Now that the hassle of Thanksgiving and Black Friday have died down, winter plans are in full force.
As your electric bill continues to spike as you put your heater to good use, a better way to splurge is to book a sunny getaway.
How about an often-overlooked Texas coastal city with easy flight options, 70-degree beach days, and 100 miles of shorelines?
While many travelers flock to Florida as their beach destination of choice, you can experience fewer crowds and cheaper stays in one of the South's most underrated escapes.
Corpus Christi is a vibrant city with a fascinating history ranging from pop icon tragedies to military might.
Better yet, the coast is a never-ending playground for all things beach-related: lounging, fishing, camping, you name it, or simply bringing the whole crew along for a warm winter vacation.
Corpus Christi‘s Surprising Urban Treasures
If you've never visited Corpus Christi, you may be surprised to find a towering skyline and revamped downtown district.
Those who've never paid a visit have probably heard of Corpus, but it's often discussed as a small town.
That's not the case. Over 300,000 people call this underrated beach haven home with 3 major airlines serving Corpus Christi International Airport.
Multiple downtown hotels have been given new life as well as a laundry list of new businesses slated to open.
No longer is downtown Corpus an urban ghost town; there's plenty to see and do. Of course, you can't explore downtown without taking a nice stroll along the 1.5 mile long ‘Seawall‘ lining Shoreline Blvd.
While downtown doesn't boast the region's nicest beach, it's a great starting point at the very least. Overlooking Corpus Christi Bay, you can't help but notice numerous Navy ships, which may pique your interest in touring the U.S.S. Lexington Museum ($20.95 admission).
This captivating ship is just scratching the surface of Corpus' attractions as you can also visit:
- The Art Museum of South Texas
- Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
- South Texas Botanical Gardens
- Tejano Civil Rights Museum
Most notably, however, would be the Selena Museum, a tribute to the life of Corpus Christi's very own Selena, a world-famous pop star tragically killed in her hometown in 1995.
Budget Travel Tip: Check out Corpus Christi's recently updated list of ‘15 Free Things To Do‘.
100 Miles Of Shores
If you're trying to narrow down your vacation options, let this be a selling point – 100 miles of shores.
Some more remote and spacious than others, there's no question you'll find a beach that matches your vibe.
If you drive to Corpus or rent a car, there are multiple beaches allowing vehicles with a permit. One of many reasons why both Mustang Island State Park ($7 admission) and Padre Island National Seashore ($10 admission) are the most popular beach getaways around here.
One that's a sleeper, however, is JP Luby Beach – home to soft white sand, great surfing conditions, and evening campfires.
Although, a secret beach town beloved by Texans statewide is nearby Rockport. Offering a mix of small-town charm, historical sites, and idyllic coastlines, booking a Gulfside vacation rental here is never a bad idea.
Great Food And Affordable Stays
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and you'll quickly see why when you dine out. It
It’s no different in Corpus, except the Texas-sized portions you’ll find are more of the seafood variety than quintessential barbecue and Mexican food.
Not to mention Texas’ favorite burger chain, Whataburger, which started right here in Corpus. There's even a replica of the original storefront you can snap a selfie with.
As great (and humungous) as their burgers may be, my favorite eatery to pig out is Fajitaville.
Just as it sounds, order fajitas beachside at what's essentially the ‘Fajita' version of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville (but there are no ties).
And after you delight your tastebuds in Corpus’ delicious food scene, you’ll need a place to relax and recharge.
According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 5 hotels in Corpus Christi this winter: (ranked by value):
- Omni Corpus Christi Hotel (my favorite!)
- Hyatt Place Corpus Christi
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Corpus Christi
- Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Corpus Christi
- Hotel De Ville
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.