Women of the Navy Exhibit

The USS Lexington Museum has unveiled the new Women of the Navy exhibit, an immersive experience honoring more than a century of women's service in the U.S. Navy. Through interactive displays, personal stories and hands-on experiences, visitors can explore the evolving role of women in naval history while discovering the courage, leadership and legacy that continue to shape the Navy today.

Bob Hall Pier Reopening

After Hurricane Hanna destroyed the beloved Padre Island landmark in July 2020, Nueces County refused to give up. A fully rebuilt Bob Hall Pier, engineered to withstand 100-year storms, longer, wider, and stronger than its predecessor, officially reopened on February 24, 2026, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Padre Balli Park on North Padre Island. Whether you're casting a line for redfish and speckled trout, strolling the boardwalk at sunrise, or soaking in unobstructed Gulf views, the pier is back and better than ever. Anglers will find dedicated fishing access with rod rentals nearby, and the wide walkway makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely walk over the water. A restaurant and concession space are also on the horizon, promising a fresh dining experience with panoramic Gulf views.

Note: Admission and fishing fees apply at Bob Hall Pier. Be sure to check current pricing before your visit.

Ocean Odyssey at the Texas State Aquarium

The Texas State Aquarium is welcoming families to its brand-new Ocean Odyssey Children's Discovery Center, slated to open Memorial Day Weekend 2026. Designed to inspire play, learning, and a deeper connection to wildlife, the immersive space features toddler-friendly zones and interactive, climbable environments rooted in the Aquarium's nationally recognized wildlife rescue program. Rescue-themed spaces encourage kids to learn through movement, bringing the Aquarium's conservation mission to life in a hands-on, imagination-first way. Whether you're visiting with toddlers or curious grade-schoolers, Ocean Odyssey offers a fresh reason to make the Texas State Aquarium a must-stop on any Corpus Christi itinerary.

Sandbox Beach Bar

Spend your next beach day at Sandbox Beach Bar, a new waterfront gathering spot along the Michael J. Ellis Seawall. This family-friendly destination pairs Gulf views with food trucks, specialty cocktails, live music, and plenty of room to play. Challenge friends to a game of pickleball or sand volleyball, let the kids enjoy the playground, or simply kick back and soak up the coastal atmosphere. With regular community events and a laid-back vibe, Sandbox Beach Bar is quickly becoming one of Corpus Christi's newest favorite places to gather.

Cabana Pantry

A one-of-a-kind culinary destination tucked into Padre Island, Cabana Pantry is the creative world of Crystal Lyons, a globally trained spice blender who crafts every seasoning herself, often inspired by South Texas traditions, traditional Mexican cooking, and personal stories. Standout products include Jake's Steak Rub, a crowd favorite born from her son's idea, and a full spice bar where guests can build their own custom blends from scratch. Crystal's cooking classes bring her global mindset to life, from brunches inspired by Spain and Italy to team-building workshops like Chocolate, Cheese and Spice, with homeschool programs, kids' classes, and summer camps rounding out the calendar. Before opening the shop, Crystal also worked as an ADA consultant and used that expertise to design a genuinely inclusive space, with accessible entrances, clear pathways, adjustable-height tables, and staff trained to support guests with a range of needs. 

Homewood Suites by Hilton – Downtown

A 126-room all-suite property has arrived in the heart of downtown Corpus Christi, near the marina and within walking distance of the waterfront. Highlights include a rooftop bar with Topgolf Swing Suites, free daily breakfast, and a complimentary evening social reception Monday through Thursday, a first-of-its-kind amenity pairing for the downtown corridor. Pet-friendly and designed for both business and leisure travelers, the Homewood Suites is a welcome addition to a downtown scene that's very much on the rise. 

Hotel Indigo

Coming Spring 2027

The historic Emerald Beach Hotel, the only beachfront hotel in Corpus Christi, is undergoing a $33.5 million transformation into a full-service Hotel Indigo. The 222-room renovation includes three new restaurant concepts, a virtual game room, a rooftop bar, a new fitness center, and sweeping exterior upgrades. A significant story for anyone covering coastal revitalization and Texas Gulf Coast hospitality, with completion expected in Spring 2027.

