2025 Corpus Christi Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Since its opening in 1991, Blackbeard’s On the Beach has become one of the top points of interest for delicious food with a backdrop of history in Corpus Christi. It is considered one of the city’s most haunted spots to eat, said to be haunted by pirates, natives, and former owners. Locals and tourists alike love Blackbeard’s On the Beach for its delicious food, live performance of music, and naturally relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere with a cozy ambiance. Most-loved food options include buffalo wings, Border Chicken Monterey with a cheese quesadilla and Charron beans, seashell salads, seared tuna, quesos, peeled or popcorn shrimp, chicken sarnies, and more! Not sure what to order to drink? Try Grog, which is the eatery’s famous signature beverage!, or opt for some American or Czech beers. Address: 3117 Surfside Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, United States

If you’re looking for some of the best places to travel in the US, you can’t go wrong with North Beach. North Beach was once known as Corpus Christi Beach, so it’s no surprise that with such a titular name it’s earned a spot on our list of things to do in Corpus Christi. A gorgeous getaway from the bustle of the city, the cove of the beach measures 1.5 miles and has been a prime spot across Harbor Bridge for over a century. North Beach offers many fun ways to spend your time. You can go beachcombing, swimming, picnicking, sunbathing, and more on the golden sands and warm surf. It’s near to other attractions, too, so you can visit the beach easily or seek other forms of entertainment as desired! Address: Surfside Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, United States

In 1972, The Art Center of Corpus Christi was set up as the Art Community Center. Its purpose was simple – to promote art in all its forms. That mission is something it very much lives up to now, making it fun, educational, and lively for art-lovers and anyone interested. With various hosted events throughout the year, the center is always alive with activity. At The Art Center of Corpus Christi, you’ll be able to view many rotating exhibits of original works from Texas artists. If you’re up for a little learning, the Barry Brown Clay Studio inside the center is a must-see, offering all sorts of clay-making classes that you can enjoy and indulge in, no matter your age or level of experience. Address: 100 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, United States

Bob Hall Pier is located in Padre Balli Park, which is on Padre Island. It stretches a whopping 1,240 feet out into the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, making it ideal for a wide range of water-based action, especially for fishermen looking for deep water fish. A Tackle Loaner Program allows guests to rent and use fishing gear, so you can still fish even if you don’t have your equipment with you. A relaxing walk through Bob Hall Pier will allow you to take in the fresh and salty ocean air of Corpus Christi. When it comes to what to see, Bob Hall Pier is undoubtedly one of the city’s greatest for ocean lovers, fishermen, and those seeking a calming experience this weekend. Address: Corpus Christi, TX 78418, United States

The Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge connects the city to its port and was built in 1959. Today, it is responsible for transporting up to 30,000 vehicles every single day and has become one of the city’s tourist attractions thanks to its importance and architecture. The through-arch bridge is designed with southern charm and is made from steel, spanning 620 feet in length. The main draw of the Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge, though, is what happens at night. The bridge is renowned for its breathtaking LED light shows involving over 10,000 individual lights every single night. Sometimes, seasonal festivities mean extra special light shows. Even if you’re not interested in watching the show, you’ll still love walking across the bridge and invigorating yourself with a little exercise with a stunning skyline panorama. Address: Corpus Christi, TX, United States

The Queen of Tejano music Selena Quintanilla-Pérez was an iconic, Grammy-winning Latin pop artist who even in her young years became the world’s highest-charting artist in her genre. In her lifetime, she recorded a total of four albums, but her years were cut short at the age of 23 when she was murdered by a fan – specifically, the former president of the fan club dedicated to her. After her passing in 1995, her career was honored, revered, and remembered by many. In 1998, her family opened the Selena Museum as an attachment to their studio, the Q-Productions studio. To see her fun spirit, pay respects to her memory, and learn about the crucial figure in musical history, the Selena Museum in Texas offers that and more. At the museum, you’ll see portraits, famous costumes, gold and platinum albums, stories of Selena’s life, her very loved red Porsche, recreations of her studio, awards, and her impact on the music scene. Whether or not you’re a fan, this is one of the things to do in Corpus Christi that you shouldn’t miss. Don’t forget that, when you’re done, you can go to the seawall of Seaside Memorial Park to view her memorial bronze statue, which is named Overlook of the Flower or Mirador de la Flor. Address: 5410 Leopard St, Corpus Christi, TX 78408, United States

