ExPLORE THE gULF COAST CAPITAL LIKE A LOCAL

Let your vacation persona guide you to your adventures

The Coastal Bend’s beautiful beaches are just one of the many memorable experiences you’ll find in Corpus Christi. Nationally recognized attractions, innovative and fresh dining options, a thriving arts and culture scene, and riveting water sport adventures all aid in making this coastal city the ideal travel destination. No matter the type of vacation you find yourself on, Corpus Christi has exceptional, fun-filled adventures for every type of traveler. To assist in creating the experience of a lifetime in the Gulf Coast Capital, we’ve created four different itineraries – from sun up to sun down – to help guide you through ideal lodging, destinations, dining options, and activities throughout the area.

If a sun-seeking adventure sounds like your ideal vacation, you’ll probably want to book your stay on Padre or Mustang Island, complete with many lodging options including beachfront hotels, short term rentals, and resorts. Check in and get rested, adventure awaits.

Morning

It’s a new day, the sun is out, and the birds are chirping, which is nature’s way of saying it’s time to get up and enjoy the day! First, head out to Hester’s Café, a local favorite, for a delicious meal. The menu, crafted by high school sweethearts, focuses on three things: food, family, and service. Choose from popular breakfast staples like omelettes, waffles, sunrise bowls, and many more items all cooked to perfection.

Now that you’ve had a nutritious breakfast, it’s time to head down to Padre Island National Seashore and visit one of the top three destinations for windsurfing in North America. Internationally recognized and the only windsurfing operation in a National Park, Worldwinds Windsurfing is a small shack that offers paddle board and kayak rentals and windsurfing classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Breathtaking scenery, flat, shallow waters, and a soft, sandy bottom make it the ideal spot to learn how to windsurf.

Midday

The weather has been great, and your adrenaline is up from that incredible drive that you took on the shoreline, but now it’s time to fuel up – your body, that is! Visit Padre Island Burger Co. – an island original and Padre Island staple - for a delicious gourmet burger, drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere. Not ready to leave the beach area just yet? Book a horseback ride with Horses on the Beach and enjoy one of the most fun adventures for people of all ages and experience levels. The one-hour ride allows you to see the sights of the city while riding one of the well-trained horses with intelligent and experienced guides to ensure a safe and perfect experience.

Afternoon

Next stop is Harrison’s Landing –the only place in Corpus Christi where you can sail, shop, and dine all in the same shaded waterfront location. Since golden hour is approaching, and the Corpus Christi sunsets are breathtaking, you’ll want to start by booking a relaxing ride on the “Japonica,” a 50-foot, open air touring boat for a Full-Moon Cruise and view Corpus Christi from a different perspective. Catch photo-worthy views of the Corpus Christi skyline from the water, and you might even spot a dolphin playing. The tour is BYOB, so bring some snacks and drinks with you.

Evening

If you’re looking to continue the outdoor adventure while enjoying the gorgeous sunset, hop on over to Glow Row and reserve your illuminated kayak. The kayaks are 3 feet, 3 inches wide and come equipped with 7 different color combinations to set the mood for the evening. Light up the night and enjoy the adventure under the moonlight in vibrant, translucent kayaks against the calm waters of the Coastal Bend.

If you prefer to wind the day down with a fancy bite to eat, then beautiful flavors await you at Elizabeth’s, located inside the iconic Art Museum of South Texas. Everything here is inspired by beauty, so choose from its selection of vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and cocktails, while enjoying the breathtaking views of the harbor. Stop by on Friday and Saturday for a delicious bite with fresh ingredients and zesty flavors, while enjoying a warm and charming atmosphere to wrap up your Sun Seeker’s adventure.

For the traveler looking to wander a bit off the beaten path, creating a unique stay in a short-term rental, resort, or RV is definitely the way to go. Drive up and park right on the beach, unpack your belongings, and settle in, for tomorrow’s itinerary is jampacked.

