EXPLORE THE HOST CITY
The Sparkling City by the Sea
Corpus Christi wraps warm Gulf beaches, a walkable bayfront, and real Texas hospitality around your Jamboree weekend. Come for the program — stay for the coast.
Things to See & Do
The best of the coast, most of it within a few minutes of the hotel.
USS Lexington
Tour “The Blue Ghost,” a WWII aircraft carrier turned floating museum, moored just across the bay.
Texas State Aquarium
Sharks, dolphins, and a rescued-wildlife hospital — the largest aquarium in Texas and a family favorite.
Padre & Mustang Island
Miles of Gulf shoreline and the Padre Island National Seashore — the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world.
Downtown & Marina
Stroll the seawall, watch the sailboats, and dine along the water — all within walking distance of the Omni.
Art & the Selena Museum
The Art Museum of South Texas and the Selena Museum celebrate the culture of the Coastal Bend.
Birding & the Bay
The Coastal Bend is one of the top birding regions in the country — bring binoculars for the shoreline flocks.
Getting Here & Around
By Air
Fly into Corpus Christi International (CRP), about 15 minutes from the Omni, with connections through Dallas, Houston, and Austin.
By Road
Roughly 2.5–3 hours from San Antonio, 3.5 from Austin, and 3.5 from Houston — an easy Texas drive.
Weather in February
Mild and breezy — typically 50s–60s°F. Pack layers and a light jacket for evenings by the water.
Getting Around
Downtown, the marina, and the seawall are walkable from the hotel. A car helps for the beaches and the aquarium.
Where to Eat
Fresh Gulf seafood, Tex-Mex, and waterfront patios line Shoreline Blvd and the marina district.
Make a Weekend of It
Add a day on either side of the Jamboree to hit the beach, the aquarium, and the Lexington without rushing.
What’s Happening in Town
Two local events during Jamboree weekend, February 5–7, 2027.
FRIDAY, FEB 5 · 5–9 PM
First Friday Art Walk
Downtown Corpus Christi hosts the monthly First Friday Art Walk. The Art Center of Corpus Christi and The Art Museum of South Texas stay open late with free or discounted admission, outdoor artisan vendors, live music, food trucks, and open gallery doors.
SUNDAY, FEB 7 · EVENING
Live Music Downtown
Heavy metal band Nervosa performs live at House of Rock in Downtown Corpus Christi on Sunday evening.
Discounts, Specials & Ticket Hacks
HALF-PRICE DEALS
February Attraction Swap Pass
Every February, major attractions — including the USS Lexington, Texas State Aquarium, and the Art Museum of South Texas — take part in a February member swap/discount program. Membership at any participating local or reciprocal museum gives you 50% off admission at participating attractions throughout February.
USS Lexington Museum
- Active military, veterans, and seniors receive discounted admission rates.
- General admission includes a free screening in the Joe Jessel 3D MEGA Theater.
Texas State Aquarium
- Advance tickets bought online are generally cheaper than gate rates.
- Military, senior, and student discounts are offered daily.
Driving, Parking & Beach Details
USS LEXINGTON & TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM
Downtown to North Beach
- Drive time: 8–10 minutes north via US-181 over the Harbor Bridge.
- Tolls: None.
- USS Lexington parking: $3.50 all-day on-site parking.
- Texas State Aquarium parking: paid lot adjacent to the entrance.
- Both attractions share adjacent parking, so you can park once and walk between them.
BEACHES & BIRDING
Downtown to Padre & Mustang Islands
- Drive time: about 25–35 minutes south along South Padre Island Drive (SPID / TX-358 E) and over the JFK Causeway.
- Tolls: None.
- Beach driving permit: driving on the sand at Mustang Island State Park or Padre Island National Seashore requires a $12 annual beach parking permit, sold at local convenience stores or park gates.
- 4WD is recommended for driving past Mile Marker 5 at Padre Island National Seashore.
Where to Eat
Waterfront & Seafood
Water Street Oyster Bar
Located in the Downtown Water Street Market. Known for mesquite-grilled Gulf catches, fresh raw oysters, and seafood gumbo.
Harrison’s Landing
Located on a floating dock along Peoples St. T-Head in the marina. Great for casual fish tacos, clam chowder, and waterfront patio drinks while watching the sailboats.
Casual Patios & Tex-Mex
Executive Surf Club
Casual downtown patio spot offering craft beers on tap, fresh burgers, and live music.
Hi-Ho Restaurant
Historic Tex-Mex spot renowned for authentic breakfast tacos and classic lunch specials.
Your 3-Day Weekend Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for making the most of Jamboree weekend.
FRIDAY, FEB 5
Arrival, Historic Tex-Mex & First Friday Art Walk
8:30–10:00 AM · Tex-Mex Kickoff
Breakfast at Hi-Ho Restaurant for authentic carne guisada or breakfast tacos.
10:30 AM–1:00 PM · Coastal Morning Walk
Stroll along the 1.5-mile Downtown Seawall, view the marina yachts, and pause at the Mirador de la Flor (Selena Memorial Statue).
1:00–2:30 PM · Waterfront Lunch
Lunch on the floating deck at Harrison’s Landing on Peoples St. T-Head.
2:30–4:30 PM · Culture & Selena History
Visit the Selena Museum at Q-Productions (open Mon–Fri, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM).
5:00–9:00 PM · First Friday Art Walk
Explore The Art Museum of South Texas and the Art Center of Corpus Christi with evening entry, local artisan booths, and food trucks.
9:00 PM · Nightcap
Craft beers and burgers on the patio at Executive Surf Club.
SATURDAY, FEB 6
North Beach Double-Feature
8:00 AM · Fun Run
Start the day with the free, untimed 3-mile Fun Run on the seawall. See the details.
8:30–9:30 AM · Morning Breakfast
Coffee and breakfast bites along Water Street.
10:00 AM–1:00 PM · USS Lexington Museum
Head across the Harbor Bridge to North Beach. Explore the flight deck, aircraft displays, and flight simulators, and catch the included 3D theater movie aboard the ship.
1:00–2:00 PM · Lunch at North Beach
Grab casual Gulf seafood or tacos near North Beach.
2:00–5:00 PM · Texas State Aquarium
Walk next door to the aquarium. Tour the Caribbean Journey wing, dolphin habitats, and sea turtle rescue center.
6:30 PM · Dinner at Water Street
Return downtown for oysters and mesquite-grilled catches at Water Street Oyster Bar.
SUNDAY, FEB 7
Barrier Islands, Birding & Departure
8:00 AM–12:00 PM · Island Adventure & Birding
Drive 30 minutes south over the JFK Causeway to Padre Island National Seashore. Walk along Malaquite Beach, explore the sand dunes, or visit Bird Island Basin for shorebird watching.
12:30–2:00 PM · Casual Island Lunch
Seafood on the bay under the JFK Causeway before returning toward downtown or the airport.
Evening · Your Options
Catch live evening entertainment at House of Rock, or take a final sunset walk along the seawall before heading home.
