Make the most out of a work trip in the Gulf Coast Capital

In town to do business? Or just tagging along to get a little sunshine and sea? We've got you covered with things to do and see in the city. Make the most out of your trip and visit the following places in Corpus Christi:

Spend the Day in Downtown Corpus Christi

First things first: breakfast. Start your day with a loaded waffle and cup of joe from Lucy's Snackbar, a laidback coffee shop next to Water Street Market.

After breakfast, check out the local shops in the area! In walking distance is 20/20 Vintage, a boutique with obscure, rare finds and oddities. Just a few blocks down Chaparral is K Space Contemporary, an art gallery with local and regional artwork that also features an array of handcrafted items in their shop. A few blocks further, you'll find Chels Marie Boutique, another vintage shop housed in an 1800s-era home with accessories, clothing, and trinkets. If you're a vinyl nerd, Hybrid Records is an essential stop downtown. Located on Peoples Street, this record store has records from both local and national artists.

Just before lunch, make your way over to Water Street Market. Here, you will find the Visitor Info Center. This is where you can meet our Gulf Coasters, shop CC swag, and discover more about the city. Check it out before enjoying some fried fish and bar bites on the patio of Executive Surf Club next door.

After enjoying a delicious meal, make your way to the seawall. Along the seawall, you will find the Art Center of Corpus Christi, Water's Edge Park, the Selena Memorial, and a scenic trail along the Corpus Christi Bay. At the end of the seawall, you'll find the Art Museum of Texas. A work of art in itself, this facility features regional and international pieces that rotate seasonally. Check it out after grabbing a classic mangonada at Mangonadas by MLB at North Bayfront Park.

By the time you know it, you will have spent all day exploring the area! Coast over to a number of dinner spots in the area like House of Rock, Nueces Brewing Co., or Water Street Oyster Bar. For more trip ideas downtown, visit the related stories:

Discover Local Attractions

See the best Corpus Christi has to offer and take a tour of various attractions suitable for all ages and interests.

For the Nature & Animal Lover

Plunge into an adventure with playful dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays and many more sea creatures from all over the world. Learn about marine conservation and immerse yourself in underwater worlds in the 4D theater at the Texas State Aquarium.

Get outdoors and see the floral gardens and exhibits, Butterfly House, and Orchid Conservatory at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center. Tranquility floods your senses in Corpus Christi’s botanical gardens where nature and art intertwine. Discover a collection of more than 2,500 different orchids, admire the fragrant rose garden and pavilion, and meet the butterflies, reptiles and parrots that call this place home.

The Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center is an expansive, 162-acre nature preserve dedicated to furthering knowledge of the flora and fauna of South Texas. Come and explore four miles of nature viewing trails and walk away with a newfound experience and understanding of the importance of protecting the wetlands for future generations.

Sail away into the Corpus Christi Marina and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Gulf Coast abord the Japonica. The ride on this 50-foot, open-air touring boat is BYOB -- and be sure to check out the gift shop, Cathy's Boutique, after grabbing lunch along the water at Harrison's Landing, which houses the boat tours and boutique!

For the History Buff

Explore 500 years of South Texas history, from early explorers and colonizers to notorious shipwrecks — including La Belle that sank more than three centuries ago. Set on a picturesque harbor, this nearly 100,000-square-foot space also enriches young scientists with interactive displays at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History.

Just a short walk from the Texas State Aquarium sits the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, Corpus Christi’s one-of-a-kind vintage WWII aircraft carrier. Hop aboard for a special tour detailing its 48-year U.S. Navy history from 1943 to 1991, longer than any other carrier in the history of naval aviation! Check out the Beat the Blast Escape Room - the world's only escape room on an aircraft carrier.

Visit the Texas State Asian Cultures Museum and Educational Center to take a trip through Asia you will always remember! Meet ancient Japanese warriors, gaze at the artistry of Chinese kimonos, porcelains and even a rickshaw! Admire the beauty of artifacts from all across Asia. The treasures, stories and richness of each country awaits you.

Unwind on the Water

What's a trip to the coast without a little sand and sun? And don't forget, you can even drive on our beaches! Just don't forget to leave them better than you found them. Learn more about beach permits and need-to-knows before going to the beach.