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    Home»Travel»Corpus Christi, Texas, Might Be the South’s Most Underrated City
    Travel

    Corpus Christi, Texas, Might Be the South’s Most Underrated City

    By Olivia CarterAugust 9, 2025No Comments9 Mins Read0 Views
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    Corpus Christi, Texas, Might Be the South's Most Underrated City
    The Corpus Christi harbor at dawn. Credit:

    Sean Pavone/Getty Images

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    Top 5 Can’t Miss

    • Catch the sunrise (and maybe spot a sea turtle) at Padre Island National Seashore.
    • Discover the story of the Queen of Tejano Music at the Selena Museum.
    • Marvel at World War II-era aircraft aboard the USS Lexington.
    • Dine on top-tier carne guisada at Hi-Ho Restaurant.
    • Soak in the sun during a stay at Lively Beach.

    Spanning roughly 350 miles, the Texas Gulf Coast draws visitors in droves each year to enjoy the surf and sun—and when it comes to finding natural wonders, top-tier gastronomy, and fascinating historic sites all packed into one city, there’s arguably no better destination than Corpus Christi.

    The name of this seaside settlement can be traced back to 1519, and today, the city provides plenty of opportunity for recreation both on the water and on dry land, with bay beaches, iconic oceanside nature reserves, and a lengthy downtown seawall that’s popular with pedestrians. And after a day spent jet skiing or paddleboarding, visitors are welcome to explore the region’s varied dining options, with Texas barbecue, fresh seafood, and a thriving Tex-Mex scene that stems from the local community.

    Though far from the largest city in Texas, Corpus Christi continues to lure a diverse crowd of visitors. During morning hours, bird-watchers can be encountered along the seashore searching for rare waders, while history buffs spend their time aboard one of the country’s most famous museum ships. And, of course, there’s no shortage of travelers coming to pay their respects to Selena, a pioneer of Tejano music who earned worldwide acclaim for her powerful voice.

    Whether you’re a frequent traveler to the Gulf Coast or just about to plan your first trip to the region, Corpus Christi is a destination that offers a blend of natural splendor and rich culture.

    Best Hotels and Resorts

    A guest room inside of Omni Corpus Christi.

    Omni Hotels & Resorts

    Omni Corpus Christi Hotel

    Guests can enjoy marvelous views of the waterfront during a stay at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel, with each of its 465 rooms and suites boasting a private balcony. Just beyond the lobby, the property’s Switchgrass Landing is popular for both evening cocktails and Sunday brunch, while the indoor racquetball courts are ideal for keeping active on a rainy day.

    Lively Beach

    Lively Beach offers a tranquil escape, with spacious suites featuring kitchens and private outdoor decks. During morning hours, the boardwalk is perfect for scanning the beachfront for wildlife, while weekends bring complimentary wine and music on the rooftop deck.

    Port Royal Ocean Resort

    Outside of Corpus Christi proper, Port Aransas comes equipped with one particularly eye-catching property on the edge of Mustang Island. “One really good resort is Port Royal Ocean Resort,” says Susan Trevino, a Corpus Christi local who owns and operates Enjoy Corpus Christi Tours with her husband, Rene. “It has an amazing swimming pool. Once people see the swimming pool at Port Royal, that’s where everyone wants to go and hang out.”

    Residence Inn Corpus Christi Downtown

    Just a few steps from the waterfront, the Residence Inn Corpus Christi Downtown offers quick access to the marina and its many restaurants. To kick off the day, guests can stroll along the coastline and marvel at its many ships, then come back to the property for a dip in the outdoor pool.

    Best Things to Do

    A couple observing dolphins at the Texas State Aquarium.

    Visit Corpus Christi

    Texas State Aquarium

    Officially opened in 1990, the Texas State Aquarium provides ample insight into the many marine creatures that thrive throughout the Gulf. Visitors can spot reef sharks, moray eels, and plenty of other animals swimming overhead as they stroll through the H-E-B Caribbean Sea exhibit’s acrylic tunnel. The institution also acts as a prominent force for conservation, operating a wildlife rehabilitation center next to the main building.

    USS Lexington Museum

    Just off the coast of downtown Corpus Christi, the USS Lexington stands as a testament to the historic military might of the U.S. This World War II-era aircraft carrier was active in the Pacific Theater throughout the 1940s, later spending years as a training carrier before being decommissioned in 1991. “We have a great exhibit of different types of aircraft on the flight deck of the USS Lexington,” says Trevino. “One of the fun planes people like is the aircraft Maverick flew during the very first ‘Top Gun’ movie. His actual plane is up on our flight deck.”

    Selena Museum

    Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, Corpus Christi native Selena Quintanilla captured the hearts of countless Americans with her roster of Tejano ballads, and today, the city honors her ongoing legacy through the Selena Museum. Operated in the same studio where she recorded “Dreaming of You,” this colorful space is packed with merchandise, fan mail, and outfits sported by the singer.

    Padre Island National Seashore

    Corpus Christi’s crown jewel for ecotourism is most certainly Padre Island National Seashore, a protected preserve that spans nearly 70 miles along the Gulf. It’s a popular spot for birders, fishers, and sunbathers alike, but that’s not all that can be found during a visit. “Sea turtles are protected here in Texas, so whenever they’re nesting on the seashore, we have releases of the baby sea turtles,” says Trevino. “Rangers take the eggs and put them in an incubator, and as they hatch and are ready to get into the ocean, we have these big releases where everyone comes down to the beach to watch. It’s an amazing adventure.”

    Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve

    Corpus Christi is often referred to as “America’s Birdiest City,” and few destinations showcase this trait as well as Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve. There are 162 acres to explore here, with the surrounding prairies playing host to fascinating Texas wildlife like the groove-billed ani, great kiskadee, and crested caracara.

    Best Nightlife

    A cocktail inside of Nueces Whiskey Library.

    Visit Corpus Christi

    Tapology Texas Pub

    Craft beer fans are spoiled for choice at Tapology Texas Pub, a casual venue that serves more than 40 options on draft. Patrons can swing by, grab a pint, and make use of the pool tables and dart boards, with the added bonus of enjoying bar trivia throughout the month.

    Nueces Whiskey Library

    Spirit aficionados, take note: Nueces Whiskey Library comes with several hundred distillates to sample, making it a must-visit for any bourbon fans visiting the Gulf Coast. Guests can sip on a wealth of whiskies sourced from Texas and beyond, while added options range from rum to gin to mezcal.

    The Hidden Door

    Queer hangout spots are few and far between in Corpus Christi, but the city does have one particularly charming venue in the form of The Hidden Door. Operating since 1979, this lively bar draws in locals and tourists alike with drag shows, affordable drinks, and karaoke performances, while frequent charity events are held to support the local queer community.

    Best Restaurants

    Dining room inside Elizabeth’s.

    Visit Corpus Christi

    Water Street Oyster Bar

    Seafood options range from spicy salmon rolls to shrimp po’boys at Water Street Oyster Bar, but as its name implies, this polished spot really shines when it comes to shellfish. Whether you spring for pecan-crusted, wood-grilled,. or Rockefeller-style oysters, you’re certain to leave with a newfound appreciation for the seafood.

    Hi-Ho Restaurant

    Operating for 40-plus years, Hi-Ho Restaurant has been a local favorite for decades thanks to its roster of hearty Tex-Mex dishes. Upon arrival, guests can snag an order of beef enchiladas or chicken chalupas, but this storied location is best known for its ultra-savory carne guisada.

    Elizabeth’s

    Located within the Art Museum of South Texas, Elizabeth’s crafts flavorful Mediterranean fare with a side of stunning scenery. “You go to the museum to look at art, but you should have lunch, too, because the smell is so delicious when you walk in there,” says Trevino. “You’ve got some of the best views of Corpus Christi Bay and the USS Lexington. It’s a fun place to go and eat.”

    Little Manila Lumpia House

    For a deep dive on the flavors of the Philippines, look no further than Little Manila Lumpia House. This no-frills Flour Bluff diner has an ultra-friendly staff and lots of savory Filipino favorites, including lumpia (a type of crispy spring roll) and sinigang (a savory soup brimming with notes of tamarind).

    Guajillo’s on the Island

    While Corpus Christi is known for Tex-Mex, the city is no slouch when it comes to traditional Mexican cuisine, with Guajillo’s On The Island crating beloved dishes for well over two decades. For Yucatan cuisine fans, the cochinita tacos are a must-try, while breakfast visitors can look forward to a variety of chilaquiles.

    Best Time to Visit

    The pool area at Residence Inn Corpus Chrisi Downtown.

    Jason Page/Marriott

    Given its mild winters, Corpus Christi draws tourists throughout the year, though some prefer to avoid summer due to its high levels of heat and humidity. Regardless of when you visit, be sure to consult a local community page to see if there are any big events that coincide with your trip.

    “We have so many festivals,” says Trevino. “If there’s a reason to have a festival, we’re going to celebrate. A big part of our Tex-Mex culture is Day of the Dead, and we have the Texas Jazz Festival every year in October that’s an amazing free event. And then Buc Days, a two-week spring event with barbecue cook-offs, a carnival, a rodeo, and the most amazing illuminated night parade.”

    How to Get There

    Busy highway heading towards Corpus Christi, Texas.

    peeterv/Getty Images

    Given how large Texas is, most visitors prefer to fly straight into Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) to kick off their trip. Equipped with just six gates, the venue doesn’t offer a whole lot of routes—direct flight destinations include just the Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth areas, but it certainly beats a lengthy drive from one of the Lone Star State’s larger cities. Those wishing to embark on a Texas road trip, however, can set off for Corpus Christi by car. From San Antonio, the journey takes roughly two hours along I-37, while visitors from Houston can make the trip in just over three hours.

    How to Get Around

    The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority oversees a robust system of buses that covers about 850 square miles, but for ease of exploration, it’s best to reserve a rental car. Visitors can pick up their vehicle upon arrival at the airport or take a ride-share service to one of the many centers found along State Highway 358. And while some Texas cities endure slow traffic, Corpus Christi is fortunately free of this issue. “One thing Corpus Christi is is the big little city,” says Trevino. “We have everything the big cities have, but on a smaller scale, and typically, we don’t have traffic congestion.”

    Christi City Corpus Souths Texas Underrated
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    Olivia Carter
    • Website

    Olivia Carter is a staff writer at Verda Post, covering human interest stories, lifestyle features, and community news. Her storytelling captures the voices and issues that shape everyday life.

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