About Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, Texas, is one of the state’s better-known costal settlements: A large part of the city’s economy is based in sea-port revenue, tourism, and two military installations located on or near the coast. The city has a large presence in pop culture, and it has been the subject of songs, poems, films, plays, and other forms of media.

Corpus Christi is located on the on an inlet along the northwest coast of the Gulf of Mexico. This inlet is divided by State Road 35 into Nueces Bay to the northwest and Corpus Christi Bay to the southeast. The city is about 150 miles southeast of San Antonio, Texas, and 220 miles southwest of Houston, Texas. Corpus Christi is in the Central Standard Time zone and is 460 square-miles in area. On average, Corpus Christi’s hottest month is July, its coldest month is January, and its wettest month is September.

The city is located in four counties: Aransas, Kleberg, Nueces and San Patricio, and is the seat of Nueces County. The Port of Corpus Christi is a valuable harbor for the United States, and is the sixth-largest in the country. The city is home to the Corpus Christi Army Depot and the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi.

With its proximity to resorts of Padre Island to the south, as well as Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, visitors can sample a variety of water-related sports such as windsurfing, kayaking and paragliding. Sightseeing attractions include the Texas State Aquarium, the USS Lexington Museum, Southern Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center and taking a ride on the Harbor Ferry.

There are many options for accommodations. Hotels on the beach are just a stone’s throw from the water; the downtown area has plenty of lodging choices near shopping areas and other attractions; and Goose Island State Park offers camping and RV stop-off areas.

Written by Michael Maupin