Before summer and rising hotel prices, we made our annual road trip to Corpus Christi to meet family and catch a minor league baseball game.
Whataburger Field is home to the Corpus Christi Hooks, a Double-A minor league affiliate of the Houston Astros. We love Whataburger Field because not only can we watch a game while enjoying the fresh ocean breeze, but we also get to see ships heading out to the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Last year, the old Harbor Bridge still mesmerized the crowd with its iconic arched metal structure and lights. We were there a few days before its demolition. It was hard to realize it would soon be no more. From an early age, when visiting Corpus Christi with my parents, I have fond memories of how scared I was, even last year, to drive over its steep, high-arched highway. For decades, the now-gone bridge was the city’s iconic image. With that memory in mind, the landscape has noticeably changed, but in a great way. Things cannot always stay the same, and this new bridge will bring progress to Corpus Christi.
Today, as we enjoy the stadium, the new Harbor Bridge is still visible from the stands. It delivers an amazing view of the tallest point in South Texas and the longest cable-stayed bridge in the United States. At night, the LED blue lighting comes to life, and one can see pedestrians way up high on the bridge’s path. A place I do not plan to walk to, due to my uncontrollable acrophobia. The triangular shape resembles the sailboats one might see in Corpus Christi and serves as a friendly, welcoming site for this historic harbor city on the Gulf of Mexico. This blend of new and old creates the unique atmosphere we love.
The best thing ever is enjoying the game with my grandkids and watching them cheer and pay attention to pitching and base running. I am so proud!
Like I write in my story about Memphis, Corpus (as it is mostly called in South Texas) has a vibe shaped by both its history and its current attractions. Tejano singer Selena is forever present on Shoreline Boulevard. Her bronze statue is popular with visitors and locals. On weekends, people parade on the popular pedal lounges singing Selena’s most popular tunes, adding to the city’s fun vibe.
My favorite, Cole Park on the bayside, continues to expand. A family-friendly park with a large playground that my grandkids love, and a great hiking trail that I enjoy. There is an amphitheater that comes alive in the summer with the Bay Jammin’ Concerts and a Cinema Series. The pier is what I love the most. It is nostalgic. Dating back to the mid-1930s, the pier was originally made of wood. Like many Gulf towns, it suffered hurricane damage. In 2021, the city held a rededication after a $7.5 million reconstruction. The new pier features precast concrete, shade canopies, fish-cleaning stations, and great lighting. From the pier, one can take great photos of the city’s skyline.
On this occasion, we booked a comfortable 2-bedroom apartment on VRBO, within walking distance to Shoreline Boulevard. VRBO, owned by the Expedia Group, is my favorite vacation rental portal, and I highly recommend it. I was a premier host for a few years and learned to appreciate their attention to detail and professional hosting practices. They manage very unique properties that make vacations even more enjoyable.
I cannot visit Corpus, only a two-hour drive from our home in the Rio Grande Valley, without antiquing. The Red Crow Antique Mall and neighboring antique shops are well-stocked with cherished collectibles, art, and glassware. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. This time around, we dined at Ol’ Steakhouse Co. in the antique mall strip. It was a great decision.
Another must-stop is the Half Price Books store because of its coffee shop and well-stocked arts section.
When traveling with kids, the beach is a must, so we headed to North Padre Island. The water was choppy but surprisingly warm, and we had a blast. My husband, who dislikes the sun, relaxed at a nearby palapa bar at the Wyndham hotel. Everyone was happy!
One place I would like to recommend is a Corpus staple: Brewster Street Ice House, across from Whataburger Field. There are two locations in Corpus and a newly opened location in North Padre Island. I have not been to the one in NPI, but the other two are ideal and fun for the whole family.
Since there’s a Whataburger inside Whataburger Field, we skipped our Brewster tailgate and tried the stadium meal. The menu isn’t the same, prices are higher, and there are no combo options. I recommend Brewster’s before or after games.
For the true Whataburger experience, head to the two-story Whataburger on Shoreline Boulevard. From the second-floor balcony, one can view the bay and marina while enjoying the popular Whataburger.
For folks living in the Rio Grande Valley, Corpus is a great weekend escape. Hotels and vacation rentals tend to be in high demand between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, so rates are at their highest. In the summer, if you can travel mid-week, you can save some money. The best time for us to visit is in the fall or winter, when the weather is much cooler, the humidity is lower, and the hotel rates are also lower.
For hotel stays, I recommend only those I have stayed at: the OMNI and the Holiday Inn Express Beachfront by IHG. But the choices are plenty. For RVers, we love the former KOA, now named Firefly Resort RV Park.
There is a lot more to do in Corpus that I did not mention in this article. It is always a great vacation option. To see a photo of the old Harbor Bridge from Whataburger Field and read about other fun minor baseball league stadiums, click here.
For another story with different activities in Corpus, please read here.
Comment or email me if you have any questions. I love helping people find travel options.
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