Things to do in Corpus Christi

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Photo provided by Texas Tourism
Photo provided by Texas Tourism / Kevin Stillman
Photo provided by Texas Tourism / Kenny Braun
Photo provided by Texas Tourism / Kenny Braun
Photo provided by Texas Tourism / Kenny Braun

Corpus Christi Attractions

At the edge of the Gulf and on the border with Mexico, Corpus Cristi is primed and ready to delight those looking to get their fill of sun and sand. Plus, beyond the beaches and never-ending waterfront walks are a host of other attractions. Explore the inside of a former battleship, turn a critical eye on modern art at a local gallery, or seek out an urban park to watch the world go by while your read a book. No matter your interests, there are plenty of things to do in Corpus Cristi during your next vacation to Texas’ southern border.


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What to do in Corpus Christi

Free Things to Do in Corpus Christi

There's no need to run your credit card hot in Corpus Christi. The following won't cost a penny.

Texas Surf Museum - Approach the staff or curator and discover more about the collections held at this museum.

Selena Memorial & Statue - Educate yourself about some of the intriguing history of the region through this site.

Corpus Christi Marina - This is a thriving area where you can soak in the ambiance and discover the local way of life.

One Shoreline Plaza - Leave time to check out this site of local significance.

McGee Beach - Play catch with the little ones or lay back and soak up the sun's rays at this coastal spot.

Blucher Park - Grab your rug, pick up a snack and find a cozy spot to appreciate Mother Nature.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Corpus Christi

Central City

Urban meets historic in Corpus Cristi’s downtown streets, where pockets of Spanish and Victorian architecture have remained among the city’s newest high rises. Downtown, you’ll find the area’s best museums, galleries, and services, as well as an expansive waterfront lined with parks perfect for a stroll at any time of day.

North Beach

Technically included in Central City, North Beach is where you’ll find the city’s densest population of tourist-friendly attractions, eateries, and nightlife options. Beachfront bars and restaurants line the boardwalk, a wide variety of hotels offer sweeping views of the bay, and top attractions like the Texas State Aquarium and USS Lexington are just a short walk away.

Padre Island & Mustang Island

Stretching over 130 miles (209 km), Padre Island and Mustang Island act as a barrier between Corpus Cristi and the Gulf of Mexico. Essentially one massive beach, these two stretches of sand are, for the most part, blissfully undeveloped. Escape here with a rental car to comb the shores for seashells or take a hike, either in Mustang Island State Park or Padre Island National Seashore.

What to See in Corpus Cristi

Get the lay of the land with a long walk along the Bayfront, where paved paths beckon joggers and rollerbladers to get in a quick workout, cotton candy vendors hawk puffy clouds of sugar, and you’re just steps away from Corpus Cristi’s biggest attractions, like the Texas State Aquarium and USS Lexington. For off-the-beaten path adventures in town, consider hunting down the city’s urban parks, scattered regularly along the waterfront and hidden away down quiet residential streets.

To get away from it all, rent a car and take a day to explore the beaches of Padre and Mustang Island. These narrow strips of land protect Corpus Cristi form the Gulf’s white-capped waves and offer a secluded getaway for anyone willing to put in the effort to make it out of town. Anglers can bring their poles to the jetty on Mustang Island to fish from shore, and seashell searchers will love spending time combing the sands and explore the dunes in Padre Island National Seashore.

Sightseeing in Corpus Christi

Take a few hours to explore the marine creatures at the newly renovated Texas State Aquarium, where animals are rehabilitated and released back into the world as a part of ongoing environmental protection work. Check out touch pools where you can get up-close and personal with hermit crabs, and examine the marine critters and creatures in simulated natural environments that range from alligator-infested swamps to the habitats formed by offshore oil platforms (only in Texas!). Outside, Dolphin Bay’s resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphins team up with experienced trainers to teach visitors about the dolphin behavior and habitats.Just down the street, the USS Lexington offers an in-depth look at a decommissioned aircraft carrier. Head inside this naval ship-turned-museum to check out everything from officer bunks to big guns and learn about its service in the US Navy.

Away from the waterfront, the Art Museum of South Texas and Corpus Cristi Museum of Science and Industry offer air-conditioned respites when the afternoon sun bakes the beach a bit too much. With rotating exhibits and excellent permanent works, these cultural institutions are definitely worth a look.

Things to Do in Corpus Christi with Kids

Heading away with the kids? There are plenty of activities and tours in Corpus Christi that'll put wide smiles on little faces. Try these family friendly experiences:


 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Corpus Christi

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Corpus Christi

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Cinnamon Shore

Though Cinnamon Shore might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mustang Island Beach and Palmilla Beach Golf Club.

Cinnamon Shore
Brief vacation trip to north Padre Island, Corpus Christi, Texas.  We spent an afternoon at Malaquite Beach in the national seashore. This little submarine is outside our favorite kitschy souvenir store.

Padre Island

While visiting Padre Island, you might make a stop by sights like Whitecap Beach and Bob Hall Pier.

Padre Island
Neat way to drive into Corpus Christi, the bridge is much more illuminated in the distance. Other odd thing is all of the oil industry lights blink at the same time and there are thousands of them. Very cool.

North Beach

4/5(605 area reviews)

Located on the El Rincon peninsula, this Corpus Christi area boasts the Texas State Aquarium, USS Lexington, and a 1.5-mile-long beach with a 10-foot-wide Beachwalk for leisurely strolls.

North Beach
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Palm Harbor

Palm Harbor might not have many top sights, but Rockport Beach Park and The Gallery of Rockport are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Palm Harbor
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Flour Bluff

4.5/5(25 area reviews)

Flour Bluff is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Laguna Madre and Funtrackers Family Fun Center.

Flour Bluff
Port Aransas featuring art and interior views as well as an individual femail

Old Town Port Aransas

4.5/5(153 area reviews)

While visiting Old Town Port Aransas, you might make a stop by sights like Port Aransas Birding Center and Port Aransas Museum.

Old Town Port Aransas

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from Corpus Christi

Frequently asked questions

Is Corpus Christi worth visiting?
Whether you're here to experience the cultural highlights and local charm or try regional foods and explore in nature, there are many things to do in Corpus Christi.
How do I spend a day in Corpus Christi?
After you've visited key attractions like Texas State Aquarium and North Beach, spend the rest of your day discovering the food and retail options in Corpus Christi.
What is the top tourist attraction in Corpus Christi?
Texas State Aquarium is one of the top tourist attractions in Corpus Christi and should feature high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Corpus Christi?
You can easily enjoy leading sights like Texas State Aquarium, North Beach and McGee Beach with a three-day getaway in Corpus Christi. On average, most travelers plan two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stick around longer and venture to Port Aransas.
Is Corpus Christi a walkable city?
Some top sights in Corpus Christi, like Texas State Aquarium and North Beach, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Just 3 miles from central Corpus Christi is Central City and North Beach is 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Corpus Christi with kids?
Deciding what to do in Corpus Christi with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're taking a trip with toddlers or teenagers, there are many family-friendly sights and activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Corpus Christi for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Corpus Christi for adults including American Bank Center.
Are there free things to do in Corpus Christi?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Corpus Christi is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without opening your wallet. North Beach is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.