Whether you are visiting the Corpus Christi area for the first time or are still getting acquainted with the Coastal Bend, a resource guide is always a great place to start for making the most out of exploring a new city.
So, we’ve broken it down for you! From the best eats, to experiencing Corpus Christi area culture, our vast water activities around town, and more, Corpus Christi has it all! You just have to know where to look!
Getting Around
In Corpus Christi, the best way to get around with a family is by car. The Bayfront area downtown is pedestrian-friendly, but if you plan to visit cities and attractions outside of downtown, a car is a must. Wanting to try something different? Consider riding the free ferry to Port Aransas!
Eats and Drinks with Kids
- Brewster Street Icehouse – If you’re looking for South Texas food, a casual dining experience, and optional outdoor seating, Brewster Street is your place! It’s located in the S.E.A. District and has a fun playground for kids. They often also have live music at night.
- Coffee Waves – Whether you’re looking for a snack, sandwich, sweet treat, or an afternoon pick me up, you’re sure to enjoy the gelato, coffee and other treats Coffee Waves has to offer. They’re also conveniently located wherever you are! Find them in Corpus Christi, Flour Bluff, and Port Aransas. Mmmmm.
- Executive Surf Club – The fun, casual atmosphere and great food at the Executive Surf Club are not to be missed! This is another venue that often has a great live music scene and is a fun stop for nightlife in downtown Corpus Christi.
- Harrison’s Landing – Enjoy some great food in a casual atmosphere downtown with a beautiful view of the water!
- Hi Ho – You have to know where to look to find this local favorite for Mexican food! This one was even mentioned in the Selena movie! Check it out at:
3703 Morgan Ave
Corpus Christi, TX, 78405 - Padre Island Burger Company – Mmmm… This place has great food in a casual, family friendly atmosphere, right near the beach! It’s definitely worth the trip to the Island. They even have gluten free hamburger buns, if that’s your thing!
- Silverado Smokehouse – Our friends at Silverado have some great tasting Texas BBQ in a cute, country atmosphere! They even have a party / meeting room you can reserve if you’re visiting with a large group!
- Snoopy’s Pier – Just over the JFK Causeway, Snoopy’s is a great place to eat outdoors. When the weather is nice, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal alongside the water. When you’re finished, step next door and satisfy your sweet tooth with a sweet treat from Scoopy’s!
- Taquerias – They are everywhere, practically one on every corner! And you’ll want to make a stop. Breakfast tacos. Enchiladas. Fajitas. Margaritas. You can’t go wrong. You’re welcome.
- Town & Country – Home style country cooking at it’s finest! This Corpus Christi staple is a great place for comfort food just like grandma used to make! You’ll find them at:
4228 S Alameda St
Corpus Christi, TX 78412 - Whataburger – Corpus Christi is the hometown of Whataburger. If you’ve never been to one, please, please make a stop. Whataburgers are especially delicious when you get them at Whataburger Field. Feeling fancy? Visit their two story location on Shoreline!
Date Night Ideas {Eating Out without the Kids}
- Black Sheep Bistro – Located on North Padre Island, Blacksheep Bistro is sure to be a unique and enjoyable dining experience.
- Katz 21 – Katz 21 is a great stop if you’re celebrating a special occasion or want a memorable evening out. They have amazing steaks, a full service bar, and delicious desserts! It is truly a dining experience.
- Mamma Mia’s – This is a local favorite for Italian food! Visit them at:
128 N Mesquite St
Corpus Christi, TX 78401 - Niko’s Steakhouse – If you’re looking for a great steak in an upscale, comfortable setting, Niko’s is your place.
- The Post at Lamar Park – The Post is a great place to grab a drink or even stay for dinner! They feature some unique dining options and even have outdoor patio seating!
- Republic of Texas Bar & Grill – If you’re looking for white table cloth dining with on of the best views around, Republic of Texas is unmatched. Located on the 20th floor of the Omni Bayfront Hotel, Republic of Texas will treat you to an exquisite dining experience.
- Water Street Oyster Bar – If you love seafood, be sure to make a stop here. Water Street is located downtown and a great stop for an evening out.
- Water Street Seafood Company – Similar to the Oyster Bar, Waterstreet Seafood Company is located close by and is a great stop for a date night.
- Yardarm – A locally owned favorite, Yardarm is a great place to experience a quiet, relaxing dining experience on the Corpus Christi Bayfront. Be sure to call in advance, for reservations. This cute little cottage restaurant fills up quick. You’ll find them at:
4310 Ocean Dr
Corpus Christi, TX 78412
Fun in the Sun
- Beaches – What’s a visit to the coast without a trip to the beach? Whether you want to soak up some rays, build sandcastles, catch a wave, or go fishing, a visit to the beach is sure to be a great time for the whole family! Not sure where to start? Here are some favorite beaches worth checking out.
- Birding – If you love birding or would like to see what it’s all about, Corpus Christi is the place to do it! We’ve even been named the Birdiest City in America!
- Corpus Christi Bay Trail – Cycle, walk, and hike along Corpus Christi’s Bayfront.
- Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens & Nature Center – More than just flowers, the Botanical Gardens is a great way to experience the natural beauty of South Texas.
- Corpus Christi Hooks Baseball – During baseball season, enjoy the day at a Hooks baseball game with the family. Spending time with loved ones at the ballpark is what summer was made to feel like! Friday nights your family can also stay for a fireworks show after the game!
- Fishing – The Corpus Christi area is a great stop for fishing, by land or by boat!
