City Spotlight: Corpus Christi
For many Texans, Corpus Christi is the seaside city you remember passing through when you and your friends took a road trip down the coast toward South Padre Island for spring break. But the Texas coastal gem is more than worthy of stopping and exploring on its own.
Now that summer is over and spring break season is months away, the warm Texas fall offers the perfect excuse to head south and unpack the irresistible charm of Corpus.
Dive in to Texas Gulf Life
It’s impossible to spend time in Corpus Christi and not indulge in the beachy attractions the city is best known for. Texas Gulf beaches are the state’s best-kept secret, and Padre Island National Seashore just south of the city offers 70 miles of stunning protected seashore. Closer to town, Bob Hall Pier is a favorite spot for local surfers, while at Mustang Island State Park, you can drive out on the sand, pitch a tent, and spend the weekend on the shore.
If you want to enjoy the aquatic life without getting wet, the Texas State Aquarium features Dolphin Bay, the home of two Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, as well as daily dive-and-flight shows that feature the aquarium’s amazing variety of avian species.
Explore the Culture
Corpus Christi is about more than just sun and sand. The city has a vibrant collection of museums, which includes the Art Museum of South Texas, Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, Art Center of Corpus Christi, and Texas Surf Museum, as well as the Selena Museum, which is dedicated to the life of the beloved late Queen of Tejano Music. Another cultural highlight is the USS Lexington, a retired aircraft carrier that has been converted into a naval aviation museum. Adults and children alike will love exploring its bridge and getting lost in its decks on self-guided tours.
Another great reason to head down to Corpus in October is the Texas Jazz Festival, which draws more than 60 acts from around the country. The festival got its start in 1959 as a concert put on by the Jazz Club of Del Mar College, and over the years it has attracted legends like Stan Kenton, Clark Terry, Cal Tjader, and Mary Lou Williams. The three-day festival has grown to an average annual attendance of more than 50,000 people.
Keep an Eye Out
Corpus Christi’s greatest charm will always be its particular natural beauty. Take it in at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, which boasts more than 3,000 species of orchids, or at Blucher Park, Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge, and Hazel Bazemore County Park, all dream locations for birders. The city’s location at the center of major migratory flyways has made Corpus a birding mecca. It’s no surprise. After leaving Corpus, you’ll want to fly back again soon. Just remember to stay safe at the beach.
Call your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent today to review your auto insurance plan before you hit the road.
Coverage and discounts are subject to qualifications and policy terms and may vary by situation.
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