Morning

Start your day off right with a cup of freshly brewed coffee from Island Joe’s Coffee. This local gem housed in multi-colored shipping containers serves up some of the best coffee in town, and their welcoming atmosphere will leave you feeling energized and ready to take on the day.

Get in touch with nature by taking a kayaking trip through the beautiful nature trails in the area. Rent a kayak or take a tour of the Laguna Madre with Nature Trails Kayaking and explore the stunning scenery at your own pace. Paddle through the waterways, take in the sights and sounds of the local wildlife, and bask in the sun’s warmth.

Midday

After a morning of adventure, it’s time to refuel with some delicious food. Stop by Costa Sur for a mid-day meal and enjoy traditional Peruvian cuisine like fresh fish tacos and ceviche. Take a break from the sun and visit the Art Museum of South Texas. The museum itself is an architectural work of art for visitors to admire, and inside its doors, you’ll find spacious galleries filled with outstanding works of visual art, with an interest in the art of the Americas and the region. Its permanent collection features work from acclaimed artists such as Dorothy Hood, Salvador Dali, Judy Chicago, Sol Lewitt, and Andy Warhol.

Afternoon

After your artistic excursion, head to Water Street Oyster Bar for happy hour specials and fresh, locally har vested oysters. This local favorite offers an expansive seafood menu, relaxed atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating options. Now that you’ve had a good lunch, it’s time to take a stroll along downtown Corpus Christi or stop by Fun Time Rentals and rent a jet ski, pedal boat, or Surrey, a four-wheel bicycle, to enjoy a scenic cruise of our

Evening

The sun is setting and it’s just the right time for a haunted adventure! Catch a ride on Enjoy Corpus Christi Tours, providing a premier ghost-hunting experience. Explore inside a 1929 haunted building and visit 13 other haunted historic sites around Corpus Christi. After a day filled with fun in the sun, it’s time to top off the night with a Jalapeño Margarita or Blackberry Mojito from the Gold Fish to relax after a full day of adventure.

For the traveler looking to wander a bit off the beaten path, creating a unique stay in a short-term rental, resort, or RV is definitely the way to go. Unpack your belongings and settle in, for tomorrow’s itinerary is jam-packed.

Morning

There’s no denying that a good stretch helps get the day started on the right note. Since you’re probably looking for a not-so-basic activity, a morning yoga session with Waterdog Yoga, SUP & Barre is the way to go. Don’t get it twisted; this isn’t your typical yoga class. Here in the Gulf Coast Capital, we take yoga to the water! SUP Yoga brings the popular land activity to the tops of paddle boards in the marina. Classes generally start with meditating to the ocean’s movements and move through vinyasas and more challenging poses before ending with a magical savasana. And while moving the body first thing in the morning helps to set the right tone, nothing prepares you for the day quite like a cup of joe. Luckily for you, your yoga class in the marina is a few blocks away from a fantastic local coffee spot. Lucy’s Snackbar boasts a soothing color palette of neutrals and forest green, with unique and industrial touches spread throughout. Sip on an iced latte and chow down on an Instagram-able avocado toast to fuel up for the next stop: JP Luby Beach

Midday

No trip to the Gulf Coast Capital is complete without sunbathing on the shore. Stop by your accommodations to pack up your beach bag and head to JP Luby Beach for sun and sand. This beach option is great for those looking to catch some waves or any other action-packed activity on the water. If you’re looking for a way to enhance your beach experience, reserve a party set up from Pretty Picnics Corpus Christi! This awesome service will prepare an Instagram-worthy beach picnic set up for you and your friends, complete with a picnic table, blankets, pillows, wine glasses, games, and more.

Afternoon

For a unique experience, take on the challenge of the USS Lexington Museum Escape Room. Immerse yourself in the only escape room found aboard a navy ship as you complete your mission of disarming a bomb and Beat The Blast! After you’ve completed your mission, laugh alongside friends and enjoy specialty cocktails at BUS

Located in the former Greyhound bus terminal, this local hotspot is the place to be. Take a seat in their massive patio area, play a few games of giant chess or cornhole, and sip on a craft cocktail like The Ghost of the Greyhound – a drink paying homage to the location’s former purpose – made with house basil-infused vodka, basil and grapefruit bitters.

