La Palmera Shopping Mall

photo courtesy: La Palmera

Smack dab in the geographic center of town, the tag team of La Palmera, the city’s largest mall, and next-door neighbor Sunrise Mall rule the shopping roost. Corpus Christi takes shopping seriously. How seriously? According to a recent Nielsen survey, 91% of Corpus Christi adults shopped at a mall during the past three months – that’s a lot of Dippin’ Dots!

la palmera

La Palma - Malls in Corpus Christie

photo courtesy: La Palmera

Department stores Macy’sJC Penney and a two-story Dillard’s serve as anchors to more than 100 retail shops and restaurants, including South Texas-owned Bourbon Street Candy Co. where you will find all the handmade fudge, retro candy, and crazy soft drinks (bacon flavored?!) to satisfy that sweet tooth.

La Palma - Malls in Corpus Christie - Valet

photo courtesy: La Palmera

The super-regional La Palmera serves more than 6 million customers per year. It takes the guest experience and kicks it up a notch with concierge, valet service, community and nonprofit events and a beautiful, 12-foot tall tropical fish aquarium.

Meanwhile at The Shops at La Palmera, amidst deal-laden big box stores, the South Texas Beef Jerky Outlet offers something to chew on. (Literally. Be sure to try the free samples.)

(Pro Tip: If you blow out a sole or break off a heel hoofing around, leave your kicks at the drive-thru of Mall Shoe Repair.)

fast facts – la palmera by the numbers

  • 1,000,000… square feet of shopping space
  • 1,000…        average monthly dollar amount in coins from the fountain (donated to local charities)
  • 600…           seats at the food court
  • 150…           tropical fish in the huge aquarium
  • 130…           shops and dining options in both shopping centers combined
  • 24…             hours-per-day, on-duty security (no Paul Blart jokes, please)
  • 7…               days-a-week valet service
  • 3…               story parking garage
  • 2…               free electric vehicle charging stations
  • 1…               great day of marathon shopping with friends and fam!

sunrise mall

Galaxy Glow - Mall Image

photo source: Galaxy Glow Facebook page

What? You mean your kids don’t want to hold your bags while you try on every pair of gladiator sandals in the region? Sunrise Mall can help. Galaxy Glow Mini Golf is a great place for family and friends to have a blast for a few hours of black lights and day-glo putt-putt challenges.

Neighboring Funtabulous invites guests to roll in people-sized hamster balls, play human-sized foosball, try synthetic ice skating and more, all under one roof. Afterward, enjoy a flick at the Cinemark Dollar Cinema.

Sunrise Mall stands as a testament to the decade that birthed it, the 80s. Here’s a fun fact: Teen cult-classic The Legend of Billie Jean was filmed at Sunrise Mall and all around Corpus Christi back in the day. Admit it. You own the special edition Blu-Ray.

Photo opp: Crop your hair, put on some harem pants, grab a boom box loaded with Pat Benatar and find a spot for a really cool selfie.

 

Trailer for The Legend of Billie Jean | Tri-Star Pictures

Come on down to the city’s Central district. Corpus Christi’s preeminent shopping corridor awaits. What are you waiting for? Slip on some comfortable (yet fashionable!) shoes and plan your trip to explore all the great finds.