live in the region, visit either Mustang Island State Park or Padre Island National Seashore, home to more than 70 miles of undeveloped coastline.  

Once you’re done soaking up the sun, you’ll find there are plenty of things to do in town to keep you busy. One of Corpus Christi’s most prominent attractions is the USS Lexington, a historic aircraft carrier that served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Stand on the flight deck and take in a spectacular view of the downtown area, then explore the rooms below to see what they looked like during the war. Walk just down the street to the Texas State Aquarium for a close-up look at all the aquatic life – including dolphins and sea turtles – that can be found in the region. The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History and the Selena Museum, founded in honor of Corpus Christi resident and legendary recording artist, Selena, are just a few of the other attractions in town. 

Along with all the beaches to enjoy and things to see in town year-round, there are numerous annual events that can’t be missed. The Whooping Crane Festival is a four-day celebration in February of the arrival of North America’s tallest bird to the warm waters of Port Aransas that is a must for birding enthusiasts. In April and early May, check out the Buc Days PRCA Rodeo and enjoy a fun night out at the Buc Days Festival & Stripes Carnival, Corpus Christi’s longest-running pirate festival. For tunes, it’s hard to beat the Texas Jazz Festival, a massive, toe-tapping event held annually in October.  

Corpus Christi’s breathtaking beaches provide all the sun tanning, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and surfing you can handle. Yet its first-rate attractions and jam-packed events calendar means there’s a little bit of something for everyone in the “Sparkling City by the Sea.”