26 Best & Fun Things To Do In Corpus Christi, TX

Things To Do In Corpus Christi, TX

 

Corpus Christi is a beautiful seaside city known as the “Sparkling City by the Sea.” It is full of life, nature, beaches, and history.

Its name comes from the Latin used in churches and means “Body of Christ.”

An explorer from Spain named Alonso Álvarez de Pineda “found” it in 1519, on the same day as a Christian holiday with the same name.

It is now the county center and the largest city in Nueces County.

This is because most of Corpus Christi is water, which is why many of the city’s attractions are related to the coast, beach, and surf.

Still, there are a lot of other places to visit in the area that focus on history, sports, food, and nature, giving you more vacation choices.

Your bottom dollar says that this beach town has something for everyone. There are lots of places to see and things to do.

 

1. Hurricane Alley Waterpark

Hurricane Alley Waterpark, which is situated on Port Avenue, offers a plethora of enjoyable activities throughout its busiest summer season.

The park, which offers reasonably priced admission, a decent number of rides, and many distinctive elements, has gained accolades and established itself as one of Corpus Christi’s best family-friendly attractions.

At Hurricane Alley Waterpark, you can unwind on the Gulf Stream, a lazy river; however, the 12,000-square-foot Gulf Stream wave pool offers a more thrilling experience.

Address: 702 E Port Ave, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, United States

2. Britton-Evans House and Sidbury House

Two well-known Corpus Christi attractions are two historic mansions that have established a reputation as genuine, 19th-century homes that offer a window into the past.

They are the Sidbury House and the Britton-Evans House.

Constructed in 1849, the Britton-Evans House is also known as the Centennial House.

Forbes Britton, a partner in Britton, Mann, and Yates’ shipping company, constructed it.

He was in charge of running a freight line that connected the city with Galveston.

It narrates many stories and has a stunning Greek Revival architecture.

The Britton-Evans House has been fully restored and furnished with genuine antiques and antiquities.

Being the oldest structure in Corpus Christi, it has had several uses, notably as a hospital during the Civil War.

Being a museum and archive, it allows you to relive various eras, particularly to see what life would have been like for a wealthy local family in the 1850s.

Completed in 1893, the Sidbury House is still the city’s final specimen of authentic Victoria architecture, as seen by its large verandas, unique silhouette, intricate wood balconies, and steeply pitched roof.

A local leader named Charlotte King Cook Sidbury previously called it home.

Located in Heritage Park with 10 other comparable antique homes, the Sidbury House is now a Texas Historical Landmark.

If you want to go ghost hunting, this place is regarded as one of the town’s most haunted and is now a fascinating museum!

Address: 411 N Upper Broadway, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, United States

3. Mustang Island State Park

About thirty miles to the south of Corpus Christi’s downtown is Mustang Island State Park.

One of the most enjoyable destinations in Texas for those who enjoy wildlife and the outdoors is this 18-mile barrier island.

There’s more to this place than just the sand and waves, although the beach sections are excellent for swimming, kayaking, tanning, and having fun!

Mustang Island State Park’s stunning terrain is perfect for a wide variety of fauna.

Along with sea turtles, deer, raccoons, and other fish, the park is home to over 400 different species of birds.

Beyond the shore, there are 20 miles of waterways that are open for boat exploration.

Address: 9394 TX-361, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, United States

4. Harbor Playhouse

The Harbor Playhouse has been a popular destination for individuals looking for entertainment in Corpus Christi since it debuted in 1925.

It hosts a lot of plays and has been chosen as one of the most prominent community theaters in the entire state, not just in Corpus Christi.

Harbor Playhouse aims to preserve its tradition and convey stories to people of all ages while also enhancing the local Corpus Christi creative and cultural environment.

Harbor Playhouse is guaranteed to have a production for you, whether you’re looking for daring musicals, classical hits, entertaining shows for your children, or modern thought-provokers!

When it airs in December, their rendition of A Christmas Carol is especially well-liked.

Address: 1802 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, United States

5. Worldwinds Windsurfing

Because Corpus Christi is a coastline city, windsurfing is a must-do activity there.

It’s a fantastic way to spend your time and is thrilling, exciting, adventurous, and fun, especially in locations like Padre Island, Laguna Madre, and other well-known beaches.

Worldwinds Windsurfing provides that chance in an excellent manner!

On your vacation, you can benefit from the powerful winds that come in from the Caribbean and the Sargasso by participating in Worldwinds Windsurfing.

