Why Corpus Christi is growing
Corpus Christi keeps growing as a year-round coast town — a restored bayfront, a walk-through aircraft carrier and the aquarium, with Mustang Island and Padre Island as its beaches. The guide below connects the town to nearby parks, signature stops, local food and golf so it can anchor a full weekend instead of a quick pass-through.
Beach driving needs a permit; park at Malaquite and take the shuttle in summer.
Things to do nearby
Gulf Coast · Beaches
Padre Island National Seashore
The longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world — dunes, shorebirds and sea turtle releases.
Gulf Coast · Beaches
Port Aransas
A laid-back island town reached by a free ferry, with fishing piers, golf carts and fresh Gulf seafood.
South Texas · Beaches
South Padre Island
Warm Gulf water, sea turtle rescue, birding boardwalks and a front-row seat to Starship launches.
Parks & recreation nearby
Connect the city with a trail, lake, historic site or open-sky day trip.
State park · Port Aransas
Mustang Island State Park
Five miles of open Gulf beach, dunes and a 20-mile paddling trail through the Laguna Madre side of the island.
State park · Mathis
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Explore the landscapes, trails and stories around Lake Corpus Christi State Park.
State park · Rockport
Goose Island State Park
Explore the landscapes, trails and stories around Goose Island State Park.
Where to eat
Water Street Oyster Bar
Downtown oysters and Gulf plates.
Family friendlyLa Niña
Coffee and ice cream on Broadway.
Snoopy's Pier
Fried shrimp on the water in Port Aransas.
Family friendly
Things to do
USS Lexington Museum
A wartime aircraft carrier you can walk through.
Family friendlyTexas State Aquarium
On Corpus Christi Bay.
Family friendlyOcean Drive & Malaquite Beach
The long sandy beach with boardwalks.
Family friendly
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Where to stay
Places to stay near Corpus Christi
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