The Best Things to do in Corpus Christi for Couples

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Corpus Christi was the setting of this year’s getaway for Gavin’s birthday. 

We usually celebrate our special occasions by traveling together. 

In the past, we’ve celebrated Gavin’s big day in Colombia, Germany, and Austria.

In 2020, travel looks a bit different so we decided to explore the coast of Texas and head to Corpus Christi.

We were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed this little getaway, and it’s only a short drive from Austin. 

We researched some fun things to do in Corpus Christi for couples and wanted to share them with you to help with your Texas travel planning.

We specialize in travel itineraries for couples. Don’t miss these guides for couples in Texas: Top Things to Do in Lubbock for Couples, Top Date Ideas in Frisco, and Drive Through Zoos in Texas. As well as these other guides for couples for around the world: Things to do in Maui for Couples and Date Ideas in Vancouver.

Horseback riding on the beach

Of all of the romantic trips we’ve taken and date night guides that we have written, can you believe we’ve never been horseback riding before?! (Well, unless you count camel riding in the Moroccan desert as horseback riding!)

We put a fix to that during this trip!

We found horseback riding in Corpus Christi right near Bob Hall Pier with Horses on the Beach Corpus Christi.

We booked an hour ride for the afternoon and we think it was the best thing to do in Corpus Christi.

You’ll start by checking in and sharing your experience level with horseback riding.

The staff will ask you if you are anxious about the ride, although we weren’t, we knew that they were giving out the calmest horses to those who admitted they were nervous, so we raised our hand to ensure we had a calm and relaxing ride.

Karen was put on Cash while Gavin was riding Tallon.

You ride in a group through the dunes to the beach, through the water, and there is even time for photo opportunities. 

You can purchase your photos in the gift shop after the ride.

Rent a Moke and drive the beach with Gulf Coast Mokes

If you want to add a little personality to your sun-filled beach day, rent a Moke from Gulf Coast Mokes! 

These super adorable open-air electric vehicles are basically the ultimate beach cruisers. With their fun colors and retro-inspired design, they’re practically begging to be photographed.

Gulf Coast Mokes offers rentals that let you explore the area in a much more exciting way than driving a traditional car. 

Cruise around town, enjoy the coastal breeze, and head out to explore the shoreline as Texas allows vehicles to drive right on the beach. It’s a fun way to turn the drive itself into part of your beach vacation experience.

We love the idea of renting one for a couples’ beach day. Pack your beach essentials and a picnic, grab your sunglasses, and enjoy a scenic drive along the coast before finding a spot to relax in the sand.

The Mokes are electric and designed for low-speed coastal cruising, with seating for up to four. Be sure to book ahead, especially during busy beach seasons, since these colorful rides are a very popular way to explore the islands.

Stay at Lively Beach

We spent three nights at Lively Beach resort during our stay in Corpus Christi.

We love that Lively Beach was set a bit off of the beaten path. This meant we were immersed with the sound of waves instead of car horns and traffic.

Lively Beach has a number of options for rentals, some of which are pet friendly!  

Lively Beach was so pet friendly we even met another pomeranian friend for Louie to play with.

Each unit offers a full kitchen so we loaded our fridge with food and drinks for the weekend.

The property offers shared spaces like multiple BBQ areas, a rooftop terrace, an outdoor propane fire pit, corn hole area, and a gorgeous heated pool.

The pool even had a swim up seated bar area.

Lively Beach is situated behind the dunes so a short walk down the dock will bring you to beach access.

Enjoy a margarita bucket with your toes in the sand

What’s a Texas beach getaway without a margarita? Even better, what’s a beach getaway without a margarita bucket?!

Sandbox Beach Bar is a new, laid-back beachfront hangout on North Padre Island where you can kick off your sandals, dig your toes into the sand, and enjoy a refreshing cocktail with coastal views. 

This open-air spot is built from shipping containers and is all about enjoying the island lifestyle, with outdoor seating, beach volleyball, pickleball, food trucks, and live music.

We love the idea of making this a casual afternoon date. Order a margarita bucket to share, settle into the beach atmosphere, and enjoy a little sunshine without having to rush off to your next activity. 

