T H E g u l f c o a s t c a p i t a l
DRIVE TIMES TO CORPUS CHRISTI
Dallas (DFW) – 6 hours
Houston (HOU/IAH) – 3 hours 15 minutes
Austin – 3 hours 15 minutes
San Antonio – 2 hours 15 minutes
ECONOMIC IMPACT
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CORPUS CHRISTI POPULATION
CORPUS CHRISTI CSA: 540,000
Population Growth in Corpus Christi Metropolitan Area
• 1990 - 367,786
• 2000 - 403,280
• 2010 - 428,185
• 2020 – 457,952
11,000 Hotel rooms and 7,000 Short term rentals
From the city to the beach, the coast is more than our part of the state. Coasting is our state of mind. We take our time and take what's ours. We know who we are and what we stand for. We do things differently and celebrate what makes us the same. This way of life is bigger than our beaches.
VISITOR ORIGIN MARKETS
Markets that are being targeted through our advertising. Both in-state and outof-state markets are being targeted through paid media advertising.
ANNUAL VISITORS (MILLIONS)
Data via Texas Governor’s Economic Impact Report collected by Texas Travel & Research Association and other cities’ own DMO websites/public resources.
OUR BEACHES
OUR BEACHES
• Our diverse beaches are the heart and soul of the Gulf Coast Region.
• There are over 90 miles of Gulf Coast beaches with nearly 70 miles of beachfront on Padre and Mustang islands.
• The Padre Island National Seashore is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world.
• Bayfront Beaches are within walking distance from the marina, restaurants, and other incredible downtown locations.
• A variety of condos and hotels are situated along the beaches.
OUR BEACHES
NORTH PADRE ISLAND
• Located twenty miles east of downtown Corpus Christi
• An 80-mile long northern portion of barrier island
• Offers a great blend of culture, nature, entertainment, and miles of beaches, year-round
• The ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy activities such as fishing, birding, sailing, golf, windsurfing, and kite-boarding due to the mild semitropical climate and warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE
• More than 130,000 acres of dunes, grasslands, and beaches
• 5 camping locations
• Perfect area for beachcombing with a 4-wheel drive
• Separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre, one of a few hypersaline lagoons in the world
• The park protects 66 miles of coastline, dunes, prairies, and wind tidal flats teeming with life.
• It is a safe nesting ground for the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle and a haven for over 380 bird species.
PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE
MCgEE BEACH
• Beautiful beachfront stretching along the seawall in Downtown Corpus Christi
• Featuring seaweed-free, manicured sand, and the warm, serene waters of Corpus Christi Bay –a visitor favorite feature
• Offers a variety of rentals for visitors to enhance their experience:
• Umbrellas and chairs
• Cabanas
• Jet skis
• Pedal boats
• Surrey bicycles
MCgEE BEACH
MUSTANG ISLAND STATE PARK
• One of the most popular family beaches in Texas
• Over 5 miles of open beach area
• Mustang Beach, part of the State Park, is an 18-mile-long barrier island on the Texas coast with great on-beach camping, beachcombing, turtles, dolphins, birds, and more.
• Ranger Programs offer special birding, stargazing, fishing, and other nature-related events for fun and educational experiences.
• The “Ask a Ranger” program provides an inside look at wildlife elements – like what critters reside inside beach holes and the reasoning behind unraked sargassum seaweed.
• Facilities include campsites with water and electricity, primitive beach sites, shaded picnic areas, restrooms, and showers.
MUSTANg ISLAND PARK
PLACES TO STAY
BEACH FRONT HOTELS
Island Resort
• Located on North Padre Island, this pet-friendly hotel features a restaurant, an indoor and outdoor bar, live music on most weekends, a beach entry style swimming pool, a hot tub, conveniently located beach chair and canopy rentals, fine white sand, and relaxation with towels and umbrellas.
Lively Beach Resort
• Lively Beach Resort on Mustang Island is an island oasis with 46 acres of property, a private boardwalk to the beach, and a pool with shaded cabanas.
BEACH FRONT HOTELS
Emerald Beach Hotel
• Emerald Beach Hotel is a premium bay view hotel that is located minutes away from the downtown scene, home to the only beachfront bar in Corpus Christi, and the only downtown hotel situated directly on the Corpus Christi Bay.
