With the new year comes new adventures, and the Gulf Coast Capital is filled with ways to shake up your routine. From brand-new businesses to longtime local favorites that feel fresh all over again, there are plenty of new and new-to-you things to do in Corpus Christi. Whether you’re looking to get active, explore the arts, or treat yourself to something delicious, this round-up highlights fun ways to start the year inspired.

Go on a Tour of Corpus Christi

Reconnect with the city by seeing Corpus Christi from a new perspective on a guided tour. Whether you prefer exploring by land or gliding across the water, tours offer a choose-your-own-adventure way to rediscover familiar sights while uncovering hidden gems. From narrated city tours to immersive bay experiences like Glow Row, guided tours make it easy to slow down, learn something new, and experience Corpus Christi through a local lens.

Pickleball

Experience the thrill of pickleball, where adrenaline meets the fun of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. This fast-growing sport is a great way to stay active and socialize, whether you prefer the outdoor breeze or indoor action. The Al Kruse Tennis and Pickleball Center features 10 dedicated outdoor pickleball courts, offering open play, lessons for beginner and intermediate players, and tournament opportunities throughout the year, or head to the Corpus Christi Athletic Club and experience pickleball like never before. The facility is equipped with permanent blacklights, allowing it to host glow-in-the-dark pickleball events with the flip of a switch. It’s a high-energy, unforgettable game night experience. The club also offers intro clinics focused on technique, drills, and match play strategy, along with open play on Friday evenings.

Try a New Restaurant

Start the year by treating your taste buds to something new. Streat Corner Kitchen brings bold flavors and creative comfort food to the table in a casual, welcoming setting that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. If pizza is calling your name, Mozzafiato serves up artisan pies made with high-quality ingredients, offering a cozy spot to enjoy classic flavors done right. Exploring new restaurants is one of the easiest ways to refresh your routine and fall in love with Corpus Christi’s food scene all over again.

Test Your Culinary Skills with a Cooking Class

If dining out inspires you to get hands-on in the kitchen, Corpus Christi offers several ways to sharpen your culinary skills. Cabana Pantry hosts interactive cooking classes that combine technique, creativity, and and a fun, social atmosphere, making them ideal for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike. Del Mar College’s Oso Bay campus offers public cooking classes like Secrets of the Chef, taught by graduates of the college’s Culinary Arts program. These affordable, hands-on classes provide professional tips and techniques in a welcoming learning environment. For a cultural twist, the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures hosts cooking classes that highlight traditional Asian cuisines, offering a flavorful way to learn new skills while exploring global food traditions.

Explore the Arts 

Kick off the year inspired by diving into Corpus Christi’s vibrant arts scene. The Art Center of Corpus Christi features rotating exhibitions, workshops, and classes that showcase local and regional artists. The Art Museum of South Texas is the city’s fine arts destination, with more than 1,900 works in its permanent collection alongside dynamic traveling exhibitions. Located along Corpus Christi Bay, the museum’s striking architecture is as memorable as the art inside. K Space Contemporary Art Gallery adds a contemporary edge to downtown with thought-provoking exhibitions and creative programming. Just steps away, downtown murals transform the streets into an open-air gallery, celebrating local culture, history, and creativity through large-scale works that are free and open to the public.

Experience Live Theatre and Music

There’s nothing quite like live performance to spark inspiration in the new year. Aurora Arts Theatre delivers intimate productions in a cozy setting, while the Harbor Playhouse has been entertaining audiences since the 1920s with a mix of classic, contemporary, and original works. Music lovers can catch powerful performances by the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra at the Performing Arts Center, located on the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi campus. With 60 to 70 musicians on stage, the symphony brings high-quality concerts and unforgettable musical moments to audiences across the Coastal Bend.

 

Be sure to check out our upcoming events for even more ways to enjoy Corpus Christi. For insider tips and inspiration, explore our visitor guides packed with local favorites and hidden gems. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop on the latest happenings along the coast.