The Sunday House

The Sunday House brings Southern comfort with Gulf Coast influence to Corpus Christi’s dining scene. Built around the idea that every day should feel like Sunday, the new restaurant pairs familiar Southern flavors with a coastal approach in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Black Lamb Chef Table

Black Lamb Chef Table offers an intimate, reservation-only tasting experience led by Chef Thomas Mandzik. Available Friday and Saturday evenings, the multi-course dinner is limited to 20 guests and features a continuously evolving menu built around seasonal ingredients, precise preparation, and beautifully plated courses, with optional curated wine pairings. Guests end the evening with a dark cacao chocolate shaped like Texas and finished with sea salt to take home.

Bien Mérité - New Flagship Location

One of Corpus Christi's most beloved coffee and dining destinations is back with a stunning new home. Bien Mérité has reopened in a reimagined two-story flagship location in the historic Dobson Building on Alameda Street, recognizable by iconic pink doors. The building itself carries a remarkable piece of Texas history: established in February 1970, it was the original headquarters for Whataburger, named after founder Harmon A. Dobson who started the chain in 1950. The new space adds 4,000 additional square feet, more parking, state-of-the-art amenities, and meticulously crafted details that match the care Bien Mérité puts into every dish. A beautiful story at the intersection of local coffee culture and Texas culinary history. Bien Mérité has also added a new brunch menu to their offerings.

BAARE BBQ

BAARE BBQ is bringing craft barbecue to Corpus Christi's Southside with smoked meats, scratch-made sides and plenty of Texas flavor. Alongside barbecue favorites, guests can enjoy creative house-made offerings like jambalaya, cheesy potato casserole, beer cheese mac and cheese, and honey butter cornbread, plus rotating Sunday specials that keep the menu fresh.

DOPE BBQ & Grill

Downtown Corpus Christi is serving up even more barbecue with the arrival of DOPE BBQ & Grill inside Pop's Bar. Led by award-winning pitmaster David Muñoz, this new spot brings competition-inspired barbecue, mesquite-smoked meats and homemade sides together in a casual setting that's already earning a loyal following.

The Exchange

A longtime downtown favorite has reopened with a fresh new look, an elevated menu and an even bigger focus on live entertainment. Along with a full remodel, The Exchange now features a central stage for live music, private event spaces and a menu built around house-made ingredients and creative takes on Southern and Coastal Bend flavors, making it the perfect place to gather for dinner, drinks or a night out.

Coco Cabana

Coco Cabana has officially expanded into a new brick-and-mortar location at Water Street Market, bringing even more fresh flavors to downtown Corpus Christi. Along with its signature açaí bowls, smoothies, protein shakes, and light bites, the new space introduces an expanded menu featuring coffee, matcha, and additional breakfast and drink options. Whether you're fueling up before a day on the coast or looking for a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up, Coco Cabana is a fresh new stop to add to your list.

Perrin's on the Water

Boat up or drive in, either way, Perrin's on the Water delivers an authentic taste of New Orleans right on the Texas Gulf Coast. This Cajun and Creole staple is known for crowd favorites like Boudin Balls, Cast Iron Cornbread, Blackened Chicken & Tasso, and the beloved Chicken St. Michelle. Homemade desserts steal the show too, with options like Triple Fudge Chocolate Cake and Crème Brûlée rounding out a meal that punches well above its coastal-casual setting.

Divina Dulzura - Second Location

Corpus Christi's beloved Chilean bakery and restaurant now has two homes. Divina Dulzura, known for authentic Chilean recipes passed down through generations, has expanded with a second location, joining its original spot with a new presence on Staples Street. From the signature Churrasco sandwich and handmade empanadas to flaky Berlines and artisanal pastries, every item is made fresh daily with ingredients sourced to honor the tradition behind each recipe. Whether you're discovering Divina Dulzura for the first time or already a regular, the expansion makes it easier than ever to get your fix of Chilean flavor in the Coastal Bend.

