19 Fun Things to Do in Corpus Christi TX

If you’re planning a trip to Texas’s coastline, look no further than Corpus Christi. This coastal city on the Gulf of Mexico is known for its beautiful beaches, history, and outdoor adventures. Plus, there are so many things to do in Corpus Christi, Texas.

By the end of this post, you’ll know all of the most fun and exciting attractions in Corpus Christi, one of the best beach towns in Texas.

It will save you tons of time, so you won’t have to perform countless internet searches on your own should you plan on visiting Corpus Christi.

As one of the most beautiful cities in Texas, Corpus Christi will truly make you feel like you’re in paradise. Keep reading to find out why your next vacation should be here!

19 Fun Things to Do in Corpus Christi, Texas

Here are our favorite things to do in Corpus Christi, Texas, divided by interest. Enjoy!

Attractions in Corpus Christ to Get a Glimpse of Local Life

1. Watch the Corpus Christi Hooks Play at Whataburger Field

One of the best ways to get involved with local activities while visiting a new place is to see a sports game!

So, head to Whataburger Field to watch the Corpus Christi Hooks. This stadium is right around the corner from the Art Museum of South Texas.

The Corpus Christi Hooks are the minor league team that feeds into the Houston Astros. Tickets can be purchased online and should be purchased in advance so that you can make sure you’re able to see a game.

2. Step Back in Time at the Britton-Evans House and Sidbury House

The Brittons-Evans House, a 19th-century building in Corpus Christi, Texas, is the oldest house in the city.

What’s even greater about this house is that it’s been in the very same location all these years. Visitors are now welcome to explore the interior of the house and learn about the home’s history.

Sidbury House is another of the oldest homes in Corpus Christi and was home to a civic leader named Charlotte King Cook Sidbury. The home has since been turned into a museum, and both houses are well worth visiting. 

Not only that but Sidbury is located in Heritage Park, a historic park where another ten houses are located.

Many of these beautifully restored Texas Historical Landmarks are a tribute to the ethnic diversity and culture of the area.

Read next: 33 Best Things to Do in Texas

3. Photograph the Harbor Bridge

The Harbor Bridge connects Rincon Point to Corpus Christi and is considered a top landmark in the area.

The bridge was opened back in the 1950s and is one of the longest bridges of its kind in the whole country. Plus, it’s considered to be the tallest spot in all of South Texas.

While the city has a project to build a new Harbor Bridge, which will have a built-in lighting system, the current bridge is still a lovely place to marvel at. Set against the sun going down in the evening, this is a magical sight. If you have the time, be sure to stop by the bridge, you won’t regret it.

4. Enjoy the View From Bob Hall Pier

Edit to add: Bob Hall Pier is closed for construction due to damages from Hurricane Hanna. We’ll update this post once the place is open for visitation.

Bob Hall Pier offers some of the best views in all of Corpus Christi. It’s located right along the waterfront on Padre Island and is incredibly serene.

While standing on the pier, you can look out and see the bay while taking in the sound of the peaceful waves.

Near Bob Hall Pier, there are many fun activities that visitors can do. For instance, there are areas to play beach volleyball, go surfing, and even try your hand at shelling. Many restaurants are also in the area.

Things to Do in Corpus Christ for Museum Lovers

5. Marvel at Beautiful Pieces at the Art Museum of South Texas

There’s no better place in Corpus Christi to find the most incredible art pieces than at the Art Museum of South Texas.

Located right along the Corpus Christi Bay waterfront, this museum has been a local favorite since it opened in 1972.

The museum is filled with lots of fun exhibits. There’s the ArtCade Interactive Space for children to release their creativity, the Digital Studio where adults can practice art skills, and more.

The majority of the pieces throughout the museum are permanent, but some are on rotation or are only at the museum for a limited time.

6. Learn at the USS Lexington Museum

Learning at the USS Lexington Museum is one of the best things to do in Corpus Christi, Texas.

This museum is exclusively about the USS Lexington, a ship built in the 1940s during World War II. The vessel has been at Corpus Christi Beach since the 1990s.

While you may think that this is just the same as any other huge naval ship, it’s not! This is the most historic vintage aircraft carrier in the world and has been kept in relatively good shape.

7. Visit the Texas Surf Museum

Located in the heart of Downtown is the Texas Surf Museum! This is easily one of the most whacky things to do in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The museum takes a unique viewpoint when exhibiting the history of the area and focuses purely on surfing instead of cowboys.

The museum has been opened since 2005 and is filled with fun exhibits all about surfing.

There are also many events held by the Texas Surf Museum throughout the year, like Surftoberfest, which is a fun take on Oktoberfest. The museum is always free to visit, no matter the day or time of year.

8. Remember a Musical Legend at the Selena Museum

Selena Quintanilla Perez was a famous singer from Texas who was, unfortunately, was murdered in the 1990s and died at a hospital in Corpus Christi. Her history lives on through the Selena Museum, which is a must-visit.

Selena’s family started the museum to celebrate who she was. Many of her most iconic costumes can be found throughout the museum, as well as photos and other items that were important to her.

Today, the museum is still run by her family and doubles as an office for her family’s production company. Her family is often always there.

9. Peruse the Exhibits at Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History

Exploring and learning from the exhibits at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History is one of the more educational things to do in Corpus Christi, Texas.

This museum is located right near the Art Museum of South Texas and opened in the 1950s to the public.

The museum is mainly focused on showcasing south Texas’s history and covers the past until around the 1500s.

In addition to all of the exhibits, the museum also hosts many programs throughout the year. Be sure to check their online calendar to see if an event is being hosted during your trip to Corpus Christi.

