Coast Your Own Way

Find the top things to do in Corpus Christi.

Coast like a Texan in the Gulf Coast Capital. Explore nine unique beaches in Corpus Christi and unleash your adventurous side by windsurfing, parasailing and kayaking out on the water. Craving inspiration in the outdoors? Try a paddleboard yoga class or horseback riding on the sand. Corpus Christi is also the center of iconic attractions like the Texas State Aquarium and USS Lexington. With diverse dining that suits every taste, Tex-Mex and seafood restaurants in Corpus Christi are special standouts and local chefs can even cook up your catch of the day. Whether you’re ready for a family vacation or getting away with friends, find hotels in Corpus Christi to fit every need. Come to Corpus Christi and go your own way.

Sun, Surf and Sand

Miles of expansive beaches in Corpus Christi welcome you to come out and play. Go big with consistent swells that are perfect for surfing, or spend a day fishing from a pier. Families will love the beaches with smooth sands and gentle waves for all ages. However you define your perfect beach day, the largest coastal city in Texas has just what you’re looking for.

Fall on the Beach

Padre Island National Seashore

Spend an exhilarating day out on a pristine stretch of paradise that lies just minutes from downtown Corpus Christi. As the world’s largest remaining natural barrier island, this spectacular expanse includes 70 miles of uninterrupted national seashore. Roam among sandy beaches brushed by Gulf breezes, spot a diverse array of birds and other wildlife, and soak up the sun in this jewel of South Texas.

beach

Texas State Aquarium

The idea for the Texas State Aquarium was conceptualized by its founders early on to focus on the species in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The exhibits would…

The idea for the Texas State Aquarium was conceptualized by its founders early on to focus on the…

Texas State Aquarium

Plunge into an adventure that inspires visitors of all ages in this Corpus Christi aquarium. With playful dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays and many more sea creatures from all over the world, education and entertainment go hand in hand. Learn about marine conservation and immerse yourself in underwater worlds in the 4D theater.

aquarium

USS Lexington Museum on The Bay

Aboard the USS Lexington Museum, you can discover naval history aboard a real WWII aircraft carrier. Take in the massive flight deck and fleet of historic aircraft…

Aboard the USS Lexington Museum, you can discover naval history aboard a real WWII aircraft carrier…

USS Lexington Museum on The Bay

Past meets present aboard the USS Lexington, a World War II–era Essex Class aircraft carrier that has earned a second life as a family-friendly museum. Step aboard the “Blue Ghost” to learn about its naval history, experience the flight simulator and 3D theater, and explore dark corridors and colossal compartments on a self-guided tour.

Lexington

SOUTH TEXAS BOTANICAL GARDENS & NATURE CENTER

FLORA, FAUNA and FUN are keywords for the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, one of the Coastal Bend’s major visitor destinations and leading nature tourism…

FLORA, FAUNA and FUN are keywords for the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, one of the…

South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

Tranquility floods your senses in Corpus Christi’s botanical gardens where nature and art intertwine. Discover a collection of more than 2,500 different orchids, admire the fragrant rose garden and pavilion, and meet the butterflies, reptiles and parrots that call this place home.

Botanical Gardens

CORPUS CHRISTI MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY

There's something for everyone at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History. Traverse the world of South Texas and marvel at treasures from a 1554 Spanish shipwreck…

There's something for everyone at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History. Traverse the world…

Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History

Explore 500 years of South Texas history, from early explorers and colonizers to notorious shipwrecks — including La Belle that sank more than three centuries ago. Set on a picturesque harbor, this nearly 100,000-square-foot space also enriches young scientists with interactive displays.

CORPUS CHRISTI MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY