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2017 Corpus Christi Bucket List, Summer Edition

2017 Corpus Christi Bucket List Summer

Temperatures are rising and it’s time to make your list of the top things to do this summer in Corpus Christi, Texas! Fortunately, we’ve compiled a comprehensive Summer Bucket List that has something for everyone, including both indoor and outdoor summer fun activities.

2017 Corpus Christi Bucket List, Summer Edition

Corpus is known for its fantastic museums and bird watching opportunities—and, of course, its beautiful beaches and all that comes along with Gulf Coast culture. But this town also has plenty of indoor culture, and you don’t have to be into fishing, boating or even swimming to enjoy every bit of your summer in Corpus Christi. 

Fun for the Whole Family

Take the whole family for a museum day outing and hit the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History and the Texas Surf Museum. You can also head to the North Beach area to visit the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington, a WWII-vintage aircraft carrier turned museum. Of course, these spots aren’t just for children or families, or for tourists; they’re packed with fascinating sights and information for everyone, residents included.

Sports fan families will love taking in a minor-league game at Whataburger Field. You and your loved ones can enjoy lemonade, ice cream, funnel cakes and more as you watch The Corpus Christi Hooks, the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Houston Astros, playing ball out on the field. There’s also a Driscoll Children’s Hospital Fun Zone for kids as well as a climbing wall, trampoline and many more opportunities for entertainment.

Watch the Sunrise (and The Birds)

For early risers, watching the sun rise over the Gulf of Mexico is a spectacular sight that’s not to be missed. Bob Hall Pier is one great spot for watching, with its ample parking and picnic tables, but Corpus is home to plenty of gorgeous beaches that offer prime sunrise-watching spots. Check out South Packery Beach where you can drive right onto the sand if you wish (with a parking permit), Padre Island National Seashore (also known as PINS, which is part of the world’s longest undeveloped barrier island), or McGee Beach or North Beach (both open 24 hours, with free parking nearby). Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge by doing a series of tasks, including picking up trash along the beach (pictured above).

If you’re into watching birds and other wildlife, check out Blucher Park in downtown Corpus, a four-acre park that is home to several dozen species. Birders are also sure to be delighted by Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge, which features many varieties of shorebirds along with butterflies and other wildlife. Other great spots include Hazel Bazemore County Park, home to several species of hawks and featuring a hawk watch pavilion, and the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, which hosts over 140 species of breeding birds in the summertime.

Choose Adventure

For adrenaline junkies, parasailing and windsurfing are two pulse-pounding options for water fun; check out companies like Worldwinds Windsurfing and Chute ‘Em Up Parasail for lessons and rentals. Love speed, water and wind in your hair, but not quite in the adrenaline junkie category? Jet skis and kayak rentals are two other great options for revving your internal engine, and Corpus Christi Bay is just the place for these activities. Fun Time Rentals, Wind and Wave Water Sports and other companies can help you with rentals and more.

Remember the Music

The Selena Museum was built to honor the life and achievements of famed, still much-beloved singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, who was considered the Queen of Tejano Music before her tragic death in Corpus Christi in 1995.

Just a few miles away, closer to downtown, the Galvan Ballroom is also worth a stop. Once known as the best place to go for big-band, swing and jazz performances, this elegant venue has a historical designation and is now home to the Galvan Music Company, and still hosts occasional live music shows.

Corpus is also home to the South Texas Music Walk of Fame, which happens on the first Friday of every June as part of the WaterStreet Market Music and Art Fest (2017’s Music Walk of Fame date will be Friday, June 2). Artists are nominated at Surf Club Records throughout the year before six are chosen to be honored with stars during the Music Walk of Fame. Past honorees have included Freddy Fender, Kris Kristofferson, Flaco Jiménez and, of course, Selena.

Build a Campfire on the Beach

Is there anything better in the summer than a campfire on the beach? Okay, maybe it’s a little warm during the day for a fire, but nighttime is perfect for cooking up some smores as you take in the twinkly starlight and waves breaking in the darkness. Corpus residents and visitors are lucky: Beach campfires are legal along most Nueces County beaches, as long as you’re following safety rules. Here’s a summary of the regulations:

  • Fires are to be kept small—no larger than three feet in diameter or height—and built far away from vehicles, buildings and dunes.
  • Use actual campfire wood (not scrap wood that may contain nails or other beach hazards).
  • Fires are to be built in a designated barbecue pit or “beach pit” (a hole dug in the sand on the beach).

Fires should never be left unattended and must be completely smothered—including the embers—when you’re ready to leave. To put out a beach campfire safely, first, douse the flames with water and then shovel sand over the embers.

For ABC, Corpus Christi is Home

With so many ways to enjoy the summer months in beautiful Corpus Christi, homeowners may find that home maintenance gets put on the back burner which is where ABC Home & Commercial Services comes in. Whether it’s pest control, repairs to your air conditioner, keeping your grass looking green and tidy or landscaping, ABC is here to help you better enjoy your home and your summer.

Les Stobart

Les joined ABC in 2008 as the Director of Marketing, overseeing marketing, advertising, and communications for ABC’s branches. Les started the Lean Line, Online Chat departments, and manages corporate recruiting. He has a Bachelor of Science in Communications & Advertising from Lamart University. He has been part of the Texas Banking Association, a Financial Literacy Volunteer Teacher, ABC Kite Fest Board of Directors, a Town & Country Youth Soccer Coach, and a Neighborhood Sports flag football coach.

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