Things to Do in Corpus Christ for Nature Lovers

10. Explore the Padre Island National Seashore

For an outdoor adventure, look no further than the Padre Island National Seashore. It’s located right on Padre Island, like the name suggests, and is most well known for its breathtaking beaches that are truly gorgeous.

The island is home to many different types of wildlife that are well preserved and taken care of.

Throughout the seashore, you can find over 300 bird species and even sea turtles. Please be respectful if you come across any of them, as this is their home.

There is a fee to get to the seashore, but it’s worth purchasing an annual pass if you live in the area.

11. Roam the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

One of the best things to see in Corpus Christi is the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

It’s technically located in Austwell and is right near San Antonio Bay. The area covers more than 100,000 acres and is filled with many activities.

Within the refuge, you can go fishing, biking, and even walk the nature trails.

The nature trails, in particular, are a great way to see a lot of the wildlife throughout the refuge, especially alligators and birds. Be sure to pack your own snacks to have a picnic while you’re here.

12. Help the Environment at the Texas State Aquarium

Searching for educational yet fun things to do in Corpus Christi, Texas when it’s raining or cold? Do yourself a favor and include this aquarium on your list of things to see in Corpus Christi.

Beyond that, the Aquarium has exhibits featuring Caribbean sea life, sharks, stingrays, and bottlenose dolphins at Dolphin Bay.

Additional exhibits include Rainforest animals in the Jungle, alligators in Swamp Tales, and baby seahorses in the Aquatic Nursery.

The Texas State Aquarium is an institution that engages people with animals, inspiring our appreciation for our incredible seas. Besides, they do a beautiful job of rescuing and conserving wildlife.

Education leads to conservation, so you might want to check out this place, especially if you’re traveling with little ones.

13. Wander Around the Breathtaking South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

For a serene attraction, head to the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.

It’s located on South Side and is a bit inland, but the gardens are truly beautiful. The garden has been opened since the 1980s and covers just shy of 200 acres.

Many exhibits can be found throughout the gardens, and you could easily spend a whole day here.

Some of the exhibits include the Rose Garden, Samuel Jones Orchid Conservatory, Butterfly House, and the Hummingbird Garden. Be sure also to walk the great nature trails.

14. Experience the Natural Beauty of Mustang Island State Park

There’s no better place to explore the outdoors while in Corpus Christi than at Mustang Island State Park, a 3,954-acre park south of Port Aransas.

It’s located on Mustang Island and covers just shy of 4,000 acres of land. There’s even a great sandy beach!

As you may imagine, this state park is the perfect place for outdoor activities.

Fun things to do here include fishing, bird-watching, and walking the great trails. You can even go camping here if you’re looking for the perfect camping location in Corpus Christi.

Besides, it is one of the best state parks near San Antonio!

Things to Do in Corpus Christ for Outdoor Enthusiasts

15. Relax and Refresh at Laguna Madre

If you’re wondering what to do in Corpus Christi and it’s a warm summer’s day with the Texas heat, look no further than Laguna Madre on Padre Island.

Situated next to South Padre Island, this beautiful lagoon will genuinely make you feel like you’re in paradise.

Laguna Madre is truly one of the more unique places to visit because it’s considered to be extremely salty, even compared to the ocean. There aren’t many lagoons like this in the world!

At the lagoon, you can go swimming, bird-watching, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and even windsurfing. The fun outdoor activities here are absolutely endless!

16. Take a Walk Along the Corpus Christi Bay Trail

For a peaceful activity, look no further than the Corpus Christi Bay Trail. This breathtaking path is just under 9 miles long.

Luckily, the pathway is paved, so it’s not a super difficult trail to walk than others in the area. Plus, the whole trail goes right along the waterfront.

If you know that you want to see some of the best landmarks in Corpus Christi, then you’re in luck. The Corpus Christi Bay Trail goes by quite a few attractions in the city, like the Art Museum of South Texas.

17. Walk Around North Beach

North Beach, one of the most lovely beaches near San Antonio, is a great beachy area located just down the bay from the USS Lexington.

While you may feel the urge to hop into the water and cool off, it’s recommended that you go elsewhere if you intend on swimming.

This beach is 1.5 miles long and has some great activities along the water. You can go fishing, stop for a great meal at one of the restaurants, or just sit and relax while listening to the sound of the waves.

Things to Do in Corpus Christ for Foodies

18. Chew More Than You Can Bite at Snoopy’s Pier

If you’re looking for tasty food in Corpus Christi, then you have to go right to Snoopy’s Pier. This restaurant mainly sells seafood, and it’s located right next to the bay, so the views from the restaurant are unparalleled.

Prices at Snoopy’s Pier are mid-range. While seafood is the most popular menu item here, you can also order dishes like salad, burgers, grilled cheese, french fries, and more.

Any sort of fried delicious food that you can imagine is on the menu here!

19. Have a Pint at Lazy Beach Brewing

Stopping by Lazy Beach Brewing and grabbing a pint is the perfect way to finish a fun-filled day in Corpus Christi.

Located in South Side, this brewery has some crazy unique flavors. On the menu, you can find flavors like Poseidon’s Trident and Banana-nana Booch Booch.

In addition to being a brewery, Lazy Beach Brewing also doubles as a cafe. The cafe is only open for a few hours every day but serves up everything you’d find at a traditional cafe. There’s parfaits, french toast, coffee, and more.

Wrapping up on What to Do in Corpus Christi, TX

There is an abundance of great things to do in Corpus Christi, Texas, no matter what time of year you’re visiting.

Just be sure to plan out your trip wisely because some of these attractions are a lot less busy earlier in the day.

Are you intrigued and interested in planning a trip to Corpus Christi, Texas? Be sure to pin this post for later and share it on your socials!