Location: Corpus Christi
Top Things to do in Corpus Christi
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Corpus Christi, Texas (TX)
Corpus Christi possesses all of the main ingredients of an ideal weekend getaway: the sun, the sea, the sights, plus exhilarating and engaging activities the whole family can enjoy. Spend the day on the beach soaking up the sun or wind surfing, the breezy city's favorite pastime. Visit the massive Texas State Aquarium with its new Dolphin Bay, a protected habitat for dolphins unable to survive in open water. Take a tour of The USS Lexington, one of the most famous aircraft carriers in U.S. naval history. Stroll through fabulous flora and fauna at the Botanical Gardens. At the Museum of Science and History, check out the recreated Pinta and Santa Maria, two of the ships Columbus used to sail to the new world. At night, enjoy a succulent seafood dinner at any number of fine restaurants, then head to the historic Harbor Playhouse for delightfully original community theater and a true taste of what Corpus Christi is all about.
Restaurants in Corpus Christi
1. Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By gypsygirl425 - Horseshoe Bay, United States
We are lucky to be renting an Airbnb right across the street from the Michael J Ellis beach and it is absolutely beautiful! The sand is fine and the beach is really clean! There is a lot of different types of birds at the beach as well. There are miles of sand, two piers and a restaurant along the beach. It is a great place to hang out!
2. Padre Island National Seashore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,859 reviews
A 15-minute drive from downtown Corpus Christi transports you to this magnificent 70-mile stretch of white sand beach, scenic dunes and warm ocean water, offering ideal conditions for swimming, fishing, beach-combing, windsurfing, camping, bird-watching and viewing wildlife.
Reviewed By M8870IWjasonr
A fantastic national asset. Best enjoyed though with a capable 4x4 vehicle. Tourist crowd the first 5 miles of beach while the real beauty exists South of the 20 mile marker. Ask some locals before taking off down the beach, it does have it's risks. For those adventurous types a trip 60 miles south to the Mansfield jetty is worth the trip.
3. Cole Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
City park that is a favorite of birdwatchers; home to egrets, herons, terns and other species.
Reviewed By beachboywantabe - Corpus Christi, United States
Since I live less than 3 blocks away, I ride my bike here several times a week. Locals really don't consider this as part of Cole Park, and refer to it as Oleander Point. First of all, there is a beautiful sculpture called "Wind Dancer", which was installed in Octobers 2013. A perfect location for this sculpture because Oleander Point is a premier location for windsurfing & kite surfing. There is plenty of parking. Beautiful views of downtown Corpus Christi.
4. Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Texas can take pride in being the first state to create a birding trail, serving as a model for other states. The trail is actually a coastal highway that links 310 birding sites and offers kiosks, observation platforms and helpful information to visitors.
Reviewed By CSTexas - Houston, United States
I’ve stayed at the Peregrine Townhomes many times, it’s remote location is surrounded by wetlands and the Gulf, and across the bay from the San Bernard Wildlife Refuge. Multitudes of birds, a fantastic spot to rest while exploring the numerous birding locations in the area, and from the balcony! Very comfortable and clean one and two bedroom units. Highly recommend! 10202 Bluewater Highway, at San Luis Pass, 77541 979-239-1515
5. Malaquite Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 481 reviews
This beach on Padre Island is a great camping and beach-going spot.
Reviewed By katv55
Malaquite Beach is a jewel along the Texas Gulf coast as part of the Padre Island National Seashore. With the adjacent NPS Visitor Center and its showers, restrooms, interpretive programs, and gift shop, this vehicle-free stretch of beach is the perfect for a day’s outing year round. Visitors are in for a treat from May to September when the hatching and releasing of baby sea turtles occur.
6. Laguna Madre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Watch the migration of thousands of birds from your secluded campsite.
Reviewed By jenniferandscott
We live on the Laguna Madre canals and this is our fishing spot were we take our boat out. There is a lot of shallow waters, so if you do not have a shallow water boat you will need to stay in the intra-coastal canal ways that are marked. Get you poles ready to catch red fish and trout! There is also access to getting your boat up to Port Aransas and also around the JFK Bridge there is the Packery Channel where you can take your deep sea boat out to the Gulf of Mexico for deep water fishing! Enjoy!
7. Padre Island Sea Wall Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By washyourcooze - Cedar Park, United States
Padre Island is the place to stay and play when coming to the beach in Texas. The best time to come is when the kids are in school. Once school starts the beach loses 2/3 of its crowd.
8. Texas Sealife Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
The Texas Sealife Center is an up and coming nonprofit organization that is located on North Padre Island and is dedicated to the rescue, release and rehabilitation of sea turtles and other coastal and aquatic wildlife in the Coastal Bend region. Our team of professionals and volunteers at the Texas Sealife Center is committed to educating the community and visitors about sea turtles and their environment to ensure their future survival. Tours of our facility are offered Wednesday through Sunday for $7 per person.
Reviewed By Lindyfrsa - San Antonio, United States
My teenage daughter & I took a tour. We enjoyed seeing the variety of rescued animals. My daughter was disappointed that she wasnt allowed to hold an animal. We did get to touch the milk snake, monitor, tortoise & possum. Our tour guide was friendly and informative. Would recommend to anyone who likes animals.
9. Clem's Marina
10. McGee Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By DarrenDaugherty - Texas, United States
Before going to McGee Beach, we noticed that a number of reviews commented on family friendliness. After going there with our group of 10 family members, we agree. The beach was clean and well cared for. The sand was beautiful, and there were many seashells for the little ones to hunt for. We were able to wade out very far before experiencing a noteable decline; thus we didn't have to stress about water depth with the little ones. Nice beach!
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