From kayaking and dolphin cruises to museum hopping and live music, Corpus Christi has it all. Whether you’re here to hit the beach or dive into local culture, here are two ways to spend a perfect day in this Gulf Coast gem.
Day One: Coastal Adventures & Epic Views
Morning
Start your day with brunch at Elizabeth’s, located inside the Art Museum of South Texas. The modern, beachy-chic eatery serves up Mediterranean-inspired dishes and jaw-dropping bay views. Grab a seat by one of the floor-to-ceiling windows, or dine al fresco on the patio. Order the shakshuka or Turkish eggs with lamb sausage. Afterward, consider purchasing a museum pass to explore the rotating exhibitions of regional art.
Bring a kayak or paddleboard out onto the serene Packery Channel, nestled between Mustang Island and Padre Island. Paddle past mangroves and seabirds, and keep an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, and the occasional stingray.
Morning excursions mean calm waters and ample wildlife sightings, so it’s a great time to connect with nature. Rent your gear at Wind & Wave or Worldwinds Windsurfing, or book a guided tour to let a pro lead the way. Insider tip: Take the side channel detours to discover quiet marshlands and secret beaches.
Afternoon
Grab lunch at Doc’s Seafood and Steaks, an overwater joint near Padre Island. Soak up the laid-back vibes, lively music, and coastal cuisine. Ask for a table on the upper deck for a shady spot with incredible views. Order the crab-stuffed flounder or grilled coconut shrimp with piña colada cream sauce. If you kayak or boat over, take advantage of the dockside service.
Stretch out on Padre Island National Seashore, the world’s longest undeveloped barrier island. Take a dip in the pristine waters and beachcomb for seashells and sand dollars. Hike the Grasslands Nature Trail to weave through lush grasslands and dunes. Swing by the Malaquite Visitor Center for restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. Bring your binoculars—the birdwatching here is spectacular.
Hop on a dolphin-watching cruise through Corpus Christi Bay with Padre Boat Tours or Dolphin Dock. Sit back and relax on a 90-minute boat ride as bottlenose dolphins splash and leap alongside you. During your voyage, look out for pelicans, frigatebirds, and sea turtles. Learn about the local ecosystems and take in the views of the surrounding barrier islands. Afternoon tours offer the best lighting, so don’t forget to bring a camera.
Evening
Set off on a private or public sunset sail for two hours of golden-hour bliss on Corpus Christi Bay. Bask in postcard-worthy views of the downtown marina and Harbor Bridge. Most charters let you BYOB, so check beforehand and pack a bottle of bubbly for the ride. Depending on your mood, you can also find charters that offer live music or themed cruises. Bring a blanket or a light sweater—it gets chilly on the water after sundown.
Indulge in a fresh seafood feast at Water Street Oyster Bar, a bustling downtown spot loved by visitors and locals alike. Expect warm wood interiors, nautical accents, and a lively atmosphere. Order the oysters Rockefeller, seafood gumbo, or fried shrimp po’ boy. Craving sushi? Try the Padre Island Roll or Waterstreet Roll. Pair your meal with a Salty Dog cocktail or a local brew. If you’re up for it, walk down the block to Executive Surf Club for live music after dinner.
Day Two: Cultural Highlights & Tejano Soul
Morning
Kick off your Corpus Christi heritage tour with breakfast at Bien Mérité, a dreamy Parisian-style café with chandeliers, marble countertops, and flower-covered walls. Order the crème brulée waffle or the Croque Madame—it’s a croissant sandwich with ham, gruyere cheese, mushroom duxelle, bechamel sauce, and a fried egg. For a caffeine fix, try the pistachio rose latte.
Head to the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures & Education Center, an under-the-radar gem that offers a fascinating look at pan-Asian heritage in South Texas. Stroll through galleries filled with artifacts like Japanese samurai armor, Korean dolls, Chinese porcelain, and ornate textiles. Try your hand at origami, calligraphy, or even a kimono fitting. The museum may be small, but it’s rich with stories and well worth a visit.
Pay tribute to the Queen of Tejano Music at the Selena Museum, located at her family’s Q-Productions studio. Selena Quintanilla-Pérez’s legacy broke barriers for Latinas in music and shaped the future of South Texas’s identity. Wander the intimate space to see Selena’s most iconic performance outfits, childhood photos, tour memorabilia, and awards. Bring tissues and expect a wait during weekend visits.
Make your way to Hi-Ho Restaurant for lunch to see why it was Selena’s go-to spot for Mexican food back in the day. The no-frills, cash-only joint serves classics like enchiladas, carne guisada, and barbacoa tacos. Check out the Selena memorabilia adorning the walls, including a signed photo. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but if you’re stuck, try the chalupas.
Afternoon
Take a self-guided tour of Heritage Park, where 12 beautifully preserved Victorian homes showcase the city’s multicultural roots. See the influence of Corpus Christi’s early residents in each design, from Greek and Lebanese settlers to Anglo-American families. The park is free to visit and often hosts cultural events and art markets, so check the schedule before you go.
Visit the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History to see hands-on exhibits with everything from pirate shipwrecks to prehistoric fossils. Uncover Spanish treasure in the Shipwreck exhibit. Find out what post-Civil War life was like in the Nuecestown gallery. Compare seashells from around the world in the Ecology Hall. If you’re traveling with children, don’t miss the H-E-B Science Center for fun, interactive experiments and climbing structures.
Evening
Catch a show at the Harbor Playhouse, one of the oldest community theaters in Texas. It’s a cozy venue with just under 500 seats, which means you’ll get a close-up experience that feels immersive and personal but still top-notch. Watch family-friendly productions like The Wizard of Oz, Hairspray, and Legally Blonde. Weekend shows often sell out, so book your tickets in advance and arrive early for parking.
End your night with pizza and live music at House of Rock. The local hotspot is equal parts restaurant and event venue, with performances multiple times a week by local and national acts. Embrace brick-wall interiors covered in band posters and a hip, casual crowd of mostly locals. Dig into a deep dish pie, or go for the Earth Day Pie with pesto and goat cheese—it’s a fan favorite. If you’re still hungry, treat yourself to an apple pie calzone with warm Mexican caramel.
