Spring break 2024: Your guide to fun things to do in Corpus Christi during your vacation

John Oliva, Corpus Christi Caller Times
·5 min read
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If you've enjoyed your spring break in Corpus Christi before, you know that the weather is always a little iffy during the weeklong vacation.

One weekend might be cold and rainy while the other is sunny and warm.

So, if you're visiting the Sparkling City by the Sea for your vacay, or are a local and want to switch up your spring break, check out these fun things to do with your friends and family during your coastal vacation.

'Anything for Selenas'

When you think of Corpus Christi, it is impossible to not visualize the Queen of Tejano Selena.

What better way to show your love to the her than be visiting landmarks around the city?

New color-changing lighting installed at the miradors along Corpus Christi’s seawall illuminate the structures with peach, purple, green and blue hues.
New color-changing lighting installed at the miradors along Corpus Christi’s seawall illuminate the structures with peach, purple, green and blue hues.

Grab a selfie at the Mirador de la Flor in downtown Corpus Christi, leave roses at her gravesite at Seaside Funeral Home and Memorial Park on Ocean Drive, check out classic memorabilia of hers at the Selena Museum and end enjoy a meal at Hi-Ho Restaurant on Morgan Avenue ― a local eatery Selena used to frequent back in the day.

Barhop in downtown Corpus Christi

For those 21 years and older, be sure to check out the nightlife scene in downtown Corpus Christi and enjoy drink specials while barhopping.

Cecilia Cruz, right, watches Robert Earl Keen make his way through fans toward the stage at the Executive Surf Club in Corpus Christi, Texas on Thursday, August 4, 2022. The downtown eatery renamed its stage to honor the Houston-born Americana musician.
Cecilia Cruz, right, watches Robert Earl Keen make his way through fans toward the stage at the Executive Surf Club in Corpus Christi, Texas on Thursday, August 4, 2022. The downtown eatery renamed its stage to honor the Houston-born Americana musician.

There are plenty of bars and taprooms you and your friends can visit in the area, including BUS, Rockit's Whiskey Bar and Saloon, The Point of Corpus Christi, Rebel Toad Brewing Co. and Executive Surf Club.

Catch some wind

Ever gone kite surfing? Now's the time.

Check out kiteboardacademy.com to sign up for your first lesson and be taught by experts in the windy activity.

A bird perches on a rail at Water's Edge Park while Jeff Chilcoat, of Corpus Christi, kite surfs in the marina on Friday, June 30, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Chilcoat said he's been surfing in the marina for about 20 years.
A bird perches on a rail at Water's Edge Park while Jeff Chilcoat, of Corpus Christi, kite surfs in the marina on Friday, June 30, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Chilcoat said he's been surfing in the marina for about 20 years.

There are four different courses ranging from beginner to expert and range from $215 to $1,150. Sign up before the end of March and get 10% off.

Dive into the Texas State Aquarium

Visit the Texas State Aquarium to touch stingrays, be underwater with sharks, learn about marine rehabilitation and more.

A sea turtle swims around its take during the grand opening of the Wildlife Rescue Center at the Texas State Aquarium on March 2, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
A sea turtle swims around its take during the grand opening of the Wildlife Rescue Center at the Texas State Aquarium on March 2, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

There is something there for all family members, including the H-E-B Splash Park for visitors of all ages.

After watching a dolphin show or learning about flamingos, be sure to visit the Center for Wildlife Rescue and watch and learn about the work being done to rescue, rehabilitate and release injured wildlife.

Go to the movies

Want to wind down after being outdoors? Head to one of the six movie theaters in the Coastal Bend area.

Check out the newest releases, including "Dune: Part Two," "Kung Fu Panda 4" and "Imaginary." Next week, be sure to watch "Love Lies Bleeding" and "Arthur the King."

