Fun Day Trips Within 2 Hours of Corpus Christi

There's a reason why Americans have such a fascination with the open road. It's always a bit of an adventure when you set out on a trip, whether it's a new destination or a favorite spot. Corpus Christi is within a couple of hours of several great towns and attractions, giving you the flexibility of making a day trip or spending the night for a longer excursion.

Have fun exploring one or more of these locations this summer:

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Texas is home to an amazing variety of birds and animals. This 70,000-acre preserve northeast of Corpus Christi is considered by many to be the state's top area for bird-watching with opportunities to spot whooping cranes, one of the rarest birds in North America. Animals that can be seen regularly include deer, armadillos and bottlenose dolphins.

Kingsville, TX

Get a glimpse into the life of a cowboy when you visit King's Ranch, the main attraction in this town that forms a bridge between the days of the Old West and modern industrial times. Public tours follow a 10-mile loop through the grounds where you can see cattle, horses and cowboys, many of whom are descendants of Mexicans who populated the ranch in the mid-19th century.

Port Aransas, TX

If your ideal day off includes serious beach time, this is the place for you. Port Aransas is the only established town on Mustang Island, the long, thin strip of land that divides Corpus Christi Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. Should you find yourself in the mood for a little more action, you'll find fishing, parasailing, golfing and a host of other outdoor activities. A trolley provides shuttle service throughout the town if you want to shop the boutiques or enjoy a leisurely lunch.

Harlingen, TX

This town almost directly south of Corpus Christi offers a charming mix of history and culture. Main Street in downtown Harlingen features an eclectic assortment of shops and boutiques carrying original artwork, handmade jewelry, clothing, antiques and home decor. Many of the buildings are covered with colorful murals depicting aspects of the Valley's history. The Arts and Heritage Museum is a complex including three historical buildings that house permanent collections of items and photos along with rotating exhibits.

Rockport, TX

USA Today named Rockport #5 on its list of Top 10 Coastal Small Towns. The streets are filled with art galleries displaying pieces done by the town's thriving artistic community. Don't miss the Rockport Center for the Arts that includes a stunning outdoor sculpture garden as well as exhibits and festivals featuring visual and performing arts.

Is there another exciting destination you can add to our list? Please share in the comments!