Things To Do On a Business Trip To Corpus Christi, TX

Whether you’re in Corpus Christi for business or simply tagging along for a little sunshine and sea, there’s plenty to do once the meetings end. From beach breezes to bold flavors, here’s how to turn your work trip into a mini coastal getaway:

Explore Downtown Corpus Christi

Whether you have a quick lunch break, a gap between meetings, or a free evening, downtown Corpus Christi offers a walkable mix of food, shopping, and culture, all within a few blocks of the bay.

Places to Eat

Start your morning at Lucy’s Snackbar, a cozy coffee shop known for its waffles, lattes, and relaxed vibe. For a casual lunch, Executive Surf Club is a go-to for fish tacos, burgers, and laid-back patio seating. If you're winding down after work, grab a drink or dinner at nearby favorites like House of Rock and enjoy pizza and live music, Nueces Brewing Co. for BBQ and craft beer, or Water Street Oyster Bar, a local staple for Gulf Coast seafood.

Go for a Quick Shopping Trip

Got a little time to browse? Stop by 20/20 Vintage for rare finds and oddities, or Chels Marie Boutique, located in a charming 1800s-era home, for curated vintage fashion and gifts. Hybrid Records is a must for music lovers, offering vinyl from local and national artists, and K Space Contemporary doubles as both a gallery and shop, showcasing handmade goods and regional art.

Stretch Your Legs With a Walk on the Bayfront

If you need some fresh air, stroll along the seawall on Corpus Christi Bay. Along the way, you’ll pass Water’s Edge Park, the Selena Memorial, and the Art Center of Corpus Christi. If time allows, cap off your walk with a visit to the Art Museum of South Texas. Even the building itself is a work of art.

Quick Tip

Before you head out, swing by the Visitor Info Center at Water Street Market to pick up local recs, CC swag, and say hello to our friendly Gulf Coasters.

For more trip ideas downtown:

Discover Local Attractions

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

Nature & Wildlife

Take a break and reconnect with nature at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center. From fragrant rose gardens to exotic orchids, butterflies, reptiles, and tropical birds, this lush space offers a peaceful escape that’s still close to town. If you’re short on time but want to stretch your legs, the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center offers four miles of nature trails and scenic lookouts, perfect for a quick walk between meetings or an early morning reset. For a more immersive experience, the Texas State Aquarium is packed with sea life from around the globe, including dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, and a 4D theater that brings conservation stories to life. 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!

History & Museums

Just across the bay, the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History offers a fascinating look at 500 years of regional history, including shipwrecks, Spanish colonization, and hands-on STEM exhibits. A few minutes away, you’ll find the USS Lexington Museum, a historic WWII aircraft carrier turned interactive museum. You can tour the ship on your own or, if time allows, try out the Beat the Blast escape room, the only one in the world set on a warship. To round out your cultural stop, head to the Texas State Asian Cultures Museum and Educational Center, where rotating exhibits highlight artifacts from across East and Southeast Asia from traditional kimonos to ancient weapons.

Unwind on the Water

Even if your schedule’s packed, there's always time for a quick beach moment. McGee Beach and North Beach are close to downtown and perfect for a lunch break walk or sunset view. 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.

Bay Beaches

McGee Beach - Free Paved Parking
North Beach - Free Paved Parking

Gulf Beaches

Padre Island National Seashore - Entrance Fee
Mustang Island State Park - Entrance Fee
Whitecap Beach - Beach Permit Required
North Packery Channel/ J.P. Luby Beach - Beach Permit Required
Padre Balli County Park - Beach Permit Required
Michael J. Ellis Beach & Seawall - Free Paved Parking

Water Sports

A work trip doesn’t have to mean all business and no fun. With scenic coastal views, unique local attractions, and a vibrant downtown, Corpus Christi makes it easy to balance productivity with play. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee before your first meeting or exploring the bayfront after hours, there’s always something to discover. Want more ideas tailored to your interests? Check out our collection of interest-based visitor guides for foodies, art lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and more. For up-to-date happenings, explore our events calendar to see what’s going on while you’re in town and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to get insider tips, seasonal highlights, and upcoming event news delivered straight to your inbox.