Corpus Christi is located in South Texas, on Corpus Christi Bay, off the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a beachfront destination, with two barrier islands (Padre Island and Mustang Island) protecting the bay and offering plenty of undeveloped land for hiking and camping. You’ll also find a variety of fun things to do and places to eat along the way. Grab your girlfriends and head south to enjoy everything Corpus Christi has to offer.
What you won’t find here – Corpus Christi won’t provide a pampered spa vacation with cultivated winery tours. But if your group of friends has a spirit of adventure and likes to explore nature and discover unique cultural attractions with a Tex-Mex flair, then Corpus Christi is the destination for you.
The writer was hosted.
Top Attractions to Visit
With everything from a real aircraft carrier museum to yoga on the water, Corpus Christi offers a lot of unique experiences for a fun girlfriend getaway. Here are some of my suggestions.
Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!
USS Lexington Museum
- What is it: WWII-era aircraft carrier with over 20 planes displayed, from WWII to current era. Two aircraft were used in the original Top Gun film.
- What do they offer: Has 3D theater, gift shop, flight simulator, self-guided tours of the bridge and lower deck areas, plus the Mess Deck Cafe.
- How do you experience it: Along with the open hanger and flight decks, self-guided tours throughout the ship are available to see crew areas plus exhibits like the new “Woman of the Navy”.
- How accessible is it: There is an elevator, but it only goes between the hanger and flight decks. To explore the higher and lower decks, you’ll need to climb and descend through narrow stairways. If you’re able, it’s definitely worth seeing where the crew ate, slept and worked. The self-guided tours are easy to follow and clearly show where you can and can’t go or touch.
- What was my favorite part: The flight deck was amazing just to stand on and experience the immense structure. I also was excited to talk to a veteran volunteer and learn more about the carrier and how it operated.
- What not to miss with girlfriends: Lockdown On The LEX is an escape room experience that would be a blast to try out.
Texas State Aquarium
- What is it: The aquarium has traditional educational displays, hands-on opportunities and live animal shows. Their Wildlife Rescue Center is one of the largest in the US. It was closed for maintenance work when I visited, but I would love to check it out on a future visit.
- What do they offer: Traditional aquarium exhibits like Coral Reef and Caribbean Sea, plus a few more unique ones like Jungle, Swamp Tales and Ocelots. In the Aquatic Nursery you’ll see the jellyfish’s life cycle and in Tentacles, you can touch them. The Living Shores and Stingray Lagoon exhibits let you get hands-on with even more sea creatures. The H-E-B Splash Park for kids is open on the weekends (daily during the summer) and included with admission. There is a gift shop plus multiple places to grab a meal, a drink or a snack – and mobile ordering is available.
- How do you experience it: The exhibits are self-guided but there are timed presentations and shows so make sure to check the schedule when planning your visit.
- How accessible is it: It is easily accessible with elevators and ramps available. If you want a more in-depth experience, take a self-guided Aquaventure where you’ll answer questions and learn even more about everything you see.
- What was my favorite part: My favorite exhibits included Dolphin Bay, Otter Creek and Tortuga Cay. I missed the last dolphin show of the day, but even so it was amazing to watch them swim around freely. From tank level you can hang out on benches and watch them swim by as long as you like. I also loved watching the otters climb, jump and swim together on land and in the water. The sea turtles in Tortuga Cay were breathtaking.
- What not to miss with girlfriends: Having missed the dolphin show, it would be my top priority on a future visit and a lot of fun to enjoy with friends.
Art Museum of South Texas
- What is it: Traditional art museum with over 13 permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.
- What do they offer: All types of art media from paintings and drawings to sculpture and digital art. Elizabeth’s At The Museum is open for lunch, offering mediterranean-inspired food and water views.
- How do you experience it: The museum is open to walk through and enjoy at your own pace. The museum is closed on Mondays. There are several free admission days – check the website for details.
- How accessible is it: The museum is wheelchair accessible and has an elevator between the main floor and the mezzanine. They also participate in ReBokeh for an enhanced visual experience.
- What was my favorite part: I really enjoyed the exhibits that had a local Texas flavor including the Spanish Colonial Gallery. I always love to see glass sculptures from Chihuly and they have a painting of his as well. My favorite was looking at the artwork of the 24th Annual Visionarios Youth Competition – they showcased art from kids in grades 1-12 of various media. There are some amazingly talented local kids!
