30 Best Things To Do In Corpus Christi, Texas [A Local Guide]

Looking for the best things to do in Corpus Christi? You’re in the right place!

Our expert Texan writer, Carae Hilcher, has all the insider tips to help you explore this vibrant coastal city.

As Texas’s largest beach town, Corpus Christi offers a wide range of attractions for its visitors. With a population of over 300,000, this Gulf Coast gem combines the charm of a beachside getaway with the amenities of a bustling city.

Founded in 1519 by Spanish explorer Alonso Álvarez de Pineda, the city was named Corpus Christi, meaning “Body of Christ,” after the Christian holiday on which it was discovered.

Today, Corpus Christi blends art, history, outdoor adventures, and a thriving urban culture. Whether you’re soaking up the sun at the beaches, delving into Texas history aboard the USS Lexington, or enjoying the local art scene, there’s something for every traveler.

Get ready to explore with our guide to 31 exciting things to do in Corpus Christi. Pack your beach towels, lace up your walking shoes, and let’s hit the Texas coast!

Free things to do in Corpus Christi, Texas

1. Visit the Texas Surf Museum

When you think of Texas, surfing isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind. However, some dedicated surfers are trying to change that. Corpus Christi is home to the Texas Surf Museum. This museum represents surfers who are actively catching waves, how the sport came to life, and welcomes others to join in.

The museum’s owners aimed to create a space that showcased the history of surfing and inspired those in the area to give it a try. This museum is free to visit and is a good way to spend a few hours, whether you are an avid surfer or have never even tried.

2. Go birding

If you love birding, then Corpus Christi should be high on your list of destinations. Nominated as America’s Birdiest city for 10 years, Corpus Christi is the best place to go birding. It is situated right in the middle of North America, making it the perfect place for migration from North to South as well as East to West.

Regardless of the season, numerous birding activities take place throughout the year. Attend the Hummingbird Celebration in the fall or the annual Birdiest Festival in America in the spring.

Some of the best birding sites in the city are Blucher Park, Rose Hill Cemetery, and Hans A. and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge.

3. Hit Bay Trail

Seeking a way to explore the city and stay active? Corpus Christi’s Bay Trail is one of the easiest ways to visit all the major attractions, including the Art Museum of South Texas, the Museum of Science and History, and the Corpus Christi Marina, all while enjoying some fresh air.

The trail is 8.9 miles long and follows the coast, and it is concrete, making it perfect for walking, jogging, biking, and even skating. Venture off the designated trail to find some good hikes or stop at 1 of the eight parks along the route. This is one of the best free things to do in Corpus Christi. 

4. Historical Houses in Heritage Park

One of my favorite free things to do in Corpus Christi is to visit all the historical homes in Heritage Park.

Begin your self-guided walking tour at the Cultural Center, located at 1581 N. Chaparral. You will have the opportunity to tour the Galván House, Courtyard, and Lytton Memorial Rose Garden.

From there, you can make your way to the other 12 homes that make up Heritage Park. While many of these homes have been relocated from their original locations, they remain the original structures.

Fun fact: If you are up for an adventure, visit Sidbury House once the sun goes down; supposedly, this historic home is haunted.

Many have reported having seen the ghost of a small child going in and out of the bedrooms and rearranging the toys. I suppose there’s only one way to find out…

Romantic things to do in Corpus Christi

5. Have a romantic dinner at Republic Bar and Grill

Get ready to put on your best heels and hit the town with your first stop at Republic Bar and Grill. As one of the most romantic places in Corpus Christi, you can’t miss having a date night here.

This steakhouse is renowned for its high-quality meats and extensive wine collection.

Located on the 20th floor of the Omni, you will have panoramic views of the whole city. Republic Bar and Grill is expensive, and you definitely get what you pay for with their top-tier service and mouth-watering food. You won’t find a better view or a better meal.

6. Go on a romantic horseback ride on the beach at sunset

One of my favorite ways to watch the sunset is horseback riding on the beach in Corpus Christi. As one of the main attractions on the beach, you will see people riding horses on the beach throughout the whole day; there is no better way to see the coast.

If you are looking to spend some time with a loved one, book the sunset ride and have a picnic by the water while watching the sun go down. This is one of my favorite romantic activities in Corpus Christi.

The tour company ensures that the animals are well cared for and educates riders on how to be respectful and properly care for them.

Top Corpus Christi attractions and activities

7. USS Lexington

As the most popular tourist attraction in Corpus Christi, the USS Lexington Museum is a must-see. The USS Lexington arrived in Corpus Christi in 1992, where it is now stationed as a naval aviation museum.

As one of the world’s oldest aircraft carriers, this ship was commissioned in 1943 to join the 5th fleet at Pearl Harbor.

