Get to Know Corpus Christi, Texas

It’s easy to see why Corpus Christi calls itself the “Relaxation Capital of Texas.” Millions land here annually to wiggle their toes in the sand, ride horses on the beach, explore wild areas, get lost in the remarkable Texas State Aquarium and connect with each other in evening chats at North Beach—where city lights sparkle on the Gulf's Corpus Christi Bay. Come to see a rocket take off into space or unplug all together in this relaxing city of south Texas.

Unwind and Connect on the Texas Riviera

Loosen up on Padre Island, one of Corpus Christi's barrier islands. On horseback, splash through the shallows or over the sand with friends. Feel your stress melt away on the Padre Island National Seashore as you gaze across the windswept dunes to blue waters. Romp in the waves and spy precious wildlife, like Kemp's ridley sea turtle, the world’s most endangered turtle. Into surfing? Head to Mustang Island, north of Padre. There are no wild mustangs here, but wild surf, board rentals and barbecue facilities await at J.P. Luby Surf Park. On North Bay, visit the Texas State Aquarium—voted No. 2 aquarium in the nation by USA Today readers. View 330 aquatic animal species here, but don't miss the underwater room where you follow the graceful movements of dolphins up close.

Sunny and Rainy Day Play

The subtropical climate of Corpus Christi invites you and your friends to come out to play. Daytime temperatures average in the high 60s to low 70s in winter; 80s in spring; 90s in summer; and low 80s in fall. But you can’t have subtropical temperatures without some rain—Corpus Christi gets about 29 inches annually. Plan for plenty of rainy day activities in September, Corpus Christi’s rainiest month with 6 inches on average. Visit the downtown’s museum district, or, if it's just a light sprinkle, drink in the soothing beauty of the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center. The sun shines on Corpus, 233 days of the year.

Getting To and Around Corpus

Fly into Corpus Christi International Airport, 5 miles from the city center, and rent a car at one of the rental counters in the baggage claim area or hail a cab. Individuals with special needs may ride to town on Corpus Christi Regional Transportation if you provide 24 hours' notice. At most beaches in Corpus, you can park on the sand. See the city’s website for a list of beaches that require parking permits and where to purchase them. Head to kid-friendly McGee Beach or North Beach—these are the only two beaches that don’t allow parking on the sand.

Mixing it up on the Bay

You’ll meet an interesting mix of people in Corpus Christie, from students to oil workers and surfers to cowboys, due to the city's varied industries and large number of Texan visitors—74 percent of its 8 million annual visitors hail from the Lone Star State. Petrochemical, military and tourism comprise the city's leading industries. The world’s largest helicopter repair facility, Corpus Christi Army Depot, makes its home here, as does Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

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