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If you’re looking for a fun beach getaway without having to leave Texas, Corpus Christi — the so-called “Sparkling City by the Sea” — awaits.
Located in southeast Texas, the coastal city of Corpus Christi offers vacationers multiple beaches to enjoy. There’s McGee Beach with its calmer waters, or North Beach, which is 1.5 miles long. If you head outside the city center, you’ll find even more beautiful landscapes on Padre Island (the world’s longest barrier island) and around Mustang Island State Park.
Beaches aside, there’s plenty more to see and do while you’re in Corpus Christi. The U.S.S. Lexington (a World War II aircraft carrier turned into a museum), the Texas State Aquarium, and the Selena Museum are all popular attractions anytime you want to get out of the sun for a bit.
So where should you call home while exploring the city? From inviting rentals with direct access to the beach to large abodes in centrally located neighborhoods, these are the best vacation rentals in Corpus Christi for your beachy getaway.
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1. Beach Front House on North Beach
Why you should stay: A sea-inspired escape mere steps from the beach.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $250/night
It’s all about the beach inside and out at this beachfront house. You’re just a two-minute walk away from North Beach, so you can easily hop right out of bed and go enjoy the water. Fittingly, the recently remodeled house’s interior design has a sea theme going on with bright blue accents and nautical decorations.
From your private deck, relax on the hammock while looking out onto the ocean, since you won’t have other houses or buildings blocking your view of the water. This spot also makes for a great place to catch the sunrise.
When you’re looking for more to do, follow the walking trail down at the beach. It takes you straight to the city’s top attractions like the U.S.S. Lexington and the aquarium.
Check AvailabilityRelated read: 12 Best Beaches in Texas to Enjoy the Sun & Surf
2. North Beach Vacation Rental
Why you should stay: A roomy rental just a five-minute walk from the water.
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $250/night
Getting some rest and relaxation is made even easier with how roomy this beach house is. You and your friends or family can spread out in the three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, separate office space, and big kitchen. When the weather is nice (which it often is), you can spend all day on the patio. There’s also a fenced-in backyard where kids can run free.
Really, the best part about this rental is the fact that you’re just a five-minute walk to North Beach. You can hang around here to soak up the sea and sunshine, or walk closer to town.
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3. Private Family Home
Why you should stay: A super-affordable stay just an easy drive from the islands.
- Sleeps: 10
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $169/night
With four bedrooms, this 2,200-square-foot home is big enough to fit the entire family or your whole travel gang. Even better, the split-bedroom layout means you can have separated spaces for additional privacy. Anyone who claims the primary bedroom is in luck since they’ll get access to a jacuzzi tub alongside a separate shower.
The rental is in a quiet neighborhood, and a short drive to the Corpus Christi center or Padre Island and Mustang Island. When you’re done with your daytime adventures, come back to the house to lounge on the back patio or fire up the charcoal grill.
Depending on when you plan your visit, this home can be one of the most affordable vacation rentals in Corpus Christi if you split it between 10 people.
Check Availability4. Suite with Zen Garden Escape
Why you should stay: Feel pampered at this retreat with a garden oasis with optional perks.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $130/night
While this suite is connected to the owners’ house, you’ll get your privacy thanks to a separate entrance, locked privacy door, and private garden. With its cute pergola and outdoor shower, that last feature is really the true gem here, offering you a peaceful place to unwind. If you want to stretch your legs a bit more, head to the main backyard where you’ll find a fire pit and a hot tub, which is particularly nice at night when you turn on the hanging fairy lights.
Guests who stay on the weekends can request a decadent breakfast of fluffy soufflé pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, mimosas, and coffee. Anyone staying for seven or more nights gets this delicious spread on the house. Alternatively, the hosts offer a Himalayan salt block ribeye dinner with wine pairing as an add-on or again as a complimentary treat for extended stays.
It could be a charming Corpus Christi vacation rental for a couples getaway, especially for couples with pups – it’s dog-friendly.
Check Availability5. Luxury Corpus Christi Home
Why you should stay: Plenty of room, complete with an outdoor living room and TV.
- Sleeps: 10
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $270/night
With 2,530 square feet of space and four bedrooms, this home can hold quite the crew, making it an excellent Corpus Christi vacation rental for a family or multi-generational getaway. If your gang is planning on cooking during your trip, you’ll love using the large gourmet chef’s kitchen complete with a popcorn machine. Reserve some time to enjoy the back patio too, which has an outdoor TV, fireplace, and grill – perhaps the perfect place to eat popcorn made with said machine?
When it comes to nearby attractions, the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is less than a 10-minute drive away. From this neighborhood, you can also easily head to Mustang Island State Park or the Padre Island seashore for more outdoor recreation. The popular Whitecap Beach is just around 20 minutes away.
Check Availability6. Home Close to Corpus Christi Bay
Why you should stay: A quaint home close to McGee Beach and Corpus Christi Bay.
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $130/night
This house has a homey touch with its vintage furniture and antique decorations. The space itself is cozy, but you have more room to roam in the gated backyard, where there’s a grill and patio furniture with an outdoor barbecue.
Drive for five minutes from this rental and you can get to the bustling McGee Beach, known for its gentler waves. You can walk to Cole Park (a waterfront, family-friendly recreation area) or Texas A&M, making this a great vacation rental in Corpus Christi if you’re visiting someone at the university or coming to catch a game.
Divided between six people, this house is on the cheaper end of rentals in the area.
Check Availability7. Jewel Box Beach Cottage
Why you should stay: A brightly colored bungalow steps from the beach
- Sleeps: 5
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $152/night
It’s hard to miss Jewel Box Beach Cottage given its brightly painted exterior (and the other eye-catching jewel tones of its neighboring cottages.) The home is on a gated property, adding an extra level of safety and security.
Keep in mind this rental is a duplex, so you may have neighbors. That being said, the cottage delivers when it comes to location as it’s next to the more secluded area of North Beach. It’s hard to find a better vacation rental for the whole family this close to the beach at a better price.
If you need space for even more people, there’s another cottage on the property available for rent.
Check Availability8. Sandy Shores Beach House
Why you should stay: A colorful rental walking distance to parks and restaurants.
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $145/night
Add a beach vacation rental with a dash of inviting farmhouse and a touch of vintage, and you get Sandy Shores Beach House. The vibrantly decorated space invites you to make yourself at home as you get started on your Corpus Christi adventure. From the home, it’s a leisurely a 20-minute walk to the coast and Cole Park, which is a great place to bring kids thanks to a playground and skate park.
While the house does have a well-equipped kitchen as well as a grill, you’re also super close to some great eateries, including Sugarbakers and Hester’s Cafe. But you may just feel like enjoying your morning cup o’ joe on the covered front porch, taking in that fresh ocean air – it’s not on the water, but it’s pretty close.
Check Availability9. Cozy, Comfy, Cutie Home
Why you should stay: Don’t overthink it – cute home, good location, great price.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $125/night
Cozy, comfy, cute: the name says it all. This house is a nice option for small families or those who like having a quiet neighborhood to come back to during their vacation. It’s affordable, clean, and comfortable. Why spend more on something fancier if that’s all you need?
The space is recently renovated, and you’ll particularly notice it in the kitchen, which features modern appliances and granite countertops. After hanging out at the beach all day, take your pick between the covered front porch or the back patio for relaxing at home.
There’s a park across the street, which is particularly handy if you’re bringing your pet along (yes, they’re allowed here.) Generally speaking, this rental serves as a good home base seeing as it’s between downtown Corpus Christi and Padre Island.
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