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What's New in Corpus Christi
New Places, New Experiences, New Reasons to Meet
Corpus Christi keeps getting better. From new hotels and dining to bold attractions, waterfront experiences, coffee shops, nightlife, and group-friendly additions, our destination consistently brings in fresh ways to experience the Gulf Coast Capital. These new developments add even more options for meeting planners, groups, and visitors looking to make the most of their time in Corpus Christi. With new places to stay, gather, dine, and explore, there is always something new taking shape across the city. Whether you are planning a visit, building an itinerary, hosting a meeting, or looking for what is next along the coast, start here.
Attractions & Experiences
Ocean Odyssey
The Texas State Aquarium's brand-new Ocean Odyssey Children's Discovery Center is 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 their conservation mission to life in a hands-on, imagination-first way adding even more fun for young explorers.
Bob Hall Pier Reopening
Enjoy a fully rebuilt Bob Hall Pier, engineered to withstand 100-year storms, longer, wider, and stronger than its predecessor. 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.
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. It's a powerful addition to the museum experience that invites visitors of all ages to connect with history in a new way.
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.
Hotels & Lodging
Homewood Suites by Hilton – Downtown
A 126-room all-suite property has arrived in 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 downtown.
Hotel Indigo
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.
Dining & Restaurants
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, making it a fresh new stop to add to your list.
Divina Dulzura - Second Location
Divina Dulzura, known for authentic Chilean recipes passed down through generations, now has a second location. 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.
Coffee Shops
Bien Mérité - New Flagship Location
Bien Mérité has reopened in a reimagined two-story flagship location in the historic Dobson Building on Alameda Street, recognizable by its 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, and state-of-the-art amenities.
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. Find them inside Cabana Pantry on Padre Island.
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.
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.
Nightlife & Entertainment
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. One building, one night, endless fun, from the arcade floor all the way up to a weekend nightclub.
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.
Airlift
New Additions at the Corpus Christi International Airport
The travel experience at Corpus Christi International Airport is getting an upgrade, giving meeting attendees more ways to dine, shop, relax, and enjoy a taste of Corpus Christi along the way. New additions include the full-service Gulf Coast Capital Bar & Grill, the convenient Gulf Coast Capital Express, Island Joe’s Coffee & Gift Shop, and an Amazon Just Walk Out store. Travelers can also stop by the Nueces Brewing Bar and adjoining outdoor patio and observation deck, where fresh air and 180-degree airfield views offer a relaxing way to start or end a trip to Corpus Christi.
Frontier Airlines Direct Flight from Corpus Christi to Denver
Getting to the Gulf Coast Capital is easier with Frontier Airlines’ nonstop service between Corpus Christi International Airport and Denver International Airport. The twice-weekly route connects Corpus Christi with the Mile High City and Denver’s extensive network of national and international destinations, creating more options for meeting attendees traveling to the Coastal Bend. For planners, expanded air access helps make Corpus Christi an even more convenient choice for meetings and events, while attendees can turn the trip into something more with a few extra days to explore the coast.
Venues
Ortiz International Center Renovations
The Ortiz International Center, one of Corpus Christi's most distinctive meeting and event venues, is entering a new chapter following an extensive renovation. Originally built as a cotton warehouse in 1926, the historic waterfront space now features revamped meeting rooms, an upgraded ballroom, a new dais, and major infrastructure and safety improvements. Original steel trusses, wooden ceilings, and the ballroom’s iconic concrete wall preserve the character and history of the building, giving planners a setting that feels distinctly Corpus Christi. With modernized spaces and nearly a century of history behind its walls, the Ortiz Intertnational Center offers a memorable backdrop for meetings, receptions, galas, and special events.
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