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Locrawl

Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi (called Corpus by the locals) is Texas's largest coastal city and the gateway to Padre Island. While Corpus Christi isn't on the way to much of anything except itself (and the islands off its coast), it offers enough to fill a visit in its own right, or a multi-day trip from San Antonio, Austin, or Houston. The name is Latin for "Body of Christ".

See
12
Do
11
Eat
17
Drink
8
Buy
1

49 places

  1. See

    Art Center of Corpus Christi

    Has a collection of art from local and largely unknown artists. Water garden in front.

  2. See

    Artesian Park

    Corpus Christi has many small parks, such as Artesian Park, scattered throughout the city. For those into the paranormal, Artesian Park is another reportedly haunted Corpus Christi locale.

  3. See

    Corpus Christi Cathedral

    Corpus Christi also has numerous churches, perhaps the best known of which is the Corpus Christi Cathedral on the bluff overlooking the downtown area. It was built in the 1940s, but the congregation has existed since soon after the founding of the city in the 1840s. (The cathedral is not named after the city it's in, but after the Body of Christ.).

  4. See

    K Space Contemporary Gallery

    In the historic Kress Building. Non-profit art organization that showcases local, regional and national contemporary art.

    Wed-Sat 11AM-5PMFree

  5. See

    Mirador de la Flor

    A memorial to Selena Quintanilla Perez better known simply as "Selena" who was murdered in 1995 by her deranged fan club president and boutique manager. Includes a life-size bronze statue of the singer.

  6. Drink

    Murdy's

    A sports bar with a few dozen TV screens and several pool tables.

  7. See

    Texas State Aquarium

    See water-related exhibits and creatures. You can even work with a dolphin trainer if you contact them ahead of time (and spend a lot of money).

    Tue-Sun 10AM-5PM, closed Mon except some holidays$28.95 children, $38.95 adults, $36.95 seniors, $5 parking

  8. See

    USS Lexington Museum on the Bay

    WWII aircraft carrier become museum. See naval life, the ship, and aircraft complement.

    9AM-5PM winter, 9AM-6PM summer, daily except Thanksgiving and ChristmasAdults $20.95, children $12.95, parking $5 (2024)

  9. Eat Not mapped

    Aka Sushi

    Good sushi. Good atmosphere. Sister location Koi Sushi & Hibachi at 5301 Everhart Rd.

  10. Eat Not mapped

    B&J's Pizza

    At two locations: the original on SPID and the new one on Staples. Great pizza and sandwiches with an enormous beer selection.

  11. Do Not mapped

    Barrier islands

    Most popular of all are the barrier islands located just off the coast. Mustang Island and Padre Island are less than 30 minutes from town, and provide plenty of recreation for visitors and locals.

  12. Do Not mapped

    Birdwatching

    Located on the central flyway, a major bird migration route, Corpus Christi is a terrfic spot for birdwatching. Almost 45% of all North American species have been spotted on Padre Island National Seashore alone.

  13. Eat Not mapped

    Blackbeard's

    Well-known locally for its burgers. Family atmosphere. Good food. Local legends say the restaurant is haunted.

  14. Do Not mapped

    Corpus Christi Beach

    North Beach

    While small, it is usually not terrifically crowded, and is convenient to other tourist attractions like the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington.

  15. Do Not mapped

    Corpus Christi Hooks

    AA-level minor league baseball from March through September. The Hooks are affiliated with the Houston Astros and play in the beautiful new Whataburger Field, near downtown, with local flavor galore and outstanding views of the bridge and ship channel.

  16. Do Not mapped

    Corpus Christi IceRays

    North American Hockey League ice hockey is played in the American Bank Center during the winter and spring months.

  17. Drink Not mapped

    D'Lounge

    Classy. Upscale. Wonderful place to relax. Olaf, one of the bartenders, won the local 2007 competition for the best martini in town.

  18. Drink Not mapped

    Dewey's

    Serves beer, has a pool table, the TVs are usually on ultimate fighting and a rugby field is being built out back next to their patio for the local rugby team.

  19. Eat Not mapped

    Doc's

    Seafood on Padre Island under the JFK Causeway. Good seafood and usually a singer. Expect to pay $20-30 per person including a drink.

  20. Eat Not mapped

    Fajitaville

    Three-story dining and entertainment complex on North Beach. Fajitas, spirits and bay views. Beach access from ground-level bar.

  21. Eat Not mapped

    Hu Dat

    Excellent Vietnamese cuisine at reasonable prices at two locations: on Ayers and next to the D'Lounge near the corner of Staples and Saratoga.

  22. Eat Not mapped

    Island Italian

    Good Italian food on Park Road 22 on (north) Padre Island. Reasonable prices, good amounts. Wine and beer available.

  23. Drink Not mapped

    Katz 21 Steak & Spirits

    A large club with terrific bands usually playing light or classic rock, Latin music, blues or jazz. Classy. Upscale.

  24. Eat Not mapped

    La Playa

    the Beach

    Excellent Mexican seafood at two locations in town. All started from the original location near the intersection of South Padre Island Drive (S.P.I.D.) and Rodd Field Road and have grown within the last five years. Expect to pay $15-25 per person.

  25. Eat Not mapped

    Niko's

    The steak is the size of the plate. A stand-alone building in a shopping center on Staples and Saratoga. A little pricey, but what a meal.

  26. Eat Not mapped

    Taqueria Jalisco

    Good Mexican food in a clean, family atmosphere at reasonable prices ($10-15 per person). This is a local chain so there are several locations throughout town.

  27. Do Not mapped

    Texas A&M–Corpus Christi Islanders

    Sports teams of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, competing in NCAA Division I in six men's and 10 women's sports, mostly in the Southland Conference. Note that the Islanders don't have a football team.

  28. See Not mapped

    The Bayfront

    The downtown area along Shoreline drive, which is formed of concrete steps leading down to the water's edge. It is essentially the heart of Corpus Christi and is a terrific area for family evening strolls or running alone in the early morning. It extends over two miles from Magee Beach along the Marina and T-heads, past the American Bank Center (stadium/coliseum) to the Art Museum of South Texas and the port area. Vendors may occasionally be found here selling cotton candy or renting pedicabs or pediboats. Festivals such as Buccaneer Days ("Buc Days" by the locals) and the Fourth of July celebrations are held here with fireworks being fired out over the water. Some of Corpus Christi's best known restaurants are located only a block away on Water Street.

  29. Drink Not mapped

    The Executive Surf Club

    A Corpus Christi classic with well-known south Texas bands playing on an enclosed patio. Excellent food such as burgers and shrimp poor-boys and a great selection of beers on tap in a relaxing atmosphere.

  30. Drink Not mapped

    The Keg Room

    A nice, neighborhood bar that has been around forever on the corner of Alameda and Airline.