Local Attractions
Local Attractions Near Mathis Motel & RV Park — South Texas at Your Doorstep
Mathis, Texas sits at the heart of South Texas — close enough to the Gulf Coast beaches, state parks, and the city of Corpus Christi to make day trips easy, but quiet and affordable enough to actually decompress between adventures. Whether you’re here for the fishing, the wildlife, or just a peaceful place to stop along I-37, there’s more to do within 30 miles of our front door than most people expect.
Lake Corpus Chrisit State Park - 4 miles from our door
Lake Corpus Christi State Park is the closest and most popular attraction for our guests. The park sits on the shores of an 18,000-acre reservoir on the Nueces River, offering some of the best freshwater fishing in South Texas — largemouth bass, catfish, sunfish, and bluegill are all common catches.
Beyond fishing, the park has swimming areas, kayaking and paddleboating, hiking trails, and excellent birding along the shoreline. Spring and fall migrations bring dozens of species through the area. There’s also a shaved ice stand on-site — one of the few state parks in Texas that has one.
The park is open daily. Children under 12 get in free. We recommend arriving early on weekends in the summer as it fills up fast.
Distance from Mathis Motel & RV Park: approximately 4 miles / 8 minutes.
Corpus Christi - 35 miles south
Corpus Christi is about 35 miles south of Mathis on I-37 — a straightforward 35-minute drive with no traffic. It’s a full coastal city with beaches, a marina, and several major attractions worth a day trip:
• Texas State Aquarium — one of the largest aquariums in the US, with sharks, otters, and Gulf Coast marine life
• USS Lexington Museum — a WWII aircraft carrier turned naval museum docked on the bay
• North Beach and Padre Island National Seashore — swimming, surfing, and miles of undeveloped coastline
• Hurricane Alley Waterpark — great for families with kids
• Whataburger, founded right here in Corpus Christi in 1950
Distance: approximately 35 miles / 35 minutes via I-37 South.
Choke Canyon State Park — 45 miles northwest
Choke Canyon State Park is a favorite among serious anglers and hunters in South Texas. The 26,000-acre reservoir is known for largemouth bass and is one of the top bass fishing destinations in the state. The park also has camping, picnic areas, and exceptional birding — the brushy South Texas landscape attracts rare species not commonly found elsewhere in the US.
Distance: approximately 45 miles / 50 minutes via TX-72 West.
Other nearby stops worth knowing:
• Rob and Bessie Welder Wildlife Refuge (Sinton) — 35 miles, free wildlife refuge with guided tours on Thursdays
• Three Rivers, TX — 40 miles north on I-37, small town with good BBQ and river access on the Frio
• Alice, TX — 25 miles west, larger town with full grocery, hardware, and dining options