The paper backpacker

It’s more than just the beach. Even if the beach is enough. ~ May 2025
6 min read time

INTRO

I’m sitting at Island Joes sipping on a Tembleque latte. It’s 15 minutes past opening and pretty empty. A person will trickle in every now and then. Coffee bags sit in front of the door to greet them as they come.

It’s my last day in Corpus, and it feels appropriate that I’m on the island watching the sunrise through salty window condensation. I’ve visited throughout the years with my family and miss them a bit on this trip, but the autonomy has been nice. I’ve been able to see a lot more of the island aside from the beach.

Here are some spots I found. I just hope to show some love to one of my favorite places in Texas.

#1 The Selena Museum

Address: 5410 Leopard St, Corpus Christi, TX 78408
Visit time: 45 minutes

This one had been on my TX bucket list for years. Every time I happened to visit during the week when it’s open, it was packed out. I guess there are some perks to vacationing in the off season. It was about time to pay respects to the Tejana queen herself.

We came an hour before closing and that was more than enough time. In 2025, the entrance fee is $5 which was really nice. It’s rare not to be price-gauged.

I won’t spoil all the fun, so you have some surprises left, but it’s a solid representation of Selena Quintanilla’s career. There’s plenty of memorabilia, purple, and merch. The energy there is interesting. But we came only with respectful intentions and to support her memory. It’s part of experiencing new places. Not everything is meant to be picture-perfect. It was a solid experience. And we don’t get much Tejana representation in the media.

There are also a couple of other spots for Selena in CC. You can check out the few filming locations, her statue, and gravesite where you can leave a flor or two.

#2 The Art Museum of South Texas

Address: 1902 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 7840
Visit time: Varies. 1hr-ish

Previously, I had never visited an art museum near the ocean. And after running around in different states and countries, this one has a place in my heart.

To begin, can we talk about the building itself? The roof pyramids and pop of hot pink paint are such a choice. Pair that with the blue sky and bridge in the back and hot damn, even the building is enough to admire on its own.

Inside, they change out the artwork of course but one key feature is the amount of local art. It’s nice for a museum to display work from the community and truly represent itself as a city. You don’t need big names to have a professional showcase of art. Just talent and perspective.

So if you’re an artsy fartsy, check it out. And if you’re not, still check it out.

#3 Whitecap Beach

Address: 14802 Whitecap Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78418-7702
Visit time: Varies. 3hrs-ish

I know it’s obvious but I had to include a beach highlight. And after hearing someone describe themselves as a beach bum skater, it’s all I aspire to be in life.

My sensory issues make the after experience not so great. Wet hair and sandy cheeks? Like, cmon. However, walking along the shore picking shells is 10/10. So is letting the waves crash into you again and again. Or lounging in the sun and wind, holding onto your book for dear life.

I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the beaches here. Whitecap is nice and popular, but the white sand and vibes make up for it. Just be sure to pay for parking if you decide to drive up to the beach. You can get the sticker pass at the nearby gas stations on the island.

#4 Antiquing & Thrifting

Visit time: Varies. Spend as long or as little as you like.

Thrift goodies in Corpus

I had some of the most pleasant thrift experiences here. I noticed that most workers in the area were happy to make small talk and ask you about your day, what you were buying, and to talk about themselves. The selection wasn’t the most diverse, but I did find a fair number of treasures in the couple I visited.

We found it a nice way to pass the afternoon. And like with any thrift haul, you may get lucky.

Here are some places to get you started:
Retail Therapy (6053 Weber Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78413)
– Has a sweet kitty friend and a neat selection.

Family Thrift Center (4801 Ayers St, Corpus Christi, TX 78415)
– Giant thrift with tons of clothes.

Resurrection Secondhand Clothing (1318 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78404)
– Decent prices and cute curated pieces.

Renaissance (4317 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78412)
– If you time the hours right, you can hit all the antiques on this strip. There are so many.

#5 Eat away from the island

There’s plenty to choose from on the island, but I find it isn’t always worth the hype. If you want views and that is more than enough for you, by all means, eat as close to the Gulf as you please.

That being said, I’ve found plenty of gems away from the water that have good seafood too. I’m all about eating what’s local and representative of a place. It seemed to me that shellfish and Mexican were the way to go.

Hacienda Vieja (4301 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411)
Open a bit later than most spots and also had the most bomb pastor tacos. Their salsa and charro beans were also to die for.

Noodles & Dumplings (6505 Everhart Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78413)
Hear me out. I know Corpus isn’t known for Asian food, but the noodle and dumpling dough here was so fresh. The chef makes it by hand. The ramen also had the freshest shrimp and beautiful umami. I can’t recommend this place enough.

Flagship Whataburger (121 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401)
What Corpus visit is complete without a visit to the two-story OG Whataburger? The burgers here are as good as anywhere else in Texas but here, they have that next-level ambiance. There aren’t too many quirks to this one but it is def worth the visit.

Outro

There’s plenty else to do. There’s the typical recommended attractions. Maybe they’re good for the one time. But here’s what has caught my eye after all these years.

Hope you enjoy and let me know if there are any you think are worthy of adding to the list.