During that period, the ship was referred to as the “blue ghost” as the Japanese reported the boat to have sunk at least 5 times, but as we can see, each time it returned to battle as if it were a ghost haunting them.

The ship survived all of the attacks until the war was over and remained in commission for a few more years.

The museum offers a self-guided tour that takes you to its flight deck. This allows you the chance to get up close and personal with 20 aircraft, as well as lets you test your aviation skills in their interactive flight simulator.

The museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and costs $18.95.

8. The Art Museum of South Texas

The Art Museum of South Texas has been showcasing art from all around the Americas since the 1930s.

Over the past two decades, it has expanded to multiple buildings, featuring rotating exhibits as well as permanent art for its guests to observe and appreciate.

The museum houses over 1,800 pieces from regional artists as well as those from South, Central, and North America, creating a visual narrative for every kind of visitor.

The museum’s mission is to educate the public and create an awareness and appreciation for visual art.

Through this mission, they host many events. Check out their website if you are looking for fun things to do in Corpus Christi on the weekend.

The Art Museum of South Texas also hosts dollar first Fridays. Every first Friday of the new month costs only $1 for entry. If you can’t make it on First Friday, it will be a free $8 entry. 

9. Museum of Science and History

A fun activity for kids in Corpus Christi, TX, is to visit the Museum of Science and History. This interactive museum makes for the perfect place to escape the Texas heat, with plenty of educational programs.

The museum was established in 1957 to inspire and educate kids through science and history.

The focus of this museum is to showcase South Texas and the local cultures of the region. Explore an excavated shipwreck from nearby Padre Island or learn the history of the Civil War and how this region played an important part.

Find yourself browsing historic photos and being transported back in time in their historic archives.

The museum also hosts many summer camps and weekend workshops for kids of all ages. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and then on Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm.

Entrance fees are $12 for adults and $9 for kids.

10. Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

If you are a nature lover like me, I highly recommend heading to the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center for some outdoor fun! 182 acres of 11 uniquely crafted exhibits, with a large butterfly house, will have you exploring for the whole afternoon.

One of the things that makes these gardens so special is not just their vast array of flora, but also the opportunity to see fauna, such as rabbits, deer, and even foxes, frolicking in the gardens.

The gardens are also home to one of the largest bird sanctuaries in the United States. Their wetlands boardwalk is a major player on the Great Texas Birding Trail.

You will find many birds in their natural habitat, as well as their large collection of exotic parrots.

This is the perfect family outing for a day of relaxation and appreciation of the great outdoors. The center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. So make sure to stop by on your weekend in Corpus Christi.

11. Selena Museum

Corpus Christi is home to the Selena Museum. If you love Latin culture or enjoy good music, then this is a must-stop.

Selena is the most famous Mexican-American singer in history and put Latin music on the map for the rest of the world.

The singer-songwriter died in 1995 at the early age of 23, and she is still celebrated all around the world.

Kim Kardashian and Selena Gomez have both honored her by dressing up as the famous artist for multiple Halloweens.

The museum is open Monday-Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and costs $3 to go through Selena’s life, musical achievements, and, sadly, her death. I can not recommend this museum enough.

12. Art Center

With its numerous unique spaces, the Art Center in Corpus Christi offers numerous opportunities to engage with diverse media and local artists. They house rotating exhibits throughout the year to keep things fresh and new.

Along with its exhibits, the museum offers various classes to the public. Divided by experience level and ages, you will find classes on oils, clay, and photography. The center offers new classes each month, introducing new mediums to help build one’s skill set. 

13. Corpus Christi Hooks baseball team

Take me out to the ball game at Whataburger Field. Situated on the port of Corpus Christi, you can enjoy a summer night eating hot dogs and drinking ice-cold beer while watching Corpus Christi’s minor league baseball team, The Hooks.

If you are in town out of baseball season, there is a chance the field will be turned into an outdoor stadium for some good ole Texas country music. Make sure to bring your boots and go check it out.

14. Funtrackers amusement park

Funtrackers amusement park has everything you need for a day full of fun. Test your putt putt skills on their 18-hole course, or drive around the racetrack competing for 1st place in their go-karts.

Once the sun goes down, head indoors for some laser tag or play 1 of their 80 arcade games. Every time I go to Funtrackers I feel like a kid again and I can’t get enough. Make sure to trade in your winning tickets and pick something from their beloved prize wall.

15. Hurricane Alley Waterpark

Grab your swimsuit and sunscreen and head to this award-winning water park in the heart of Corpus Christi! Hurricane Alley Waterpark is one of the most popular things to do in the hot summer months.

You will find a multitude of adrenaline-inducing slides, along with a 12,000-square-foot wave pool, to keep you cool throughout the day.

