A Bigger Beach Adventure

It’s cliché to say everything is bigger in Texas. But when it comes to outdoor adventures in the Texas Gulf Coast, it’s simply true. If you’re on the hunt for bigger and better access to coastal exploration, there’s no better place to explore than Corpus Christi. From Gulf Coast surf culture and other beach city fun to opportunities for wildlife spotting and on-the-water activities, here’s everything you need to go full send on your biggest coastal adventure yet.

Hit the Beach, of Course

How’s this for big? Corpus Christi offers easy access to more than 100 miles of gorgeous coastline, with plenty of options for adventure seekers and loungers. If you’d rather be on the water than in a beach chair, head to Mustang Island State Park. The 18-mile-long barrier island is just off the coast of Corpus Christi (about a 30-minute drive via the JFK Causeway) and offers year-round beach activities. Kayak more than 20 miles of marked water trails on the bay side of the island. These protected waters are home to marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and shorebirds. On the island’s gulf side, check out the region’s famous surf spots, including Fish Pass Jetties. January is the best month to catch clean waves, but beginners can practice in smaller surf year-round. Not ready to ride the waves on your own? Padre Island Surf Camp offers daily surf lessons and multiday camps on the neighboring island just south of the state park. 

Loungers and beachcombers will find the relaxation they seek at the Padre Island National Seashore. With more than 60 miles of protected coastline, it’s the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world and a haven for marine life and visitors alike. Hunker down in a beach chair at Malaquite Beach, the car-free section of shoreline near the park’s visitor center. Or, if you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, explore more of the park’s 130,000 acres of protected sand dunes, marshlands, and beaches. Hunt for unique shells of all shapes and sizes on Little Shell and Big Shell beaches, where you’ll find some of the largest concentration of seashells in the park. And when you’re ready for a change of pace, book a beachfront horseback ride with Horses on the Beach. The local outfitter offers year-round rides for all levels.

Tip: Remember to leave seashell discoveries where you find them for others to enjoy. 

Explore Coastal Ecosystems

Barrier islands and beaches are just two aspects of the rich biodiversity found in the Texas Gulf Coast. Delve deeper into the region’s unique ecosystems at the Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge. Located on the south side of Corpus Christi, along Oso Bay, the refuge protects marshes, woodlands, and mudflats—all habitats for local species of shorebirds. The unique mix of ecosystems within a small area makes for top-notch birding. Stroll the 1.3-mile nature trail at sunrise for the most beautiful views, or time your visit to align with low tide for the most active wildlife.

For more of nature’s highlights, head to the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center. The garden showcases native plants and natural wetland habitats alongside stunning floral exhibits. Birders should plan to visit in April, when the gardens host the Birdiest Festival in America. The event includes talks about seasonal migrations to and from the Texas Gulf Coast, plus field trips to observe spring migration hot spots. Of course, you can still see resident birds and reptiles year-round. The garden is home to more than 40 birds and 60 reptiles, including a nonvenomous desert king snake and veiled chameleon.

Tip: For a unique birding opportunity, head just north of Corpus Christi to the Aransas Wildlife Refuge, where whooping cranes—one of North America’s rarest birds—overwinter from November to March. 

Enjoy the Freshest Seafood

Craving the catch of the day? Local Corpus Christi restaurants have you covered. For a true Texas Gulf Coast experience, head to Marker 37 Marina, where you’ll find plenty of options for bayfront dining. Try Doc’s Seafood & Steaks Restaurant—one of the city’s renowned “cook your catch” dining experiences. Relax on the deck with views of the Intracoastal Waterway while the chef whips up a dish featuring your very own catch of the day, or head to nearby Snoopy’s Pier for old-fashioned (read: fried) Gulf Coast seafood dishes. Founded by a local commercial fisherman, this waterfront restaurant features its own fish house and shrimp-breading facility, so guests are guaranteed the freshest catch. Gulf Coast favorites include fried seafood baskets in the fish, shrimp, and oyster varieties, as well as fresh catch of the day—grouper, redfish, snapper, mahi-mahi, sea bass, and more. 

Across the bay, soak in the coastal atmosphere at Bluff’s Landing Marina. This lively waterfront locale features a newly renovated sports bar with yard games and regularly scheduled live music. The restaurant serves up delicious house-smoked seafood and classic sports bar fare with a coastal twist. 

Tip: Save room for dessert at Scoopy’s Veranda, just next door to Snoopy’s Pier. Try the Chocolate Barnacle—a sugar cookie base with a layer of ice cream topped with chocolate mousse. Or, for a less traditional sweet treat, order the dessert sticky rice. The signature dish pairs warm, sweet rice with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Experience Gulf Coast Culture

Round out your Corpus Christi vacation with a day spent exploring the city and getting to know the spirit of the Gulf Coast. Start your morning with a sunrise yoga session on Water Dog Yoga’s floating dock in the Corpus Christi Marina—the city’s main downtown marina. Then, take a walk through the nearby Bayfront Park. Don’t miss the Art Museum of South Texas. Situated right on the water in Corpus Christi Bay, the museum is a must-visit. The building itself is a work of art, with postmodern and Mexican modernist architectural details and floor-to-ceiling windows. Inside, the collection features a mix of works by acclaimed international artists, as well as exhibits highlighting cultures and artists that have shaped the state’s art history. 

For an in-depth look at how Corpus Christi played a role in Gulf Coast history, book a city tour with Enjoy Corpus Christi Tours. During the classic two-hour sightseeing and history tour, a local guide shares stories of the city’s rich history and points out important landmarks and public art along the way.

Tip: Get to know another side of the city on a Corpus Christi ghost tour, which features 13 haunted sites around the city.

Visit Corpus Christi is a state and national award-winning 501(c)(6) Destination Management Organization contracted by the city of Corpus Christi with a mission to create a better community by sharing Corpus Christi with the world. For more information, go to visitcorpuschristi.com.