10 Best Things to Do in Corpus Christi for a Memorable Trip

Most people visit Corpus Christi because of its lively coastal lifestyle, filled with several beaches.

While most of the beaches are on the Mustang and Padre Islands, you can find a few close to the city.

Besides beach parties, Corpus Christi has other attractions, including botanic gardens, wildlife and marine parks, museums, and much more.

Here are the things to do while visiting one of Texas’ popular coastal cities.

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1. Mustang Island State Park

The Mustang Island State Park is around 30 miles from Corpus Christi’s CBD, but it’s a worthwhile drive.

Upon Arriving – You can explore the isle, which spans 18 miles and has beautiful dunes and an array of wildlife, including fish, deer, sea turtles, and over 400 birds.

If you love a hands-on experience, this park has abundant sand, where you can have fun building sandcastles.

Mustang Island State Park in Corpus Christi — Mustang Island State Park

You can also swim on the Gulf of Mexico or kayak on the 20-mile-long Mustang Island Padding Trail.

You can extend your kayaking stay by booking a spot at the campsites in nearby parks.

Nearby recreational areas include:

Whitecap beach
Padre Balli Park
JP Luby Beach

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2. Laguna Madre

Laguna Madre is a lagoon famous for its picturesque appearance.

It offers more than breathtaking views, including activities like camping, fishing, hunting, sightseeing, and water sports.

Visiting the Laguna Madre is an opportunity to see one of the world’s six hypersaline lagoons. It also has the most finfish in the Lone Star State, making it a popular fishing spot.

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This presents the best chance of fishing blacktip sharks, catfish, striped mullet, spotted seatrout, and others.

3. Texas State Aquarium

The Texas State Aquarium is one of the largest in the United States.

It has hundreds of fish and other marine life forms on display. Learn more about them when touring the aquarium.

Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi — Texas State Aquarium

What to Expect? The aquarium also features other attractions, such as Dolphin Bay, Islands of Steel, Otter Creek, and Stringray Lagoon. These areas have birds and other life forms.

The Dolphin Bay

The Dolphin Bay is a 12-foot-deep saltwater pool that holds 40,000 gallons and houses Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.

You can see the dolphins at any time of the day from the Underwater Observatory.

However, the standout treat is watching the dolphins’ performance, which happens twice daily.

The shows allow the animals to display their acrobatics while teaching humans the importance of preserving marine life.

Living Shores Exhibit

Besides the dolphins, you can also explore the Living Shores exhibit and learn more about Corpus Christi’s seas shore.

You can also see and interact with several sea creatures and enjoy the most comprehensive touch pool experience in Texas.

4. North Beach

The North Beach, formerly known as Corpus Christi Beach, is a 1.5-mile-long trail along the sea.

Its proximity to downtown Corpus Christi makes it a great place to wind up after exploring the city.

Corpus Christi beach two girls — Corpus Christi beach

You can swim, sunbathe, and engage in many other activities along this beach. This stretch of sand is a must-visit area while on the Texan coast.

Even better, North Beach is close to other attraction sites, making it ideal if you want to visit many places.

These attractions include:

Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge
Blackbeard’s on the Beach
USS Lexington
Texas State Aquarium

5. Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge

You must notice the gigantic Harbor Bridge while walking along North Beach.

Established in 1959 – The structure is slightly over a mile long and has six lanes. It has a pedestrian walkway with brick walls and guardrails on either side. Regarding height, it stands 42 meters above the water.

The famous bridge links North Beach to downtown Corpus Christi, making it one of the city’s most visited sites.

While traversing the bridge, you can enjoy magnificent views of the beach or the city, depending on the direction of travel.

In the evening, you can get a fantastic sunset view and, later, the city’s lit skyline.

6. USS Lexington

The USS Lexington is an aircraft carrier constructed during the Second World War. It got its name from a similar ship destroyed during the war.

USS Lexington in Corpus Christi — USS Lexington aircraft carrier

It’s the fifth Lexington, in memory of the Battle of Lexington during the Revolutionary War.

The Lexington is now a museum that provides information about the US Navy’s history.

Some call it the ‘Blue Ghost’ because it allegedly sunk and reappeared during its service.

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7. Blackbeard’s on the Beach

If you love the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, you know Blackbeard, the legendary pirate with special powers.

Blackbeard’s on the Beach is a piracy-themed restaurant that offers some of the best food in Corpus Christi, including burgers, tacos, and steaks.

Blackbeard's on the Beach restaurant Corpus Christi — Blackbeard’s on the Beach restaurant

You can also catch live music performances on weekends.

The restaurant is also one of the oldest buildings on North Beach. Despite hurricanes, storms, and other natural hazards, it is as strong as it was built.

While eating or listening to music, you can explore the rich art collection on the ceiling, shelves, and walls. Most pieces depict its founder’s preferred rock and roll music.

8. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

If you love nature, visit The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

During winter, the whooping cranes, and endangered bird species, migrate to this park.

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Corpus Christi — Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Besides the cranes, you can see other wildlife, like bobcats, alligators, snakes, etc. Other activities in the park include biking, hiking, fishing, and picnicking.