Regardless of your level of skill, you may learn from certified instructors and obtain all the equipment you need to have a great windsurfing experience thanks to the company’s rental, gear purchases, lessons, and opportunities.

Address: Bird Island Basin Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, United States

6. K Space Contemporary

Alternative art is housed at K Space Contemporary.

It is a special organization that was founded in 2001 to give Corpus Christi a venue for local artists’ modern works.

These pieces, which are especially non-commercial, highlight the artists’ audacious genres and approaches.

K Space Contemporary is situated in Coastal Bend’s downtown district.

It is among the most unique sights to behold in this beautiful city.

Staff members can assist in giving you a wealth of knowledge on the artwork on show, and you will witness a variety of creative approaches.

Address: 623 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, United States

7. La Palmera Mall

La Palmera Mall is a great choice for strolling around, shopping, and simply unwinding during your Corpus Christi vacation if you’re searching for more laid-back destinations.

Its 986,000 square feet of space has over 130 distinct retail stores and a ton of fantastic restaurants!

La Palmera Mall has a good mix of local stores and well-known merchants.

Along with well-known brands like H&M and Michael Kors, it boasts an impressive three anchor stores: JCPenny, Dillard’s, and Macy’s.

You can visit a movie theater for additional entertainment, and you can sample cuisine at LongHorn Steakhouse and China Bistro.

You are free to browse the mall’s indoor and outdoor shopping areas as you like.

Address: 5488 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, United States

8. Selena Museum

The most famous Tejano singer Many people knew Selena Quintanilla-Pérez as the famous and Grammy-winning Latin pop singer who topped the charts around the world when she was still young.

She recorded four albums during her lifetime. Sadly, she was killed by a fan when she was 23 years old; the killer was the former head of the fan club that was named after her.

Many people praised, remembered, and respected her work after she died in 1995.

As an add-on to their studio, Q-Productions, her family opened the Selena Museum in 1998.

The Selena Museum in Texas is a great place to learn about the important person in music history, see how much fun she was, and honor her memory.

There are portraits, gold and platinum records, stories from Selena’s life, her much-loved red Porsche, awards, and displays about how she changed the music scene at the museum.

No matter if you’re a fan or not, this is something you should do in Corpus Christi.

Remember that when you’re done, you can see her memory bronze statue, called Overlook of the Flower or Mirador de la Flor, on the seawall of Seaside memory Park.

Address: 5410 Leopard St, Corpus Christi, TX 78408, United States

9. Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge

The Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge, which was built in 1959, links the city to its port.

Currently, it moves up to 30,000 vehicles every day and is one of the city’s main tourist draws because of how important it is and how it was built.

The through-arch bridge is 620 feet long and has a southern-style form. It is made of steel.

Things that happen at night are what make the Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge so interesting.

The bridge is famous for the beautiful LED light shows that happen every night with more than 10,000 separate lights.

Holiday celebrations can sometimes mean extra-special light shows.

No matter if you want to watch the show or not, you’ll still enjoy going across the bridge and getting some exercise while taking in the view of the city.

Address: Corpus Christi, TX, United States

10. Whataburger Field

Whataburger Field is the best sports field in the city, making it one of the coolest places to visit in the area for sports fans or people just looking for something fun to do.

The field is actually a ballpark that opened in 2005 and has 7,000 seats, a kids’ park, a youth baseball field, and even a VIP area.

Little Easter eggs in its design, like the use of old cotton presses as scoreboards, are meant to honor past.

Minor league baseball teams play at Whataburger Field. The Hooks, a Double-A Texas League team for the Houston Astros, call it home.

 

It is located at Corpus Christi Port and has a lot of extra features, like the Cotton Club recreation area with air conditioning, a climbing wall, several basketball courts, and even trampolines.

Need food while you’re at Whataburger Field?

You can buy crackers, beers, hot dogs, sandwiches, peanuts, pretzels, lemonade, burgers, funnel cake, and other foods at the many food stands set up by sellers.

Address: 734 E Port Ave, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, United States

11. Horses On The Beach

Do you love horses and are you looking for horse-related things to do in Corpus Christi?

Check out Horses On The Beach, one of the coolest things to do in this Texas city!

It has horseback riding activities and thrills for people of all ages and levels of experience. You can see the city from a horseback as you ride.

Horses On The Beach only has well-trained animals and smart, experienced guides who make sure nothing goes wrong.

It’s a calm and simple way to see the city on the coast, and helmets and other safety gear are provided.

