Explore the Compelling Communities of the Coastal Bend
Welcome to the Coastal Bend, where land, sea and industry all coalesce. There’s so much here to explore and enjoy, with each community offering its own unique traits.
In This Article
Corpus Christi
Nicknamed the “Sparkling City by the Sea,” Corpus Christi makes it easy to see why so many call it home. The city of around 317,000 is somehow a simultaneous combination of beach culture, industrial port-town economy and tourist-friendly attractions, blending big-city amenities with a laid-back, coastal energy.
Popular attractions include the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center with its gorgeous walking trails and lush gardens, the USS Lexington Museum featuring World War II exhibits, and Whataburger Field, where folks can root for the Corpus Christi Hooks baseball team. Fun fact: Corpus Christi is the birthplace of the popular Whataburger restaurant chain.
Portland
Located just across the bay, Portland is a bedroom community, offering easy access to the city for commuters, but a much quieter and suburban day-to-day feel. The city of around 21,000 sits atop a large bluff, offering pristine views of Corpus Christi Bay, as well as Nueces Bay. Portland is family-oriented with a strong school system and plenty of outdoor amenities, with great places like Sunset Lake Park and Indian Point Pier. Every year, the city hosts Windfest, a fun festival.
Port Aransas
“Port A,” as locals call it, embodies bohemian beach culture at its finest. The community of around 3,300 is the kind of place that feels like a vacation all year round. Yes, it’s a go-to destination for spring breakers, but it also attracts fishing enthusiasts, ecotourism adventurers and quirky, artsy types who love eclectic cafes and boutiques. Port A’s public beaches are sandy, spacious and perfect for swimming and surfing. Out on the water, deep-sea fishing charters and dolphin-watching tours are also very popular.
Aransas Pass
This small-town, working-class community of 9,000 is located between Corpus Christi and Port Aransas, and the fishing and shrimping industries have a strong presence. It’s a place where the people are authentic, down-to-earth and proud of their maritime roots.
Those roots are on full display during the “Shrimporee,” a festival celebrating all things shrimp. Aransas Pass is also extremely popular with bird-watchers, thanks to its prime position along the Central Flyway, which sees anywhere from 3 million to 5 million migrating birds each year.
Ingleside
This small, peaceful city of 10,000 residents offers affordability, access to the bay and family-friendly amenities for days. Tourism isn’t big in Ingleside, but that’s how residents like it. Instead, outdoor activities stand unrivaled, thanks to the area’s ample supply of nearby places and activities to explore. Bahia Marina is the place to go for sailing, dolphin watching and bay views.
Robstown
This inland city of around 10,300 residents is traditional Texan. A strong Latino presence (97% of residents are Hispanic) enriches the culinary and cultural experiences. Each year, the community gathers for Cottonfest, a festival that celebrates rural culture. And let’s not forget Robstown’s claim to fame as the official birthplace of Texas Hold ’em Poker!
Sinton
Inland Sinton is quiet and tight-knit. This community of 5,600 residents became a critical intersection for railroad traffic. Sinton’s historic downtown district helps to shape the city’s timeless charm, while its concentration of public services positions it as a hub for the administrative needs of San Patricio County.