It’s the kind of place where you can easily lose track of time in the best possible way. In fact, after checking out of Lively Beach, we spent four hours there relaxing and reading a book before driving back to Austin.

Keep an eye on their event calendar for live music and special happenings, too. Whether you’re stopping by after a beach day or making an afternoon of it, Sandbox is a really fun addition to your Corpus Christi couples getaway.

See Corpus Christi from above with a Redline Helicopter tour

Are you eady to take your Corpus Christi sightseeing to new heights? Literally!

For a truly unforgettable experience, book a helicopter tour with Redline Helicopter Tours. 

Seeing the Texas coastline from above gives you an entirely different perspective of the destination, and it’s a pretty incredible way to appreciate just how beautiful this part of the Gulf Coast really is.

Redline offers several different scenic flight options, with opportunities to see Corpus Christi Bay, downtown, the coastline, the USS Lexington, and even Port Aransas. Depending on which tour you choose, you can enjoy a quick 10 minute intro flight or a longer coastal adventure.

Feeling extra adventurous, opt for a flight with the doors off of the copter, which feels like an amusement park ride!

This is such a fun couples’ activity, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion. Imagine soaring over the sparkling blue water, spotting the beaches from above, and taking in panoramic views of the shore together.

Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or simply looking for a unique way to experience Corpus Christi, a helicopter tour is sure to be a highlight of your trip.

See Corpus Christi at night with a glowing kayaking tour

If you’re looking for a unique date night in Corpus Christi, just swap dinner and a movie for a nighttime kayaking adventure! 

GlowRow offers guided tours in fully transparent kayaks outfitted with colorful LED lights that illuminate the water beneath you. It’s a pretty spectacular way to see the coastline after dark.

The clear kayaks let you peek into the water as you paddle, while the glowing paddles and colorful lighting make the whole experience feel like you’re floating through a party. 

You might even spot some marine life along the way, we saw fish, shrimp, and even a sting ray! At night time the fish even jump near your boat, they’ve been known to even jump right into the kayak!

One of the routes takes you through the Corpus Christi marina, it’s a fun way to experience a different side of the city and an especially memorable activity to do as a couple.

Tours are guided, and reservations are recommended in advance. Bring clothes you don’t mind getting wet, and get ready for a glowing good time!

Stroll through the Art Museum of South Texas and have a waterfront meal at Elizabeth’s

For a date that combines a little culture with a delicious meal, spend some time together exploring the Art Museum of South Texas before enjoying lunch at Elizabeth’s at the Art Museum.

The Art Museum of South Texas is a beautiful waterfront attraction featuring a variety of art exhibitions and collections. 

Even the building itself is worth admiring, with its distinctive architectural design and beautiful setting overlooking Corpus Christi Bay.

Take your time wandering through the galleries, appreciating the artwork, and enjoying a slower-paced afternoon together. It’s a nice way to mix things up if you’ve been spending most of your vacation outdoors on the beach.

Once you’ve had your fill of art, make your way to Elizabeth’s, which is located right inside the museum. This restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and cocktails in a charming setting with beautiful harbor views.

Start with an authentic turkish coffee, then enjoy dishes like ahi tuna crudo, bacon wrapped stuffed dates, and calabrian chili shrimp.

We love the idea of pairing a museum visit with a leisurely waterfront lunch. It’s a little more sophisticated than your typical beach vacation afternoon, but still relaxed enough to fit right into a couples’ getaway.

Take a E-boat around the marina

Want to get out on the ocean water without having to worry about operating a big boat? Coastal Bend Cruisers makes exploring the Corpus Christi Marina easy with their electric boat rentals.

These easy-to-operate E-boats are a fun way to enjoy the waterfront at your own pace, and you can even bring snacks and drinks for a floating picnic. 

Instead of booking a traditional boat tour with a captain and a set itinerary, you get to be the captain of your own little adventure! 

Cruise around the marina, pass by the Selena memorial, take in the surrounding waterfront scenery, and enjoy some quality time together out on the water.

