Corpus Christi OR South Padre Island

[el borracho]

Looking for recommendations on a trip to southern Texas in the spring. No, I am not going on "spring break" so I am not looking for juvenile hangouts.

I am interested in a walkable beach vacation. Would like to walk to the beach; walk to restaurants; walk to shopping/ nightlife/ other attractions if there are any.

Looks like Corpus Christi has an aquarium and the USS Lexington.

Looks like South Padre Island has Sea Turtle, Inc and easy access to Mexico.

Anyone been to both and can make a general comparison? Are the beaches markedly better in one over the other? Anyone have any specific recommendations for hotel or restaurant or other?

[GeorgeZimZam]

While we lived in Austin, we escaped from the pandemic a few times to the Corpus Christi area (Rockport, specifically—an easy 3-hour drive away). Later, we relocated to smack-dab in the middle of South Padre Island and Starbase. (Technically, the two are right next to one another and separated by the sea. However, the drive from one to the other is about an hour, thanks to the Brownsville shipping canal.) We've since visited Corpus Christi once. I'd describe these as getaway destinations for people already in the general vicinity, but not really ideal as a far-flung vacation.

As others mentioned, there are spots clustered around Corpus Christi such as Port Aransas and Rockport. Our visits to Rockport were just to get the hell away. While Rockport's beach is pretty modest, it was great during COVID for being mostly empty. It also has palapas. We enjoyed some fishing and decent seafood. On one stay we rented an AirBNB right on the water. Watched Chiefs-Ravens MNF game, enjoying dinner with the sunset over the sea horizon, and did some dock fishing.

We visited Corpus Christi a couple summer's back to get away from the RGV. We took in a Corpus Christi Hooks game at Whataburger Field, and also visited the USS Lexington. We'll probably return later and check out the aquarium.

South Padre Island has more beachfront and tourists. Our favorite restaurant there for special occasions is F&B.

I wouldn't suggest visiting the Mexican side of the border from this entry point--unless you are that desperate to enjoy a Chiefs burger at Carl's Jr in Matamoros (and don't mind paying with your life).

Starbase is worth visiting. It is located along Texas Highway 4, with the Starship launch pad situated along the end of the highway at Boca Chica Beach. Obviously the premises are restricted, but there is plenty to observe from the public roads. My favorite restricted amenities are Astropub (private restaurant), Tiki (private bar), Taqueria (tacos and rooftop cocktail bar with views of the sea and launchpad), and hovercraft. The hovercraft reduces the trip from Starbase to SPI to just 20 minutes. You can drive along a few public stretches off the highway, even within Boca Chica/Starbase Village. If your timing is lucky, you'll get to see a fully stacked Starship at the launchpad. If your timing is opportune, you'll get to see it launch. But if your timing is perfect, you'll get to see it return.

Spoiler!

Originally Posted by GeorgeZimZam

[wazu]

Went to Corpus Christi as a kid for a family vacation. Only thing I remember was thinking the beach we were at was incredibly lame. I think it might have been a little too cold at the time to want to get in the water, though.

[tx4chiefs]

Padre is better for walking. Corpus, has more to do. Definitely do not go to Mexico. Border towns are no longer safe.

[wheeler08]

We've been going to SW FL for almost 10 years for the week between Christmas and new year. We've decided we want to start branching out to new places now that the kids are open to flying now. South Padre Island is on our short list of places to try. For no specific reason lol

[Bump]

I wasn't very impressed with South Padre when I went there, it was for spring break while I was in college though.

[ptlyon]

$100 I can name someone in this thread that has been to South Padre island during spring break and didn't get laid

[Bump]

ya that's not the reason buddy

[BWillie]

I'm not sure but I ****ed my only Asian against the side of Club La Vela in Panama City Beach in 2007.

[Bob Dole]

As an adult, I enjoyed Corpus.

[RedRaider56]

Depends on what you are wanting to do.
When our kids were younger we went to Corpus for the touristy access. Stayed in Port Aransas and hung out there most of the time. Went to the aquarium and the USS Lexington.
SPI is more of a laid back beach vacation. Not a whole lot going on. A few restaurants and bars but not much else.

[Bob Dole]

As poor people, my wife and I camped on North Padre Island for our honeymoon in January 1987, and it was nice.

[Titty Meat]

Originally Posted by ptlyon

$100 I can name someone in this thread that has been to South Padre island during spring break and didn't get laid

We should baby bird his nut