Some people say it’s one of the best vacation spots on the planet. And by “some people,” we mean about five million per year who enjoy the nearby eleven sun-soaked beaches, two marinas, an average temperature of about seventy degrees, and approximately 255 days of sunshine every year. But it’s more than just a vacation getaway.
Corpus Christi’s population was 317,863 in 2020, making it the eighth-most populous city in Texas. The Port of Corpus Christi, which is the fifth-largest U.S. port and deepest inshore port on the Gulf of Mexico, handles mostly oil and agricultural products. Much of the local economy is driven by tourism and the oil and petrochemicals industry.
Corpus Christi is home to Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, one of two locations training primary student pilots and advanced multiengine pilots of the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and US Coast Guard. Corpus Christi Army Depot, located on NAS Corpus Christi, is the largest helicopter repair facility in the world.
Fun Facts About Corpus Christi – Our 2024 SCA Vacation Destination
- The Bayfront Seawall, directly across Shoreline Blvd. from the Omni Hotel, was constructed in 1928 by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who later became famous for sculpting the iconic Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. We’re not bragging; it’s a fact; it’s just beautiful here!
- The USS Lexington, a WWII aircraft carrier harbored in front of the American Bank Center (our show site), is as tall as a 19-story building and as long as three New York City blocks. It’s so large, you could play three football games at the same time on its flight deck! Hollywood director Michael Bay filmed all aircraft take-offs on the USS Lexington for his 2001 movie Pearl Harbor, starring Ben Affleck and Alec Baldwin. The USS Lexington also features the F-14 Tomcat used in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun. You can tour the iconic ship and marvel at its glory!
- About 1.5 hrs. south of Corpus Christi is the Padre Island National Seashore, the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world. It’s also home to the largest Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle nesting ground in the U.S. The beaches of Mustang Island are within ½ an hour from Corpus Christi. Mustang Island has an entry fee of $5 per adult; kids under 12 are free; dogs on leashes are welcome.
- The Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi is the largest aquarium in Texas and one of the largest in the United States.
- NASCAR Hall of Famers the Labonte Brothers were born and raised in Corpus Christi. They developed their racing skills in the parking lot of Corpus Christi’s Yeager Elementary School.
- The iconic fast food chain Whataburger was founded in Corpus Christi in 1950. The original 2-story location is still open at 121 Shoreline Blvd.
- Due to its high windspeeds, Corpus Christi has hosted the Windsurfing World Championships.
- Pop legend Selena “Queen of Tejano Music” was born, raised and suffered a tragic death in Corpus Christi. Many other celebrities have also called Corpus Christi home including Farrah Fawcett, Eva Longoria and Lou Diamond Phillips.
- Corpus Christi translates to “body of Christ”.
- After being named “America’s Birdiest City” for over a decade, Corpus Christi is now home to the annual festival, Birdiest Festival in America.
