Mother Nature really outdid herself with the coastal tropical bay, nine distinctive beaches, and barrier islands that each tell their own story. So, snowbirds - or Winter Texans as they’re called around here - roll up and roll in with a home on wheels on Corpus Christi’s sandy beaches. 

Spend a whole day fishing and end with a meal made from your catch. This is your time to let your passions shine. 

Here, snowbirds can enjoy world-class birding, fishing, hunting, and boating thanks to easy access to nature in every part of the city. Whether it’s a hunting excursion at King Ranch, a kayaking tour of the Laguna Madre, golfing on the Gulf, or a bird-watching meetup at a local park, Corpus Christi is a snowbird’s outdoor playground. If you’re looking for places to meet your fellow snowbirds, you’ll often find them at birding hotspots like Hazel Bazemore Park, camping at Padre Island National Seashore, or fishing at the new Cole Park Pier.

So, whether it’s embracing the outdoors, enjoying local cuisine, or exploring South Texas culture, snowbirds will find many ways to coast through the city and enjoy a variety of activities that are unique to Corpus Christi.

Local Snowbird Community

Snowbirds from all over make their way down to the Gulf Coast Capital every year. So much so that they’ve earned the nickname “Winter Texans” in our state. And with mild temps and sunshine year-round, it’s easy to see why Corpus Christi is a popular escape during the winter months.

Here, snowbirds can enjoy world-class birding, fishing, hunting, and boating thanks to easy access to nature in every part of the city. Whether it’s a hunting excursion at King Ranch, a kayaking tour of the Laguna Madre, golfing on the Gulf, or a bird-watching meetup at a local park, Corpus Christi is a snowbird’s outdoor playground. If you’re looking for places to meet your fellow snowbirds, you’ll often find them at birding hotspots like Hazel Bazemore Park, camping at Padre Island National Seashore, or fishing at the new Cole Park Pier.

And beyond the beach and outdoor activities, Corpus Christi is also a cultural hub for art, festivals, and music. Don’t miss out on the Texas Jazz Festival in October and the Birdiest Festival in America in April.

And while you’re here, you can’t miss out on authentic Tex-Mex plates and fresh seafood platters on the patio.

If you’re looking for more ways to explore Tex-Mex culture, coast your way over to the Corpus Christi Trade Center. Here, you could easily spend an entire day shopping for imported goods, food, drinks, clothes, and more. Another unique shopping opportunity is First Friday’s ArtWalk in Downtown Corpus Christi. On the first Friday of the month, art and music take over the streets and turns downtown into a unique outdoor market.

So, whether it’s embracing the outdoors, enjoying local cuisine, or exploring South Texas culture, snowbirds will find many ways to coast through the city and enjoy a variety of activities that are unique to Corpus Christi.

Getting to Corpus Christi

Flying

Canadian Snowbirds can fly into Corpus Christi International Airport on Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines connecting from Canadian gateways on direct flights from Dallas or Houston.  

For more details visit: corpuschristiairport.com

Driving

It is easy to drive to Corpus Christi from Canada and this is how the majority of snowbirds arrive.

• From Eastern Canada, you'll want to get to I-69 and I-37.  Corpus Christi is about 2800 km from Toronto, as an example.
• From British Columbia, snowbirds should head to I-84 & US 87
• From Alberta take I-25 & I-10 to I-37. About 3900 km from Calgary.

Weather

Corpus Christi has an average of 223 days of sunshine every year, with an average temperature in the fall and winter of 21C making it an ideal climate for snowbirds to avoid the frigid winter temperatures at home. Here are the average temperatures year-round:

Accommodations and Where to Stay

Corpus Christi has several long-term rentals that are ideal for snowbirds you can call home during your stay. Whether you’re looking for condos, hotels, or RV sites, options are plentiful here in the Gulf Coast Capital.

Padre Island is a popular area to reside in, especially because of its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre.

In the Southside, you’ll find several extended-stay hotels near shopping centers and restaurants.

If you decide to stay at a condo or RV park around North Beach or Central Corpus Christi, you will be close to Corpus Christi Bay, Corpus Christi Marina, and several attractions in the downtown area.

No matter which neighborhood you choose, the water and various attractions, shops, and restaurants are just a short drive from any part of the city. You can view more information about Corpus Christi neighborhoods here.

Here are just a few long-term rental, hotel and RV options in the area for snowbirds to consider:

Long-Term RV Campsites:

• Marina Village
• Hatch RV
• Pioneer RV Resort

Long-Term Condos:

• Port Royal Ocean Resort
• Gulf Shores Condominiums
• El Constante
• Island House Condominiums
• Spinnaker Condos

Long-Term Hotels:

• Extended Stay Deluxe
• Staybridge Suites
• Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Corpus Christi Padre Island
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott
• Residence Inn

Things to Do

With a consistent breeze, warm temperatures, and multiple inviting bodies of water, the South Texas coast hosts a variety of water sport adventures and outdoor activities year-round that are ideal for snowbirds: 

