3-Day Getaway in Corpus Christi

Day 1 You'll See:

Day 2 You'll See:

Day 3 You'll See:

Spend some quality time getting to know the history, culture, and surf influence of the truly fun Corpus Christi, Texas. In three adventure-filled days, you and your group will see the historic USS Lexington, spend some time on the beach, and learn a bit more about local Texas marine life!

Day
1

Beach Time - There are so many absolutely amazing beachfront spots in Corpus Christi, it’s honestly pretty hard to choose which one you want to spend your day! There are several access points around the city, and some even say that these are the best in the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy the white gulf sand and emerald green waters as you would like to swim and sunbathe, enjoy gentle waves or search for offshore wind for surfing. Enjoy the various fishing opportunities at the piers or head to any kayak or equipment shack to get all your essential SUP, wakeboard, or snorkeling gear for the day. We recommend your group either go to North Beach or Padre Island National Seashore for a few different reasons. North Beach will be a little more crowded than some of the others mentioned, but it also provides some of the widest range of activities and scenery. Padre Island National Seashore, on the other hand, is more tranquil and provides your group with unimpeded ocean views and breathtaking wildlife viewing opportunities that no other beach can offer.

Texas State Aquarium - Welcome to the Texas State Aquarium, the non-profit state marine life education and conservation center that was founded in 1990 and takes up a scenic six acres of Shoreline Boulevard, right off the bay! You and your group will find an impressive collection of regional sea life, coral reefs, dolphin preserves, shark observation areas, touch pools, and even an expansive (and seriously fun) children’s playground and splash park. This is truly a fantastic place in Corpus Christi to take your student group to learn new things, get involved in local ecology and culture, see the city’s history and long-standing marine influence, and have tons of fun all at the same time! Enjoy the daily dive shows, live feedings, training sessions, and hands-on activities within. Trust me, your group won’t complain about the learning and you aren’t going to complain about all the activities to keep them busy within! Before you go grab a bite to eat at the Pepsi Shoreline Grill, offering everything from hamburgers and shrimp PO-boys to hummus and mac n' cheese (save room for dessert, they have Oreo churros!).

 

Day
2

Mustang Island State Park - Next stop, Mustang Island State Park, the large and beautiful state park located just south of the city of Port Aransas, right off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. This entire unspoiled barrier island takes up 3,954 acres plus five full miles of gorgeous beachfront. At this park, you and your group can enjoy various daily ranger-led programs, classes, and events, access to open beaches, and several camping and birding opportunities. Another adventurous and immersive option while here at Mustang Island is to paddle the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail, a total of 20 miles of trails that are broken up into three separate segments following the western shoreline in the Corpus Christi Bay. This trail contains some of the absolute best shallow-water fishing areas in the state of Texas and also gets you seriously close to mother nature, getting you within feet of coastal birds, dolphins, and sea turtles, so enjoy and bring your camera!

Hurricane Alley Waterpark - Hurricane Alley Waterpark is the family-friendly waterpark with a wave pool, lazy river, slides and thrill rides located in the Bayfront and Downtown District of Corpus Christi. This seasonal waterpark is open a few days in March and September, but mainly May 21st to August 21st each year. You and your group will love this opportunity to cool off from that Corpus Christi heat while enjoying over nine amazing in-park attractions and weekly events such as Dive in Movie Tuesday and Friday Flicks. At Hurricane Alley Waterpark you will have to choose between such fun attractions as the Shredder, the only stand-up surf simulator in Corpus Christi, the Cat 5 six-story, 65-foot slide, or the Storm Surge, the 12,000 square foot wave pool that is also the only one in the city!

FunTrackers - In the Game Funtrackers is one of the most exciting recreation options in the area! This entertainment center holds some of the best games and immersive experiences, such as Axe Throwing, Batting Cages, Mini-Golf, Go-Karts, Bumper Boats, Laser Maze, Ropes Courses, Virtual Reality, and Arcade Options. There are onsite eating and drinking options for when you work up an appetite, because trust us, you will! 

Day
3

Texas Surf Museum - Texas' coastlines may not be as popular as the ones in California, Florida, or Hawaii, but they sure do pack the same punch! This museum is home to thousands of surfers dedicated to the sport and works to explore the history of surfing in general. This establishment showcases Texas’ place in the history of wave riding and is truly a must-see for any fan of surfing as well as an interactive adventure and learning experience for non-surfers. While here at the museum you and your group will learn all about the history of surfing in the early 1960s and see such exhibits and attractions as the Bench of Boards, a photo wall full of local photos dotted with young celebrities and surf up and comers, and even an onsite theater room in which you can catch the waves of an informational and immersive surf film. Learn about all about Ford Woody, vintage board making, and fin smoothing!

USS Lexington Museum - One of the most popular attractions in Corpus Christi will make up your next stop on the itinerary, the historically rich and U.S. Navy culture-filled USS Lexington Museum on the Bay. This Essex-class aircraft carrier was built during WWII for the United States Navy and today sits along Shoreline Boulevard impressing tourists, locals, and history buffs alike with its sheer size and legend. This 24,580 ton "Blue Ghost" was launched in September of 1942, an 873-foot ship from the Fore River Shipyard. This aircraft and naval museum hold several onsite airplanes, an IMAX showing out-of-this-world historic films, and even the USS Alabama! See over 20 authentic Warbirds as well as newer fighters such as the SBD-3 Dauntless, TBU-3E Avenger, or Blue Angel FA-18 Hornet. The wartime sights and sounds will come to you as you explore the action of combat at sea onboard, from the fully stocked flight deck to the dental clinic and engine room below!