The Art Museum of South Texas has a long, long history, going back to the 1930s. Originally, its home was merely within the relatively small Centennial Museum, but in 1944, it gained its own property. Originally, the museum’s humble collection was intended to foster awareness of the importance of art in society while inspiring others to enjoy and participate in the creation of art. Today, the Art Museum of South Texas has grown significantly, having two different buildings packed with a mix of permanent and rotating exhibits. The permanent collection contains over 1,850 works of art, primarily focusing on art from Corpus Christi and its regional surrounding area. You’ll find works from North, Central, and South America, presented in a sophisticated and engaging style. There’s no end to the kinds of works you’ll be able to see at this art museum. From full-scale installations to paintings, from ceramics to textiles, and from sculptures to watercolors, it’s easy to see why this is one of the city’s top 10 hotspots for tourists. If you have kids, you can bring them to ArtCade, a fun experience that will give them the chance to make their own art. Address: 1902 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, United States

The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History first opened its doors in 1957 with the goal of providing people of all ages – but especially children – with an engaging environment of knowledge and information regarding science, history, and exploration. Covering close to 100,000 square feet, the museum focuses on the local area and southern Texas, showcasing exhibits and displays related to its history and the natural world. Different exhibits at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History cover numerous topics. You can learn about the Civil War, local gems and crystals, local flora and fauna, historic photographs, Padre Island’s famous excavated shipwreck, old carriages, local cultures and their decorative arts, and the coastal region’s ecology. Among the best things to see within the Museum of Science and History are the Science Center, which spans 5,000 square feet and contains a huge playground for children, the Explore the Nanoverse display which lets you get a good glimpse into the world through a microscope, and the Seeds of Change exhibit that allows up-close looks at nature. There are also special programs, like summer camps, thematic seasonal tours, and workshops. Address: 1900 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, United States

One of the most fun things to do in Corpus Christi is to visit the Texas State Aquarium, a nonprofit institution that has been showcasing the wonderful wildlife of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico since 1995. With a mission of rehabilitating, rescuing, and protecting ocean wildlife and educating guests on the importance of that mission, the aquarium provides various programs, lots of exhibits, and tons of information. The Texas State Aquarium has many different exhibits. One particularly notable offering is the Living Shores exhibit, which displays information regarding Corpus Christi’s Laguna Madre and exhibits of crabs and seahorses alongside one of the state’s biggest touch pool experiences. Another very popular exhibit is the 400,000-gallon Dolphin Bay, home to Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that you can observe from underwater. And of course, there’s Floating Phantoms, home to sea nettles and jellyfish. If you’d like to see non-fish animals, you’ll be able to go to the Hawn Wild Flight Theater at the aquarium to view different birds of prey as they put on a performance of acrobatics. For flora-lovers, the Flower Gardens showcase coral reefs that house cow nose stingrays, green moray eels, and tarpon. Children will also be able to enjoy a splash park, programs where they get up close with fauna, and a fossil dig site. Address: 2710 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, United States

South Coast Plaza is the most lucrative shopping mall in Costa Mesa, California in Orange County. It is the largest mall on the west coast with sales of over 1.5 billion dollars which is highest in the United States. The mall boasts over 250 internationally recognized retail shops including Macy's, Sears, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Highly recommended to locals and tourists alike! 😌 #summervacation#hotelstay#urbanexplorer

#summervacay Padre Island National Seashore is like Texas’s hidden coastal treasure. I camped right on the sand, with the sound of waves lulling me to sleep and the sun rising over the dunes. The beach goes on forever, and it’s not crowded like other touristy spots. I joined a park ranger-led sea turtle release early one morning—watching baby turtles scurry to the sea was pure magic. If you want nature, ocean, and peace, this is your summer escape. #summervacay

#summervacay The Texas State Aquarium was such a refreshing experience on a hot Gulf Coast day. I watched dolphins leap through the air during their show and got up close with jellyfish, otters, and sea turtles. What made it special was how hands-on it is—I even got to touch stingrays in the open tank. The views of Corpus Christi Bay from the decks were beautiful, and the indoor sections kept me cool. It’s a perfect mix of fun, education, and coastal charm. #summervacay