Aside from horseback riding, Horses On The Beach also has a dog zoo, hayrides, and every night there are Ranch Cookouts.

Address: 16499 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, United States

12. Snoopy’s Pier

One of the best places in Corpus Christi to eat seafood is Snoopy’s Pier, a simple homemade restaurant. It’s also one of the best places to visit if you like food.

It began in the 1980s, when fisherman Ernie Butler chose to stop getting fish and start cooking instead.

He put together a simple, tasty meal that makes you feel right at home with the help of his fishing buddies and family.

You can try friend Texan shrimp, fish and chips, fried oysters, crab cake, or whatever the fresh catch of the day is at Snoopy’s Pier.

When food is served with cold beer, it makes everything taste even better.

You can choose to sit near a window if you’d like to fully enjoy the view of the beautiful beach.

Address: 13313 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, United States

13. Lazy Beach Brewing

This is a fun and easy microbrewery that serves good drinks without being over the top, touristy, or pushy. Lazy Beach Brewing is one of those places.

It opened in 2014 and is one of the best places in the city to get handmade beers.

The best of their tastes can be found in the brewery’s main taproom.

Bocks, Banana-nana Booch Booch, Hard Kombucha, Beach in Wheat, and Poseidon’s Trident are some of the cool beers that Lazy Beach Brewing sells.

There are several locations of Lazy Beach Brewing, but the best ones have food trucks nearby so you can grab a bite to eat while you drink.

Also, don’t forget to check out special beers!

Address: 7522 Bichon Dr #100, Corpus Christi, TX 78414, United States

14. Republic of Texas Bar & Grill

There is a restaurant called Republic of Texas Bar & Grill on the 20th floor of the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel. It is known as one of the best places in the city to eat and drink.

It’s a fancy restaurant with standard steakhouse food, great service, and a beautiful view that makes it perfect for dinner tonight.

The menu at the Republic of Texas Bar & Grill is very tasty. It has seafood, prime beef, wild game, deer, chicken, and prime-cut grade steaks.

As starters, you can choose from crab cakes, chicken legs, ahi tuna tartare, shrimp cocktail, fresh oysters, and a variety of salads and soups.

No matter what you order, you’ll enjoy your food. The drinks range from hand-picked wines to signature cocktails.

So it makes sense that this is one of the most popular places for foodies to eat in Corpus Christi!

Address: 900 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, United States

15. Bob Hall Pier

Padre Island’s Padre Balli Park is home to Bob Hall Pier.

It is perfect for a variety of water-based activities, particularly for anglers searching for deep water fish, because it extends an impressive 1,240 feet out into the Gulf of Mexico’s waters.

Even if you don’t have your fishing gear with you, you can still fish thanks to a tackle loaner program that lets visitors rent and use it.

You can enjoy Corpus Christi’s fresh, salty ocean air by taking a leisurely stroll around Bob Hall Pier.

Bob Hall Pier is without a doubt one of the best places to see in the city this weekend for those who enjoy the water, fishing, or just want to unwind.

Address: Corpus Christi, TX 78418, United States

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16. The Art Center of Corpus Christi

The Art Community Center was established in 1972 as the Art Center of Corpus Christi.

Its goal was straightforward: to support art in all of its manifestations.

It still very much embodies that goal, making it entertaining, instructive, and engaging for art enthusiasts and anybody else with an interest.

The facility is always bustling with activity because to the many events it hosts throughout the year.

You can see a variety of changing exhibits of original artwork created by Texas artists at The Art Center of Corpus Christi.

No matter your age or level of experience, the Barry Brown Clay Studio within the center is a must-visit if you’re up for a little education. It offers a variety of clay-making workshops that you may enjoy and indulge in.

Address: 100 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, United States

17. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Near Corpus Christi, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge stretches along the Texas Gulf coast.

If you’re in the city and want to arrange a short weekend trip, this is one of the greatest spots to go.

The 70,000-acre sanctuary is just around an hour’s drive from Austwell, the city, and is a popular destination for tourists from a variety of nearby locations.

Although the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge was created to provide a winter habitat for endangered whooping cranes, it has evolved into much more.

This area is home to migratory bird species like spoonbills and herons, bobcats, alligators, snakes, and more.

You can explore the many diverse ecosystems, such as freshwater ponds, tidal flats, grasslands, salt marshes, brackish rivers, swamplands, hypersaline lagoons, and more, using nature paths and walking routes.

