Outdoor Adventures

Corpus Christi is the perfect place to explore the great outdoors. Popular activities include windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, birdwatching, and hiking. With beaches, bays, and trails all within easy reach, you’ll find something for every kind of adventurer.

With warm gulf waters, steady coastal winds, and 223 days of sunshine each year, Corpus Christi offers ideal conditions for sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Visitors can rent gear, take lessons, or join guided tours for the ultimate on-the-water experience.

Yes. From well-known state parks to scenic trails connecting smaller green spaces throughout the city, Corpus Christi is full of ways to explore the outdoors on foot. You and your family can enjoy memorable walks and hikes that showcase the region’s natural beauty, wildlife, and coastal charm, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Some trails to check out:

• Corpus Christi Bay Trail
• Padre Island National Seashore Grasslands Nature Trail
• Mary Hope Brennecke Nature Trail and Oso Creek Loop Trails
• Schanen Hike & Bike Trail
• Hazel Bazemore
• Oso Bay Wetlands and Nature Preserve

Corpus Christi is a birdwatcher’s paradise with more than 200 species spotted year-round. You might also see dolphins in the bay, sea turtles near the shore, and other coastal wildlife in local parks and nature preserves. At Padre Island National Seashore, visitors can experience one of the nation’s most protected habitats. It's home to federally protected species like sea turtles and migratory birds that make this stretch of coast truly special.

A fishing license is required for anyone 17 and older who plans to fish in Texas waters. Most other outdoor activities, like hiking, kayaking, or paddleboarding, don’t require permits, just follow local park rules and safety guidelines. If you're headed to a gulf beach, you will need a beach permit!