Accommodations

Corpus Christi offers a relaxing, wide ranging getaway with a variety of condos, vacation homes, hotels, and resorts. Choose a vacation near any of Corpus Christi's local attractions that offers comfort while making the most of the beautiful beaches at affordably priced rates.

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Activities

Nicknamed "The Blue Ghost," the USS Lexington is the famous World War II aircraft carrier that has been converted to a museum anchored in Corpus Christi Bay. You can even "Live Aboard" for an overnight stay for youth organizations. The Texas State Aquarium is an educational and entertaining attraction that promotes and practices environmental conservation and wildlife rehabilitation. Padre Island National Seashore is on the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world, encompassing 133,000 acres. Visit Corpus Christi's museum district, which includes the Museum of Asian Cultures, Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, the South Texas Institute for the Arts, and the Harbor Playhouse theatre.

Events

Buccaneer Days has been a late April annual event in Corpus Christi since the 1930's, featuring rodeos, musical performances, dance contests, a BBQ cookoff, a carnival and parades. The Corpus Christi Festival of Arts, a three day celebration of visual and performing arts, has become a favorite annual event in late March. The annual Windfest in nearby Portland, with its chili cook-off, horseshoe tournament, 5k and 10k runs, parade, clowns, and live entertainment takes place in mid March.

Water Sports

The city has one of the highest average wind speeds in North America, making Corpus Christi one of the premiere destinations for wind sports such as kite boarding, wind surfing, and kite flying. The beautiful beaches and warm Gulf waters promote swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and sun tanning as well.

Golfing

Great weather and world-class golfing. await you in the Corpus Christi area, which offers three municipal golf courses, as well as various public and private courses. Enjoy a few rounds in between working on your tan.

History

While the Spanish explorer Alonzo Alvarez de Pineda discovered and named Corpus Christi Bay in 1519, no settlements were established until Henry Kinney and his partner William Aubrey established a trading post on the west shore of Corpus Christi Bay in 1840. Attacks by Mexican bandits forced the abandonment of the post in 1842, but Kinney returned later that year and reestablished his business. A post office opened at the same time with Aubrey as postmaster renaming the town to Corpus Christi.

Life in Corpus Christi has been greatly influenced by its harbor.  The town remained a small Texas coast port until the Aransas pass was dredged to a depth of eight feet following the civil war.  The town then began to grow quickly until the city was hit by devastating hurricanes in 1916 and 1919.  The channel into the harbor was deepened again in the 1920’s and the port has grown to become the sixth largest port in the United States. A seawall protecting the city from flooding was built in 1939–41 and a bridge over the harbor was built in 1959.