- What not to miss with girlfriends: If you like animals, check out the sculptures by Kent Ullberg. And don’t miss brunch at Elizabeth’s – eat outdoors with the water view.
Selena Museum & Memorial
- What is it: Selena was a young Latina music artist who was a trailblazer and icon. She was known as the “Queen of Tejano Music”. She was tragically murdered in 1995 but is still beloved by fans worldwide today. Her family has turned their recording studio into a museum honoring her life and legacy. There is also a statue of Selena along the waterfront promenade.
- What do they offer: You can view her costumes, and memorabilia, including her red Porsche. The recording studio is still in operation so you may see members of her family.
- How do you experience it: The tour is in two parts – the first is a guided tour of the recording studio where you can watch recordings being made. Then the rest of the museum is self-guided. No advance booking is required. There is a gift shop. The memorial is located along the downtown promenade and includes a statue of Selena with an audio recording about her.
- How accessible is it: The museum is wheelchair accessible but there is a step to get inside. The memorial is on the paved promenade so is easily accessible.
- What was my favorite part: I didn’t get a chance to visit the museum but I did see the memorial and took a moment to remember the singer and her legacy.
- What not to miss with girlfriends: The memorial is a fun stop along the promenade. The museum would be a great place to visit as a group of friends to remember Selena and learn more about her life.
Unique Activities for a Corpus Christi Girlfriend Getaway
Water Dog Yoga
- What is it: This small studio offers classes in yoga, beach barre and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
- What do they offer: This small studio offers classes in yoga, beach barre and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). You can take yoga classes on the waterfront or on a SUP.
- How do you experience it: Most classes take place outdoors in the downtown Corpus Christi marina or on the beach. You can take yoga classes on the waterfront or on a SUP. They offer SUP group paddles, an intermediate paddle clinic or you can even paddle with your dog.
- How accessible is it: It depends on the class. The marina location is accessible but for the SUP and beach classes, you’ll need to be able to get to and maneuver through those activities and locations.
- What was my favorite part: I did a Saturday morning yoga class, which was held at the Yacht Club. The instructor was excellent and the class was well-structured for people of all fitness levels. Since I was traveling, I didn’t have a yoga mat with me – there were a few extras available, but I’d recommend bringing one if possible. I did wish the class were entirely outdoors like most of their others but the view from the Yacht Club was beautiful.
- What not to miss with girlfriends: Any of their classes would be a lot of fun to take with a group of girlfriends.
Soul Ties Permanent Jewelry
- What is it: They do custom jewelry pieces that are welded closed to be a permanent adornment.
- What do they offer: You can choose from gold or silver chains with several styles available. Options include a bracelet, necklace or anklet.
- How do you experience it: Located as a pop-up within The Beauty Studio or they also do events.
- How accessible is it: The pop-up is accessible. Other locations may vary depending on the event.
- What was my favorite part: I chose a simple silver chain bracelet and was able to choose the length and style. I really like it, especially since there’s no clasp so I don’t have to worry about losing it. So far it’s held up extremely well even with some tugging when I’ve caught it on something.
- What not to miss with girlfriends: Matching jewelry would be a great way to commemorate a girls’ vacation together.
Art Center of Corpus Christi
- What is it: Art galleries plus an educational center that celebrates and nurtures local artists.
- What do they offer: Exhibitions, classes, gift shop, weekly Artisan Market, and a clay studio. Their courtyard is a popular venue for weddings and an outdoor concert series.
- How do you experience it: The center is free just to wander and view the exhibits. You can check out and purchase items from local artisans on-site. Family Art Time is free and offered twice weekly.
- How accessible is it: The building is accessible and contained all on one floor.
- What was my favorite part: One of the exhibits displayed on my visit was all about Insects and included art in a variety of mediums. The pieces were beautiful and very well done. I also enjoyed their 3D Art Showcase and an exhibit all about Expressions. There are pieces from local artisans on display and for purchase – everything from crochet to jewelry to pottery. The prices were extremely reasonable and it felt good to help support the local artists by purchasing some of their work.
- What not to miss with girlfriends: The outdoor concert series would be fun with a group of friends. It would also be fun to take a class together.
Branded Hat Bar of Texas
- What is it: You aren’t really in Texas if you don’t have a cowboy hat, right? And there’s nothing quite like designing your very own to fit your personal style.