#summervacay Stepping onto the USS Lexington felt like time travel on a summer day. This massive WWII aircraft carrier is now a floating museum docked in Corpus Christi, and exploring it was equal parts educational and thrilling. I walked through engine rooms, sat in a fighter jet cockpit, and watched a short 3D film onboard. The sea breeze kept things cool, and the views of the bay from the top deck were breathtaking. It’s history with salt air and Texas pride. #summervacay

Here's a detailed overview of the Old Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge, synthesized from historical records and official sources: 🌉 1. Construction and Specifications - Timeline: Built by the Texas Highway Department (now TxDOT), construction began in May 1956 and opened on November 1, 1959. - Design: A "through-arch bridge" spanning the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, connecting downtown to North Beach (Rincon Point). - Dimensions: - Total length: 5,818 feet (1,773 m). - Main span: 620 feet (190 m). - Clearance height: 138 feet (42 m) above the water . - Capacity: Carried 6 lanes of US 181/SH 35 and handled ~26,000 vehicles daily . ⚙️ 2. Engineering Innovations - Pioneered the use of pre-stressed concrete and neoprene bearing pads in Texas, materials that became industry standards . - At completion, it was the largest project ever undertaken by the Texas Highway Department . 🏙️ 3. Economic and Social Impact - Port Access: Enabled large ships to reach the Port of Corpus Christi for over 60 years, supporting the city's oil and tourism industries . - Community Displacement: Construction fractured the Northside neighborhood, a historically African-American area, leading to the decline of local businesses. The bridge's approach roads displaced residents and eroded community cohesion . 💡 4. Lighting and Cultural Icon Status - LED Revival (2010s): After decades of darkness due to corroded lights, a $1.9 million LED project relit the bridge in 2012. Features included: - 11,000+ color-changing nodes. - Programmable light shows (e.g., synchronized with symphony performances). - Tourism Boost: Illuminated bridge became a landmark, increasing bookings at nearby motels and restaurants . ⚠️ 5. Limitations and Replacement Rationale - Safety Issues: Lacked shoulders, pedestrian/bike paths, and had a dangerously steep grade. - Structural Aging: Designed for a 50-year lifespan but operated for 66 years (until 2025), exceeding its intended use . - Obstruction to Modern Shipping: 138-foot clearance blocked newer Panamax ships requiring 205 feet, hindering port growth . 🏗️ 6. Demolition and Legacy Preservation - Demolition Plan: Scheduled for spring 2026, following the new bridge's opening . - Historical Archives: TxDOT partnered with local groups to document the bridge's history through exhibits (e.g., Gateway to Corpus Christi: The Story of Harbor Bridge) and oral histories . - Land Reuse: A task force is planning redevelopment of the vacated land, considering green spaces and brownstone complexes . 💎 Conclusion The 1959 Harbor Bridge was a feat of mid-century engineering that shaped Corpus Christi's economy but came at significant social costs. While its demolition marks the end of an era, preservation efforts ensure its legacy endures in community memory and historical archives 📚. #travel #usa #texas #corpuschristi #harbourbridge

#poolhotel kids love the pool

💞Reasons to Recommend: Open bar& games on Tuesday and thursdays for guests

Posted #travel #Trophies

The security is a stalker and constantly lurks around the corner and just pops up on you or stays watching

downtown corpus

beautiful day at the ocean bay

Getting There - by car Whitecap Beach is located around 15 minutes drive from Corpus Christy Attractions - beach walk, golf cart rental to drive on the beach Hotels - Home2 Suits is a really great hotel (modern and comfortable) Food & Restaurants - right across the Home2 Suits hotel more than a hundred of restaurants Shopping - the biggest shopping mall in Corpus Christy is located right in front of Home2 Suits hotel

today was the best day ever iIlove my family more then life it's self

Stayed in double trees by Hilton in Corpus Christi had a great view to the beach with just a few steps away. Great Mexican restaurant with great service near by and of course the amazing Selena statue is a must.

Getting There - we went from Louisiana to Texas by sailboat Attractions - corpus Christi was amazing Hotels - Laburge hotel and casino Food & Restaurants - of course we had seafood Shopping - didn’t do much shopping other than a quick Walmart trip #tripmoments

we've stayed at Wyman and they were great. love the people and the hospitality.

Getting There - use uber or taxi Attractions - Museum about the warship Hotels - nearest inn Food & Restaurants - seafood place Shopping - walmart besbuy