By: Kylie Cooper, Jacqueline Gonzalez, Evelyn Martinez and Vanessa Perez
Come January, a sense of renewal and optimism fills the air, and though the act of creating New Year’s resolutions is slightly arbitrary, it’s as good a time as any to set new goals or intentionally think about the months ahead. However, even with the best of intentions, setting resolutions can really just feel like setting yourself up for failure.
With this in mind, we decided to help readers start the year with realistic, locally rooted inspiration. Instead of traditional resolutions, this guide reframes goal-setting as opportunities (26, to be exact) to explore, connect and thrive in the Coastal Bend.
1. Explore New Food Options
The new year is prime “try something new” season, and the local dining scene is ready to deliver. Roasted Clove Food Co. is a new player on the scene with seafood, steaks and wood-fired pizza on the menu, along with inventive specials. Stop by for a quick lunch or an intimate dinner and enjoy the delicious menu along with wine and local beer pairings.
On the Island, big things are happening. Brewster Street Icehouse recently opened its third location, a massive boat-like space overlooking the water. Expect the same live music, cold drinks, family-friendly atmosphere and delicious food, now paired with waterfront views. Also on the Island, longtime favorite Salty Oak BBQ has officially reinvented itself as Salty Island BBQ, bringing Central Texas-style smoked meats to the beach crowd with scratch-made sides and open-fire flavor.
Fans of all things pink and Parisian will appreciate the expansion of Bien Mérité, soon offering a significantly larger location where buttery pastries, brunch plates and lavender lemonades can be enjoyed with even more seating and offerings. If you’re in the Flour Bluff area, 888 (formerly The Bar & Grill) delivers dishes such as chili lime pork skins and Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, along with popular American favorites like sandwiches, pasta and all-day breakfast.
2. Rediscover the Joys of Living on the Water
We’ve all been there—letting weeks or months pass by without a beach visit, driving down Ocean Drive or over the Harbor Bridge without thinking twice about the water surrounding us. Whether we realize it or not, inspiration radiates off the waves of our coast in the shade of bright sunshine. For this new year, let us rediscover the joys of living on the water.
Sure, grab your swimsuit, but don’t forget to explore the more casual options. Sit, tan and reflect in the shallow waters of Rockport Beach. Walk the stretch of Shoreline Boulevard while the weather’s still cool. People watch while you fish on Cole Park Pier, and take your catch to one of the many waterside restaurants that’ll cook it for you. Once the South Texas heat comes back, pack up the car and drive out to our very own National Park, Padre Island National Seashore. Put your phone on airplane mode and take it all in—the sand between your toes, the sun that always shines and the warm weather that rarely changes.
3. Support Youth Mentorships
Resolving to dedicate more time to community causes is mutually beneficial, and a great way to do this is by volunteering to help cultivate the next generation of leaders. Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas is always looking for new mentors to serve children across three counties. Become a “Tidechanger” with Majesty Outdoors, which provides support and positive role models to children. Another great option, the Boys & Girls Club updates its website seasonally with opportunities for new volunteers.
4. Grow Your Fur Family
Many local shelters have plenty of animals ready for loving homes, and places like PeeWee’s and the Gulf Coast Humane Society make adoption approachable, compassionate and rewarding. If you’re considering expanding the furry side of your family, these organizations can help you find everything from small kittens to senior dogs.
Even if adoption isn’t in the cards right now, there are meaningful ways to support the shelters that keep these animals safe. Fostering gives animals a temporary home while opening space for more intakes; monetary donations support medical care, food and daily necessities; and for those who want a hands-on experience, City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services offers its Doggy Day Out program, where volunteers can take a shelter dog out for a few hours of fresh air and positive socialization. It helps the dogs build critical life skills and gives them a much-needed break from the shelter environment.
5. Give Back to Your Community
Investing in one’s self takes real work, and part of that betterment can come from investing in others. This year, find new ways to give back to your community by volunteering your time, financial means and other material donations to those in need. The wide range of organizations running on volunteer work across the Coastal Bend allows anyone to search for an option that plays into their interests—one of the unsung joys of volunteering.
