Oliver & Natalie
Local Attractions
Whitecap Beach
South Texas beaches are unlike any other, and this is no exception. Visitors to Whitecap park and set up their camp right by the shoreline. Take note northerners: you’ll need extra sunscreen.
North Padre Island National Seashore
Where Whitecap Beach is the beach on your doorstep, “The Island” is wild, beautiful and remote, despite being a 15 minute drive from downtown CC. The shops and restaurants on the island are colorful and fun, and easily worth making the trip for.
Whataburger By The Bay
An iconic Texas hamburger chain, this is the original location, boasting shoreline views and a second-floor patio. Whataburger is essential for O&N, who recommend their burgers, milkshakes, and the legendary honey butter chicken biscuit.
Crawdaddy's
Longtime option for Cajun seafood including boils & raw bar in a down-home setting. Ask for beer.
Costa Sur Ceviche Bar
A creative, seafood-focused Peruvian menu & cocktails are offered in a bustling, contemporary space. The ceviche is highly recommended.
Water Street Oyster Bar
South Texas specializes in two kinds of food: Mexican Cuisine and Coastal Seafood. This is your one stop shop for the latter. Oysters, Redfish and shrimp are mainstays of the menu, as well as their decadent gouda mac and cheese. Fun Fact: Natalie can comfortably eat 24 oysters in one sitting.
Executive Surf Club
This is Corpus Christi's ultimate happy hour spot, offering live music almost daily and boasting the most beer on tap in the city.
Republic of Texas Bar & Grill
Located on the top floor of the Omni hotel, this steakhouse has the best views in Corpus Christi, hands-down. This is as fine as the dining gets down here, so don't leave town without checking it out.
The Gold Fish
Located downtown, this 1930’s gas station is now a welcoming outdoor bar serving up local craft beer and cocktails. Think beach-y thoughts and order margaritas and sangria. It also claims to have the best old fashioned in the city.
BUS
Another trendy downtown cocktail spot, with food trucks and lawn games. Worth a stop on any bar-hopping escapade.
Harrison's Landing
Waterfront spot with indoor-outdoor seating offering American comfort foods & a floating bar.
Angry Marlin Restaurant & Cool Water Bar
The Angry Marlin is a colorful and enjoyable spot on the island. Their happy hour is lengthy, lasting from 4pm to 7pm every Tuesday through Saturday. Their patio is spacious, and their menu has something for everyone.
Island Joes Coffee and Gallery
When you get to Padre Island ready for a beach day, and realize you forgot to grab coffee in the mainland, Island Joe's is here for you. Worth checking out by coffee snobs and architects alike - If the colorfully repurposed shipping containers don't get your heart racing, the cold brew on tap definitely will.
Lucy's Snackbar
The best coffee/espresso spot downtown - açaí bowls and granola at this downtown cafe will not disappoint.
Texas State Aquarium
Everything's big in Texas, and the State Aquarium is no exception. Highlights of this attraction include a two-level dolphin show, as well as an in-depth permanent exhibit showcasing the Caribbean and Coral Reefs.
USS Lexington
National Historic Landmark located on North Beach. Visitors can tour the longest serving Essex Class aircraft carrier of World War II. The 16-deck "Blue Ghost" displays military artifacts and more than 20 aircraft. Ben Affleck fans rejoice - it was here that they shot the cinematic masterpiece Pearl Harbor.
Gates Donut Shop
F-owned bakery established by Jack Gates in 1939. Their donuts are excellent, but visitors to Texas must try their signature kolaches, which are Czech-born danish/donut hybrids as Texan as pecan pie. Make this your first stop of the day - they usually sell out by noon!
La Michoacana
For authentic Mexican baked goods, head to any of the three locations of La Michoacana to carb load on colorful sweetbreads. You can’t go wrong with anything in the vast glass display, so stock up for your beach picnic, and do not skip the classic conchas!
La Playa By the Bay
Another Tex-Mex eatery & bar with outdoor seating.
Chuy's
Founded in Austin, Texas, Chuy's serves authentic Tex-Mex food in an eclectic atmosphere full of color and personality. The menu offers family recipes from south Texas, New Mexico and Mexican border towns.
Acapulco
Tex-Mex cuisine derives from the Tejano people of Texas, and is an absolute necessity for any visitor to South Texas. You won't go wrong eating at any of the taquerias downtown, but this is one of our favorites. Dishes we recommend: breakfast tacos, tortilla soup, fajitas and enchiladas.
U & I Restaurant
Long-standing, family-run venture known for their seafood & steaks grilled over mesquite. Honey mesquite is found all over Texas, and is the key ingredient of Texas-style BBQ.
Renaissance
One of the standouts at Antique Lane, a sprawling complex of antique and vintage stores. Thrift junkies could spend a whole day here!