Evening

The day is quickly coming to an end, but treating yourself to a fantastic dinner is a must. Just a few blocks over from BUS, you’ll find Dokyo Dauntaun, where you’re in for more than just a meal – it’s an experience. From the lighting to the music, the projection art, the unique and artful specialty cocktails, and the extensive menu, every detail has been meticulously and creatively designed. Choose among their sushi, Korean, vegetarian, vegan, and dinner menus, and prepare to be amazed. After dinner, dance the night away at Corpus Christi’s biggest outdoor music venue. Concrete Street Amphitheater is equipped with two outdoor stages that host a variety of shows and concerts. Book the VIP deck online to enjoy some privacy with a good view, and a personal bartender to serve delicious drinks. It’s been a long day off the beaten path, but you’re bound to have enjoyed it.

The family making their way to the Gulf Coast Capital for a weekend filled with fun in the sun has certainly come to the right place. There’s a sunny forecast for the weekend ahead, and the awaiting activities are endless. But first, let’s take care of those hotel reservations. Opting for a traditional hotel stay is great for this type of vacation.

Morning

Start your morning right with breakfast tacos for the family at Taqueria Almeida #1 – you’ll need the fuel for your adventurepacked morning. Then, head to In the Game Funtrackers for a fun-filled theme park with Go-Karts, Bumper Cars, Batting Cages, Axe Throwing, an Arcade, and so much more! Check out their daily deals to get more bang for your buck! Another great spot for the family is Treasure Island Golf and Games where you’ll find an 18-hole mini golf course with mesmerizing, photo-friendly scenery. Stop by the mermaidinspired castle with various figures and sculptures and a minigolf course for the kids.

Local Tip

Time sure does fly when you’re having fun, and now it’s time to head over the Harbor Bridge for some fun at the Texas State Aquarium. The aquarium is home to an exciting collection of sea and land creatures, where you can break into the mesmerizing secrets of the underwater and jungle world – it’s a great platform for families to learn, bond, and discover together.

By now you’re starving – time to head on over to Pier 99 for a delicious lunch on one of the largest patios with a gorgeous waterfront view! Choose from its extensive menu of seafood, steaks, sandwiches, and more. Did you bring your precious pup on this vacation? Ask about the dog menu – there’s something for everyone!

Afternoon

Spend a lengthy afternoon enjoying the many water attractions at Hurricane Alley Waterpark. The waterpark specializes in fun for the entire family with water rides for all ages. With names like Shredder, Cat 5, Momentum, Storm Chaser, Storm Surge, Gulf Stream, The Diamond, and Captain Kid’s Cove – how can you resist? Adults can even enjoy the shelter from the water storms at the Riptide Hideaway bar, their very own swim-up bar.

Upgrade your visit to enjoy a VIP experience with one of the private cabanas where you can enjoy plush seating, ceiling fan, refrigerator, access to cabana-only tubes, and even a service attendant. The VIP Beach Rental gives you access to a beach area, luxury loungers with an umbrella, and a personal lockbox. These upgrades do require prior booking, so make sure to come prepared!

Evening

You’ve had a blast in the water and the day is winding down. Stick around for a relaxing evening and enjoy the Dive-In Summer Movie Series at Hurricane Alley Waterpark while lounging on a float. As an alternative, swing by next door to Whataburger Field and catch a Corpus Christi Hooks baseball game at one of the themed VIP suites. Choose from the orange and blue clad Astros Suite or the nautically designed Port of Corpus Christi Suite, and enjoy a unique space with second level views of Whataburger Field, Corpus Christi Bay, and the Harbor Bridge. Each suite is complete with indoor/outdoor views, catering options, buffet table, refrigerator, and air conditioning. If you get there early enough, you can enjoy some on-field batting practice with the whole family!