Winter in Corpus Christi leaves plenty of room to explore, whether you're planning a weekend getaway or staying a little longer. From beaches and outdoor adventures to museums, local restaurants, and must-see attractions, use this winter itinerary to plan activities over the course of your stay and experience different sides of the city.

Spend the Day on the Coast

Start your day on Padre Island with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa from Island Joe's and one of their famous cinnamon rolls before heading out to explore the coast.

Take advantage of the cooler weather with a walk along Whitecap Beach or spend some time near the jetties at North Packery (JP Luby) Beach. Head farther down the coast to explore Mustang Island State Park, or make your way to Padre Island National Seashore for miles of undeveloped shoreline.

Want to cover more ground? Drive along the beach in your own vehicle or rent a Gulf Coast Moke for a breezy ride along the coast. If you're planning to explore farther down Padre Island National Seashore, where four-wheel drive is recommended beyond the first five miles, rent a 4x4 from Padre Island Combat Cruisers, or for another way to experience the shoreline, book a horseback ride with Horses on the Beach.

If the breeze starts to feel a little chilly, warm up around a campfire on the beach. Roast marshmallows for s’mores, sip hot cocoa, and settle in to the crackle of the fire and waves along the shore. Before starting a fire, keep these beach campfire rules in mind:

Campfire Safety Rules:
  • The hole for the fire should not exceed 3 feet in depth and diameter.
  • When you’re finished, properly extinguish the fire so it doesn’t continue to smolder.
  • Burn only natural wood. Pallets, lumber, and nails are not allowed.

When hunger hits, explore the Island’s local restaurants. Stop by Ridley’s for breakfast and brunch favorites like pancakes, French toast, shrimp and grits, and eggs Benedict, along with sandwiches, burgers, seafood, and fresh-baked pastries. Let your creativity run wild at Padre Island Burger Company with its build-your-own burger options, or head to Padre Pizzeria for a variety of pizzas and don’t forget to start with their popular pizza rolls appetizer. 

Discover Arts and Culture Downtown

Make it a day of exploring Corpus Christi's history, art, and culture with Corpus Christi museums. Visit the Art Museum of South Texas for its collection and rotating exhibitions, then explore regional history, science, and shipwrecks at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. Keep going with a visit to the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures & Education Center, where exhibits and programs highlight Asian arts and cultures. At the Instituto de Cultura Hispánica de Corpus Christi, explore exhibits and cultural programming centered on Hispanic heritage and the traditions that have helped shape South Texas.

Between stops, walk along the Corpus Christi Downtown Seawall, check out downtown murals and public art, or browse local galleries and shops. During hockey season, check the Corpus Christi IceRays schedule to see if a home game lines up with your stay. Make local food part of the day, too. Stop at Water Street Oyster Bar for seafood or grab craft cocktails and tapas with a view of the water at The Mariner. when you're in the mood for steak. For food with a side of live music, check out House of Rock, one of the three Brewster Street Ice House locations, or Executive Surf Club.

Experience Corpus Christi Attractions

Set aside plenty of time for two of Corpus Christi's biggest attractions on North Beach. At the Texas State Aquarium, explore habitats filled with marine life, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife while learning about conservation and the ecosystems of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean.

Then climb aboard the USS Lexington Museum, a World War II-era aircraft carrier where you can explore multiple decks, see historic aircraft on the flight deck, learn about life aboard the ship, experience interactive exhibits, and put your skills to the test in an escape room. With plenty to see at both attractions, you can visit them on the same day or spread them across your stay.

Explore the Outdoors

Winter's milder temperatures make it a great time to see more of Corpus Christi outdoors. Walk or bike along the Corpus Christi Bay Trail, spend some time along the waterfront at Cole Park, or explore the trails and wildlife at Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve.

You can also see the city from the water. Paddle through illuminated waters on a GlowRow tour, cruise Corpus Christi Bay aboard Japonica or the Texas Tease. For another view of the bay and skyline, cruise the canals of Padre Island in style aboard Baywatch Tours. These luxury boat rides offer a scenic, laid-back experience complete with stunning sunsets, sea breezes, and Gulf Coast charm.

 

Whether you're filling a weekend or planning a longer stay, mix and match these winter activities to build an itinerary that fits your trip. Explore more things to do in Corpus Christi, check out upcoming events, and subscribe to the newsletter for more Corpus Christi trip ideas and inspiration.