Corpus Christi, Texas, Would possibly Be the South’s Most Underrated Metropolis—The best way to Go to

Spanning roughly 350 miles, the Texas Gulf Coast attracts guests in droves every year to benefit from the surf and solar—and in relation to discovering pure wonders, top-tier gastronomy, and engaging historic websites all packed into one metropolis, there’s arguably no higher vacation spot than Corpus Christi.

The title of this seaside settlement may be traced again to 1519, and as we speak, the town supplies loads of alternative for recreation each on the water and on dry land, with bay seashores, iconic oceanside nature reserves, and a prolonged downtown seawall that’s well-liked with pedestrians. And after a day spent jet snowboarding or paddleboarding, guests are welcome to discover the area’s assorted eating choices, with Texas barbecue, recent seafood, and a thriving Tex-Mex scene that stems from the local people.

Although removed from the most important metropolis in Texas, Corpus Christi continues to lure a various crowd of tourists. Throughout morning hours, bird-watchers may be encountered alongside the seashore trying to find uncommon waders, whereas historical past buffs spend their time aboard one of many nation’s most well-known museum ships. And, after all, there’s no scarcity of vacationers coming to pay their respects to Selena, a pioneer of Tejano music who earned worldwide popularity of her highly effective voice.

Whether or not you’re a frequent traveler to the Gulf Coast or simply about to plan your first journey to the area, Corpus Christi is a vacation spot that provides a mix of pure splendor and wealthy tradition.

Finest Accommodations and Resorts

Omni Corpus Christi Lodge

Visitors can get pleasure from marvelous views of the waterfront throughout a keep on the Omni Corpus Christi Lodge, with every of its 465 rooms and suites boasting a non-public balcony. Simply past the foyer, the property’s Switchgrass Touchdown is well-liked for each night cocktails and Sunday brunch, whereas the indoor racquetball courts are perfect for retaining lively on a wet day.

Energetic Seaside

Energetic Seaside affords a tranquil escape, with spacious suites that includes kitchens and personal outside decks. Throughout morning hours, the boardwalk is ideal for scanning the beachfront for wildlife, whereas weekends deliver complimentary wine and music on the rooftop deck.

Port Royal Ocean Resort

Exterior of Corpus Christi correct, Port Aransas comes geared up with one notably eye-catching property on the sting of Mustang Island. “One actually good resort is Port Royal Ocean Resort,” says Susan Trevino, a Corpus Christi native who owns and operates Get pleasure from Corpus Christi Excursions along with her husband, Rene. “It has an incredible swimming pool. As soon as individuals see the swimming pool at Port Royal, that’s the place everybody desires to go and hang around.”

Residence Inn Corpus Christi Downtown

Only a few steps from the waterfront, the Residence Inn Corpus Christi Downtown affords fast entry to the marina and its many eating places. To kick off the day, friends can stroll alongside the shoreline and marvel at its many ships, then come again to the property for a dip within the outside pool.

Finest Issues to Do

Texas State Aquarium

Formally opened in 1990, the Texas State Aquarium supplies ample perception into the various marine creatures that thrive all through the Gulf. Guests can spot reef sharks, moray eels, and loads of different animals swimming overhead as they stroll by way of the H-E-B Caribbean Sea exhibit’s acrylic tunnel. The establishment additionally acts as a distinguished power for conservation, working a wildlife rehabilitation heart subsequent to the principle constructing.

USS Lexington Museum

Simply off the coast of downtown Corpus Christi, the USS Lexington stands as a testomony to the historic navy may of the U.S. This World Conflict II-era plane provider was lively within the Pacific Theater all through the Forties, later spending years as a coaching provider earlier than being decommissioned in 1991. “Now we have an incredible exhibit of several types of plane on the flight deck of the usLexington,” says Trevino. “One of many enjoyable planes individuals like is the plane Maverick flew through the very first ‘Prime Gun’ film. His precise airplane is up on our flight deck.”

Selena Museum

All through the ‘80s and ‘90s, Corpus Christi native Selena Quintanilla captured the hearts of numerous Individuals along with her roster of Tejano ballads, and as we speak, the town honors her ongoing legacy by way of the Selena Museum. Operated in the identical studio the place she recorded “Dreaming of You,” this colourful area is full of merchandise, fan mail, and outfits sported by the singer.

Padre Island Nationwide Seashore

Corpus Christi’s crown jewel for ecotourism is most actually Padre Island Nationwide Seashore, a protected protect that spans almost 70 miles alongside the Gulf. It’s a well-liked spot for birders, fishers, and sunbathers alike, however that’s not all that may be discovered throughout a go to. “Sea turtles are protected right here in Texas, so at any time when they’re nesting on the seashore, we’ve got releases of the newborn sea turtles,” says Trevino. “Rangers take the eggs and put them in an incubator, and as they hatch and are able to get into the ocean, we’ve got these large releases the place everybody comes right down to the seashore to observe. It’s an incredible journey.”

