Things to Do in Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi offers a dynamic mix of attractions, outdoor activities, arts, entertainment, and dining that reflect its coastal culture and warm hospitality.

Bold Attractions

Corpus Christi is home to some of the most iconic attractions on the Texas Coast, offering a mix of history, culture, and adventure that captures the spirit of the Gulf Coast Capital. Each landmark tells part of the city’s story, from its naval legacy and artistic vision to its connection with the sea.

Start your exploration at the Texas State Aquarium, where visitors can encounter sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, and stingrays while learning about the Gulf’s delicate ecosystems. Nearby, the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay invites guests to step aboard a World War II-era aircraft carrier filled with historic exhibits, flight simulators, and breathtaking bay views.

Art lovers will find inspiration at the Art Museum of South Texas, where striking architecture and curated collections highlight the creativity of regional and national artists. Across the city, family-friendly spots like the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History and the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center offer hands-on experiences that educate and entertain.

Entertainment is woven into everyday life in Corpus Christi. Watch a Hooks baseball game at Whataburger Field, enjoy a live concert at Concrete Street Amphitheater, or explore downtown’s lively festivals and waterfront events. Whether you’re drawn by history, art, or outdoor fun, Corpus Christi’s attractions bring together the best of the Texas Coast in one unforgettable destination.

Beaches

Corpus Christi offers over 80 miles of beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and Corpus Christi Bay, making it one of the premier coastal destinations in Texas. From soft sands and sunny skies to year-round surf and recreation, the beaches here define the Gulf Coast experience.

Visitors can choose from a variety of settings to match their style. Gulf beaches like Whitecap, JP Luby, and Michael J. Ellis are drivable, wide open, and perfect for surfing, camping, and off-road adventures. Bay beaches such as McGee Beach and North Beach feature calmer waters and family-friendly amenities, ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and relaxation.

For those seeking a little more excitement, Corpus Christi’s coastline offers endless ways to play. Rent jet skis or kayaks, take surfing or kiteboarding lessons, or enjoy a guided horseback ride along the shore. With beachside rentals, picnic areas, and easy access from downtown to the islands, every visit feels effortless.

Whether you’re watching the sunrise over the Gulf, spending the day in the surf, or winding down with a sunset walk along the bay, Corpus Christi’s beaches deliver the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and coastal charm.

Outdoors & Nature

There’s no better place to enjoy the great outdoors than Corpus Christi. With an average of 223 days of sunshine and steady coastal winds, the Gulf Coast Capital offers endless ways to explore nature year-round. Every adventure comes with a sea breeze, scenic views, and a sense of coastal freedom

From sunrise to sunset, the natural beauty of Corpus Christi unfolds across its parks, trails, and waterways. Spend the morning kayaking through bays, biking along the shoreline, or walking the scenic trails at Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve and Nature Center. Wander through the gardens and birding boardwalks at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center or enjoy a peaceful picnic at Cole Park overlooking the bay.

Water enthusiasts can set sail, paddleboard, or explore the calm backwaters that connect the city to the Gulf. For a more relaxed pace, take a stroll along the seawall or explore one of the many coastal parks that highlight the area’s diverse wildlife and vibrant ecosystems.

Whether you’re chasing thrills on the water or savoring quiet moments in nature, Corpus Christi delivers a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility. You’ll discover why outdoor life here is more than recreation; it’s a way of living connected to the coast.

Birding

For over two decades, Corpus Christi has proudly held the title of the Birdiest City in America, thanks to its unique mix of coastal habitats that attract an extraordinary variety of birdlife. The region’s saltwater lagoons, marshes, and grasslands create ideal conditions for both resident and migratory species, offering exceptional viewing opportunities year-round.

