Location: Corpus Christi
Top Things to do in Corpus Christi
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What to do and see in Corpus Christi, Texas (TX): The Best Beaches
Corpus Christi possesses all of the main ingredients of an ideal weekend getaway: the sun, the sea, the sights, plus exhilarating and engaging activities the whole family can enjoy. Spend the day on the beach soaking up the sun or wind surfing, the breezy city's favorite pastime. Visit the massive Texas State Aquarium with its new Dolphin Bay, a protected habitat for dolphins unable to survive in open water. Take a tour of The USS Lexington, one of the most famous aircraft carriers in U.S. naval history. Stroll through fabulous flora and fauna at the Botanical Gardens. At the Museum of Science and History, check out the recreated Pinta and Santa Maria, two of the ships Columbus used to sail to the new world. At night, enjoy a succulent seafood dinner at any number of fine restaurants, then head to the historic Harbor Playhouse for delightfully original community theater and a true taste of what Corpus Christi is all about.
Restaurants in Corpus Christi
1. Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By gypsygirl425 - Horseshoe Bay, United States
We are lucky to be renting an Airbnb right across the street from the Michael J Ellis beach and it is absolutely beautiful! The sand is fine and the beach is really clean! There is a lot of different types of birds at the beach as well. There are miles of sand, two piers and a restaurant along the beach. It is a great place to hang out!
2. Padre Island National Seashore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,859 reviews
A 15-minute drive from downtown Corpus Christi transports you to this magnificent 70-mile stretch of white sand beach, scenic dunes and warm ocean water, offering ideal conditions for swimming, fishing, beach-combing, windsurfing, camping, bird-watching and viewing wildlife.
Reviewed By M8870IWjasonr
A fantastic national asset. Best enjoyed though with a capable 4x4 vehicle. Tourist crowd the first 5 miles of beach while the real beauty exists South of the 20 mile marker. Ask some locals before taking off down the beach, it does have it's risks. For those adventurous types a trip 60 miles south to the Mansfield jetty is worth the trip.
3. Malaquite Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 481 reviews
This beach on Padre Island is a great camping and beach-going spot.
Reviewed By katv55
Malaquite Beach is a jewel along the Texas Gulf coast as part of the Padre Island National Seashore. With the adjacent NPS Visitor Center and its showers, restrooms, interpretive programs, and gift shop, this vehicle-free stretch of beach is the perfect for a day’s outing year round. Visitors are in for a treat from May to September when the hatching and releasing of baby sea turtles occur.
4. Padre Island Sea Wall Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By washyourcooze - Cedar Park, United States
Padre Island is the place to stay and play when coming to the beach in Texas. The best time to come is when the kids are in school. Once school starts the beach loses 2/3 of its crowd.
5. McGee Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By DarrenDaugherty - Texas, United States
Before going to McGee Beach, we noticed that a number of reviews commented on family friendliness. After going there with our group of 10 family members, we agree. The beach was clean and well cared for. The sand was beautiful, and there were many seashells for the little ones to hunt for. We were able to wade out very far before experiencing a noteable decline; thus we didn't have to stress about water depth with the little ones. Nice beach!
6. Whitecap Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Reviewed By JoDeeE77 - Reardan, United States
Loved being able to drive for miles on the beach! The sand is so soft when you walk in it! Love it! All the little birds digging for clams in the surf are fun to watch and it’s neat to see what the fishermen get too!
7. North Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By ilike2search - Kemp, United States
This is one of my favorite beaches in the downtown area. It’s just a hop skip and jump over the Harbor Bridge. Just be aware 2018-2019 the Harbor Bridge is undergoing a Bridge contstuction project. There could be some exits closed near the downtown area. This beach is in the bay or harbor depending on how you see it. It’s protected by Mustang Island. The waves are usually small and great to take the little ones to or just a place to totoally relax. As even on the hottest days it’s not totally packed like it is on the island. There is a very nice paved Harbor Walk on the outside edge of the sand. I think it’s 5 miles long from Dolphin Beach on the north end to the North Beach side on the south. This is where the aquarium and the Lexington are located. This is the beach I go to when I just need to relax or meditate. I usually go to Dolphin Beach there is a break water down there. You will usually find a few fisherman/women down there. I’ve found many interesting shells on the beach from the Texas Whelk shells, oyster shells, small shells and sea glass. Make sure to bring a bucket or bag as I’m sure you’ll find some treasures to take home. The view from this side of the Harbor is stunning. You can see the downtown, The Lexington, the Harbor Bridge and barges coming in. Now for the really good thing. There are public bathrooms, outdoor beach showers to wash the salt off and plenty of free parking. Now the bad thing. There are no lifeguards. So swim at your own risk and beware of the rip tide anywhere you swim even in the bay or harbor.
8. Padre Balli Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By Cleep56 - Lake Saint Louis, United States
Easy beach access with convenient parking and covered areas to sit and/or picnic and sunbathe when the sun is at the correct angle. Restrooms are near as is the Mikel May restaurant.