Love learning more about our region? Volunteer as a visitor greeter or education assistant at the Museum of Science and History. Make it a family affair with The Cattery, which accepts help from pet lovers of all ages under parental supervision. Driscoll Children’s Hospital always needs book readers for its young patients or new members of its baby “Cuddle Club.” Even more traditional routes like the Coastal Bend Food Bank are always receptive to new volunteers. Whatever avenue you choose, approach it with an open heart.
6. Take Yourself On Solo Adventures
This the New Year, let us learn to love our own company. The Coastal Bend is chock full of solo activities for the hermit and mingler alike. For those with classic resolutions like reading more, try doing so at one of our many local cafes. Lucy’s for a glass of wine, Driftwood for some of the best beans in town. For those well-versed in the art of solo dates, craft cocktails paired with truffle fries from The Post or Nueces Whiskey Library make for a pretty perfect one. Hike alongside the iconic Boots the Gator and his birdy companions out in the Port Aransas Nature Preserve, or do the beachtown version of traditional meditation: fishing. Beautiful docks stretching out into the sea for maximum fishing efficiency can be found all over our coast. Take a stroll down Antique Row. Visit our museums and take in the arts at your own pace. The opportunities are endless. Give yourself a chance to not only learn more about yourself, but learn more about the place you call home, too.
7. Support the Arts Through Memberships
Memberships help sustain the programs, performances and exhibitions that make the Coastal Bend’s creative scene so vibrant, and they come with perks that deepen the experience for supporters.
The Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra offers several membership tiers, each providing special access and opportunities to support live orchestral performances. The Harbor Playhouse offers season memberships that give theater lovers a front-row pass to the productions that define the city’s performing arts tradition.
The Rockport Center for the Arts is another place where memberships play a vital role. With benefits like discounted classes, members-only workshops and opportunities to exhibit work, joining supports a thriving artistic community. No matter which organization you choose, these memberships offer meaningful benefits for art enthusiasts while helping keep creativity alive across the region.
8. Learn A New Skill
Sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to be bad at things … at least, this is what you might need to tell yourself upon embarking on a new skill. Show up to your first class with a healthy dose of humility, an open heart and mind, and you’ll surely leave with a growing curiosity for your new talent. Take a pottery class at the Barry Brown Clay Studio, where they host hand-building and glazing and four-week-long intro to wheel workshops. Discover new cuisines at a cooking class with Mimi Kitchen Boss at the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures and Education Center, with typically two classes each month.
For those in search of a more physical challenge, there is no shortage of fun for all ages and activity levels. Texas Surf Camps offer lessons to all ages and experience levels year-round, and The Ranch hosts dance lessons on Friday nights before the crowd comes in.
9. Support A Local Sports Team
Showing pride for your city is one of the best ways to exemplify the motto “we love where we live,” and supporting a local sports team is one of the easiest (and most fun) ways to do it. Corpus Christi FC has officially become the city’s only professional sports team and is gearing up for its first season as a part of USL League One, with its first game set for March 21. Led by head coach Éamon Zayed, the Sharks will call the Corpus Christi Sports Complex home. This $28.3 million development has finished phase one of its build, including two turf multi-use fields, six grass fields and parking. Phase two is now underway, which will focus on the 5,000-seat stadium. Cheering on CCFC in its inaugural professional season is a resolution we should all be keeping in 2026, as it’s a historic event for our city!
But, if soccer just isn’t your cup of tea, there are several other local sports teams to become avid fans of this year. The IceRays continue to hit the ice at the Hillard Center with their last home game of the season on March 28. The Corpus Christi Hooks’ new season begins April 2 with a full weekend of home games at Whataburger Field, and the Islanders’ respected NCAA Division I program in the Southland Conference will see both men’s and women’s basketball games through March 12—that is, unless we make another run in March Madness.
10. Explore more of the Coastal Bend with day trips
Day trips around the Coastal Bend can feel like a small getaway, and the short drive brings new scenery, historic spaces and local character that make for easy, memorable outings. In Kingsville, visitors can explore the iconic King Ranch, known for its vast acreage, wildlife tours, historic buildings and hands-on experiences that highlight the ranch’s legacy. The King Ranch Museum, nearby historic downtown, local shops and the 1904 Train Depot Museum round out a full day of exploring. A meal at Harrel Drug Co. adds a nostalgic touch with burgers, shakes and a classic soda fountain feel.