Each season paints a new picture across the landscape, from colorful spoonbills and elegant herons wading in the shallows to pelicans gliding over the bay and warblers passing through on their migratory journeys. Birders can explore renowned spots like Blucher Park, Packery Channel Park, Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge, and Padre Island National Seashore for incredible sightings and photography.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder with binoculars in hand or simply someone who enjoys watching nature unfold, Corpus Christi’s skies and shorelines are alive with movement and song, offering endless opportunities to experience the beauty of the Gulf Coast Capital.

Fishing

Corpus Christi is one of the premier fishing destinations on the Texas Gulf Coast, offering some of the most diverse angling opportunities in the state. Whether you’re casting from a pier, wading in shallow flats, or venturing offshore for deep-sea adventure, the Gulf Coast Capital is a true paradise for anglers of all levels.

Reel in speckled trout, redfish, and flounder from the bay, or chase kingfish, snapper, and marlin beyond the jetties. The waters here are teeming with life year-round, making every outing a chance to catch something special.

From family-friendly piers and scenic boardwalks to guided charters led by local experts, there’s no shortage of ways to experience fishing in Corpus Christi. Spend the morning watching the sunrise over the Gulf, enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the water, or test your skill in one of the city’s many fishing tournaments. Whether you prefer surf fishing, kayak fishing, or a full day offshore, every cast brings you closer to the beauty and excitement of the Texas Coast.

Water Sports

For those who crave excitement on the water, Corpus Christi is one of the best places in the country to dive into adventure. With steady coastal winds, warm waters, and wide-open bays, the Gulf Coast Capital has long been a haven for water sports enthusiasts.

Try your hand at windsurfing or kitesurfing at popular spots like Bird Island Basin, known worldwide for its ideal wind conditions. Paddleboard along the calm bayfront, kayak through scenic inlets, or ride the waves at North Packery Channel and Bob Hall Pier. Local outfitters and instructors make it easy to learn a new water sport or rent gear for a carefree day on the water.

Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or simply enjoying the spray of the Gulf, Corpus Christi’s connection to the water is unmatched. Every adventure brings you closer to the energy, rhythm, and spirit of the coast.

Dining

Corpus Christi’s dining scene is full of flavor, variety, and coastal charm. From casual beachside cafes to fine dining with a view, every meal reflects the city’s passion for fresh ingredients and bold taste.

Savor fresh Gulf seafood caught just offshore, authentic Tex-Mex made with local flair, and slow-smoked barbecue that’s been perfected over generations. Dine along the waterfront for sunset views, explore neighborhood favorites that blend global inspiration with South Texas hospitality, or grab a quick bite after a day at the beach.

With a growing mix of restaurants, food trucks, breweries, and dessert shops, Corpus Christi invites you to eat like a local and experience the heart of the coast, one delicious bite at a time.

Arts & Entertainment

Creativity and culture take center stage in Corpus Christi, where art, music, and community come together to celebrate life on the Texas Coast. The city’s thriving arts and entertainment scene offers something for everyone from live performances and colorful festivals to world-class museums and local galleries that showcase the region’s spirit and talent.

Explore the Art Museum of South Texas, where striking architecture meets an impressive collection of regional and national works, or visit the Art Center of Corpus Christi along the bayfront to discover exhibitions by local artists and hands-on workshops for all ages. Stroll downtown and you’ll find murals and sculptures that turn city streets into an open-air gallery reflecting the coastal lifestyle and creative energy of the Gulf Coast Capital.

Evenings come alive with live music, theater, and cultural celebrations across the city. Catch a performance at the Harbor Playhouse, enjoy outdoor concerts under the stars, or take part in annual events that highlight Corpus Christi’s diverse heritage through food, art, and sound.

Entertainment here extends far beyond the galleries. Catch a Hooks baseball game at Whataburger Field, enjoy live music and outdoor performances at Concrete Street Amphitheater, or dance under the stars at one of Corpus Christi’s many waterfront festivals.

From nightlife venues and local bands to museum halls, music stages, and festival grounds, Corpus Christi’s arts and entertainment scene captures the vibrant soul of the coast, welcoming, creative, and full of life.