- Funtrackers – Enjoy fun for the whole family, whether you’re in the mood for go karts, bumper boats, mini golf, or more!
- Horseback Riding on the Beach – Is there anything more South Texan than riding a horse along the beach?
- Hurricane Alley – Tired of the South Texas heat? Cool off at Hurricane Alley water park, located right next to Whataburger Field!
- Kayaking
- Parks – Enjoy some of our area’s many parks! Cole Park and the Water Gardens are two of our favorites!
- Sailing
- Schlitterbahn – Another great way to cool off, Schlitterbahn has a new location in Corpus Christi!
- Segway Tours – Check out Corpus Christi in a unique way… on a Segway!
- Texas State Aquarium – We South Texans love our Aquarium! There’s tons to see indoors, but when the weather is warm enough, there are plenty of outdoor exhibits too. You and the kids can even enjoy their splash park! Take our word for it… the Texas State Aquarium is not to be missed!
- Treasure Island Golf and Games – This pirate themed mini-golf course is sure to be a great time for the entire family. You can find them at:
14041 S Padre Island Dr
Corpus Christi, TX 78418 - Wind Surfing – Whether you’re new to it or a seasoned enthusiast, Corpus Christi is the place to wind surf!
Staying Cool Indoors
- Boing Boing Bounce – Give it a whirl, for a hoppin, good time!
- Bowlero – This newly renovated venue is more than just a bowling alley!
- Brinca! – Brinca means bounce in Spanish… what better name for a fun, indoor bounce house?
- Corpus Christi Ice Rayz – Yup, Corpus Christi has a hockey team!
- Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History – The Science and History Museum recently opened its H-E-B Science Center! They also have ongoing events including Mommy and Me educational programs and kid friendly sessions on everything from science and chemistry to engineering. There’s a fun playground you and your kids can enjoy in the back!
- Get Air – A trampoline park like you’ve never seen! Find out how many ways there are to get air!
- La Palmera – Great shopping, anyone? While you’re there, be sure to stop by their outdoor shops at The Shops at La Palmera.
- Outlets at Corpus Christi Bay – The Coastal Bend’s newest shopping experience is now open! Be one of the first to check it out. The Outlets are in Robstown and only a short drive away!
- Play Extreme Sports – Paintball, laser tag… they’ve got it all!
- Play! – Like the name suggests, your kids will have a ton of fun at this indoor playground. Your child’s admission fee is good for a whole day of play, and adults get in for free! And while you’re there, be sure to checkout their new expansion, Pretend, and enjoy a tasty treat (like gelato!) at the Play! Cafe!
- Sk8land – Looking for some retro fun? Try some roller skating at Sk8land!
- USS Lexington – Explore this historic floating museum on Corpus Christi Bay!
Culture, Music, and Arts
- American Bank Center – There’s always a great show or concert to check out!
- Art Museum of South Texas – Corpus Christi has a wonderful art museum with rotating art exhibits. You can even enjoy lunch on the water at Dobson Cafe while you’re there!
- Art Walk – If you’re visiting us on the first Friday of the month, you’re in for a treat!
- Aurora Arts Theatre – Live theater in Corpus Christi!
- Concrete Street Amphatheater – Concerts, concerts, concerts!
- Corpus Christi Cathedral – The Cathedral is a great place to checkout beautiful architecture and angelic music performed by youth and adults. They even have a Cathedral Concert Series.
- Corpus Christi Public Art – If you keep your eyes open, you’re in for a treat! Corpus Christi is filled with public art, even along the Bayfront!
- Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra – Corpus Christi’s Symphony is definitely a local gem. Check them out, and if you’re here in the Spring, be sure to attend their family friendly Pops in the Park event at Whataburger Field!
- Corpus Christi Youth Orchestra – Who says adults are the only ones who can play orchestra music?
- Harbor Playhouse – Harbor Playhouse has been performing live theater in Corpus Christi since 1925. They often have family friendly shows the kids will love. Be sure to check them out!
- Texas Surf Museum – Learn about the history of surf in the Lone Star State!
Off the Beaten Path
If you have a few extra days to explore outside of Corpus Christi, some of our favorite day trips include:
- Aransas Pass – If you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors, do some fishing, or hit the casino, you’ll want to stop by Aransas Pass While you’re there, checkout their Aquatic Center!
- Kingsville – Have you ever been to a real, working, cattle ranch? Stop by Kingsville and visit the famous King Ranch for a tour and a lesson in local history!
- Port Aransas – Whether you’d like to go birding, boating, or hit the beach, Port Aransas is a great place to enjoy some fun in the sun.
- Rockport – This cute little beach town and about a 45 minute drive from Corpus Christi. They have a fun strip of shops downtown that is great for a stroll and some great places to grab a bite to eat, including Moondog Seaside Eatery. If your looking for some outdoor fun, you’ll definitely want to give Rockport Beach a visit. Looking for a place to picnic and burn off some energy outdooors? Consider Memorial Park. Fishing, boating, and bird watching are other fun activities to consider. And if your timing is right, you could even enjoy some of their popular art shows and festivals. History lovers will want to checkout the Fulton Mansion.
- San Antonio – If a bigger Texas city with lots of culture, theme parks, a river walk, and more sounds like a good time, you won’t want to miss a visit to San Antonio! Our sister site, Alamo City Moms Blog also has a family resource guide to help you get the most out of your family’s visit!
- South Padre Island – Everything’s bigger and better in Texas. These beaches are no exception!