Enjoy the scenery, have a picnic, go fishing, or work out on the biking or hiking paths while you’re visiting the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

An observation tower offers plenty of viewing space for tourists and birdwatchers, and a visitor’s center that opened in the summer offers information on the trails and the local animals.

Address: 1 Wildlife Cir, Austwell, TX 77950, United States

18. North Beach

You can’t go wrong with North Beach if you’re searching for some of the top US tourism destinations.

It should come as no surprise that North Beach, which was formerly known as Corpus Christi Beach, has earned a place on our list of Corpus Christi attractions.

The 1.5-mile-long beach cove, a popular destination across Harbor Bridge for more than a century, is a stunning retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

There are lots of enjoyable things to do at North Beach.

The golden sands and warm surf are ideal for sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, picnicking, and more.

You can easily visit the beach or look for other entertainment options because it’s close to other attractions!

Address: Surfside Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, United States

19. Corpus Christi Bay Trail

Check out the Corpus Christi Bay Trail if you’re searching for tourist attractions that will also get you moving and sweating, or that will immerse you in nature while providing several chances to take in the city.

It is 8.8 miles long and connects Oso Bay to the city’s downtown.

Because it runs along the coastline, you’re never too far from coastal views, and the walkway is paved, making it easy to maneuver.

The best way to see as much of the city as you can in a single trip is to take the Corpus Christi Bay Trail.

Its ease, attractiveness, and experience will be appreciated by photographers, hikers, cyclists, and tourists alike.

There are many different sights to see along the route, and you might even spot some birds, like as falcons and brown pelicans.

Address: Corpus Christi, TX, United States

20. Blackbeard’s On the Beach

Blackbeard’s On the Beach, which opened in 1991, has grown to be one of Corpus Christi’s most popular destinations for mouthwatering cuisine set against a historical backdrop.

Said to be haunted by pirates, locals, and previous owners, it is regarded as one of the city’s most haunted dining establishments.

Blackbeard’s On the Beach is a favorite among locals and visitors alike because of its mouthwatering cuisine, live music, and its calm, family-friendly ambiance.

Seashell salads, seared tuna, quesos, peeled or popcorn shrimp, chicken sarnies, buffalo wings, Border Chicken Monterey with a cheese quesadilla and Charron beans, and more are among the most popular culinary selections!

Uncertain on what to get to drink?

Try the restaurant’s well-known specialty drink, Grog, or choose from Czech or American beers.

Address: 3117 Surfside Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, United States

21. The USS Lexington

After being put into service in 1943, the USS Lexington played a significant role in the Pacific theater of World War II.

It played a crucial role in the 5th Fleet’s role as a combat aircraft carrier at Pearl Harbor.

It was given the unique moniker “The Blue Ghost” because of its deep blue hue, which allowed it to blend in with the surroundings and fool Japanese soldiers.

The USS Lexington, which has been in the bay of Corpus Christi since 1992, has more than earned its retirement after a successful career.

In addition to presenting its own story and legacy, this museum informs visitors about the background and role of aviation and naval conflicts.

It also has virtual battle stations, a 3D movie, a flight simulator, and a unique escape room!

When it comes to exploring the 1,000 square foot interior of the USS Lexington, there are five different routes available for a self-guided tour.

The command center, the forecastle, the flight and hangar decks, the crew quarters, and even several different vintage aircraft will all be visible to you.

You can explore even more areas of the ship with special trips, such as overnight camping tours or paranormal hunt tours.

Address: 2914 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, United States

22. South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

The South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is a great place for people who love nature.

It’s a small, quiet park that’s surrounded by Corpus Christi sights and is about 15 miles from the city center.

It runs for 180 acres and has nature trails full of different kinds of plants, like cacti, grasses, shrubs, and trees.

There are even animals that live there, like deer and coyotes.

You can go to many gardens and areas at the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center that are full of different kinds of flowers.

A rose garden, a hibiscus garden, a sensory garden, a plumeria garden, and an exotic Exhibit House are all there.

You can get close to birds and reptiles, and there is even a hummingbird garden and a playground for kids.

This Botanical Gardens and Nature Center has been around since 1987 and is a great place to learn and have fun in Corpus Christi.

There are a lot of different events for guests all year long, from garden shows to great sales.

It’s a beautiful place that’s great for families and great for relaxing!

Address: 8545 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78413, United States

23. Padre Island National Seashore

Are you looking for a beautiful place to get away this weekend?

Don’t look any further than Padre Island National Seashore, which is right off the coast of Corpus Christi and one of the most fun and lovely places to visit.

