Texas’ Gulf Coast, that is Corpus Christi and nearby Mustang Island and North Padre, is one of the state’s most bustling areas in terms of real estate development and prime time relaxation and enjoyment. Approximately four hours from Central Texas, city folks can get to Corpus Christi and enjoy fishing, relaxing on a beach, and coastal life (without having to drive to another state). The area is seeing unprecedented growth and tourism. 

As local realtor Keith McMullin says, “These new communities (being built in the area now) will help broaden the region and offer more vacation destination options for Texans. The New Texas Coast is expanding and these are exciting times!”

With an average daily temperature of 79° and an average of 223 days of sunshine per year– not to mention its own Corpus Christi international Airport— this part of Texas has every reason to shine. Corpus Christi is the largest city on the Texas coast and the sixth largest port in the nation. And, it is a bird watcher’s paradise with 357 different species spotted in the year 2021 alone. 

Here’s a little Corpus Christi trivia for you:

>Actress Farrah Fawcett, world champion surfer Ashley Kidd, actress Eva Longoria, and NASCAR drivers Bobby and Terry LaBonte, in addition to, of course, the queen of Tejano music, Selena Quintanilla, all hail from the coastal town of Corpus Christi.

>And did you know that the following were birthed in Corpus Christi: Whataburger, liquid paper, Teflon, and automatic sliding doors?

>And, the Bayfront Seawall was designed by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who later became famous for sculpting the iconic Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.

A few years ago, we introduced you to Lively Beach that sits on Mustang Island, just across the bridge from Corpus Christi. There is a lot to enjoy about this property, which is only about three years old. It sits on a fairly quiet part of the beach, but yet is still lively. With a spacious pool that pumps really good tunes all day long, and sitting just across a posh boardwalk from the beach, guests enjoy rooftop views of the sunrise and the sunset. With a few different configurations, visitors can enjoy separate bedrooms, living areas with full kitchens and access to other amenities. You can see us talking all about how lovely Lively Beach is here in this San Antonio Living interview from March! 

Some people go to Corpus Christi to sit and enjoy its nine beaches and more than 100 miles of sandy shores, but if you care to mix in some activity, there are quite a few tourist attractions sprinkled throughout the city.

The Texas State Aquarium is the largest aquarium in Texas, and one of the largest in the nation. It is where you learn that the Texas coast is lined by a series of barrier islands that protect our resources. With several interactive exhibits, the aquarium is a great way to spend a few hours indoors on a hot or rainy day. See the moon jellies, pink flamingos, and parrots, in addition to heaps of interesting marine life.

When you feel the need, the need for speed, head over to the large and in charge aircraft carrier that is the USS Lexington. The length of three football fields and as tall as a 19-story building, this retired aircraft carrier takes you back in time. Explore from the bottom burrows of the boat, where you can see bunk beds, a medical and dental office, and even the buffet line, all the way up to the very top where you can inspect around a dozen aircraft, even one that played a part in the original Top Gun movie.

Get hooked on fishing around Corpus Christi with the option to throw out a line with a private fishing charter. Experience matters when looking for a great fishing guide. Look no further than Captain Trey with Fins and Pins Coastal Guide Service. After a very short boat ride, bring in keeper sea trout. Then, enjoy your fresh fish at a “Catch & Cook” dinner at the nearby Snoopy’s restaurant. The fishing guide will handle all the dirty work, and your fish will be delivered to the kitchen to be prepared just right. Whether you want your fish fried, grilled or blackened, you will enjoy the taste of a not-so-hard day’s work, with sides and cold beverages to round out the perfect evening.

One of the C’s in CC should stand for culinary. The town has just about any delicacy that you can think of, from Philly cheesesteaks at Yo’s to a hearty Tex-Mex brunch at Celsitas. Obviously seafood abounds in the area but you can also find down home cooking, French/Mediterranean cuisine, bakeries and breweries, and everything in between.

Check out VisitCorpusChrisi.com for more information. #SEECC

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cover Photo Courtesy Unsplash, Joshua J. Cotten.

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, offering travel tips KVUE, Daytime (FOX), San Antonio Living, Good Morning Texas, and KXAN! She spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard. She loves a little BS: beach and sunshine!