At a weekend rate of $20 per person, this waterpark makes for a very affordable activity in Corpus Christi.

16. Kayak Redfish Bay

Redfish Bay is a group of islands, grasslands, and channels that have been designated as a state scientific area.

The Texas Wildlife Department has made it illegal to take a boat out on this area with a motor that has the potential to tear and damage the grasslands emerging from the marshes.

This has turned the bay into a hotspot for kayaking and paddleboarding. Some of the best fishing and birding is available in Redfish Bay.

As a lover of nature, this is one of my favorite activities as you can pack a lunch, grab a kayak and head out on the water for the whole day.

Things to do near Corpus Christi

17. Padre Island National Seashore

To escape the city and find things to do around Corpus Christi, head to North Padre Island to enjoy a natural landscape of one of the best beach towns in Texas

Padre Island National Seashore is a park that protects 66 miles of an untouched beach and releases protected sea turtles back into the ocean.

This side of the island is where the Gulf of Mexico turns into the Laguna Madre Bay, one of the few hypersaline lagoons in the world.

18. Mustang Island

For one of the best beaches in the area, head to Mustang Island. The island stretches from Corpus Christi to Port Aransas for 18 miles. Boasting white sandy beaches and clean water, this is the perfect weekend getaway in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing time on the beach or some water sports, this little island has it all.

If you choose just to do a day trip here, make sure to stay until the night, as Mustang Island has some of the best sunsets in the area, and has a state park worthy of visiting with 20 miles of hiking trails.

19. National Wildlife Refuge

Looking to get out of the city and into nature? Head out to the National Wildlife Refuge for things to do near Corpus Christi. This refuge spans over 115,000 acres and is home to Texas wildlife and migrating birds.

The refuge is world-renowned for being a winter resting place for the largest wild flock of endangered whooping cranes. You will find an array of public tours, or you can venture to the refuge on your own. This is a perfect outdoor classroom for those inspired by nature and its potential for coexistence in the world.

20. Laguna Madre Bay

The largest of the hypersaline lagoons in the world, the Laguna Madre is a must-see on your vacation in Corpus Christi. It has the most extensive clay dunes and tidal flats in North America.

Grab a kayak or a paddleboard and make your way through the channels, changing from North Padre Island to Laguna Madre. Keep an eye out for sea turtles and even some ocelots. This is a less populated area, letting the animals live freely in their environment. Laguna Madre Bay is located 2 hours south of Corpus Christi, making this a great weekend getaway.

21. North Beach

When I am looking to stay close to the city but enjoy some peace and quiet, I head to North Beach, only a 20-minute drive from the city center. North Beach is one of the most popular places in Corpus Christi. With 1.5 miles of sandy beach, calm waters, and plenty of beachfront restaurants, you will have everything you need for a day of fun in the sun.

You’ll find free parking and plenty of picnic tables to bring your own setup, making it one of my favorite free things to do in Corpus Christi on the weekends.

Things to do in Corpus Christi Beach

22. Bob Hall Pier

Bob Hall Pier is a great option for fishermen who want to do some deep-sea fishing but prefer not to invest in a boat. Head out onto the 1,240 ft pier that gives you access to Gulf Coast fish that don’t come close to shore.

You can rent fishing gear or bring your own. There are plenty of open spaces, picnic tables, and beach access points for those who are joining but not fishing. The park and pier are open 24/7, making this a fun activity to do in Corpus Christi at night. Just watch out for the crabs on the shore!

23. Surfing

One of my favorite, inexpensive things to do in Corpus Christi is to go Surfing. While Texas beaches are not known for their surfing, if you know where to go, you can catch some pretty gnarly waves! Along the coastal bend, you will find some key spots where, when the wind hits perfectly, suddenly you are in a surfer’s paradise.

The best spots are Bob Hall Pier, where you can rent a board here and also take lessons if you are a beginner, North Padre Seawall, and Packery Channel Jetties.

24. Dolphin Cruise

A Dolphin Cruise is one of the best things to do in Corpus Christi. Situated on the Gulf Coast, you will see a plethora of these incredible mammals making their way through the blue waters.

There are plenty of dolphin cruises throughout the island. My recommendation is to take the Scarlet Lady Dolphin Tours sunset cruise. Seeing dolphins jumping in and out of the water with a pink and purple background is breathtaking. If you are on a budget, you are also likely to see dolphins on the ferry to Port Aransas for free.

25. Sea turtle release

One of the best experiences, and perhaps one of the hardest to plan for. Baby Sea turtles being released back into the ocean is an unpredictable experience, as there is no set date when these little hatchlings will be ready.

Your best chance at catching them is by planning your vacation to Corpus Christi between mid-June and late August. The release dates are typically given a week in advance and people from all over come to watch the hatchlings begin their journey into the Gulf of Mexico. You can call this hotline number, 361-949-7163, to find out if they have any scheduled releases coming up.

