Family Activities

If you’re new to the Padre Island or Bluff area and eager to cast a line, welcome! Fishing here can be a great way to relax and connect with nature. But before you head out, here’s everything you need to know—from licensing to the best spots for fishing and bait. Whether you’re just visiting or considering making fishing a regular hobby, this fishing guide will help you get started. Scroll down for a list of recommended fishing guides in the area! Local Fishing License Requirements: What You Need to Know In Texas, anyone aged 17 to 65 must have a fishing license if they want to fish in public waters. For fishing around Padre Island and the Bluff, a saltwater fishing license is required. The good news is, it’s easy to get one! You can purchase or renew your license at places like Walmart, HEB, Academy, and even local convenience stores. For a quicker process, you can also buy it online via the Texas Parks and Wildlife website, but note that electronic licenses don’t come with physical tags. For those who plan to fish beyond just the island, I recommend the “all-water” fishing package, which covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing. You can find the full regulations and the fishing limits at Texas Parks and Wildlife. Best Places to Fish Around Padre Island and the Bluff If you’re not bringing a boat, don’t worry—there are still plenty of great fishing spots accessible from shore. Here are a few top locations where locals and visitors alike have had success: These locations are easy to find on Google Maps, making them simple to navigate for newcomers. Where to Buy Bait Having the right bait can make all the difference when you’re fishing. For fresh bait, you can visit these spots around the area: These locations provide everything you need to bait your hook and get started. Tips for Fishing in the Area Fishing can sometimes be more challenging than it seems, but with the right knowledge, you’ll improve your chances: And, if you’re really new to fishing, consider hiring a local guide to learn some new tricks and techniques. Learn from the Pros There are plenty of experienced guides who know the local waters and can help you improve your fishing game. Contact any of these local fishing guides for the ultimate fishing experience in the area! –Al Gordon– (361) 816-7431. –Captain Bartt Caron– (361) 876-1996 –Good Vibes Guide Service– (361)-728-5824 –Aaron’s Guide Service– (361) 960-1374 –Captain Bret Caron– (361) 290-8442 Upgrade Your Boating Knowledge If you are looking to learn how to navigate the waters via boat, Gulf Coast Mariner Services and Logistics is the perfect place. They offer a range of services, including boater safety courses, fishing trips, and more. Reach out to them at 361-717-1225 or visit their Facebook page for more details. Final Thoughts Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day of shore fishing or aiming for a guided adventure, Padre Island and the Bluff have a lot to offer. By getting the right license, knowing where to go, and using the best bait, you’ll have an enjoyable time on the water. So pack your gear, follow these tips, and start fishing!

Corpus Christi is a great vacay spot for the whole family! It can be overwhelming to know where to start, so we have done a roundup of the best family-friendly vacation (or staycation) things to do in the area, in no particular order, they are all MUST do adventures! Let the family fun begin. Texas State Aquarium– Dolphin shows, sloths, sharks, and fish galore! This place is great for the whole family, even little ones can enjoy the splash pad. Pack your sunscreen and a change of clothes for the little ones. They have a food court, easy parking, handicap accessible attractions, and much more. This adventure can easily take up a whole day of your vacation. U.S.S. Lexington– Corpus proudly boasts being the home of the U.S.S. Lexington where you and your family will immerse yourself in the patriotic history of Lady Lex (as locals fondly call it). There are flight simulators, escape rooms, guided tours, self guided tours, and so much more! Tips: sunscreen! Water! It is an outdoor/indoor museum, it can be hot. Expect lots of walking, so wear comfy shoes! In the Game Funtrackers– Indoor and outdoor fun, with a game room inside (did someone say air conditioning?) and a plethora of activities outside including: roller coaster rides, mini-golf, go-kart tracks, bumper cars, a batting cage AND MORE! There is also a restaurant inside, so you can easily spend the whole day here. So much to do for ages 5 and up! Bring a stroller for the littles. Baywatch Tours- Cruise the coastal waterways of North Padre Island! They offer beautiful sunset tours, a chance to see dolphins, bird life, and the most gorgeous sunsets! These small group tours are perfect for the whole family and for kids of all ages, and an ideal way to wind down and relax while soaking up the beauty of North Padre Island. Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History– Adults and kids alike will find something to enjoy at the many exhibits this museum has to offer. Science and history collide to help visitors understand local history, Texas history, space, and you guessed it…much more! The littles will enjoy the H-E-B Science Center where they can explore chemistry, science, music, and biology in hands-on activities. Visit the beautiful Xeriscape Garden, which received the Beauty Spot Award of the Beautify Corpus Christi Association and is free to the public. South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center– Visitors will explore gorgeous flower gardens, hike kid friendly trails, explore conservatories, enjoy bird watching, meet their animals (my favorites are the lizards!), and learn about water conservation. They are pet friendly, so your furry friend can also go! Hurricane Alley– Beat the heat and take a ride down epic water slides, float the pools or the Gulf Stream lazy river, take the little ones to the Kids Cove, or swim up to the Hideaway Bar for a drink. All ages will enjoy this cool, water adventure! Red Dragon Pirate Cruise Tours– Aaargh you ready for some fun? This nautical adventure is located in Port Aransas, only a short drive from Corpus Christi. Pirates, cannon blasts, dolphins, and so much more, perfect for kids of all ages, this is a family fun adventure your kids will talk about for days! Fire It Ceramics– Make memories you can take with you! Your kids will select a ceramic item, adding their artistic talents! They fire it up and finalize this artistic masterpiece for you to take home. This is a truly unique experience. Treasure Island Golf & Games- Fun for the whole family at this super HUGE putt-putt golf course! This well designed course offers two routes, a game room, and Blue Bell ice cream! Whataburger Field, MILB Hooks– We sure are proud of our Hooks! Catch a Hooks game at this one of a kind stadium on the bay. Near the Port of Corpus Christi, you can spot boats and barges in the bay while you watch the Hooks slide to home plate. Check out their schedule and catch a game while you are in the area. Horses on the Beach– Not many people can say that they have ridden a horse on the beach! Let Horses on the Beach change all that with one of their epic beach tours atop a well trained horse. Ages 8 and up can enjoy a one of a kind beach experience to go home and brag about. Beach– Visiting Corpus Christi usually means the same thing for everyone: hitting up the beach! The most popular beaches in Texas are located right here in Corpus Christi. Sand, sun, and FUN await! With so many locations to find fun in the sun, it can be hard to determine the best location. Check out this handy Corpus Christi Beach Guide just for your beach planning needs! RELATED READING: Things to Do in the Coastal Bend: 15 Unique Ideas Find the perfect place to stay in Corpus Christi at Seascape Properties!

Visiting Corpus Christi usually means the same thing for everyone: hitting up the beach! The most popular beaches in Texas are located right here in Corpus Christi. Sand, sun, and FUN await! With so many locations to find fun in the sun, it can be hard to determine the best location. Here is a quick Corpus Christi Beach Guide just for your beach planning needs!