Hotels in Mollie Beattie Coastal Habitat Community

As the gateway to Padre Island and the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Corpus Christi is a beloved Texas city. Some of the best beaches on the gulf are within easy driving distance of downtown, and Corpus Christi is bursting at its seams with surprising and intriguing cultural attractions, like the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium. Bask in the heat of the sun, enjoy some of the best water sports opportunities in the state, and immerse yourself in the culture of south-central Texas, where Mexican and US heritage intertwine and history dates back to the 1500s.

Traveling to Corpus Christi

While Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP) delivers plenty of air travelers to the city, many more of them arrive via San Antonio International Airport (SAT), which is a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. If you're arriving by car, you'll likely come via Interstate 37. While the city is served by a Greyhound bus station, no train service is available.

Things to see

Padre Island National Seashore

Head over to North Padre Island to experience the wonders of the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world. To visit most parts of the seashore, you'll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Don't have one&? Don't worry. Plenty are available for rent in Corpus Christi, and the expense is worth it to explore about 70 miles of pristine, preserved wilderness.

Beaches

Miles of gorgeous Gulf Coast beaches draw visitors to Corpus Christi, Padre Island and the surrounding areas every year. Choose any local beach for sunbathing and splashing in the warm, shallow, sparkling waters or discover sands better known for their prime water sporting opportunities.

Every week, sailboat races draw in huge crowds, while over at Bird Island Basin, visitors can enjoy some of the best windsurfing in the world. Try kiteboarding, jet skiing or parasailing for wet & wild thrills. Not an adrenaline junkie? Do a little bird-watching. Around 45 percent of North American bird species have supposedly been spotted in the region.

USS Lexington Museum

This decommissioned aircraft carrier is not to be missed. Its nickname, the Blue Ghost, originally came about during World War II. Japanese servicemen, who believed the ship had sunk, were shocked to see it mysteriously reappear. Today, the aircraft carrier boasts a state-of-the-art museum that lets you learn more about Corpus Christi's rich history of naval aviation.

Texas State Aquarium

Don't miss this first-rate aquarium, which includes a variety of incredible exhibits. Several daily presentations of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are held at the 400,000-gallon Dolphin Bay exhibit, and the wildly popular “Diver in the Water” show happens daily at the Flower Gardens, a 40,000-gallon replica of a coral reef. Visit the outdoor touch pool to get up close and personal with stingrays.

Matamoros, Mexico

A quick stroll across the Brownsville & Matamoros International Bridge in nearby Brownsville will deliver you to this popular destination. Its open-air markets are a definite draw, but most folks come here for the incredible nightlife. This is a great way to add a dose of international flair to your Corpus Christi/Padre Island adventure.

Climate

Although the weather in Corpus Christi tends to be hot and humid, strong winds and breezes off the gulf help to make it more pleasant. The city's proximity to dozens of spectacular beaches ensures that locals and visitors can cool down easily too. The winters here are mild, so all you'll need to pack is a lightweight jacket!

Hotel price ranges

Due to the influx of teenagers and young adults who visit during spring break, Corpus Christi and North Padre Island hotels and other motels, inns and resorts are jam-packed from mid-to-late March. Accordingly, their rates double and often triple during that time. For the other 11.5 months of the year, though, you can take your pick from all the usual hotel chains and luxury brands, or easily find moderately-priced and budget accommodations, both in Corpus Christi proper and over on Padre Island. From the Holiday Inn to the Best Western and Comfort Suites, several accommodations come with kitchenettes, outdoor swimming pools, balconies and hot tubs, depending upon your preferences.