Port Royal
• This premier resort features 210 beachfront condos, set on a 25acre enclave that wraps around the largest lagoon pools in Texas, is accented by palm trees, and includes stepped waterfalls and water slides for the perfect resort style getaway.
Doubletree
• This Hilton beachfront hotel offers direct access to Texas Coastal Beaches and the Bay. Take in ocean views from your balcony, or the sundeck surrounding the outdoor pool, whirlpool, and swim-up bar.
BEACH FRONT HOTELS
MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS
• The official state aquarium of Texas
TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM
• Largest aquarium in Texas, and the 4th largest aquarium in the U.S.
• Renowned marine conservation organization featuring an astonishing variety of marine species and land creatures, and underwater exhibits showcasing animals from the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula
• Home to the new state-of-the-art Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue.
• At 25,000 sq. ft., it is the largest animal rehabilitation center in Texas.
• Offers a behind the scenes look at the treatment and rehabilitation of marine animals, raptors, shorebirds, and sea turtles.
• Features a newly renovated H-E-B Splash Park.
• 15,000 sq. ft. water park designed with activities for kids
TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM
USS LEXINGTON MUSEUM ON THE BAY
• The USS Lexington Museum on The Bay, CV-16, is a World War II-vintage Essex Class aircraft carrier.
• Visitors can see 15 fighter jets including an F-14 Tomcat fighter jet featured in Top Gun, a movie theater, and much more!
• It is the only aircraft carrier in the world with escape rooms on board.
• The USS Lexington served as a filming location for Michael Bay’s 2000 film, Pearl Harbor.
• The USS Lexington hosted the Professional Bull Riding (PBR) Air Force Reserve Cowboys for a Cause, a new PBR initiative that raised money for a range of charitable organizations.
USS LEXINGTON MUSEUM ON THE BAY
AMERICAN BANK CENTER
• The largest convention center on the Gulf Coast.
• Includes a club level and 10 box suites
• The American Bank Center has over 400,000 sq. ft. of space within the convention center, arena and performing arts center.
• The center is designed for concerts, sporting events, and professional and amateur rodeo events.
AMERICAN BANK CENTER
WHATABURGER FIELD
Named after the iconic Texas burger franchise that originated here in Corpus Christi.
Home of the Minor League Corpus Christi Hooks Baseball Team
Corpus Christi Hooks is the Double A affiliate for the Houston Astros.
An epic firework show illuminates the night at the end of every Friday night home baseball game. Suites are available and offer second level views of Whataburger Field, Corpus Christi Bay, and the Harbor Bridge. Visit Corpus Christi has a suite available for rent.
The Gulf Coast Capital Suite is number 9 and is easily recognizable by our signature branding.
WHATABURGER FIELD
SELENA QUINTANILLA
• The Queen of Tejano Music isn't just a global icon - she's our hometown hero, and her legacy lives on.
• There are plenty of Selena Bucket list things to do in Corpus Christi:
• Mirador de La Flor on the Seawall: life-size bronze statue of Selena in one of her iconic stage costumes, overlooking the Corpus Christi Bay.
• Selena Museum: Located at Q Productions, the museum brings to life the most important moments in Selena's life.
• Hi-Ho Restaurant: View never before seen photos of Selena and try her favorite dish: the carne guisada plate.
• Swantner Park: the iconic "washing
SELENA QUINTANILLA
Founded in 1853 in Kingsville, it is the leader in ranching
The 880,000 acre ranch is one of the largest and oldest working cattle and horse ranches in the world.
to show its history, and nature for a guided excursion of wildlife and bird watching.
Saddle shop to show where craftsmen created saddles Hunting excursions including sightings of nilgai
white tailed deer, Rio Grande Turkey Dove,
Annual Ranch Hand Breakfast held in November where an authentic and hearty cowboy
King Ranch partnered up with Ford in 1999 to begin leveraging their name and
150, and its brand recognition continues to
KING RANCH
MUSEUMS TO VISIT
ART MUSEUM OF TEXAS
100,000 visitors annually
The original brilliant white shellcrete structure opened in 1972 and was designed by world-renowned architect, and modern master, Phillip Johnson, then expanded by Mexican architect, Ricardo Legoretta in 2006, which doubled the size of its space.
class facility focuses on regional art, but more importantly positions this art and the region in the greater global visual arts scene. over 1,900 works of art in its permanent temporary exhibitions from art museums and galleries across the nation.
