Spring Break 2022: Here's a guide on fun things to do with friends, family in Coastal Bend

John Oliva, Corpus Christi Caller Times

Visiting the Coastal Bend for the first time this Spring Break?

Whether you're in Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, Rockport or North Padre Island, you've got time to experience the full package. Let's get started on planning your holiday itinerary.

Beaches

People visit the beach in Corpus Christi near Bob Hall Pier on Wednesday, April 8, 2020.
People visit the beach in Corpus Christi near Bob Hall Pier on Wednesday, April 8, 2020.

Corpus Christi is known for its beaches, so expect every one to be packed with tourists and locals.

Before getting into trouble, make sure you are obeying these rules.

  • No glass containers allowed on the beach.

  • As long as you are of legal drinking age, alcohol consumption is allowed.

  • The speed limit on the beach is 15 mph and all traffic laws apply, including driving while intoxicated.

  • To park on the beach, you must have a parking permit.

  • Dogs are not allowed on the beach from Access Road 3 to Zahn Road on the north side of the Packery Channel.

  • Wood pallets cannot be used to build a fire and fire pits can only be no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet.

Ready to hit the beach?: Here's a guide to 11 sandy spots in the Coastal Bend area

Concerts

Parker McCollum performs at Concrete Street Amphitheater.
Parker McCollum performs at Concrete Street Amphitheater.

At Brewster Street Icehouse Downtown, country singer William Clark Green will stop by Corpus Christi Friday as part of his The Baker Hotel tour. Tickets to see the Texas native are $20 before the show and $25 on the day of the performance. Tickets can be purchased at brewsterstreet.net.

Grammy-nominated band REO Speedwagon will perform at the American Bank Center Saturday. For the little ones, "Baby Shark Live!" will take place Friday, March 18, as part of its 2022 Splash Tour. Tickets for both events can be purchased at americanbankcenter.com.

Concrete Street Amphitheater will host two shows Spring Break weekend with musical guests Kevin Gates and Parker McCollum. Rapper Gates will perform Friday, March 18, with tickets ranging $49 to $100. Country singer McCollum will take the stage Saturday, March 19, with tickets costing $30 to $75. Tickets can be purchased at concretestreet.net.

Texas State Aquarium

A sandbar shark swims past air bubbles emanating from two divers cleaning the H-E-B Caribbean Sea exhibit at the Texas State Aquarium, on Oct. 24, 2021.
A sandbar shark swims past air bubbles emanating from two divers cleaning the H-E-B Caribbean Sea exhibit at the Texas State Aquarium, on Oct. 24, 2021.

In case the weather is not what you expect during Spring Break, head indoors to witness the beautiful sea life at the Texas State Aquarium.

The facility will be open an extra hour from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily for Spring Break until Sunday, March 20.

Guests will be able to enjoy the all-new BBC Studios Octopus: Blue Planet II 4D Experience. In the Whataburger 4D Theatre, attendees can dive beneath the surface to explore the planet’s oceans and one of the most captivating creatures that dwells there: the octopus.

Be sure to check out the aquarium's dolphin show, see the flamingos and maybe even snorkel with a shark.

Catch a flick

"The Batman" stars Robert Pattinson as the titular character.
"The Batman" stars Robert Pattinson as the titular character.

Movies are always a great go-to for some fun bonding with family and friends. Consider heading out to Century 16, AMC Theaters, Movies Inc. in Calallen or Aransas Pass, Northshore 8 in Portland or Alamo Drafthouse if you're looking for a fun movie party.

Here's what you can expect to see on the big screen Spring Break week:

  • "The Batman": In the second year of being a vigilante, Batman discovers corruption in Gotham City connected to his family while facing the Riddler.

  • "Uncharted": Based on the hit video game series, Nathan Drake meets Victor Sullivan and the two embark on a dangerous pursuit to find explorer Ferdinand Magellan's long-last treasure.

  • "BTS Permission to Dance on Stage — Seoul: Live Viewing": The latest world tour series by pop icons BTS features performances with powerful songs and incredible dance moves.

  • "X": A group of young filmmakers sets out to make an adult film in a secluded farmhouse in rural Texas, but the hosts of the home take a violent interest about their guests.