Oso Bay Wetlands Protect

Corpus Christi is sometimes called “America’s Birdiest Metropolis,” and few locations showcase this trait in addition to Oso Bay Wetlands Protect. There are 162 acres to discover right here, with the encompassing prairies taking part in host to fascinating Texas wildlife just like the groove-billed ani, nice kiskadee, and crested caracara.

Finest Nightlife

Tapology Texas Pub

Craft beer followers are spoiled for selection at Tapology Texas Pub, an informal venue that serves greater than 40 choices on draft. Patrons can swing by, seize a pint, and make use of the pool tables and dart boards, with the added bonus of having fun with bar trivia all through the month.

Nueces Whiskey Library

Spirit aficionados, take be aware: Nueces Whiskey Library comes with a number of hundred distillates to pattern, making it a must-visit for any bourbon followers visiting the Gulf Coast. Visitors can sip on a wealth of whiskies sourced from Texas and past, whereas added choices vary from rum to gin to mezcal.

The Hidden Door

Queer hangout spots are few and much between in Corpus Christi, however the metropolis does have one notably charming venue within the type of The Hidden Door. Working since 1979, this full of life bar attracts in locals and vacationers alike with drag reveals, reasonably priced drinks, and karaoke performances, whereas frequent charity occasions are held to help the native queer neighborhood.

Finest Eating places

Water Road Oyster Bar

Seafood choices vary from spicy salmon rolls to shrimp po’boys at Water Road Oyster Bar, however as its title implies, this polished spot actually shines in relation to shellfish. Whether or not you spring for pecan-crusted, wood-grilled,. or Rockefeller-style oysters, you’re sure to depart with a newfound appreciation for the seafood.

Hello-Ho Restaurant

Working for 40-plus years, Hello-Ho Restaurant has been an area favourite for many years due to its roster of hearty Tex-Mex dishes. Upon arrival, friends can snag an order of beef enchiladas or rooster chalupas, however this storied location is finest recognized for its ultra-savory carne guisada.

Elizabeth’s

Positioned inside the Artwork Museum of South Texas, Elizabeth’s crafts flavorful Mediterranean fare with a aspect of beautiful surroundings. “You go to the museum to take a look at artwork, however it is best to have lunch, too, as a result of the scent is so scrumptious while you stroll in there,” says Trevino. “You’ve received among the finest views of Corpus Christi Bay and the usLexington. It’s a enjoyable place to go and eat.”

Little Manila Lumpia Home

For a deep dive on the flavors of the Philippines, look no additional than Little Manila Lumpia Home. This no-frills Flour Bluff diner has an ultra-friendly workers and plenty of savory Filipino favorites, together with lumpia (a kind of crispy spring roll) and sinigang (a savory soup brimming with notes of tamarind).

Guajillo’s on the Island

Whereas Corpus Christi is understood for Tex-Mex, the town isn’t any slouch in relation to conventional Mexican delicacies, with Guajillo’s On The Island crating beloved dishes for nicely over 20 years. For Yucatan delicacies followers, the cochinita tacos are a must-try, whereas breakfast guests can sit up for quite a lot of chilaquiles.

Finest Time to Go to

Given its delicate winters, Corpus Christi attracts vacationers all year long, although some desire to keep away from summer season as a consequence of its excessive ranges of warmth and humidity. No matter while you go to, be sure you seek the advice of a area people web page to see if there are any large occasions that coincide together with your journey.

“Now we have so many festivals,” says Trevino. “If there’s a purpose to have a pageant, we’re going to rejoice. A giant a part of our Tex-Mex tradition is Day of the Lifeless, and we’ve got the Texas Jazz Pageant yearly in October that’s an incredible free occasion. After which Buc Days, a two-week spring occasion with barbecue cook-offs, a carnival, a rodeo, and essentially the most wonderful illuminated night time parade.”

The best way to Get There

Given how massive Texas is, most guests desire to fly straight into Corpus Christi Worldwide Airport (CRP) to kick off their journey. Geared up with simply six gates, the venue doesn’t supply an entire lot of routes—direct flight locations embody simply the Houston and Dallas/Fort Price areas, nevertheless it actually beats a prolonged drive from one of many Lone Star State’s bigger cities. These wishing to embark on a Texas street journey, nevertheless, can set off for Corpus Christi by automotive. From San Antonio, the journey takes roughly two hours alongside I-37, whereas guests from Houston could make the journey in simply over three hours.

The best way to Get Round

The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority oversees a sturdy system of buses that covers about 850 sq. miles, however for ease of exploration, it’s finest to order a rental automotive. Guests can decide up their automobile upon arrival on the airport or take a ride-share service to one of many many facilities discovered alongside State Freeway 358. And whereas some Texas cities endure sluggish site visitors, Corpus Christi is luckily freed from this situation. “One factor Corpus Christi is is the large little metropolis,” says Trevino. “Now we have all the pieces the large cities have, however on a smaller scale, and sometimes, we don’t have site visitors congestion.”