Outreach and enrichment programs include bilingual gallery talks, artist residencies, videos, dance, theatrical, and musical performances.
ART MUSEUM OF SOUTH TEXAS
CORPUS CHRISTI MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY
• Dedicated to exploration and education of historical collections representative of South Texas culture.
• Uncover hundreds of years of local history in the Corpus Christi History Hall and Doc McGregor collection of historical photos.
• Explore 500 years of guns and ammo, rocks, minerals, coastal creatures, and even dinosaurs.
• Science and history are brought to life by Museum Live actors.
• The H-E-B Science Center inspires all ages in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It leads to an outdoor playground and Music Garden featuring giant musical instruments.
• Its location on the scenic harbor waterfront serves as the perfect spot to explore the history of the shipwrecks from early explorers.
CORPUS CHRISTI MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY
MUSEUM OF ASIAN CULTURES
An inviting portal to the Far East, situated right in the heart of the Corpus Christi Bayfront.
The Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures offers a wealth of information for an hour or two of self-guided Enjoy storytelling, Asian folklore, and live weapon demonstrations.
Meet ancient Japanese warriors and gaze at the artistry of Chinese kimonos, porcelains, and even a rickshaw. The museum features activities for the whole family including origami, calligraphy, games, and chopstick
MUSEUM OF HISPANIC CULTURE
Situated in the historic Lichtenstein House in Heritage
Over 40 years after its founding, the Instituto De Cultura de Corpus Christi is a strong and vibrant community organization, committed to promoting awareness about the diverse Hispanic cultures in Corpus Boasts a collection from 23 Spanish speaking countries. Highlights the diversity of these countries by telling a through artifacts including clothing, decor, paintings, and more.
ALL THINGS COASTAL
COASTAL AND RECREATIONAL EXPERIENCES
• Corpus Christi is a beautiful coastal city featuring 9 diverse beaches.
• Bay and Gulf beaches are vehicle accessible.
• Sustainable winds: our location is ideally suited for capturing wind energy blowing in from the gulf.
• Corpus Christi has some of the best deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico along with storied inshore waterways of Laguna Madre.
• Corpus Christi offers fishing charters and local guides for anglers of all experience levels.
• Our coastal city is perfect for sailing, windsurfing, fishing, and kayaking on our bay and gulf beaches.
• In addition, the city offers festivals, live music, and cultural events, all with a coastal backdrop and great atmosphere.
COASTAL AND RECREATIONAL EXPERIENCES
GlowRow
The GlowRow tour will show you the unique Texas coast at night from a transparent kayak equipped with underwater LED lights, for a unique experience on the water.
Rollin’ Tide Boil Co.
Rollin’ Tide Boil Co. is the Original on-site provider of "Low Country Shrimp & Crab Boils" and bonfire on the beach for Port Aransas, Mustang Island, & North Padre Island.
Horses on the Beach
Book a horseback ride and get paired with a horse that matches your speed, and spend an hour riding in the daytime, or a longer sunset ride while enjoying the sights of the city.
Surf Lessons
Windsurfing Lessons
Corpus Christi is home to Worldwinds Windsurfing, one of the best windsurfing schools offering beginner, intermediate, and advanced level classes. The substantial winds and flat shallow waters make our city
Texas Surf Camps is the perfect place to learn proper surfing techniques, ensuring ocean safety while out in the Coastal Bend waters. The team of licensed expert instructors offer surfing classes, paddleboard yoga, and private lessons for all ages on Port Aransas and Corpus Christi beaches.