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Timothee Chalamet in a scene from "Dune: Part Two." (Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures via AP) ORG XMIT: NYET195
This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Timothee Chalamet in a scene from "Dune: Part Two." (Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures via AP) ORG XMIT: NYET195

If you're looking for special screenings, be sure to check out Alamo Drafthouse and Century 16. Some of Alamo's special screenings include "The Little Rascals," "Pulp Fiction" and "Twilight: New Moon." Some screenings Century 16 will be playing include "Mad Max," "Mad Max: The Road Warrior" and "Mad Max: Fury Road."

Head to the sea

Chances are if you're visiting Corpus Christi, you will be hitting up the beach. We don't blame you!

More: Ready to hit the beach? Here's a guide to 11 sandy spots in the Coastal Bend area

Hundreds of people gather on the beach near mile marker 32 for spring break on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, in Port Aransas, Texas.
Hundreds of people gather on the beach near mile marker 32 for spring break on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, in Port Aransas, Texas.

Keep in mind these guidelines though while at our sandy shores:

  • No glass containers allowed on the beach.

  • As long as you are of legal drinking age, alcohol consumption is allowed.

  • The speed limit on the beach is 15 mph and all traffic laws apply, including driving while intoxicated.

  • To park on the beach, you must have a parking permit.

  • Dogs are not allowed on the beach from Access Road 3 to Zahn Road on the north side of the Packery Channel.

  • Wood pallets cannot be used to build a fire, and fire pits must be no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet.

Jam out at concerts

Be sure to check out local venues for some fun shows.

American Bank Center will have the iLuminate Tour Monday, March 11; the Corpus Christi Spring Break on the Bay show with NLE Choppa and more Friday, March 15; and standup comedian Chris D'Elia Saturday, March 16.

Brewster Street will have a country artist Kolby Cooper Friday, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band Saturday, country band Pecos & The Rooftops, the venue's Spring Break 2024 event Friday, March 15 and rock band Toadies Saturday, March 16.

Crowd members sing along to rapper Gorilla Zoe at the Welcome to Tha Carter Tour at American Bank Center Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
Crowd members sing along to rapper Gorilla Zoe at the Welcome to Tha Carter Tour at American Bank Center Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.

Concrete Street Amphitheater will have its annual Spring Break on the Coast featuring country acts Midland and Megan Moroney Saturday.

House of Rock will have a free show from local group The Chainlinks Friday, a Rock and Roll Flea Market Saturday and a Harry Styles dance party Friday, March 15.

Learn more at local museums

There are plenty of museums to check out in Corpus Christi, including the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, Museum of Science and History, Art Museum of South Texas and the Instituto de Cultura Hispánica de Corpus Christi.

Museum Live actor Allison Major provides the experience of getting a 1910s train ticket to a family at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History on Aug. 13, 2022, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Museum Live actor Allison Major provides the experience of getting a 1910s train ticket to a family at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History on Aug. 13, 2022, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Learn more about World War II at the Lexington, dive into the history of Corpus Christi at the Museum of Science and History, appreciate local artwork at the Art Museum and discover artifacts from different Hispanic countries.

Satisfy your hunger

There are plenty of local restaurants to grab a bite to eat during your time here in Corpus Christi.

The Slider, with an add-on of macaroni and cheese and boom boom sauce, is held by employee Selina López at Hot Chicken Run Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024.
The Slider, with an add-on of macaroni and cheese and boom boom sauce, is held by employee Selina López at Hot Chicken Run Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024.

Check out some of our roundups of restaurants in the area by visiting bit.ly/foodincc. The link includes Italian restaurants, where to find the best chicken sandwich, cookie spots and more.

Support local businesses

If you're looking for vintage wear, local artwork, collectibles or modern accessories, there are plenty of local businesses to shop at in Corpus Christi.

Video games are on display at the new location of Tronix Repair & Games Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024.
Video games are on display at the new location of Tronix Repair & Games Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024.

Check out K Space Contemporary in downtown Corpus Christi for artwork created by local artists, swing by 20/20 Vintage a few blocks down and find an ageless outfit, go by Tronix Repair & Games on South Padre Island Drive to grab a classic video game and then head to Threads on Everhart Road to find some recycled clothing and accessories.

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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or Twitter @johnpoliva.

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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Your guide to fun things to do in Corpus Christi during spring break