Corpus Christi OR South Padre Island

[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