Queer Travel Guide to Corpus Christi, Texas
The coastal city of Corpus Christi, nestled along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, boasts miles of beautiful beaches, unique cuisine, and bountiful attractions. In addition to a few LGBTQ+-friendly spots, the guide below also includes the new and upcoming restaurants, accommodations, and activities that are a must for every visitor’s itinerary. Start planning your spring getaway now!
Where to Eat
Milky Coffee Bar
Enjoy a handcrafted latte or delicious pastry from Milky Coffee Bar. Local drag queen Frankie Reyna opened this cool coffee bar last October. The establishment has a curated menu of hot and iced drinks, small bites like the signature Hot Cheetos mac and cheese, and decadent desserts, including a twist on the South Texas favorite banana wafer pudding.
Prime Steakhouse and Whiskey Bar
Elegance meets ease at one of Corpus Christi’s newest high-end eateries, Prime Steakhouse and Whiskey Bar. Dine on high-quality steaks, seafood, desserts, and libations in a comfortable atmosphere that feels like home.
Nueces Whiskey Library
Relax and unwind at the upscale cocktail lounge Nueces Whiskey Library. The newest bar in town welcomes guests with a sultry atmosphere and an extensive list of more than 200 whiskeys, craft cocktails, and small bites.
Central Kitchen
Indulge in made-from-scratch bread, pastries, and sandwiches at Central Kitchen, the newest cafe coming soon to downtown Corpus Christi. Native Jeannette Hernandez continues her culinary career as a head pastry chef after having received her degree at Le Cordon Bleu College of Arts in Austin, working at San Antonio’s Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery and starting her own online fine pastry bakery Sucré.
Where to Stay
Lively Beach – Resort Condominium
Surrounded by natural wetlands and the largest sand dune on Mustang Island, the secluded Lively Beach offers a peaceful setting for relaxation. Open in July 2020, the resort-style condominium property offers private, walkable beach access where visitors can relax by the water. Rooms ranging from studio units to two-bedroom suites feature contemporary furnishings and modern touches as well as full kitchens and access to amenities such as a resort-style pool, nature trails, and a rooftop with 360-degree views.
Where to See and Do
Wildlife Rescue Center – Texas State Aquarium
Tour the new Wildlife Rescue Center at the Texas State Aquarium, scheduled to open on March 2, 2023, just in time for spring break. Free to the public, guests can visit the 20,000-square-foot venue equipped with state-of-the-art tools, an interpretive center, and a multimedia theater to witness and learn more about the rehabilitation and conservation of marine wildlife.
Blue Shore Pedal Lounge
BYOB and explore the destination on the new bar-on-a-bike experience from Blue Shore Pedal Lounge. The 16-seat ride offers public and private tours, taking visitors around the Coastal Bend while they enjoy their favorite beer or wine cooler.
GlowRow
Kayak under the stars to encounter the waters of the Gulf in a new light with nighttime tours from GlowRow. The translucent watercrafts illuminated by colorful LED lights showcase the underwater world for the opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitat.
WaterDog
Decompress and set intentions with a wellness class from WaterDog, the outdoor fitness studio offering floating yoga, beach barre, and stand-up paddleboard classes.
LGBTQ+ Bar and Pride 2023
The Hidden Door
The Hidden Door is Corpus Christi’s oldest bar serving the LGBT+ community while supporting many non-profit organizations in the area.
Pride Week
The destination usually hosts PRIDE Week in June and October which consists of several celebrations from parties at The Hidden Door to a PRIDE pub crawl. The dates for 2023 haven’t been announced yet, but you can find more information about last year’s events here.
Check out Visit Corpus Christi’s website for more travel inspiration and information to help you plan your trip.