  • "Umma": Amanda and her daughter live on a farm, but after Amanda receives the remains of her estranged mother, she becomes haunted by the fear of turning into her.

  • "Labyrinth Movie Party": Alamo Drafthouse promises singing, quoting and dancing all night long to the iconic '80s fantasy film starring David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King and Jennifer Connelly as 13-year-old Sarah.

Treasure Island

Located a couple of minutes past the JFK Causeway on North Padre Island, Treasure Island awaits.

Choose one of the 18-course options, Adventure or Challenge, grab your designated putter and choose a colorful golf ball to start the family-friendly experience. Afterward, grab a scoop of ice cream inside to cool off.

Museums

The Longhorn at the Art Museum of South Texas located at 1902 N Shoreline Boulevard.
The Longhorn at the Art Museum of South Texas located at 1902 N Shoreline Boulevard.

There are six museums in Corpus Christi: the Museum of Science & History, the Art Museum of South Texas, the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures & Education Center, the Selena Museum and the Texas Surf Museum.

If you're in Port Aransas during Spring Break, head to the Port Aransas Museum at 400 N. Alister St. The museum gives visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the beach town, which was originally called Tarpon.

Texas Jazz Festival

For two days, the 60th annual Texas Jazz Festival will take place at Heritage Park in Corpus Christi.

The free event is welcome to all ages and will have three stages of live jazz music, food and market vendors.

The festival runs Friday, March 18, through Saturday, March 19. For more information, visit texasjazz-fest.org.

Botanical Gardens

Ivan, a green iguana, is one of several reptiles that lives at the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.
Ivan, a green iguana, is one of several reptiles that lives at the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.

Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday, March 20, the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center includes gardens, conservatories, nature trails, wetlands and special animal ambassador activities, designed for students or families.

The gardens offers free parking, a play area for kids and attractions including talking to a parrot.

For more information, visit stxbot.org.

Grab a bite to eat

A Bella supreme pizza is made at Sal's Bronx Pizza wins the Best of the Best New Restaurant, as seen Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021. This is the restaurant's first time winning.
A Bella supreme pizza is made at Sal's Bronx Pizza wins the Best of the Best New Restaurant, as seen Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021. This is the restaurant's first time winning.

Avoid eating at restaurant chains and support local businesses in the Coastal Bend.

Grab some breakfast at Andy's Kitchen, have a slice at Sal's Bronx Pizza for lunch and enjoy dinner, with a scenic view of the waterfront, at Doc's.

Afterward, head to North Padre Island to get a sweet scoop of gelato at A La Mode Gelateria.

Back to Business: Here's why Hamlin Fountain & Gifts is a Corpus Christi gem

Shop till you drop

Produce Goods is a clothing and accessory shop located at 415 Peoples St.
Produce Goods is a clothing and accessory shop located at 415 Peoples St.

Continue supporting local businesses by visiting clothing shops across Corpus Christi.

Visit Produce Goods in downtown Corpus Christi to pick up a bucket hat — yes, they're unfortunately back in style. Check out Red Crow Antique Mall on Antique Lane to find some nice vintage pieces to add to your décor at home.

Nifty and thrifty: Here's a guide to the best resale clothing stores in Corpus Christi

Escape rooms

The Riddle Room of Corpus Christi is a live escape room business located at 4535 South Padre Island Drive. Some of the escape room themes include "Harry Potter" and "The Walking Dead."
The Riddle Room of Corpus Christi is a live escape room business located at 4535 South Padre Island Drive. Some of the escape room themes include "Harry Potter" and "The Walking Dead."

Head out to The Riddle Room of Corpus Christi and choose an escape room to solve. Different rooms include finding a red skull in the world of Harry Potter, preparing to escape from zombies from "The Walking Dead" and trying to save mankind from creatures of a different universe.

The USS Lexington Museum on the Bay also offers two escape rooms, with one new room opening Tuesday, March 15. Admission for each escape room, which includes entry to the vessel, is $38.

