Now that we’ve experienced a brief portion of this past weekend in 70-degree temperatures, we have fall fever—big time.
But that doesn’t mean we want to steer clear of summery destinations and go full chunky sweater while sitting in front of a roaring fire grasping a cup of hot cocoa with both hands, either.
We’ll save that for our après-ski vacations. (With Tito’s on the rocks in place of the hot cocoa, of course.)
A few weeks ago, we flew down to Corpus Christi for the first time, which seems weird as a life-long Texan. We made up for lost time, however, by cramming as much fun in the sun as we could muster over a few days and nights.
And with Pride Corpus Christi coming this Friday, October 6 to Saturday, October 7 (including a Pride Block Party on Friday, and a Pride Parade and another Pride Block Party on Saturday), now’s the ideal time to start thinking about a quick autumnal getaway with a soundtrack of lapping waves and chatty seagulls.
How To Get There
American Airlines has quick non-stop flights from DFW to CRP that’ll have you gate-to-gate in 90 minutes and on the beach within an hour after that. If you want to save a little money, you could always road trip from Dallas to Corpus Christi in 6.5 hours—not too bad for a beach vacay.
Where To Stay
For four-star accommodations that won’t break the bank, Omni Corpus Christi Hotel makes the perfect home base for a few nights of seaside exploration. Many of the rooms offer balconies with bay views and the property has two full-service restaurants, two bars (including one by the pool) and a coffee shop for those days when you need something conveniently located to grab a bite. The Republic of Texas Bar And Grill (pictured above) has incredible views, too, especially as the sun sets. This Omni also has a well-appointed fitness center with large locker rooms (including showers if you need to freshen up post-checkout on your last day), plus an indoor-outdoor pool and an indoor jacuzzi.
Where To Eat & Drink
For breakfast or brunch, hit up Hester’s Cafe or Yola Cocina Mexicana. Of course, you can never go wrong with taquitos at the Whataburger by the Bay in the fast food chain’s hometown. To experience seafood galore on the waterfront, check out either Doc’s Seafood & Steaks or one of several dining options a few doors down at Marker 37 Marina (we went to Snoopy’s Pearl Oyster Bar if you want a specific recommendation there). And for killer sushi and Asian cuisine, the high-tech Dokyo Dauntaun makes for a great spot to dine when you’re exploring downtown for an evening.
Speaking of exploring downtown (by way of drinking), knock a few back at Bar Under the Sun (BUS for short), located in an old Greyhound bus station. Nearby, it’s worth popping into both Executive Surf Club and Nueces Brewing and Barbecuing.
And for a gay old time, let it all hang out at the fun and laidback Hidden Door Corpus Christi where the drinks are stiff and cheap—like much of the clientele! (wink, wink)
So many options await for exploring what Corpus Christi has to offer, but we’re going to narrow it down to our favorite experiences. If you want to hang ten, book a lesson with Texas Surf Camp (they’ll do private ones, too, if you’re embarrassed to fall down in front of strangers). Get some amazing new profile pictures during a ride along the shore with Horses on the Beach. After dark, you can jump in a clear kayak for a little Glow Row around the bay (it’s also BYOB!). Or hop aboard the Blue Shore Pedal Lounge for a pub crawl, which can be a fab way to check out some of the bars we listed above.
For some quality art appreciation, check out the Art Museum of South Texas (and while you’re there, make sure to make a lunch reservation at Elizabeth’s for wonderful Mediterranean fare). Then go on a shopping spree at K Space Collective and Sew Bonita, two boutiques emphasizing artistic gifts (many that are laugh-out-loud hilarious) and really fun souvenirs.
Corpus Christi
To create your own itinerary…
visitcorpuschristi.com
