This Gulf Coast Beach Getaway Offers Seafood Delights and Relaxed Atmosphere

If your beach getaway involves taking it easy and soaking in the soothing sounds of crashing waves, seagull calls, and warm, salty breezes, Corpus Christi is the place for you. This gem of the Texas coast—affectionately called Corpus by locals—boasts a small-town, friendly vibe and presents numerous laid-back options for those looking to simply relax.

Find Your Zen on the Water at Corpus Christi Marina

Harmonize your body and mind by engaging with the wind, water, and waves in a floating yoga session. WaterDog.CC offers SUP Yoga (stand-up paddleboard yoga) at its floating studio located at Corpus Christi Marina, where spacious, grippy paddleboards replace traditional yoga mats. Suitable for yogis of all levels, the class starts with foundational poses, transitions into a vinyasa flow, and concludes with everyone's favorite, savasana or “dead man’s pose.”

Build a sandcastle on Padre Island

Reconnect with your inner child by enhancing your sandcastle-building skills through a private sand-sculpting lesson. Your guide, national award-winning sand sculptor and local legend DC Sandman (Chip Cooper), has been crafting magical castles with the area's unique vanilla- and cappuccino-colored sand for over 30 years. Cooper typically hosts his workshops along a 20-mile pristine shoreline starting at Port Aransas in Corpus Christi, where the sand is smooth and free of debris. Lessons are available for individuals or groups, with buckets and shovels provided.

Set sail on the serene waters of the Gulf

Allow Captain Tom from Handsome Sailor Yacht Charters to guide you and up to five friends on a serene catamaran voyage while you unwind. The captain provides various private charter options, ranging from two-hour excursions to full-day adventures, all tailored to your desired level of relaxation.

Enjoy sailing and soaking up the sun around the Gulf, or join a mini-eco tour that includes dolphin watching at Porpoise Point and a stop at a shell reef island for some memorable beachcombing. The sunset cruise is particularly calming, featuring views of native Texas Gulf birds like pelicans, roseate spoonbills, and sand cranes.

Indulge in a flight of oysters at this iconic Corpus Christi eatery

While Texas Gulf Coast oysters are celebrated for their distinct briny and sweet flavor, Snoopy’s Pearl Oyster Bar presents over 15 different varieties from around the globe, allowing you to sample and compare them. Beyond oysters, the diverse seafood menu emphasizes “Gulf-to-table” dining, featuring fresh, locally sourced fish, shrimp, and more, all with breathtaking views of the Laguna Madre from the outdoor patio.

Paddle your glow-in-the-dark kayak through the Gulf

Curious about the stingrays gliding in the shallow bays of the Gulf at night? Turn on a switch and see, as the bottom of your clear kayak lights up in vibrant colors like green, fuchsia, yellow, or blue, showcasing the underwater world. GlowRow offers glowing kayaks for an unforgettable experience, allowing you to observe marine life without disrupting their habitat. Led by private guides, these one-hour nighttime coastal tours share tales of the area's history and wildlife as you paddle through the serene waters.