Arcades

Quasars Arcade holds several arcade games, pinball machines and claw machines. Some games include Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, The Grid and Donkey Kong.
Quasars Arcade holds several arcade games, pinball machines and claw machines. Some games include Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero, The Grid and Donkey Kong.

There are two arcades in Corpus Christi: Quasars Arcade and Zone 31.

The former has a variety of pinball machines, arcade games and claw machines. It's also BYOB so that adds to the fun. Quasars is located at 5301 Everhart Road.

In the downtown area, Zone 31 is right next to Crawdaddy's and only costs $10 per person to play Japanese-imported games for as long as you want. A kitchen is located inside where you can purchase snacks and drinks. Plus, there are karaoke rooms for you and friends to belt out classic songs.

Nerd scene: Check out these video game, arcades and comic book stores in the Coastal Bend

Fishing

Doug Sanford casts his line into the Gulf of Mexico at Bob Hall Pier in Corpus Christi Monday afternoon, March 16, 2015. Sanford like to catch and release, and says that fishing is a sort of relaxation and therapy for him.
Doug Sanford casts his line into the Gulf of Mexico at Bob Hall Pier in Corpus Christi Monday afternoon, March 16, 2015. Sanford like to catch and release, and says that fishing is a sort of relaxation and therapy for him.

Want a chill moment during Spring Break? Fishing is one of the most relaxing ways to spend time outdoors.

There's Fish Pass Jetty, near Mustang Island State Park, between Corpus Christi and Port Aransas. Be sure to check out the new Cole Park Pier to test the waters.

Keep it reel: Check out this list of some of the best fishing spots in Corpus Christi, Port Aransas and Rockport

Hit the bars

A Texas bock beer is served for a customer Saturday Sept. 5, 2015 at the Lazy Beach Brewing Co. in Corpus Christi.
A Texas bock beer is served for a customer Saturday Sept. 5, 2015 at the Lazy Beach Brewing Co. in Corpus Christi.

For those of legal drinking age, consider hitting a bar or brewery with friends during Spring Break.

Lazy Beach Brewing Co. is located at 7522 Bichon Drive, Suite 100, and offers weekly brews along with plenty of other beer and hard kombucha.

In downtown Corpus Christi, visit the Gold Fish, an outdoor bar on the corner of Mesquite Street. The cozy atmosphere is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family.

Be sure to use Uber, Lyft or any other ride-hailing options to avoid drinking and driving.

Community theater

Aurora Arts Theatre presented "Nunsense" in February 2020.
Aurora Arts Theatre presented "Nunsense" in February 2020.

Treat your inner thespian and head out to one of these local community theaters to catch a show during Spring Break.

  • Harbor Playhouse: Harbor Playhouse presents "The Wedding Singer" at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Based on the hit Adam Sandler movie, the play is a musical take on the film featuring plenty of singing and '80s memories. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors/military/students and $10 for kids 12 and under. For more information, call 361-882-5500 or visit harborplayhouse.com.

  • Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi: The university presents "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" at 7:30 p.m. through Saturday at Warren Theatre in the Center for the Arts. The Tony Award-winning musical is inspired by the true story of the Texas Chicken Ranch, the oldest operating "whorehouse." Tickets are $12 for general admission and $10 for students, seniors and military. For more information, visit tamucc.tix.com.

  • Del Mar College: The community college presents "The Dining Room" at 7:30 p.m. through Saturday at Bartlett Theatre in the Fine Arts Center. The comedic drama is rated for those 14 years and older years due to mature language and suggestive content. It features actors changing roles and personalities as they portray a variety of characters including little boys to stern grandfathers and giggling teenage girls to Irish housemaids. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $6 for seniors/military/DMC employees and $3 for college students. For more information, call 361-698-126 or visit delmardrama.ludus.com.

MORE COVERAGE

More: Kids can attend these 2022 Spring Break camps in Corpus Christi

More: Here's how Corpus Christi is preparing for Spring Break 2022 tourists

More: When does Spring Break start? Here's a look at 2022 dates for South Texas schools, colleges

John Oliva covers education and community news in South Texas. Consider supporting local journalism with a subscription to the Caller-Times.

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Spring Break 2022: Here's a guide on fun things to do in South Texas

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