The city of Corpus Christi along the Texas Gulf Coast blends stunning open-water scenery with modern amenities, abundant seafood, and a welcoming spirit. Nine beaches in the area offer relaxing postmeeting fun in the sun, and several hotels and venues provide just about everything planners need.
Vibe: “Corpus Christi is a coastal city full of energy, history, and opportunity,” says Nicole Olivares, chief sales officer at Visit Corpus Christi. “It’s a destination that encourages exploration, whether you’re soaking in the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere; enjoying fresh Gulf seafood; or hosting a casual event just steps from the water.”
Transportation: Corpus Christi International Airport, which is served by major airlines including American Airlines (headquartered in Dallas), Southwest Airlines (also headquartered in Dallas), and United Airlines. Corpus Christi is a two-hour drive from San Antonio and a three-hour drive from Houston.
Hotels: Olivares highlights the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel and the Holiday Inn Express Corpus Christi–Beachfront as notable properties with both lodging and on-site event space. The Omni features 24,000 square feet of event space downtown, complemented by scenic bay views, while the Holiday Inn Express works best for small- to medium-size groups and sits on McGee Beach in proximity to American Bank Center. Other options include the DoubleTree by Hilton Corpus Christi Beachfront and the Residence Inn Corpus Christi South, both of which also have event space.
Venues: Planners will find flexible spaces at American Bank Center, which provides more than 138,000 square feet in multiple meeting rooms. “With the ability to divide rooms into customized layouts, [the American Bank Center empowers] planners [to] create focused, productive environments in a scenic and accessible setting,” says Olivares. For an atypical venue, planners might consider the Texas State Aquarium, Whataburger Field, and the Art Museum of South Texas.
Restaurants: “Corpus Christi has a thriving food scene that’s ideal for group culinary experiences,” says Olivares. Dine with colleagues on slow-smoked meats at Nueces Brewing Co., explore an expansive tequila menu at Brewster Street Icehouse, or enjoy live music at Executive Surf Club—all of which offer catering and private dining space for groups.
Must-Sees & -Dos: The team at Visit Corpus Christi can help planners arrange classic coastal experiences for groups, whether it’s a sailing charter on Corpus Christi Bay or a private oyster-shucking class led by area seafood experts. If your event happens to coincide with the first Friday of the month, attendees might take part in the city’s monthly ArtWalk in the Marina Arts District, where area vendors, musicians, and artists convene downtown.
