My husband & I would like to plan a trip down to Corpus Christi around the end of next month. We'd like to stop in San Antonio on the way down. Where are the cheapest, (but w/o lacking quality), hotels?? Where should we dine? What activities do you suggest? I'm thinking the aquarium, botanical garden & deep sea fishing. We have a 4 year old son. Your input is greatly appreciated.
We went last summer with our (then) 3 year old twin boys and 2 year old boy. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort on North Padre Island. It was great! It can be pricey but we found a fantastic deal online (about $80/night during the week) and kids eat free at Holiday Inn. In addition to the other suggestions, I would defifinitely recommend visiting the USS Lexington. My boys loved it!
D.
we went last year and it rained most of the time! but we did have a great time at the aquarium, our 2 yo at the time loved the dolphins. we took our dog so we had to stay at like motel 6 or something like that. oh there is great big playground on the beach. i can't remember any names but i'm sure once you get to the beach and drive down the road in front you'll see it. we actually went there every day for about an hour. most importantly watch out for the jellyfish. they are everywhere, we couldn't even get in the water it was so bad. i highly suggest driving over to rockport at least one day if you want to really enjoy the water. have a great time.
We really want to go to San Antonio this summer as well. I think Sea World is a ton of fun. You can get a 2-day pass for under $50... and there are so many things to do there. We planned on going for two days so that we can really take our time and see everything. Everything takes more time with a preschooler!
In Corpus Christi we stayed with our kids at the Holiday Inn in downtown. It came with it's only little private beach on the bay, an indoor pool and free breakfast buffet. It was close to all the attractions, but the best beaches are a little further out, just a short drive really.
I think it was the Holiday Inn Emerald Bay, but further out by the beaches (the Gulf side) is the Holiday Inn Sunspree.
Just depends on how close to town you want to be.
We always stay at the Drury Inn in Corpus. It's really close to the intersection of I-37 and 358. Follow I-37 on south to downtown Corpus, or follow 358 out to N. Padre Island. The beach is best on the gulf side of the island, imo. When you get to the island, turn left at the first light, and then drive about 15-20 miles to get to Port Aransas. My family's favorite place to eat there is Crazy Cajun's. Just ask some local exactly how to get there, it's great. Back in Corpus, we always go to the aquarium, and in recent years have begun to go to the science and history museum. Both are great, and if you have a Dallas Zoo membership, you can get 50% off your aquarium ticket price. The big play ground someone else mentioned is lots of fun for the kids, too. Just follow I-37 as far south as you can, and turn right on to Shoreline Blvd., which becomes Ocean Dr. The park's name is Cole Park Amphitheater, and is on the left, bay side. Well, I hope this helps!
D.
