Heading to Corpus Christi’s Blue Ghost for some Halloween scares?
The popular event, unique to Corpus Christi and a major draw to North Beach, brings the art of a haunted house to an already-rumored-to-be haunted USS Lexington.
Known as the Haunting on the Blue Ghost, the spooky ship will be open with a $30 ticket from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. each Friday and Saturday this month.
But the excursion to North Beach, home to Corpus Christi’s biggest attractions, doesn’t have to be limited to a haunted house.
Here’s what you need to know about parking, where to dine and what else is worth checking out.
Things to do nearby
- Visit the USS Lexington Museum, “pre-haunting.” The roughly 80-year-old ship is dedicated to education, honoring the nation’s military and history.
- Drop in on the Texas State Aquarium, a short walk from the USS Lexington and the perfect complement for a day trip.
- North Beach. It’s still hot out, and even though there may be a cool front here and there, Coastal Bend weather is known to still be hitting highs throughout October and November. The beach facing the Corpus Christi Bay is family-friendly and offers beautiful views, even if the water gets too cool for swimming.
Where to take pre-sunset photos
- Palace Beachwear and Gifts, at 3018 E. Surfside Blvd. To reach the entrance, visitors must walk through the agape mouth of a shark.
- Decorative pelicans, a perfect complement for selfies, can be found in Lexington Square on public property just outside of the USS Lexington property.
- “Photo cutouts” at the Splash souvenir shop, 3001 N. Shoreline Blvd. Located on the porch, the cutout has four spaces for the photogenic to peer through — a turtle, mermaid, shark and sea captain.
Where to park
The USS Lexington Museum has its own dedicated parking, but there are also many private parking lots, where visitors should expect to pay at least $5.
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There’s also free, on-street parking for those who may snag it first. The spots at one point had been metered but are now free.
Where to eat
North Beach has an array of dining options, most homages to the sea’s bounty.
Some of the most popular (and among the closest) to the USS Lexington include:
- Blackbeard’s on the Beach, 3117 Surfside Blvd. You’ll know it by its unique, bright-purple exterior.
- Pier 99 Restaurant, 2822 N. Shoreline Blvd. This one is closest to the Lexington. You’ll know it by the large shrimp atop a sign near its entrance.
- Blue Marlin Saloon, 3006 E. Surfside Blvd. For the adults.
- Fajitaville, 221 S. Hotel Place. Serving up a mix of seafood and Mexican fare, directly on the beach.
Kirsten Crow covers city government and water news. Have a story idea? Contact her at kirsten.crow@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Headed to the Blue Ghost for a haunting? Here's where to park, dine
