Corpus Christi’s North Beach area has been a destination of choice for over a century. It’s close to downtown and home to two top attractions: the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay.
You could easily spend hours viewing sea creatures and shorebirds in recreated habitats at the Texas State Aquarium (800-477-4853). Touch a stingray, see dolphins up close, and watch a 4D movie.
At the USS Lexington (361-888-4873), walk the 910-foot flight deck, tour the multimedia Pearl Harbor exhibit, and “take to the air” in the Lex’s flight simulator.
[image id="35725" title="Vintage North Beach in Corpus Christi" linkto="file" ] An undated photo of North Beach in earlier days. Courtesy photo from Special Collection/“Doc” McGregor photos
But that's not all to see and do at North Beach.
- Kayak on Corpus Christi Bay — Bring your own or rent one from Nature Trails Kayaking (361-442-0628). It also offers lessons.
- Break for lunch, dinner, or drinks — Enjoy landlubber fare at Yo Philly CheeseSteaks (361-452-8750), fish tacos and margarita mugs at Blackbeard's (361-884-1030), and fresh seafood, live music, a waterfront deck, and a special menu for your canine companion at Pier 99 Restaurant (361-887-0764).
- Hike or bike the Corpus Christi Beachwalk — This 1.5-mile waterfront sidewalk begins near the Texas State Aquarium and ends at the Dolphin Park playground.
- Shop for souvenirs — Find shells, T-shirts, and other beachy gift ideas at Sea Treasures (361-882-5160), 2902 E. Surfside Blvd. The Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington also have excellent gift shops.
- Tour the bay on a personal watercraft — Good Time Ski Rentals (361-775-8714), 221 S. Hotel Place, rents by the hour or half-hour.
- Learn more about North Beach — The North Beach History Plaza describes the area’s storied past on eight double-sided panels with descriptive text and vintage photographs. Located in front of Pier 99 Restaurant.
- Lie on the beach — There’s more of it now thanks to a touchup that added 8,300 cubic-yards of sand in 2022. North Beach has public bathhouses/restrooms at three locations: 2901 N. Shoreline Blvd., 201 Surfside Blvd., and 100 Sandbar Ave.
After all these years, North Beach continues to evolve. The city of Corpus Christi’s drainage improvement plan for the area will raise and reconstruct some flood-prone streets and create a central linear drainage canal and park. More is planned after the new Harbor Bridge opens and the present one is demolished.
There’s a lot to see and do at North Beach and a lot to look forward to in the future.
chuck@thepicayune.com