Corpus Christi an affordable destination for Canadian snowbirds

Corpus Christi - Snowbird Destination Guide

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, you're free to pursue the outdoor activities you never had time for before. Welcome to the Gulf Coast Capital, snowbirds.

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:

Corpus Christi Weather

Terrain and Landscape

Corpus Christi’s beautiful beaches are the heart and soul of the Gulf Coast Capital. With so many beaches - ranging from calm waters to the best surfing destinations - plenty of opportunities await with something for everyone.

Between the Gulf of Mexico and Corpus Christi Bay, more than 125 kilometers of sandy shores provide a variety of options when it comes to choosing the right beach for your trip.

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:

Long-Term Condos:

Long-Term Hotels:

Attractions and Sights

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.

Culture and 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.

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

Mexican

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

BBQ

Festivals and Events

From downtown to the island, we’ve got a lot going on for snowbirds over the Fall, Winter and Spring months. Enjoy live music, shopping experiences, foodie and family events, and more during your stay.

October

Texas Jazz Festival — longest and largest free-running festival in the world
Surftoberfest
Dia de los Muertos Street Festival

November

December

February

Barefoot Mardi Gras

April

Birdiest Festival in America

Sporting Events

Snowbirds who love sports will have no shortage of options for local spectator sports to enjoy during your stay.

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.

The Islander Athletics program is a respected NCAA Division I program in the Southland Conference offering 16 men’s and women’s sports competing successfully on the national stage. From basketball and volleyball to baseball and tennis, the Islanders are sure to excite during every game.

Every Wednesday night, depending on the weather, the local sailing community gathers at the docks to rig their boats and set sail for Wednesday Night Regattas. The Lawrence St. T-Head offers a great spot for onlookers to watch the local races at the starting line. The races start at 6 p.m. and end around 8 p.m.

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!

Fitness and Outdoor Recreation

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:

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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.

Lifelong Learning

Canadian snowbirds spending the winter in Corpus Christi have plenty of options to take classes, courses or lessons.

The Art Center of Corpus Christi provides adult classes relating to ceramics, acrylic painting, and free family art time sessions.

Looking to learn a couple of water sports? Check out Learn to Sail Texas, Natural Trails Kayaking, and Doc’s Fishing Clinic and Fishing Guide Service.

Not only does Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center offers amazing nature trails and birding opportunities, but they also offer guided nature walks and wetlands workshops for adults.

Post-secondary education opportunities can be found at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi and Del Mar College.

Healthcare and Medical Facilities

It is always good to know that there are good medical facilities in your destination should you need them. Corpus Christi has a number of healthcare facilities:

Corpus Christi Medical Center
CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi
PAM Health Specialty Hospital of Corpus Christi

What's Nearby

Snowbirds looking to explore the area around Corpus Christi while you’re here for the winter will want to spend a day in some of the surrounding areas. Rockport, Port Aransas, and Kingsville are just a short drive away and provide memorable experiences filled with shopping, history, and fun in the sun:

Port Aransas

The gorgeous views in Port Aransas alone make it the perfect day trip location for exploring during your stay in the Coastal Bend, but that’s not all it has to offer. Load your vehicle onto the 85-foot-long ferry system and enjoy a free, short ride connecting Mustang Island and Port Aransas with the mainland via Aransas Pass while getting your fill of scenic, photo-worthy views of the beach and Gulf.

Get some shopping in while you stroll the laid-back atmosphere of Port Aransas by browsing the many shops, such as Coastal Closet and Indigo Eclectic, filled with unique home decor, island-inspired fashions, and special gifts.

Some of the best views of Port Aransas are available through a ride with Chute ’Em Up Parasailing.

You and your family can also indulge in some unforgettable swashbuckling on the Red Dragon Pirate Cruise, where the pirate crew entertains with sword fighting, music, and dancing, including an interactive show the kids will love! After a long day of fun in the sun, catch a show at Third Coast Theater, a venue that allows you to bring your own beverage and offers a great view of Texas’s top live music singers and songwriters.
Rockport

Wander down the iconic Austin Street, where you’ll find many locally owned shops. You can also enjoy delicious food and drink options along this strip to perk you up for the historic sightseeing Rockport has in store.

For an unforgettable experience, swing by the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site and walk in the shoes of George and Harriet Fulton, an affluent family from the 1800s. Catch a glimpse into how George lived life as an engineer and Harriet enjoyed her flower garden. To complete the experience, head to the back of the house for some interactive exhibits and a museum store.

You’ll want to dive deep into history with some nautical-themed activities by visiting the Texas Maritime Museum. Here, at the state’s official maritime museum, you’ll learn Texas history from exploration and settlement to boat building and shipbuilding, sports and commercial fishing, and the search for offshore oil and gas.

Stop by the Rockport Cultural Arts District to view the nationally recognized art scene, where visitors can embrace the city’s culture by exploring different forms of art through eclectic galleries located throughout The Art Loop. This corridor is home to many art galleries including Rockport Center for the Arts, Wind Way Gallery, The Gallery at Latitude 28º 02’, and a handful of other unique art hubs.

Enjoy a relaxing ambiance brought to you by the gulf breeze and calming waters at Goose Island State Park. While you’re there, you can participate in outdoor activities like fishing, birding, and hiking, but be sure to also check out The Big Tree, which stands at a statuesque 44 feet tall and makes an iconic backdrop for memorable family photos.
Kingsville

Sitting on 825,000 acres of land, King Ranch is one of the largest ranches in the world today. A quick day trip to Kingsville creates an opportunity to enjoy the many tours available at the ranch, ranging across a variety of interests.

Book a Daily Ranch Tour to get information on the history and the modern-day workings of the ranch, including historic buildings and sightings of cattle and horses. Book a Nature Tour to enjoy a guided excursion of wildlife and birdwatching, or if you’re looking for a more comprehensive tour of the ranch, the staff will design a Special Interest Tour tailored to your specific delights.

Make sure to pay a visit to the King Ranch Museum and experience the history of the mythic past of the ranch, its horses, and Captain King. You’ll also want to swing by the Saddle Shop and see where Captain King brought craftsmen to create top-notch saddles once he decided other saddles were not up to par. If you’re into hunting, the King Ranch Hunting Trip is a premier destination for activity in the United States. You’ll want to partake in this experience to discover the remarkable wildlife found within the ranch’s boundaries.

You’re sure to work up an appetite while you’re there. Grab a bite to eat at Harrel Drug Co., a friendly soda fountain shop where the locals swear by the burgers, shakes, fries, and ice cream. It’s also the perfect spot to grab souvenirs on the way out!

Deals and Offers for Canadians

Snowbirds can find specials deals on tours and attractions in Corpus Christi here:

https://www.visitcorpuschristi.com/things-to-do/tickets-tours/

Cost of Living

Snowbirds will find that Corpus Christi is very affordable and the cost of living is reasonable. No matter your budget, you will be able to afford spending time here in the winter.

From various accommodations, diverse culinary options, and free things to do, the area is a very affordable destination. Not to mention the water is accessible from many piers, patios, trails, and parks throughout the city.

Most of Padre Island’s beaches do not require an entry fee, and you can even drive on most beaches here! Get more information on Corpus Christi beaches on our website.

For more information on special offers during your stay, check out the package deals on our website.