Corpus Christi is rich with activities for travelers on a budget. Consider our 10 ways to enjoy the city without breaking the bank.
1. Take a walk on Harbor Bridge
Let a bird’s eye view of Corpus Christi take your breath away. Every first Sunday of the month, the Harbor Bridge closes off its lanes to vehicles so that pedestrians can walk across. From the top, enjoy a 360° view of the downtown skyline, the USS Lexington, the Texas State Aquarium and the expanse of the gulf.
Bridge walkers meet at the Galvan House in Heritage Park, 1581 N Chaparral St., at 8:30 a.m. the first Sunday of the first full weekend of the month.
2. Plan your National Park beach visit on a fee-free day
The National Parks Service celebrates its 100th birthday this year! As its gift to you, the NPS is offering 16 fee-free days throughout the year — and this includes Corpus Christi’s favorite beach, the Padre Island National Seashore. Click here for the full list of dates and more information. If you can’t make it on a fee-free day, there are plenty of beaches to enjoy for free! Try Balli Park, Packery Beach, Whitecap Beach, North Beach or McGee Beach.
3. Go geocaching
Geocaching is the modern-day equivalent to following a pirate’s map for hidden treasure — and there are thousands of hidden treasures all over the city. Use GPS maps to find caches, which are containers of any size usually filled with a ledger and small treasures. Read our tips on geocaching like a pro.
4. Visit Whataburger-by-the-Bay
If you never thought a travel guide would point you to a fast-food joint, think again. Whataburger was founded in Corpus Christi and spread across Texas like wildfire. Visitors from out of state must experience the delight of a thick and juicy burger. Visit the newly remodeled two-story location and try it for yourself.
Whataburger-by-the-Bay is located at 121 N Shoreline Blvd.
5. Take part in Art
Every Saturday, the Art Center of Corpus Christi hosts free Family Art Time from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Visitors of all ages get creative with instructor-led projects. Some of the more recent projects included city silhouette paintings, koi fish windsocks and monogram collages. Follow the Art Center on Facebook to stay posted.
The Art Center of Corpus Christi is located at 100 North Shoreline. Call 361-884-6406 for more information.
Every First Friday, admission to the Art Museum of South Texas in the S.E.A. District downtown is free to the public. Additionally, the Art Museum hosts several Family Fun Days throughout the year, treating visitors to a free afternoon of art activities, live performances and tours of the museum.
The Art Museum of South Texas is located at 1902 N Shoreline Blvd. Call 361-825-3500 or visit artmuseumofsouthtexas.org for more information.
6. Take a ferry ride
If you’re traveling to Corpus from the north, take a ride on the Port Aransas Ferry. The short (and free!) ride takes passengers across he Corpus Christi Channel. Once you’ve boarded the ferry, feel free to stand near the edge to watch for dolphins that like to play in the ferries' wake.
The Port Aransas Ferry Landing is located at 619 W Cotter Ave in Port Aransas. It is considered an official state highway.
7. Tour a historic lighthouse
The Port Isabel Lighthouse is the only historic lighthouse in Texas. It’s quaint, cute and well worth the visit. Admission is cheap: $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and $1 for children age 4 and up, as well as for college students.
The Lighthouse is located at 317 E Railroad Ave in Port Isabel. Call 956-943-2262 for more information.
8. Check out the Wednesday Night Sailboat Races
Sailboat enthusiasts take off in a regatta around Corpus Christi Bay every Wednesday night, starting at 5:30 p.m. Spectators can view for free from the marina.
The Corpus Christi Marina is located at 400A N Shoreline Blvd. Call 361-826-3980 for more information.
9. Pay tribute to Selena
The Selena Museum in Corpus Christi pays tribute to the iconic singer and her tragic death. For only $3, visitors can view her shiny red Porsche, get inspired by her awards and gold albums and view her stage outfits. Find more Selena along the downtown seawall at the Mirador de la Flor, or Overlook of the Flower. A 5'8" bronze statue of Selena, microphone in hand, looks out over Corpus Christi Bay.l
The Selena Museum is located at 5410 Leopard Street. Mirador de la Flor is at the corner of Peoples Street T-Head and Shoreline Blvd.
10. Drop a line at Bob Hall Pier
Take a stab at deep-sea fishing on Bob Hall Pier. The 1,240-foot-long pier extends to the deep waters in the gulf, and is a perfect spot for novice and experienced anglers alike. Equipment rentals are cheap — rods and nets are just $2 per person — and entrance to the pier is only $2.
Bob Hall Pier is located at 15820 S Padre Island Drive. For more information, call 361-949-7300.
Take a look at our events calendar for inspiration as your plan your visit. And browse through 101corpuschristi.com/vacation to automatically build a list of the places you want to explore. Just touch or click on the red "Add to Favorites" button to keep your list, or email suggestions to family and friends.