Streat Corner Kitchen - Now Serving Breakfast

Streat Corner Kitchen has expanded its hours and its already-packed menu with a full breakfast offering that brings the same bold, street-food-inspired flavors to the morning. Start your day with chilaquiles, a ranchero bowl, or the standout bolillo French toast drizzled with homemade piloncillo syrup. Loaded chorizo hash bowls and fresh guac toasts round out a morning menu built for serious appetites. When 11AM rolls around, the kitchen transitions seamlessly into its beloved lunch and dinner lineup including esquite flights, loaded street corn bowls, the famous STX Hot Chicken, and more.

Coffee Mugg - New Location

After seven years of brewing magic on Morgan Avenue, the beloved Harry Potter-themed Coffee Mugg has found its next chapter. Outgrowing its original 1,600-square-foot spot, the shop has relocated to a nearly 3,000-square-foot space at 4535 S. Padre Island Drive in Pueblo Park Shopping Center. The more central, accessible location comes with big plans, including live music, vendor markets, trivia nights, and Lotería nights are all on the horizon. Same enchanting atmosphere, more room to gather.

Kilates Coffee

A woman-owned specialty roastery with serious world-stage credentials, Kilates Coffee was founded by Salvadoran entrepreneur Kathya Reppart, who grew up hand-picking coffee on her grandmother's farm in El Salvador before moving to South Texas to continue what she calls the family's "love legacy." Sourcing rare, exotic beans from El Salvador, Colombia, Guatemala, and Indonesia, Kilates roasts in small batches with a focus on complex, layered flavors. One of their beans recently ranked among the top 40 coffees in the world at the World Coffee Conference in Jakarta. Stop in for a pour-over, a signature cherry latte, or the fan-favorite popcorn latte at their new location at 14254 South Padre Island Drive, Unit 103.

Creatures Coffee & Tea Co. - New Brick and Mortar

After years as one of Corpus Christi's most sought-after food trucks, popping up outside PetSmart, at ArtWalk, and on the TAMUCC campus, Creatures Coffee & Tea Co. has found its permanent home on the city's southside. The new brick-and-mortar space leans into everything that made Creatures a cult favorite: horror-inspired aesthetics, inventive flavor combinations, and a "strange brews, great vibes" energy that sets it apart from any other café in town. The expanded menu now includes long-anticipated matcha offerings, a streamlined lineup, and a few customer-created drinks that earned loyal followings during the truck days. Most importantly, the permanent space invites guests to slow down and make Creatures part of their daily rhythm rather than just a quick stop.

Brickell

Brickell brings a Las Vegas-inspired cocktail and cigar lounge to Corpus Christi with a polished atmosphere designed for a night out. The new concept features a curated cocktail menu, premium cigars, live DJs, and an upscale interior that adds another option to the city’s growing nightlife scene.

Elevate 402

Elevate 402 brings a new nightlife experience to Downtown Corpus Christi from the fifth floor of Homewood Suites Downtown Corpus Christi. The bar and lounge pairs handcrafted cocktails and elevated bites with indoor and rooftop seating overlooking Corpus Christi Bay and downtown, plus Topgolf Swing Suites for an interactive addition to a night out.

The White Rabbit at RETRO

Downtown Corpus Christi's RETRO, already a go-to for arcade games, live music, delicious food, and rooftop views, has leveled up with the addition of The White Rabbit upstairs. Originally a beloved disco that ran from 1976 to 1982, The White Rabbit has been reborn at 326 N. Chaparral Street with an upscale, modern, and delightfully mysterious Alice in Wonderland vibe. Think one building, one night, endless fun, from the arcade floor all the way up to a weekend nightclub that blends Corpus Christi nostalgia with a fresh, after-dark energy.

Old Kress Live

Downtown nightlife welcomes a nostalgic new addition with Old Kress Live, a speakeasy inspired by a popular '90s sitcom. Stop in for happy hour, after-work cocktails, karaoke or an interactive sing-along piano night while enjoying a fresh take on Corpus Christi's bar scene. Whether you're meeting up with friends or looking for a lively night out downtown, Old Kress Live offers a fun new place to gather.

The Vintage Pearl

The Vintage Pearl adds a new destination for antique and vintage shopping in Corpus Christi. The upscale shop features a curated collection of antiques, curiosities, décor, and timeless finds for shoppers looking for pieces with character and history.