The boats are quite spacious and accommodate up to eight passengers, making this a great option for couples who want a little extra room or friends traveling together. Rentals are available by the hour and operate from sunrise to sunset.

It’s a particularly fun way to see downtown Corpus Christi from the water while enjoying the sunshine and warm, coastal breeze. 

Visit the South Texas Botanical Gardens 

Stroll along the blooms! The South Texas Botanical Gardens are acres of property that were filled with flowers, walking paths, a rose garden and even a butterfly house.

Leashed dogs are allowed if they are well behaved so we brought our puppy, Louie aka @pomwithapassport.

He had a total blast exploring!

While this is more of a rustic botanical garden compared to others, it’s a nice place to wander. 

We enjoyed the orchid room as well as feeding the exotic parrots and macaws on property.

Pick up a bag of pistachios to feed the birds in the gift shop for $2.

One of the birds might even start talking to you if you sneak him a treat!

Enjoy authentic Peruvian cuisine at Costa Sur

One of our favorite memories is traveling to Peru (it’s actually where we got engaged!) and Costa Sur transported us back during our trip to Corpus Christi.

Costa Sur Wok & Ceviche Bar brings authentic Peruvian flavors to the Texas coast. 

The restaurant combines traditional Peruvian cooking with modern influences, offering a menu that showcases fresh seafood, bold flavors, and plenty of delicious dishes inspired by the flavors of Peru.

If you’re unfamiliar with Peruvian cuisine, this is a fantastic opportunity to try something new. Start with ceviche, a classic Peruvian dish featuring fresh seafood prepared with citrus and flavorful seasonings. 

For an entree, consider the chaufa, which is essentially the best fried rice you’ll ever savor. 

The menu also features dishes like coconut shrimp curry and steaks.

Costa Sur is a wonderful change of pace from the typical beachside seafood restaurants you’ll find throughout the area, but it still features fresh local seafood. 

It’s a great spot to enjoy a memorable dinner together and experience something a little different during your Corpus Christi getaway.

Take a romantic walk on the beach

“Enjoying long walks on the beach” isn’t just a cheesy dating profile tagline, it’s truly a fantastic thing to do as a couple.

We’ve been to other Texas beaches and their sand was grainy and filled with sharp mini shells.

Corpus Christi beaches totally exceeded our expectations, and their sand was soft like powdered sugar!  

It may have been the weekend, but compared to other Texas beaches it was a lot less packed than what we’ve experienced elsewhere which was nice.  

Looking for a romantic addition to do after a sunset walk?  

You can start a beach campfire pretty easily by picking up some wood, a fire starter, and a lighter at the gas station 5 minutes from Lively Beach.  

The gas station also has all the supplies you could need to make s’mores if you are in the mood for a sweet treat.  

We loved our beach campfire so much, we stayed until the tide came up and started putting it out.  

Enjoy a Corpus Christi waterfront sunset cocktail

While we cooked inside our condo at Lively Beach most of the time, we did venture out for a waterfront libation.

Doc’s Seafood Restaurant is nestled less than 10 minutes away from Lively Beach.

We arrived in time for a fantastic sunset followed by live music! 

We tried the cajun fries, which were seasoned fries covered in crawfish, cheese and bacon as well as the seafood platter. 

We definitely recommend the fried shrimp – it was our favorite part of the platter!

Take photos outside the gift shop sculptures

A bonus activity!

While this isn’t quite romantic, we had a blast taking photos at some of the big sculptures outside the gift shops.

Corpus Christi’s sandcastle sculpture is gigantic and will definitely catch your eye. 

Swing by Ocean Treasures Souvenir Shop to get a photo outside of this iconic sandcastle building.

For a fun thing to do in Corpus Christi, head to Third Coast Beach Company to take some wacky photos near their massive shark entrance.

If you live in Texas and are in need of a relaxing beach getaway within driving distance we could not recommend Corpus Christie more.  

We’ve been to a few Texas beaches, and this is easily our favorite beach weekend we’ve ever had.  

From the soft sand to Lively Beach’s relaxed vibe we cannot wait to come back for another romantic getaway to Corpus Christi.

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