A classic Texas beach town on the Gulf of Mexico, Corpus Christi spreads across a sparkling bay near Mustang and Padre Islands. From a national seashore to state aquarium and historic aircraft museum, Corpus Christi has a rich American culture.

Things to do

Dozens of lively beach cafes and bars light up the shores of Corpus Christi both day and night. Seafront shrimp stalls compete with classic eateries like Snoopy’s Pier, serving huge platters of boiled Texas shrimp and fried oysters. An evening at Blackbeard’s on the Beach offers access to “haunted” tales of swashbuckling pirates as well as a fine collection of Eagles rock-and-roll paraphernalia.

Stretching for 112 kilometres, Padre Island National Seashore runs along the shores of Corpus Christi, incorporating windswept dunes, undisturbed beaches and the Central Flyway for migrating birds. Head to Laguna Madre for windsurfing and kiteboarding, where you can rent a board or take lessons from a local outfitter.

Little travellers will enjoy the Texas State Aquarium with its six hectares of exhibitions, including Dolphin Bay and its Atlantic bottlenoses. Touch stingray pods in the Stingray Lagoon and watch the entertaining Floating Phantoms show. To learn all about the sport of surfing in Texas, visit the Texas Surf Museum near Corpus Christi Bay.

The “Blue Ghost” docked in the bay at Corpus Christi is none other than the USS Lexington, a famous World War II aircraft carrier that now houses a sprawling military museum. You can walk the decks, bridge, barracks and combat rooms, then watch films, play war games and tour the engine room.

Getting around

The beach is within walking distance of downtown and there are taxis, ride-shares and a trolley system for getting around Corpus Christi. You can also rent a car downtown or at Corpus Christi International Airport.