- What do they offer: Personally designed cowboy hats for group events, made in an assembly line format.
- How do you experience it: Start by picking out your hat – flat or curved brim, felt or straw. Then make it yours by choosing ribbon, feathers, cording, charms, etc. They have a ton of options – you can even have them stick a playing card or matchbook in there. They attach everything onto the hat for you. Then, they brand it with a real branding iron with the brand of your choice. They do not have a physical location at time of publication but do one-on-one or group bookings at hotels, AirBnbs or wherever your group may be staying. Contact them through their Instagram account.
- How accessible is it: They come to you so can work around whatever accessibility you may need.
- What was my favorite part: I went with a flat-brimmed felt hat and used some of the other finished ones as inspiration. They have a great variety of adornments to choose from in plenty of colors and styles. It’s a lot of fun to watch them brand the hat – they use small branding irons with everything from a horseshoe to your initials to an outline of Texas. I chose a cactus for my hat. Living in Michigan, I don’t know how much I’ll actually wear it, but it’s going with me on my next visit to Texas or anywhere in the west. Until then, it’s hanging on the wall in my office so I can admire it.
- What not to miss with girlfriends: This would be the perfect way to commemorate your time together in Corpus Christi. And your group would fit right in during your visit.
GlowRow
- What is it: Kayaking experiences at night – the kayaks are clear with underwater LED lights and paddles that glow.
- What do they offer: Guided, group kayaking tours in several cities. Current Corpus Christi locations are the marina and North Padre Island but the schedule is subject to change.
- How do you experience it: Tours last up to 75 minutes, are available 7 nights a week from March-November and must be booked in advance. Adults (18+) only.
- How accessible is it: The kayaks hold a maximum of 400 pounds (250 max per person). You must be able to get into and out of the kayak (with assistance) and paddle.
- What was my favorite part: This isn’t something I was able to experience but it seems like a total blast and will definitely be on my list to try on my next visit. I love kayaking in general and doing it at night with lit-up kayak sounds incredible.
- What not to miss with girlfriends: This would be so much fun with a group of girlfriends and a unique way to experience Corpus Christi at night.
Best Beach Options in Corpus Christi
Padre Island National Seashore
- Where is it: About a 30-minute drive from downtown Corpus Christi on North Padre Island.
- What facilities do they have: Includes undeveloped beaches and natural habitat. There are limited facilities available. For restrooms and picnic areas head to the Malaquite Visitor Center. Otherwise, your GPS will likely take you to an open beach with no facilities. There are no lifeguards.
- How do you experience it: The park is open 24 hours a day and there is a Night Sky Observatory that blocks wind and has limited artificial lighting. Over 380 species of birds can be seen at various points throughout the year. Primitive beach camping is allowed in several areas and there are also RV campsites available.
- How accessible is it: The visitor center is accessible and offers beach wheelchairs and walkers you can borrow, only on a first-come, first-served basis and only from 9 am until 4:45 pm. Two of the RV campsites have paved access to picnic tables and accessible bathrooms/showers.
- What was my favorite part: I didn’t prepare as much as I should have and just plugged Padre Island National Seashore into my GPS. After a long drive across bridges and causeways and through grassy dunes, I arrived at the beach – literally just drove onto the beach. It was a windy day with high waves so not an especially good day to just hang out so I waded for a while and collected a few shells, but then headed back out. I did see several groups fishing or camping.
- What not to miss with girlfriends: This is the perfect place to watch for birds or wildlife or just hike the miles of beach and grasslands with a group of friends.
Mustang Island State Park
- Where is it: Located on Mustang Island, a barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico.
- What facilities do they have: They have 48 water/electric camping sites and 50 primitive sites, along with a beach. No lifeguards. The Mustang Island Paddling Trail is about 20 miles along the western shoreline, in Corpus Christi Bay.
- How do you experience it: Open from 8 am to 5 pm daily with a $7 entrance fee per adult (children 12 and under are free).
- How accessible is it: They have two beach wheelchairs available free of charge. Camping sites are not specifically accessible but check with their staff.
