I can think of many, many other places to visit other than Corpus Christi, but if you’re in the area or your stuck attending one of the many conferences there, you can definitely fill your time with interesting things to do.
Corpus Christi waterfront, with the marina on the right!
First things first: Visit the USS Lexington. Corpus Christi’s likely only real tourist attraction, this is a must-see and is surprisingly worth your while. At almost $13 a pop, it will surely take a few hours to explore the various self-guided tours and attractions of this World War Two aircraft carrier. The exhibits cover almost every conceivable topic of life on the sea, as well as interesting back stories on the boat’s involvement in warfare. As a history nerd, I could have browsed the museum aspect of the boat for hours. Be sure to check out the Hangar deck and the “top-secret” submarine (a donated artifact used in US reconnaissance efforts and due the secrecy of its missions, technically does not even “exist”). For more info, check out the USS Lexington website.
USS Lexington guarding the bay, view from the downtown waterfront!
While you’re in town, be sure to take a stroll down the sea front where you can buy fresh shrimp (right off the shrimp boats) and check out the Selena memorial. Also, the Corpus Christi Cathedral makes a nice diversion (as well as a quick walk through the downtown area), after which you can munch on some Tex-Mex at La Bahia (224 N Mesquite St). Use the free chips, decent Mexican food, and drink specials to ignore the mediocre service.
Face-to-face with Selena at the Corpus Christi Selena memorial.
Corpus Christi waterfront.
If you’re still hungry or you’re looking for an AMAZING dinner option, check out The Tango Tea room (505 S Water St # 545, website here) for delicious meals (caters to vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters alike). This was recommended to me by a local, and man – they sure delivered! After eating a delicious Mediterranean sampler and trying some of the coconut cake we relaxed for several hours in the warm, sunlit outdoor garden.
Once 5 o’clock rolls around, throw back a beer at the executive surf club (309 N Water St.). With thirty beers on draft (some good local ones as well), a good munchies menu (great burgers!), and local bands, this is the place to hang out. The bands can be hit and miss, but inside seating is available, if you need to get away from the noise!
If you really have a choice about whether or not to go here – skip the fuss and just head right down to the Mexican border!
For more information, check out the Corpus Christi website!