Beeville is another great day trip option, offering a balance of arts, history and outdoor spaces. The Beeville Art Museum features local and state artists, while restored historic homes provide a glimpse into the past. Flournoy Park features a playground, walking trails, a skateboard park and a butterfly garden, while Veterans Memorial Park includes a disc golf course, baseball fields and playgrounds, perfect for the kiddos to enjoy. Downtown shops and small eateries make it an easy, pleasant stop. Make plans to visit on the fourth Saturday of the month and attend the downtown vendor market from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sinton has its own appeal with antique shopping along Main Street, fishing and birding opportunities and local landmarks like the Sinton Historical Museum. A visit to Butter’s BBQ gives the trip a delicious finish.
11. Run A Marathon
Say “running a marathon” found its way onto your list of goals for the New Year. First: You’re a brave soul. Second: There are local running clubs and events perfect for helping you train for or complete the resolution. Joining a community with the same end goal is a great way to stay on top of your training. Check out local running clubs such as the Downtown Run Club, Corpus Christi Roadrunners, Corpus Christi Run Club After Dark, South Texas Rollers, BRB Run ClubandBlackjack Run Club. Most groups can be found on Facebook and are typically accepting new members.
A few local marathons and half marathons to mark on your calendars:
The Portland Half | Jan. 17
The Rodeo Stampede | Feb. 15
Beach to Bay Relay Marathon | May 16
Endurance Fest | June 6
Red, White and Blue Half Marathon | July 12
Corpus Christi Marathon | typically held in December.
12. Lean Into Your Green Thumb
Adding more greenery to your life is always beneficial, whether your goal is to grow your own vegetables, inject more life into your home or anywhere in between. Coastal Bend gardening extraordinaire Justin Butts has contributed well over 100 articles—and counting—to our archives on how to grow plants and vegetables in a Coastal Bend landscape, and if you need a little help from the pros to get started, the teams over at Gill Garden Center + Landscape Co. and Turner’s Gardenland are happy to help.
For those less ambitious or who don’t have much of a green thumb to begin with, opt for finding low-maintenance house plants suitable for your space. Stop into Planted CCTX and shop its extensive collection or hire the team to make the decisions for you, providing the ideal indoor plants, green walls or moss wall art for your space. For a community-driven way to achieve this resolution, attend a monthly plant swap event at The Annex, typically held the first Wednesday of every month, where seeds, propagations and small plants are exchanged among friends.
13. Take advantage of the airport’s new offerings
In a truly historic event for the Coastal Bend, Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA) and Frontier Airlines launched a nonstop flight between CCIA and the Denver International Airport last fall. With the first new nonstop route added to CCIA in 27 years (and with low-fare offers), there’s almost no excuse not to take a trip to Denver at some point this year.
While you’re waiting for your new nonstop flight, CCIA has made it even easier to enjoy your time at the gate:
Gulf Coast Capital Bar & Grill brings a sophisticated yet comfortable dining experience.
Island Joe’s Coffee and Gift Shop adds a local touch with artisan coffees, teas and fresh pastries.
The Amazon “Just Walk Out” store brings convenience to a whole new level.
Nueces Brewing Bar & Outdoor Patio allows travelers to unwind with a locally brewed beer in hand while stepping out for fresh air.
14. Shop Local Farmers’ Markets
There’s a sense of satisfaction these days in being able to say you know exactly where your food is coming from. Sure, there are the obvious health benefits of farm-to-table consumption, but the added perk of environmental sustainability, as well as contributing directly to the local economy? It doesn’t get better than that. Corpus Christi farmers and growers have taken up the mantle of sustainable food practices, and have offered the invaluable service of providing access to fresh goods to all in our community.
Stop by these local farmers’ markets:
- Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m. at 100 N. Shoreline Blvd.
- Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 309 N. Water St.
- Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at 5800 Everhart Road
Rockport Downtown Farmers Market
- 2nd Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at 105 S. Austin St.
- 3rd Thursdays, 4 p.m.-8 p.m. at 14030 Fortuna Bay Drive
- 1st Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at 217 W. Bowie St.