1. From Rockport and Aransas Pass to Mustang Island, adventures are all around the Coastal Bend. Kayaking is a popular, user-friendly sport for just about everyone to get out on the water.
2. Enjoy beach barre, SUP yoga, paddles with pups, sunrise yoga, and more with Water Dog Floating Yoga, a yoga studio that floats in the Corpus Christi Marina!
3. The Gulf Coast is a definite hot spot for fishing – anglers travel here from all over to drop a line into our waters. Ideally situated on the Gulf of Mexico, Corpus Christi’s shallow bays are protected by narrow barrier islands, providing excellent fishing conditions year-round.
4. The Coastal Bend is rife with spectacular golf courses for all abilities. You’ll find everything from traditional links to 9-hole courses situated along the sea.
5. From prestigious state and national parks to trails connecting smaller green spaces throughout the city, Corpus Christi parks are an outdoor hub for walking, birding, biking, and fishing.
6. With property larger than the state of Rhode Island and industry-leading preservation initiatives, King Ranch continues to be a coveted hunting destination. King Ranch provides a low fence, fair chase environment allowing an opportunity for both experienced and novice hunters.

Find out more about things to do and ticket-tours here.

Top 10 Attractions

There’s always something going on here for snowbirds. Between museums, parks, and beaches, your stay in Corpus Christi is sure to fill up fast. Coast your way over to these 10 top attractions that will keep the whole family entertained.

1. South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
2. USS Lexington Museum on the Bay
3. Japonica Boat Tour
4. Horses on the Beach
5. Padre Island National Seashore
6. Texas State Aquarium
7. Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center
8. Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History
9. Nature Trails Kayaking
10. Enjoy Corpus Christi Tours, LLC

Entertainment

The Gulf Coast Capital is known for its beaches, cuisine, and all sorts of attractions and activities. So much so that many snowbirds don’t realize we are an arts and culture mecca, too! Home to artwork by local Corpus Christians and world-renowned contemporary and modern traveling exhibitions, the city’s offering of enriching experiences through the arts and music is something you don’t want to miss.

1. Art Museum of South Texas
2. Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra
3. Brewster Street Ice House
4. Selena Museum
5. Art Center of Corpus Christi
6. First Friday ArtWalk
7. The Waterline at Doc’s
8. Instituto de Cultura Hispanica de Corpus Christi
9. King Ranch Museum
10. Selena Memorial-Mirador De La Flor (Overlook of the Flower)

Sports

The Corpus Christi Hooks are the Gulf Coast Capital’s home baseball team. A Double A, Astros-affiliated minor league team, the Hooks play ball at the iconic Whataburger Field in the Downtown SEA District between April - September. During games, fans can watch large oceangoing vessels and their tugboat escorts navigate the port’s ship channel.

The Corpus Christi IceRays are a professional franchise with the North American Hockey League (NAHL). With a growing city and strong sports fanbase, the IceRays bring a fresh sport into an unconventional market, educating the new fanbase with community programs and physical, “blue collar” hockey. Catch their games at American Bank Center between September-April.

Food and Dining

Snowbirds, taste the flavors and cuisine of the Coastal Bend during your stay! Corpus Christi is home to fresh seafood, authentic taquerias, and trendy eateries that have something for everyone. From weekend brunch to fantastic food on the water to some of the best tacos in Texas, you’re going to want to bring an appetite with you!

Seafood

• Water Street Oyster Bar
• Snoopy’s Pier
• Angry Marlin
• Costa Sur
• Harrison’s Landing

Mexican

• Kiko’s
• Hi-Ho – Famous for being Selena’s favorite taqueria!
• Chacho’s Tacos
• La Playa by the Bay
• Tacobar Street

BBQ

• Salty Oak BBQ
• Hoegemeyer's BBQ Barn
• Texas Mesquite BBQ & Grill
• Julian’s BBQ
• Nueces Brewing and Barbecuing

Shopping

Snowbirds can enjoy browsing and shopping at a variety of local stores and shops. Go beyond the beach to browse among chic boutiques and artist-made goods. And don’t forget to grab all your Corpus Christi gifts at the Gulf Coast Capital Store inside of the Visitor Info Center!

Antique Shops

Corpus Christi is home to several stores that carry unique, vintage finds. If you’re looking for home and garden gems, coast your way over to Wildflowers. And next, get lost in a sea of vintage finds on Antique Lane – a strip in the Bay Area that’s famous for its number of vintage shops.

Cultural Finds

You can’t leave South Texas without taking a piece home with you. Sew Bonita is a must-see stop. What was once a hobby for Elena Flores became an internet sensation across the country. Coast your way over to this vibrant boutique for products from Texas artists with a Tejano flair. And no shopping trip is complete without a visit to the Corpus Christi Trade Center – here, you will find a maze of local vendors, food stands, bars, Mexican-imported products, candy shops, and cowboy boots! Round out your shopping trip with a stop at La Casita de Barro Imports – a local pottery shop that’s filled to the brim with authentic Mexican ceramics and décor.

Boutiques

The Gulf Coast Capital is bursting with local businesses, including boutiques! If you’re in search of chic gifts for the whole family, check out Four Chicks in the Park after a brunch at Hester’s Café in the Lamar Park Center. Looking for boho-chic home décor? Coast over to The She Shed before dining and lounging at the nearby Bellino Ristorante or Tannins Wine Bar & Tapas. If you’re heading to La Palmera Mall, don’t forget to stop at nearby Jewel’s – a local boutique with an everchanging selection of dresses, accessories, and shoes!

See why Canadian snowbirds love Corpus Christi:

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