Heading Back to the Gulf Coast: A Visit to Corpus Christi, Texas

We are a family who likes to dig our toes in the sand. If you grow up in Massachusetts, chances are you’ve spent some time on a beach, someplace. Heading to the beach was always something we did with the kids, and still to this day, on our RV travels, often seem to turn up on a beach. To be able to follow the Gulf Coast, hopping from one beachside city to another is an amazing opportunity, even if it means sweeping additional sand out of the RV. When we left you last, we were landlocked and we were basking in the peculiar charm of Austin, that delightfully oddball capitol city of Texas. Of course, just when you start figuring out which food truck sells the best tacos or which Texas B-B-Q joint has the best sauce, it’s time to pack up and say goodbye to your familiar campsite and hit the road, because, apparently, our RV has a travel quota to meet. So, for the first time ever, we were a family of four traveling together in the RV, pulling in its slides, piling into the truck, and heading south to the Gulf Coast. Back to the beach. Our next destination being Corpus Christi, Texas, just 150 miles north of the Mexico border. Our campsite was in the city of Rockport, 30 miles north of Corpus Christi, but an easy drive to a lovely city on the water.

Ever since I dreamed up this retirement RV lifestyle, I have always said that the kids can come and visit, but said visitation is limited to no more than seven days at a time. The thought being, “Hey we love you & we’re glad to see you, but don’t outstay your welcome; it’s not personal, but it’s time for you to leave”. And I think both children understand, are thankful for the time and experiences, but also look forward to leaving us and continuing with their lives.

Keeping in mind that the kids would only be with us in Corpus Christi for a few days, we chose to book a city tour as soon as we arrived. This time, we opted for a comfortable van ride with

Steven, Judy, Josh, Susan, & Morgan

"Enjoy Corpus Christi Tours". Our guides, Susan and Rene—a husband-and-wife duo specializing in sightseeing—led us on a relaxed two-hour journey through the city while sharing highlights from Corpus Christi’s 170-year history. As we traveled, Susan pointed out various restaurants, important historical spots, and an impressive variety of murals decorating many buildings. What stood out most was the city’s strong dedication to public art, which enhances the downtown area and celebrates both coastal and Chicano/Tejano culture. Events like the annual Mural Fest further these efforts, establishing Corpus Christi as a vibrant arts destination where local artists express the city’s unique identity.

Following our city tour, we enjoyed lunch at a local restaurant recommended by Rene

Walking Along the Corpus Christi Jetties 

& Susan. Afterward, we took a leisurely stroll along the shoreline and the impressive seawall that safeguards the downtown area from storms. Like many other cities on the Gulf Coast, Corpus Christi has endured the devastating impact of hurricanes, prompting the construction of a protective seawall in 1941. Rising 14 feet high, the seawall’s development added enough land to create Shoreline Boulevard, which now runs parallel to the bayfront and has fostered additional growth in the area. We also explored the rock jetties that shield the harbor, many of which are open for walking. We ended our day in Corpus Christi with a peaceful walk along one of these jetties before returning to the camper for our final dinner together. It was a memorable experience, leaving us grateful for the moments shared and the beauty we discovered along the Texas coast.

Saying Goodbye at the Airport

Jade Statue at Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures

After dropping the children off at the airport, we headed back to downtown Corpus Christi to visit The Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures. This museum, though modest in size, centers around a collection of art, artifacts, and costumes curated by its founder, Billie Trimble Chandler. Ms. Chandler, an educator with nearly twenty years of experience living and teaching in Japan, assembled an extensive assortment of Japanese art, including Hakata dolls, Ikebana flower arrangements, and various historical artifacts. While the museum features several noteworthy pieces, the layout could benefit from improvement, as the exhibits appear somewhat fragmented and challenging to navigate. I didn’t find this museum especially interesting, so I was relieved that their admission fee was complimentary at the time we went.

Following our exploration of Corpus Christi's historical and artistic 

highlights, we ventured out to appreciate the scenic wonders of the Gulf Coast. The weather conditions were favorable, allowing us to plan a visit to Malaquite Beach, located 35 miles south of Corpus Christi on Padre Island National Seashore. This destination offers excellent facilities and pristine, powdery white sand. We walked along the beach for several miles with only seagulls as companions and found the scenery to be exceptionally impressive. Enjoying the warmth of the sun, the tranquil sound of the waves, and the soft sand in January contributed to a truly unique and memorable experience.

Our journey along the Texas Gulf Coast has been a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, offering us countless opportunities to explore new places and create lasting memories. Each stop, from the vibrant city streets of Corpus Christi to the weird and wonderful city of Austin, reminded us of the simple joys found in fresh experiences and shared moments. Traveling as a family for the last two stops has made us appreciate the luxury of time—time to wander, to learn, and to savor the beauty that surrounds us. We’re off next to the south Texas Brush County, a town called Brackettville, which borders on the vast Chihuahuan Desert. And so, with sand still clinging to our toes and hearts full of gratitude, we continue onward, as we tell… the Rest of the Story.