IPW Presentation 2024 (English ONLY)

T h e g u l f c o a s t c a p i t a l

DALLAS – 6 HOURS

HOUSTON – 3 HOURS 15 MINUTES

AUSTIN – 3 HOURS 15 MINUTES

SAN ANTONIO – 2 HOURS 15 MINUTES

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.

Annual visitors (millions)

Galveston, TX

South Padre Island, TX

Pensacola, FL

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

Corpus Christi beaches offer more than 100 miles of sandy shores ranging from calm waters to the best water sports destinations, providing a variety of options for choosing the right beach for your trip.

Padre island national seashore

This national park is the most significant undeveloped barrier island in the world, offering more than 130,000 acres of dunes, grasslands, and beaches, including federally protected wildlife and the Laguna Madre, one of 6 hypersaline bodies of water in the world.

McGee beach

This perfect family location offers a manicured, seaweed-free beachfront with warm, serene waters that stretches out along the seawall in Downtown Corpus Christi.

Mustang island state park

Coast over for a serene vacation spot on this 18mile-long barrier island, where you’ll find various water, electric, and primitive camping sites and a Paddling Trail that follows the western shoreline for some of the best shallow-water fishing spots in Texas.

NORTH beach

Located just across the Harbor Bridge, North Beach is a 1.5-mile-long beautiful sandy beach with a relaxing vibe. It is home to some of Corpus Christi’s most fun-filled attractions, including places to eat with stunning bayfront views.

Places to stay

Beach front hotels

Corpus Christi’s beachfront hotels offer stunning views of the gulf and convenient access to beautiful sandy shores. Choose from a variety of coastal resorts and hotels to ensure a memorable coastal getaway.

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.

Cinnamon shore

Roam the beach in this charming coastal community and enjoy luxurious beachfront homes, a vibrant town center, and scenic boardwalks for a blend of relaxation and recreation along the Texas coast.

Wyndham resort

Get in vacation mode with luxurious amenities, an in-house Beachside Bar & Grill with indoor and outdoor bars, and gain direct access to the plush beach sands for a relaxing coastal getaway.

Double tree Hilton beachfront hotel

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.

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 Ocean Resort

This premier resort features 210 beachfront condos, set on a 25-acre 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.

Port ARANSAS AND ROCKPORT

Extend your stay in Corpus Christi by taking a short drive to one of the surrounding areas. Enjoy the beach, take a ride on the ferry, or spend time shopping in Port Aransas or spend the day exploring unique shops, art galleries, and museums in Rockport.

Must-see attractions

Texas State Aquarium

This renowned marine conservation organization is the official state aquarium of Texas, while also being the largest aquarium in Texas and the 4th largest in the United States.

USS Lexington

This World War II- vintage Essex Class aircraft carrier is the only aircraft carrier in the world with escape rooms on board, served as the filming location for Michael Bay’s 2000 film, Pearl Harbor, and houses 15 fighter jets, including the F-14 Tomcat fighter jet featured in Top Gun.

Whataburger Field

Named after the iconic Texas burger franchise that originated in Corpus Christi, this ballpark is home to the Minor League Corpus Christi Hooks, the Double A affiliate for the Houston Astros.

Selena Quintanilla

The legacy of our hometown hero and Queen of Tejano, Selena Quintanilla Perez, lives on through a variety of Selena bucket list things to do in Corpus Christi.

Museums to explore

Art museum of south Texas

This world-class facility focuses on positioning regional art in the greater global visual arts scene, and houses over 1,900 works of art in its permanent collection, while inviting dynamic temporary exhibitions from art museums and galleries across the nation.

Cc museum of science & history

Explore 500 years of South Texas history, from early explorers and colonizers to the history of the shipwrecks, and dive into the museum’s innovative programs in history, science, and vibrant culture.

museum of Asian Cultures

Experience the history and art of many Asian cultures and participate in storytelling, Asian folklore, and view live weapon demonstrations.

museum of Hispanic Culture

Visit the historic Lichtenstein House in Heritage Park and enjoy a collection from 23 Spanish speaking countries through various artifacts from clothing and décor to paintings.

All things coastal

Coastal & outdoor experiences

Corpus Christi offers a variety of coastal and outdoor experiences. Roam the sun-kissed beaches on horseback, go fishing, try a new water sport, explore scenic trails, and more.

WATER TOURS

Take an evening tour of the bay on the Texas Tease, a 50-foot open touring boat or the Japonica, a 74-foot party boat and enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautiful Downtown Marina and skyline in the heart of Corpus Christi Bay or schedule a sailing course with Learn to Sail Texas.

Birdiest city in america

Corpus Christi has been recognized as the Birdiest City in America for over a decade by the Coastal Bend Audubon Society, and over 300 birds call Corpus Christi home.

FOOD EXPERIENCES

Cook your catch

Go all out on the coast and experience the thrill of fishing, then bring your catch to a participating

Drinks & breweries

With a mobile pass, you can enjoy a self-guided trail to some of the hottest spots for fresh Margaritas or visit the best breweries and distilleries in the Gulf Coast Capital for some great drinks and a chance to earn exclusive swag along

Festivals & experiences

Buc days & rodeo corpus Christi

Experience the longest running pirate festival in Corpus Christi and enjoy a unique rodeo experience with professional bull riding, a carnival, two parades on the Downtown Corpus Christi Bayfront, and a new interactive STEAM Expo.

King ranch

The 880,000-acre ranch is the leader in ranching and wildlife in South Texas, and one of the largest and oldest working cattle and horse ranches in the world.

Dia de los muertos

See the Downtown Corpus Christi streets come to life with a burst of sugar skulls, artisans lining the street, food trucks, creative costumes, lots of entertainment, and all things local during this celebration of culture.