Fun things to do in Corpus Christi – The South Texas city of Corpus Christi sits right on Corpus Christi Bay and is known as the “Sparkling City by the Sea.” Located about two hours from San Antonio and just over three hours from Houston, Corpus Christi is one of the most visited destinations in Texas because it has so much to offer! Read on to discover some of the top things to do in Corpus Christi.
HIT THE BEACH
Corpus Christi is famous for the miles and miles of beautiful sandy beaches that can be found along the Coastal Bend. The two main beaches bayside are McGee Beach and North Beach. McGee Beach is a great beach located walking distance from downtown Corpus Christi. The smooth, clean sand attracts sunbathers; and the calm, clear waters make it perfect for swimmers. McGee Beach also offers a playground, basketball courts, and even a dog park which makes it even more popular with families.
Corpus Christi also maintains North Beach, located across the Harbor Bridge. While McGee Beach is popular for being central to the downtown area, North Beach has its own treats to offer! The long stretch of beach is banded by a smooth beachwalk, for bike-riders and baby carriages to roll along and get in a view of the water beyond, and has fishing jetties for people looking for their own personal catch of the day. There are also several great spots to dine along North Beach, with beautiful bayfront views. And if one desires to step off the sand during a visit, some of the most notable attractions of the area are close enough to enjoy.
VISIT A MUSEUM
There is a wide variety of museums in the Corpus Christi area that draw tons of visitors, from art museums to science and history museums—and even museum dedicated to surfing. The USS Lexington Museum on the Bay is possibly the most well-known museum in Corpus Christi. Just steps away from North Beach, the World War II era aircraft carrier is a floating naval aviation museum. It has provided a peek into naval life and service since arriving in Corpus Christi in 1992. “The Blue Ghost,” as the carrier is sometimes called, has even been featured in several Hollywood films!
Another popular museum, especially for Tejano music lovers, is the Selena Museum, memorial museum established by the family of Selena Quintanilla Perez to honor the Corpus Christi-born musical recording artist who lost her life tragically at age 23. The Selena Museum houses a collection of memorabilia that was a part of Selena’s story and amazing climb to the top of Latin music charts.
FIND YOUR INNER NEMO
Fun things to do in Corpus Christi – Corpus Christi is home to many attractions that focus on coastal and aquatic life. Two of the best in the area are the Texas State Aquarium and the Texas Sealife Center. Both are nonprofit 501c3 organizations dedicated to educating the public about and taking care of aquatic wildlife. The Texas State Aquarium mission is “to engage people with animals, inspire appreciation for our seas, and support wildlife conservation.” It offers numerous exhibits such as Coral Reef, Dolphin Bay, Living Shores, Tortuga Cay, and many more! The Texas Sealife Center is similarly focused, but with more of an eye towards rescue and rehabilitation efforts to help South Texas wildlife flourish. They help a variety of coastal wildlife species from birds to sea turtles. The Texas Sealife Center offers scheduled tours, summer camp experiences for kids, and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