- What was my favorite part: With a little more preparation on this day, I arrived and used their bathhouse to change. It’s about a quarter mile from the beach – you can park there and walk but there’s no sidewalk and they do offer additional parking right by the beach. There are several picnic shelters on the beach but most people had their own umbrellas or canopies. Like the previous day, the winds and waves were pretty high making it a better day to wade than swim although there were kids braving the water. I saw several kites flying and people fishing. If it had been less windy, I would have stayed longer to enjoy the sun and the beach, but the weather wasn’t ideal so I just waded for a while.
- What not to miss with girlfriends: Along with the beach, this is another great place for birding or looking for wildlife. The paddling trail would be a lot of fun also.
Bayfront/McGee Beach
- Where is it: There is a 1.5-mile waterfront seawall and promenade along Corpus Christi Bay. downtown. McGee Beach is a free city beach on the bay right off the promenade.
- What facilities do they have: There is free parking along the beach along with restroom facilities and opportunities to rent surrey bikes, umbrellas, scooters, kayaks and more. Lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer months only, from noon to 6 pm.
- How do you experience it: You can walk, run or bike the promenade, with several gazebos (miradores del Mar) providing places to sit and enjoy the view. Or climb down the seawall steps to the beach.
- How accessible is it: Beach wheelchairs are available if you contact the City ahead of time. There are ramps and wide sidewalks.
- What was my favorite part: I love that the seawall and promenade allow you to walk or even just sit along the waterfront on the bay and enjoy the views. I parked about a half-mile from the beach and walked over. Unlike the gulf beaches, the sand is full of broken shells, so I was glad to have my beach shoes. McGee Beach is much more protected than the gulf beaches though so the water was smooth and glassy and there was minimal wind. The beach was crowded in areas but there was still plenty of room to spread out. The water is shallow out quite a ways so you can wade as deep as you want or swim. There were a lot of families with kids splashing around. The seawall offers stairs overlooking the beach you can enjoy the view without braving the sand if you’d prefer.
- What not to miss with girlfriends: This would be a great spot to cool off after a group walk or run along the waterfront promenade.
Unique Shopping Destinations You Won’t Want To Miss
- Sew Bonita: This unique shop sells handmade and fun novelty items celebrating Mexican culture. They also sell fun fabrics, t-shirts, bags and beauty supplies. The bright colors and designs just made me so happy.
- Wildflowers: If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind home and garden items, including handmade pottery and antiques, this is the place for you.
- Bleu Frog Mercantile: Here you’ll find an eclectic collection of novelty items, gifts, home decor, fashion and more. I could have wandered in here for hours.
- Four Chicks in the Park: Here they showcase all things feminine and frilly. From party supplies to fashions, they have a wide selection perfect for a girlfriend shopping trip.
Fun Places to Eat in Corpus Christi
Water Street Sushi Room
- What they serve: The Sushi Room is a new expansion located just behind the Water Street Oyster Bar restaurant. They serve a variety of poke bowls and rolls and are open for lunch and dinner.
- How much does it cost: Most menu items are between $8 and $15
- What’s the vibe: They have a relaxed atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating.
- My experience: I visited for lunch. Since I had never tried sushi before, I asked the server for a recommendation. I ordered the Tempura Shrimp Roll and it was delicious!
Retro
- What they serve: Food is provided by New York & Chicago Pizza Co. and includes authentic ‘brick oven’ pizza, burgers and a variety of appetizers and finger baskets.
- How much does it cost: Pizza ranges from $10-$20 and more for specialty options. Burgers average around $15.
- What’s the vibe: There’s a definite difference between daytime (up until 10 pm) when there’s a family-friendly atmosphere, and late night when they are 21 and up only and have the rooftop patio and live music going. Upstairs you’ll find the retro arcade and pinball games, accessible by a purchased wristband, or you can simply eat downstairs.
- My experience: I ordered an individual-sized New York-style pizza downstairs by the bar for dinner and it tasted amazing. There were families eating but also a large girlfriend group. I’d love to go back with a group and experience the arcade and music.
El Camino
- What they serve: They are owned by the same company as the Water Street Sushi Room and are known for ‘true’ Tex-Mex.
- How much does it cost: Most menu items range from $18-$30 with some options that are much more expensive. The highest-priced menu item at the time of publication is their WaterStreet Parrillada for $75.
- What’s the vibe: Traditional Mexican food and atmosphere.
- My experience: I was part of a group dinner event so didn’t eat off of the normal menu. We were served beef or chicken fajitas along with rice and beans. Mexican food isn’t my favorite but I’d order the fajitas here any time. The food was tasty but not too spicy.