15. Embrace Sustainable Habits
You may have already started making eco-conscious choices—ditching disposables, composting and conserving energy—but there are always more ways to make a positive impact on the diverse ecological systems of the Coastal Bend. Many organizations have taken hands-on approaches to protecting our waters and marine life. Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries leads programs for volunteers looking to assist in habitat management or education for the Nueces Delta Preserve and Coastal Birds programs. The Harte Research Institute and the Coastal Conservation and Restoration Ecology Lab have led Sink Your Shucks oyster shell recycling since 2009. With the help of volunteers, Sink Your Shucks has saved 3 million pounds of oyster shells from restaurants, festivals and wholesalers to restore 45 acres of oyster reef habitats across Copano, Aransas and St. Charles Bays in Texas.
While you can join in on the annual Texas Adopt-a-Beach cleanup, local cleanups are also sponsored by a variety of groups that work to keep our coast beautiful year-round, such as the Bahr Lab from TAMU-CC, which hosts monthly cleanups.
16. Pick Up A New Hobby
Birding as a hobby has exploded across generations and cultures over the last five years, with 1 in 3 U.S. adults enjoying bird watching, according to the National Audubon Society. Corpus Christi has been called the Birdiest City in America, with its location along the Central Flyway that makes it a hotbed for spotting new species.
An introduction to birding waits around every corner in the Coastal Bend. Those looking to dip their toes into the world of birding might start with the app Merlin to identify species, or by joining the local Audubon Outdoor Club of Corpus Christi. Whether you’re watching along the trails of Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve, the shores of the Hans & Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge or while going for a walk through your neighborhood, the odds of spotting a distinctive species of feathered friends are always a little higher around here.
17. Spend More Quality Time with Family & Friends
Breaking up the humdrum routine of our days by creating intentional spaces and practices can breathe new life into ourselves and our relationships. Walking the Harbor Bridge has long been a favored pastime of many Coastal Benders, and since the new bridge’s opening this past summer, it has quickly become an attraction. The new path itself spans just over 2 miles and is accessible through the south side at the intersection of Lake Street and Sam Rankin, with parking available at Lake Street and Winnebago by T-C Ayers Park. The walking path is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and includes benches, telescopes and high fencing to ensure visitors’ safety.
18. Catch More Live Music
Island living isn’t complete without its rotating selection of singer-songwriters filling bars and local venues. The Coastal Bend offers the full package—cover bands, local legends and big shots alike make their rounds across the various venues in and around the city. From backyard beer gardens like Sip Yard in Port Aransas to larger venues like Concrete Street Amphitheatre, catch more live music shows this year, regardless of the crowd size. You never know what you’ll find out in the music world. Talk up a bartender to discover the newest hometown acts and expand your understanding of the local music scene, or strike up a conversation with the strangers who traveled from outside the city just for this show.
Get your hardcore fix at House of Rock, scratch the country itch at Rockit’s or sing along to the classics as performed by Scarecrow People at Executive Surf Club. Whether a diehard fan of the band onstage or casually enjoying a soundtrack to your beer and wings, in the halls of these venues, you will always find a home.
19. Attend More Local Events
Major organizations in the Coastal Bend work diligently to bring us a wide variety of community events, so this year, let’s make a greater effort to attend them. First Friday Artwalks continue to grow, so if it’s been a while since your last visit, head out to the next one. Discover a new favorite artist at the CC Songwriters (Feb. 13-15) or celebrate St. Paddy’s the Island way at Barefoot Mardi Gras’s Beach Parade (Feb. 28). Marvel at jaw-dropping sand sculptures at Texas Sandfest (April 17-19) or the number of bird species present during the Birdiest Festival in America (Apr. 22-26). The Buc Days celebration in May definitely deserves a place on your schedule—the introductory parade, rodeo and traveling carnival bring fun for the whole family to the heart of the city.
Wherever your interests land, throw on your favorite outfit and head out into the busy streets of the Coastal Bend more than you did last year.
20. Support Local Libraries
In our new over-digital age, logging off and shortening our screen time has become a common resolution. Reinvigorating our love for reading by visiting our local libraries may be the most mutualistic relationship we can get into this year. Libraries all over the Coastal Bend offer an expansive selection of books, magazines and movies, as well as events for the whole family and a team of certified experts eager to help you find your new favorites. Make sure to set a reading goal with the librarian for the new year, as both the kids and adults can win prizes with every milestone hit.