Waterdog Yoga
You can book a class on the Floating Deck, or enjoy Beach Barre, Stand Up Paddleboard yoga, Pool SUP
COASTAL AND OUTDOOR
WATER TOURS
Take a ride on “Japonica,” our BYOB one-hour bay tour boat. This 50-foot open-air touring boat offers great views of the Corpus Christi skyline while cruising around
Hop aboard the Texas Tease for a 90-minute cruise offered on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. This foot party vessel has an air conditioned first deck and air upper deck and holds up to 60 people for an unforgettable experience on our beautiful bay. aboard, alcoholic beverages will be available for
Learn to Sail Texas offers a variety of sailing courses ranging from beginner to advanced that go beyond American Sailing Association (ASA) minimum and their chief sailing instructor helps students receive certification with the ASA.
WATER TOURS
ARANSAS ROCKPORT
Port Aransas has been ranked as one of the top family beaches in the U.S. by TripAdvisor.
miles of uninterrupted public shoreline, open for street legal vehicles and all things beachy. In Port A, you can ride a ferry to Mustang Island. Great destination for parasailing and skydiving.
Rockport was ranked one of the best coastal small towns in America by USAToday.
Rockport is also considered to be one of the top fishing destinations in Texas, with a choice of 5 different bay systems to fish from.
Rockport is also a nationally recognized art scene. Stroll down Austin street for a variety of art galleries, including the newly renovated Rockport Center for a 1.2 acre campus with art galleries, classes, and more.
SEAFOOD
Savor the flavor of the coast with some of the freshest seafood and oysters in the country, available at restaurants and markets.
Enjoy great seafood with unparalleled waterfront views. Many restaurants offer "cook your own catch" options. Seafood native to Corpus Christi includes:
And much more!
Drum, Red Fish, Red Snapper, Tuna
COASTAL CUISINE
DRINKS AND BREWERIES
Corpus Christi Beer Trail
Features 7 of the best Breweries and Distilleries in the Gulf Coast all in one downloadable pass! Earn FREE swag along the way as you check into various spots through geolocation.
Margarita Pass
This self-guided trail takes you to the some of the hottest spots for the freshest margaritas around Corpus Christi. Check-in at participating bars and restaurants using this easy-to access mobile pass and unlock exclusive Marg Pass swag available exclusively at the Gulf Coast Capital Store.
DRINKS AND BREWERIES
BUC DAYS & RODEO CORPUS CHRISTI
Experience the longest-running pirate festival and parade
Buc Days has been going since 1938 with about 45,000 year.
Rodeo Corpus Christi features national recording artists as part of the rodeo experience.
No need to leave the American Bank Center Arena—once the Rodeo dust settles and the stage is set, the entertainer will take the stage.
The Buc Days Wings Over South Texas Air Show takes place every other year, featuring the world-famous Blue
BUC DAYS
LOS MUERTOS
De Los Muertos Celebration is an explosion of culture that perfectly embodies the core of Corpus
Highly anticipated event that brings together the locals and visitors who travel to Corpus Christi for the cultural
See the Downtown Corpus Christi streets come to life with entertainment, art experiences, and all things local. sugar skulls, altars, artisans lining the music concerts, food trucks, and creative
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
THE BIRDIEST CITY IN AMERICA
Corpus Christi, Texas has been recognized as the Birdiest City in America for over a decade by the Coastal Bend Audubon Society.
Over 300 bird species call Corpus Christi home during the spring months, including warblers, vireos, orioles, grosbeaks, and buntings—not to mention birds that are only found in South Texas.
The Whooping Crane Festival is celebrated for the annual return of the cranes to their wintering habitat. The Texas Coastal Bend is the only place where you can see the world’s last naturally-occurring population of Whooping Cranes.
Visitors can enjoy additional birding activities at the Texas State Aquarium, Bird Island Basin, and South Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.
THE BIRDIEST CITY IN AMERICA
CORPUS CHRISTI FUN FACTS
• Actresses Farrah Fawcett and Eva Longoria were born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas and graduated from local Corpus Christi high schools.
• In 1998, Eva Longoria was crowned Miss Corpus Christi.
• Although he was born in the Philippines, actor Lou Diamond Phillips grew up in Corpus Christi and graduated from a local Corpus Christi high school.
• Whataburger originated in Corpus Christi.
• Whataburger by the Bay is the world's only two-story, 6,000 sq.ft. Whataburger with an elevator and an open deck overlooking the water.
T h a n k y o u
We look forward to working with you