Doc’s Seafood & Steaks
- What they serve: Burgers and sandwiches, fried platters, soups and salads and beef or seafood entrees.
- How much does it cost: Some seafood options are listed at market price. Burgers average about $18, and fried platters are generally $19-$27. Entrees mostly range from $20-$40.
- What’s the vibe: Doc’s is all about the water view and is one of the few places in Corpus Christi where you can experience a sunset over the water. The restaurant is covered but open to the patio so you get the breeze coming through. Their bar is located downstairs and is also open to the patio.
- My experience: I ate dinner there on a weeknight and there was still a 45-minute wait. I truly didn’t mind since it allowed me to hang out on the patio and watch the sun go down. Such a gorgeous view! I ordered a light dinner – the Caesar salad with grilled chicken, but it was honestly one of the best Caesar salads I’ve ever had.
Hester’s Cafe
- What they serve: Bakery items, breakfast, lunch and coffee at two locations in Corpus Christi.
- How much does it cost: Pastries in the $4-$5 range, breakfast around $9-$15 and lunch items from $11-$17 or so.
- What’s the vibe: Very casual eat-in or bakery items to go.
- My experience: I ate at their Lamar Park location and had the Laguna Club sandwich (minus the tomato and the melted cheese topping). It was so good and the breakfast potatoes on the side tasted absolutely amazing.
Gallery 41 Grill
- What they serve: A wide variety of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees. Main dishes include steak, seafood and vegetarian options.
- How much does it cost: Entrees range from around $16-$32 with a few more expensive options. Sandwiches cost from $15-$22.
- What’s the vibe: Gallery 41 is located inside the Corpus Christi Art Center, right off the waterfront. You can eat indoors or outside on the patio with a water view.
- My experience: I ate here for lunch and ordered a soup and salad combo with their charred baby gem Caesar salad and a 17-bean soup of the day. My favorite definitely had to be the soup, which was really, really good.
Bien Merite French Bakery & Restaurant
- What they serve: Bakery items and coffees plus breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch.
- How much does it cost: Breakfast dishes range from $10-$17 while lunch options range a bit more, generally from $9 to $26. Individual pastries go for anywhere from $2.25 to $6 or so.
- What’s the vibe: French cafe in the middle of South Texas. It seems like an odd ambiance but it does work. Everything is pink!
- My experience: This was my last stop for breakfast before I headed to the airport. I had the American Breakfast plate with eggs, bacon, toast and roasted red potatoes. It was very good but didn’t stand out like some of the other meals I enjoyed during my time in Corpus Christi.
Where to Stay in Corpus Christi for a Girls’ Trip
You’ll find the basic hotel brands in Corpus Christi but I would definitely recommend their Omni Hotel. It has an unparalleled view of the bay and waterfront, plus on the north side you’ll get a great view of the USS Lexington.
Omni Hotel Corpus Christi
- Where is it: The Omni is located right across Shoreline Blvd. from the waterfront, north of the marina. The hotel is 18 stories with 475 guest rooms with water and/or city views.
- Amenities: Heated indoor/outdoor pool with patio loungers, fitness center, racquetball court, and salon. Survive Infusion & Wellness offers IV hydration, B-12 shots and more.
- Dining: The rooftop Republic of Texas Bar and Grill is the only AAA Four Diamond restaurant in South Texas. Switchgrass Landing serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a casual beachy vibe. Caller & Critic is a bar and social lounge with the only Mezcal bar in Corpus Christi. Morsels in the lobby serves coffee and pastries plus sandwiches and salads. Room service is available, as is seasonal poolside service.
- My experience: I stayed in a 17th-floor, corner room with a king-sized bed and small triangle-shaped balcony. The bed was extremely comfortable and I left the curtains open so I could see the water right from the bed. The view was breathtaking! My view incorporated both the bay/waterfront area and a good portion of downtown Corpus Christi. I could see the USS Lexington and Texas State Aquarium as well as the existing Harbor Bridge and the new bridge that’s under construction and scheduled to open in June 2025. The room was clean and spacious with USB ports, coffeemaker, desk, lounge chair, and lamps. The bathroom had plenty of vanity space and a combination tub/shower. I do wish that there had been furniture, a chair at the very least, on the balcony so I could sit out there and enjoy the view.
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