Visiting Corpus Christi during spring break? Here are 11 things to do.

John Oliva, Corpus Christi Caller Times
·5 min read

Visiting the Coastal Bend this spring break?

The Caller-Times compiled some fun things to do with your friends and family during your coastal vacation.

Celebrate all things Selena

Born in Lake Jackson, Selena grew up in Corpus Christi and the city continues to honor her long after her passing.

The Selena Memorial Statue at 600 N. Shoreline Blvd.
The Selena Memorial Statue at 600 N. Shoreline Blvd.

Be sure to visit the Mirador de la Flor in downtown Corpus Christi and take a selfie with the life-size bronze statue of the Queen of Tejano. Afterward, pay respects at her gravesite at Seaside Funeral Home and Memorial Park on Ocean Drive.

Stop by the Selena Museum, which features the last microphone the singer sang with and other classic memorabilia. Don't forget to grab a bite to eat at Hi-Ho Restaurant; Selena used to eat there back in the day.

Discover sealife

The Texas State Aquarium has been the home to dolphins, otters, sea turtles, fish and other aquatic life since 1990.

Sylvia Rodriguez and grandson Liam Ryan Kassner look at an exhibit on Aug. 13, 2022, at the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Sylvia Rodriguez and grandson Liam Ryan Kassner look at an exhibit on Aug. 13, 2022, at the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Through its exhibits, shows and education programs, the aquarium uses its profits to help rehabilitate injured animals with its Wildlife Rescue Program and other immersive projects.

Feeling adventurous? Check out one of the aquarium's exclusive exhibits — snorkeling with a shark.

Drink responsibly

Spring break is a great time to hit the bars, but make sure you're drinking responsibly and have a designated driver or plan on using a ride-hailing service.

Abracahopra IPA and Bionic Blonde are Rebel Toad Brewing Company's most popular beers.
Abracahopra IPA and Bionic Blonde are Rebel Toad Brewing Company's most popular beers.

Downtown Corpus Christi has plenty of bars and taprooms you and your friends can visit, including BUS, Rockit's Whiskey Bar and Saloon, The Point of Corpus Christi, Rebel Toad Brewing Co. and Executive Surf Club.

Want to go out drinking and sing karaoke? Check out Sing Bar on the city's Southside or The Loft at the Hidden Door.

Explore museums

Soak up some history and art by checking out one of the many museums in Corpus Christi.

People look at the fight deck from the bridge of the USS Lexington Museum on Aug. 13, 2022, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
People look at the fight deck from the bridge of the USS Lexington Museum on Aug. 13, 2022, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Visit the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay to learn about the World War II aircraft carrier and team up with your friends and family in one of the museum's three escape rooms.

Stop by the Art Museum of South Texas Thursday, March 16, for its monthly Third Thursday. The museum will host local vendors, live music and one-of-a-kind activities.

Grab a bite to eat

Not sure what to eat when visiting the Sparkling City by the Sea? Check out some of our roundups of restaurants in the area by visiting bit.ly/foodincc.

The Bacon Cheddar is House of Burgers & Wings' signature hamburger. It contains bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles.
The Bacon Cheddar is House of Burgers & Wings' signature hamburger. It contains bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles.

Hit the beach

Corpus Christi is known for its beaches, so expect every one to be packed with tourists and locals.

A surfer watches the sunrise from JP Luby Beach in Corpus Christi on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022.
A surfer watches the sunrise from JP Luby Beach in Corpus Christi on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022.

Keep in mind these guidelines:

  • No glass containers allowed on the beach.

  • As long as you are of legal drinking age, alcohol consumption is allowed.

  • The speed limit on the beach is 15 mph and all traffic laws apply, including driving while intoxicated.

  • To park on the beach, you must have a parking permit.

  • Dogs are not allowed on the beach from Access Road 3 to Zahn Road on the north side of the Packery Channel.

  • Wood pallets cannot be used to build a fire, and fire pits must be no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet.

Beaches in the Coastal Bend area:Here's a guide to 11 sandy spots

Keep it reel

Want to avoid the party animals at the beach? (We don't blame you.)

People fish on the south Packery Channel jetty on Nov. 29, 2022 in Corpus Christi, Texas.
People fish on the south Packery Channel jetty on Nov. 29, 2022 in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Check out Fish Pass Jetty, near Mustang Island State Park, or the new Cole Park Pier to get a moment of serenity while fishing.

Fishing hot spots:Check out this list of some of the best fishing spots in Corpus Christi, Port Aransas and Rockport

Lose yourself in the music

Brewster Street Icehouse Downtown will hold several concerts starting Friday through Saturday, March 18, including "Red: A Taylor Swift Tribute" on Friday and Jason Boland & The Stragglers Friday, March 17. Tickets can be purchased at brewsterstreet.net.

At House of Rock, you can sign up for Open Mic Night Tuesday, March 14. Otherwise, check out local artists Moniq and Animal Mood on Thursday, March 16, or Grammy-nominated local artist El Dusty on Saturday, March 18. Tickets can be purchased at texashouseofrock.com.

Make a permanent memory

Want to remember spring break 2023 forever?

Michael Casarez tattoos Steve Lopez at Axis Tattoo on Oct. 19, 2021, in Corpus Christi. Lopez estimates Tuesday's two-hour session was the fifth since Casarez began the tattoo three months ago.
Michael Casarez tattoos Steve Lopez at Axis Tattoo on Oct. 19, 2021, in Corpus Christi. Lopez estimates Tuesday's two-hour session was the fifth since Casarez began the tattoo three months ago.

Hit up one of the many tattoo shops in Corpus Christi and get a palm tree, the Harbor Bridge, a seagull, Selena or the Whataburger logo tatted on you. Remember to tip your tattoo artist!

Under your skin:Here's a guide to some of the best tattoo shops in Corpus Christi

Shop local

There are plenty of local businesses to find something for everyone in Corpus Christi.

Monarch Boutique is a new business at 6202 Yorktown Blvd. The retail store offers women's clothing and accessories.
Monarch Boutique is a new business at 6202 Yorktown Blvd. The retail store offers women's clothing and accessories.

Visit VNP Gallery in downtown Corpus Christi to cop a vintage T-shirt or head to Monarch Boutique in the city's Southside to find the perfect accessories for your new outfit.

Not looking for clothes? There are plenty of antique shops, including The Twisted Rose, and collectible stores like Cotten's Collectibles.

Visit a wonderland of nature

From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday, March 19, the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center will be open to let attendees tour gardens, trails, wetlands and join animal ambassador activities designed for children and families.

Tequila, a 30-year-old blue and gold macaw, is one of the few parrots at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center.
Tequila, a 30-year-old blue and gold macaw, is one of the few parrots at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center.

The gardens offers free parking, a play area for kids and attractions including a private session with two parrots or two reptiles.

For more information, visit stxbot.org.

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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or Twitter @johnpoliva.

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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Spring break 2023: Here's what to do in Corpus Christi