This barrier island is great for sightseeing because it is 70 miles long and hasn’t been built on yet. It has 130,000 acres of sand dunes, beaches, and farmland.

The island has been owned by four different countries over the years. It lies between the salty Laguna Madre and the Gulf of Mexico.

It was made a National Seashore in 1962, and Padre Island is right on the Central Flyway, which is the main path that birds take when they migrate.

This makes it a great place for birdwatchers, who can get good looks at about 380 different kinds of birds.

There is also a lot of wildlife in the water, such as sea turtles and species that are in danger of going extinct.

As you might expect, beach activities are a big part of Padre Island National Seashore.

You can swim, windsurf, dive, watch sea turtles, go on trips, or just lay back with a book and an umbrella on the beach.

Address: 20301 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, United States

24. Texas State Aquarium

The Texas State Aquarium is one of the most fun things to do in Corpus Christi. It is a non-profit organization that has been showing off the beautiful wildlife of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico since 1995.

As part of its goal to rescue, rehab, and protect ocean wildlife and teach visitors about how important this is, the aquarium has many programs, exhibits, and a lot of information.

The Texas State Aquarium has a lot of different things to see.

The Living Shores show is one of the most interesting. It has information about Corpus Christi’s Laguna Madre, seahorses and crabs on display, and one of the largest touch pools in the state.

Dolphin Bay, a 400,000-gallon tank with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that you can see from below, is another very popular show.

Floating Phantoms is another place to visit. This is where sea nettles and jellyfish live.

If you want to see animals that aren’t fish, you can go to the aquarium’s Hawn Wild Flight Theater and watch different birds of prey perform stunts.

For people who like plants, the Flower Gardens have coral reefs where cow nose stingrays, green moray eels, and tarpon live.

There will also be a splash park, events where kids can get close to animals, and a place to dig for fossils.

Address: 2710 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, United States

25. Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History

The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History opened in 1957 with the goal of giving people of all ages, but especially kids, a fun place to learn about science, history, and travel.

The museum is almost 100,000 square feet and is all about the area and southern Texas. It has displays and exhibits about the area’s past and the natural world.

The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History has many displays that are about a wide range of themes.

You can find out about the Civil War, local plants and animals, historic photos, Padre Island’s famous shipwreck that has been dug up, old carriages, local cultures and their arts and crafts, and the ecology of the coastal area.

The Science Center, which is 5,000 square feet and has a big playground for kids, the Explore the Nanoverse exhibit, which lets you look at the world through a microscope, and the Seeds of Change exhibit, which lets you get close to nature, are some of the best things to see at the Museum of Science and History.

Special programs, such as summer camps, trips with a theme each season, and workshops, are also available.

Address: 1900 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, United States

26. The Art Museum of South Texas

Since the 1930s, the Art Museum of South Texas has been around for a very long time.

At first, it only had a space in the Centennial Museum, which was pretty small. But in 1944, it got its own land.

At first, the museum’s small collection was meant to make people more aware of how important art is in society and encourage them to enjoy art and take part in making it.

The Art Museum of South Texas has grown a lot since then. It now has two buildings that are each full of a mix of permanent and changing shows.

Over 1,850 works of art are permanently housed in the collection. Most of them are from Corpus Christi and the nearby area.

The polished and interesting style shows works from North, Central, and South America.

This art center has a huge selection of different kinds of art.

It’s easy to see why this is one of the 10 best places for people to visit in the city. There are paintings, sculptures, textiles, installations, and watercolors.

You can bring your kids to ArtCade, which is fun and lets them make their own art.

Address: 1902 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, United States

27. Texas Surf Museum

The Texas Surf Museum is located in Corpus Christi, which makes sense given the city’s waves. It’s a unique and interesting little place in downtown that tells the story of the sport of surfing in Texas.

Of course, it’s one of the most important places for surfers to see, but it’s also a fun and interesting way for tourists to learn about this small part of history.

There is a lot of stuff, photos, and different kinds of information in the Texas Surf Museum, which started in 2005.

Unique features, like a bench made completely of surfboards, make the experience even more interesting.

Among other things, the exhibits talk about the culture of surfing, the physics of the trip, marine life, and the sport’s long past.

The surf museum lets people in for free and keeps things interesting by changing the exhibits and media.

You can watch movies, play with hands-on displays, look at old and maybe even famous surfboards, and see dioramas of surfing settings.

Address: 309 N Water St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, United States