How to Spend a Winter Week in This Texas Beach Town

Soak up the magic of a Gulf Coast winter with this Corpus Christi itinerary.

Situated on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, Corpus Christi, Texas, is brimming with beachy scenes, outdoor adventures, unique shopping experiences and mouthwatering seafood. Thanks to its comfortable temperatures, this beach destination thrives in the winter season, offering the perfect place to escape the cold weather blues. Here’s how to make the most of your trip:

Corpus Christi has several beaches and perfect winter temperatures.

Day 1

After arriving to the Gulf Coast in the morning, you’ll want to fuel up with a cup from Island Joe’s—try a coffee with their homemade flavor syrups, or opt for a warm mug of hot cocoa to pair with one of their delicious baked goods. Take that to-go and head to Whitecap Beach to stroll along the water and soak up the coastal breeze.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop at the nearby Boathouse Bar and Grill, where you can chow down on a sandwich or seafood right by the water. Afterward, weave through Downtown Corpus Christi to explore the plethora of larger-than-life murals adorning the buildings.

Close out your first day with a fresh-caught dinner at Water Street Oyster Bar, an elevated spot serving up coastal ambiance. If you’re still up for more, ride the elevator to the 11th floor of the Best Western Corpus Christi Hotel to grab a drink at Grandview Lounge, where you can sip beer, wine or cocktails while admiring the view through floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Corpus Christi Downtown Seawall is the perfect spot to stroll and take in the beachy views.

Day 2

Upon waking up to the sound of crashing waves, drive-thru or dine in at Nano’s Taco Run, a local favorite for hearty breakfast tacos (pro tip: make sure to get extra homemade Nano’s taco sauce). Then, climb aboard the USS Lexington Museum, where you can explore a real WWII aircraft carrier, discover the inner workings of a naval ship and even try out a flight simulator.

For lunch, get creative at Padre Island Burger Co., where you can build your own burger and enjoy live music on the weekends. Spend your afternoon walking or biking along the 1.5-mile Corpus Christi Downtown Seawall—step off onto McGee Beach, relax in one of the gazebo-like “Miradores del Mar” or check out the new “Journey Through The Solar System” exhibit along the wall.

Then, enjoy a dinner under the stars. Set up a campfire on Mustang Island, one of the most popular family beaches in Texas, order a pie from Padre Pizzeria and have it delivered directly to the beach while you watch the sunset and cozy up to the coastal campfire.

There are more than 200 different species of birds in Corpus Christi.

Day 3

Start your third morning off right with an omelet, pancakes or Hawaiian french toast from Atomic Omelette and Grill. Then, take in the essence of Corpus Christi by reserving a morning ride with Horses on the Beach—you’ll see why the best way to see the coast is atop a happy steed.

After your ride, grab a quick bite at Z Counter—a hidden gem with bahn mi and Asian-style tacos—before heading out on your next coastal adventure: a bird-watching tour. Deemed the “Birdiest City in America,” Corpus Christi is home to hundreds of unique species that can be seen at protected habitats around saltwater lagoons, marshes and coastal prairies. If birds aren’t your thing, book a fishing guide and spend the afternoon casting lines on the water.

For dinner, indulge in some fresh Gulf seafood or a juicy steak at Landry’s Seafood House. Located on a large boat docked right on the waterfront, Landry’s is the perfect spot to end the night with Gulf views—don’t forget to order the cinnamon bread pudding for dessert.

Day 4

Begin today with a cup of joe or refreshing tea from local favorite Coral Bean Cafe—it’s the kind of place that makes you want to sit and relax for a while. Then, head to Heritage Park, where you can stroll through a collection of 12 historic homes that tell a story of the early residents of this community.

For lunch, pop into Brewster Street Ice House, where you’ll find some of the best food in Corpus Christi, casual vibes, a large playground for the kids and maybe even some live music. After that, cross the Harbor Bridge to the Texas State Aquarium to explore species of the area’s main marine ecosystems—be sure to stop by The Caribbean Journey to see an exciting collection of sea and land creatures such as sharks, stingrays and dolphins. End the night in South Padre Island at longtime seafood spot Snoopy’s Pier, which offers one of the only unobstructed views of the sunset over the water in all of Corpus Christi.

Downtown Corpus Christi is bustling with shops, restaurants, arts and entertainment.

Day 5

Kick off your final day at Hester’s Cafe, where you can enjoy one of its many mouthwatering baked goods, or a twist-on-a-classic breakfast dish like the Monte Christi—a sandwich with roasted turkey, ham and Swiss cheese grilled to perfection and dusted with powdered sugar. Spend the rest of your morning browsing the unique vintage and antique shops downtown, and be sure to check out Chels Marie Boutique, located in an 1800s-era home and brimming with vintage goodies.

For lunch,pick up a grilled three cheese from Surfside Sandwich Shoppe, and soak up the last of your beach time with a luxe picnic on the sand courtesy of Pretty Picnics, a full-service picnic company that takes dining al fresco to a whole new level.

Then, head to the iconic Art Museum of South Texas to browse over 1,900 installations before swinging by the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History to explore the stories of shipwrecks from early explorers. End your trip on a decadent note at Republic of Texas Bar & Grill, located on the 20th floor of the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel. With an award-winning wine list, exquisite seafood and steaks, plus panoramic views of Corpus Christi Bay, you’ll be planning a trip back before you leave.

Plan your Texas coast winter getaway today: visitcorpuschristi.com