Corpus Christi Hotel Guide

Corpus Christi, Texas, is known as the Premier Texas Coast Destination because it is a sparkling city that plays by sea and offers an abundance of things to do, and so much more to cast an enchanted eye upon, including such world-class attractions such as the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium.

Location is the Texas-size key to the Corpus Christi bay area and Padre Island, along the Gulf of Mexico. The Corpus Christi bay area is nestled behind barrier islands -- Padre Island and Mustang Island -- as a protected gateway to the awe-inspiring Padre Island National Seashore. The island’s spectacular beaches attract visitors in search of fun in the sun and solitary strolls along the solitary, sandy beaches. Best of all: It’s only a 20-minute drive from Corpus Christi. Padre Island National Seashore boasts over 130 miles of top-ranked beaches and has the longest stretch of undeveloped ocean beach in the United States. Padre Island is “must see” for visitors to Corpus Christi.

The summer months are peak season at this ocean attraction -- as popular with local Texans as tourists. Whether for a summer weekend getaway, or vacation destination, Corpus Christi attracts Texans just as much as Midwesterners and Canadians during winter months. Alas, the busy summer season brings reflective rates and limited accommodations due to demand. The region is a huge draw to Texans year-round, and we all know when the locals go year-round - if at all - this is a very good sign indeed. Must be sumthin’ round these here parts, ya think?

Lest you think tourists are all this area draws, there also is a thriving, bustling downtown core that attracts the convention and business traveler.

Major Corpus Christi attractions include the USS Lexington and Texas State Aquarium. Numerous golf courses and abundant shopping, added to the breathtaking beaches, water sports and world-class fishing, await your arrival.

The Corpus Christi bay area shares the same latitude as Tampa, Florida, ensuring a similar, soul soothing tropical climate. This year-round destination basks in an average temperature of 71.2 degrees F. Winter-time temperatures in the 70s and 80s are common and "Winter Texans" flock to Corpus Christi bay area during winter months. There are approximately 255 days of Corpus Christi “vacation” sunshine a year.

Corpus Christi is located approximately 130 miles from San Antonio and 200 miles from Austin on I-37 and I-35. Houston is about a 3.5-hour drive on US-77 and US-59. Corpus Christi to Mexico via Brownsville is approximately 160 miles; via Laredo about 144 miles.

Corpus Christi is served by Corpus Christi International Airport. Air carriers include American Eagle, Continental/Continental Express, ASA/The Delta Connection, and Southwest Airlines.

Bus service is provided by Greyhound Bus Lines and Valley Transit Company. In addition, the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) provides public bus service to Corpus Christi and surrounding areas, as well as special tourist services. The Corpus Christi Beach Shuttle #76 cruises around Corpus Christi Beach from the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium. Harbor Ferry, a passenger ferry, jaunts across the bay to the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium on Corpus Christi Beach.

Where you choose to stay in Corpus Christi will depend on what you wish to do. Ready for some riding, roping and wrangling? Kingsville is the city that grew up around a ranch - the famous King Ranch. Larger than the state of Rhode Island, the King Ranch is one of the largest (825,000 acres) and oldest working cattle ranches in the world. Surfing and fishing are other all-star attractions, yet the region is as popular for those looking for complete relaxation and seclusion.

Corpus Christi has 5,000 guestrooms downtown with another 3,800 in the outlying towns. The Corpus Christi region’s accommodations roster offers ideal accommodations, from first-class rooms to funky rooms in the eclectic towns a short drive from Corpus Christi proper.

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