Go in with something in mind, but don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations. Although La Retama Central Library most commonly has what you might be looking for, any item can be requested and sent over to your preferred location.
21. Experience The Arts
The Coastal Bend art scene always offers something new and worth wandering into, especially during the first few months of the year. These spaces highlight the creativity of both emerging and established artists and create opportunities to see art in fresh and meaningful ways.
The Art Museum of South Texas features more than 1,900 works ranging from paintings and ceramics to large-scale installations. Rotating exhibitions often bring new perspectives and showcase what artists across different media are exploring. At K Space Contemporary, the focus leans into experimentation and contemporary work. Its exhibitions highlight innovative visual approaches, and the storefront supports local artisans, giving you a way to take home something handmade. The Art Center of Corpus Christi is a great option for a morning kid-friendly craft workshop and an afternoon of gallery wandering—with the perfect lunch option built in!
22. Take Advantage of Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
This time of year is ideal for getting back into sports or trying something new, especially with the cooler temperatures. Pickleball, tennis and golf are all popular recreational options, and the Coastal Bend has great places to test out your skills.
At Dink & Drink, pickleball meets a fun, social setting where outdoor courts (indoor, too!) pair easily with food, drinks and a casual atmosphere for the entire family. It is an accessible place for new and experienced players alike who want to enjoy the game without pressure. For something a little different, Corpus Christi Athletic Club offers unique options like blacklight pickleball, along with classes, open play sessions and an upstairs viewing area for spectators.
If tennis or golf is more your style, there are several places to play across the city. Al Kruse Tennis & Pickleball Center and H-E-B Tennis Center both offer well-maintained courts, active communities and lessons for various skill levels. Golfers can enjoy Lozano Golf Center, complete with its new illuminated Firefly experience, or opt for relaxed rounds at Oso Beach Municipal Golf Course and links-style play at Palmilla Beach Golf Club.
23. Refresh Your Home Environment
A new year often inspires the desire for a refresh to your space, but you don’t have to renovate the whole house to obtain this feeling. Purchase a new piece of local art from a gallery such as the Anita Diebel Gallery in Rockport. Find a business or service at the Corpus Christi Home & Garden Show, coming up Jan. 23-25, to help complete that one long-ignored project. When all else fails, a simple rearrangement of the furniture in just one room can work wonders!
You can find inspiration for reinventing your space, or even expert talent to handle the hard work, by scrolling through the Instagram pages of local interior designers such as:
Emily Winnie Interiors | @emilywinnieinteriors
Christina Fratila | @cf__designs
Allie Murphy | @alliemurphyinteriors
Elizabeth Welsh Interior Design | @ewelshdesign
24. Join A Group or Club
Breaking past acquaintance to true interconnection can be intimidating, but humans are intrinsically social creatures, and it can be done. Joining a social club of some sort is a great place to start.
The Silent Book Club has several meet-ups each month at alternating locations that encourage an hour of silent reading, followed by time to socialize. Number 11 in this feature lists several run clubs if you’re looking to move while socializing. Meet new people and swap plants at one of the Coastal Bend Plant Traders’ two annual events. Follow along with Navigating Corpus Christi, a women’s group focused on attending and hosting fun, local events.
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25. Prioritize Wellness Your Way
Revamping, reigniting or reevaluating your health and wellness habits is an all-too-common New Year’s resolution. It can also feel like the most daunting or intimidating one. This year, focus on what success in this arena looks like to you.
Looking to eat a bit healthier? Empower Wellness offers nutrition services such as postpartum meal boxes, nutrition and cooking coaching and meal prepping. Interested in new ways to calm the mind? Sacred Sisters Wellness provides classes such as Yoga Nidra and Sound, which is said to improve stress, hormonal balance, sleep and mental and cognitive functioning. If getting more active is your idea of prioritizing wellness, there are several ideas on this list alone to inspire. However you choose to put your health first this year, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect or look like someone else—remember your “why,” start small and be gentle with yourself along the way.
26. Stay Connected with The Bend
Follow The Bend on socials, subscribe to the print magazine and sign up for our newsletter offerings as we continue to give you all the inspiration you need to live your best Coastal Bend life.
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