27. Windsurfing

Looking to try a new sport? Head to Padre Island National Seashore at Bird Island Basin to fly through the water with just a board and sail. Windsurfing is becoming more and more popular on the coast of Texas. It has the longest undeveloped barrier island in North America, making it the perfect location for this extreme sport.

What is the best time to visit Corpus Christi?

The best time to travel to Corpus Christi is in September, when the weather is still warm enough to enjoy the beach, and the summer tourists have all headed back home. You will have your choice of beaches, no long waits at restaurants, and plenty of hotel options. 

Things to do in Corpus Christi at night – Best bars and lounges

Lazy Beach Brewing

Lazy Beach Brewing is a local brewing company and my favorite place to spend the evenings. Whether I’m catching up with friends or sparking up a conversation with a stranger, this is a fun thing to do in Corpus at night.

The brewery opened in 2015 and makes small-batch brews. The brewery has 15 different brews on tap and a wide-open outdoor patio for those warm summer nights. You won’t find their beer anywhere else, and they have a new brew that comes out every single Saturday, giving all of us the perfect excuse to return time and time again.

Pelican Lounge

The Pelican Lounge is the perfect place to go in Corpus Christi at night. This lively bar has my favorite happy hour, great food, and views of the Corpus Christi dunes from their patio. They have a lot of games and pool tables that are open all night long. Pelican Lounge always has something going on every night of the week with live music and shuffleboard tournaments, and they hold weekly karaoke nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

House of Rock

Every time I visit somewhere new I always want to know “Where do the locals hangout?” well look no further than House of Rock. In the heart of downtown Corpus Christi, this Rock bar has everything a local and a tourist needs. Divided into three different bars, you can get exactly what you are looking for.

They feature live music every night from Wednesday to Sunday, as well as an open mic night on Tuesdays. Occasionally, they will have concerts that require a cover fee or a pre-purchased ticket, so make sure to check on their website before you head out.

The Gold Fish

If you are looking for the best cocktails in Corpus Christi, then The Gold Fish is for you! Out of all the places in town, they definitely serve up the best-curated cocktails. Whether you want a minty mojito or an old-fashioned one, the bartenders are true mixologists and are guaranteed to leave you happy and warm.

Enjoy the sights and sounds this weekend in Corpus Christi from their large outdoor garden. The Gold Fish is my go-to spot when I am out on the town on my own and I regularly check their Instagram for events throughout the week.

Best restaurants in Corpus Christi

Black Diamond Oyster Bar

Locally owned and operated, this oyster bar has been in business since 1968 and is a local favorite. They are known for their fresh seafood and deep-fried oyster,s but I personally recommend the Black Diamond Burger. The food here is a bit more expensive for Corpus Christi but a great place, especially for couples.

Doc’s Seafood and Steak Restaurant

If you ask anyone in Corpus where you should go to eat, 9 out of 10 times they will say Docs. Located right on the water with amazing views of the sunset and incredible seafood, you can understand why it’s everyone’s favorite. I recommend the Seafood Lover plate to get a taste of everything or the Yellow Fin Tuna Tacos.

Snoopy’s Pier

Good food, good beer, and great prices. Snoopy’s Pier is a local restaurant that has been operating for 40 years on the waterfront. With a beautiful view of the ocean and a full plate of shrimp cocktails, you will find yourself coming here every night of your trip. Make sure to pop over to their dessert spot, Snoopy’s Veranda, for some ice cream after dinner.

Andy’s Country Kitchen

The best place to grab a home-cooked breakfast or a hearty lunch. Andy’s Country Kitchen is everything Texas stands for when it comes to food. Try their steak and eggs for breakfast, a popular meal in the south, or the chicken fried steak for lunch. Make sure to come hungry; the portions are very large.

Where to stay in Corpus Christi

Lively Beach – Luxury Stay

Lively Beach is a private condominium for Corpus Christi guests to have a luxury experience with private beach access, a resort-style pool, and a beach club to meet others staying in the area. This resort is located near mustang island, a short drive from Corpus Christi city and into the nature of the island. Check rates and availability

Best Western – Mid-Range Stay

Best Western has everything you will need for your trip to Corpus Christi. Each room has a view of the marina, the hotel has a swimming pool, and a continental breakfast. You are a quick 5-minute walk to the water and a short drive to everywhere else in the city. Check rates and availability

Sleep inn & Suites – Budget Stay

An award-winning hotel at a fantastic price. If you are on a budget, this is a great option for you. Located in the center with a short drive to the beach, you will have access to everything. The hotel has an outdoor pool and a continental breakfast. Check rates and availability