Downtown Corpus Christi - Corpus Christi, TX

Spanish explorer Alonso Alvarez de Pineda named a settlement in this area Corpus Christi in 1519. The modern city was founded centuries later in 1852. At that time, it was a staging area for U.S. troops in the war with Mexico. Corpus Christi's character retained these military links throughout the rest of its history, with an army and naval base still there today. Much of the business of Central City still depends on this industry.

The local culture is celebrated in Corpus Christi's museum district, located at the northern edge of Central City by the industrial canal. Important institutions there include the Corpus Christi Science Museum and Museum of Asian Culture, as well as a number of historical sites. Festivals honoring the area's rich culture include the annual Festival of the Arts, Jazz Fest and the Harbor Lights Festival, as well as many more.

For simple, satisfying seafood and burgers, try the Executive Surf Club. This is your one-stop spot for food and entertainment. They have live music, a full bar, and a classic Texas beach menu that includes chicken fried steak, fish and chips, and Gulf shrimp. There's often a crowd here for the $2 pint specials.

The Republic of Texas Bar & Grill sits in the same vicinity near the bay on the 20th floor of the Omni Hotel. Steaks are the order of the day here, but the seafood offerings are also strong.

If you prefer something a little more casual, head over to Hoegemeyer's Barbeque Barn. Housed in a rustic barn that dates back to the 1920s, Hoegemeyer's serves up South Texas staples like brisket, ribs, and cherry cobbler. While you're here you might as well go all the way and challenge yourself to the Three Meat Po' Boy.

Though it's now a national chain restaurant, it's worth stopping by Whataburger while you're in Corpus Christi. After all, it was originally founded right here in Central City back in 1950.

The House of Rock in downtown is one of Corpus Christi's best music venues. Regular regional and touring acts visit, and they also have a kitchen to take care of your late-night cravings -- pizza, beer and rock-and-roll. Doctor Rockit's Blues Bar has been around for a couple decades longer and also offers a great selection of live acts and cheap drinks. The cocktails are strong and the floor is sticky, but this is exactly what you want from any self-respecting Texas blues dive.

Central City offers the most transportation options available in all of Corpus Christi. Public buses run throughout the neighborhood, and taxis and Uber are both feasible means of getting around. The museum district and waterfront are very walkable, and most of downtown is pedestrian friendly, although the area becomes somewhat less so the farther away you get from the water. The only bike lanes in the neighborhood run along the waterfront, but many other Central City streets are marked as designated shared roadways. All of the major freeways in and out of Corpus Christi come together in this neighborhood, and all are readily accessible.

Central City hosts some of Corpus Christi's most popular parks and events. Bayfront Park tops the list. The site of frequent concerts and festivals, this large green space next to the seawall features an interactive fountain that is a huge favorite with kids, and it’s free for the public.

The Ben Garza Recreation Center & Gym has complete workout facilities, including basketball courts and a schedule of classes open to the public at affordable rates. These include dance and martial arts classes taught by qualified instructors. There's also a full schedule of activities and summer programs for kids here.

While there are dog parks in Corpus Christi, none exclusively serve dogs in the Central City area. Your pets are allowed in all public parks on leashes, however.

Residents of Central City enjoy a cost of living slightly lower than the rest of Corpus Christi. The average rental rate for a one-bedroom apartment is $864. Gas prices are 7 percent lower than the national average. A typical beer will run you about $3, although it's quite easy to find drink specials in the numerous pubs along the waterfront. Corpus Christi bus fares run typically as low as $.75.

The major shopping area lies along the water on the eastern edge of Central City. Tourist shops and fashion boutiques complement the bars and restaurants, giving you something to do day or night.

Produce is one of the most unique of these. Carrying a variety of (mostly men's) urban wear, the store displays its latest styles alongside music magazines, artwork and mix tapes from local DJs. For more tunes, head down the road to Surf Club Records, a well-stocked CD store that also carries beachwear and just happens to be attached to the funky Texas Surf Museum.

The Treehouse Art Collective on Water Street carries work by local artists ranging from pottery and jewelry to photographs and clocks.

Central City is served by an H.E.B. grocery store and Prescott Meat Market as well as a number of smaller corner shops. Jalisco Grocery & Meat Market is also centrally located, and a number of other larger chains operate just south of this neighborhood. The Corpus Christi Downtown Farmers Market is everything it should be: easy to find in La Retama Park near the water and stocked with locally produced fresh produce you won't find in stores.