When picturing coastal Texas, perhaps all you see are hordes of spring break revelers and overly trodden sandy strips that have seen their fair share of vacationers. It would be a mistake to let uninformed stereotypes keep you from enjoying what is actually a lovely place to visit, so open your eyes to the reality of this region and visit Corpus Christi for a sure-to-be-pleasing getaway.

Make this trip decidedly un-college student-ish by reserving a vacation rental to call home for a few days, ensuring that you and your companions will be happy and comfortable in every way. There are several hotels in the area, but there’s something about a condo, villa, or beach house that makes the whole experience seem more substantial. Unlock your door, unpack your clothes into real closets, stock the cabinets with food from the grocery store down the street, and see how relaxed it is possible for your muscles to be.

If you’re making this a lovey-dovey holiday for just you and your special someone, rent a cozy bungalow that sits slightly removed from all the action of Corpus Christi. You’ll want to be close enough so that a jaunt into town will be possible and not a hassle, as there are a few things you might want to do. The South Texas Institute for the Arts caught your eye, as did the USS Lexington Museum. There’s no reason to shut off your brain completely while on vacation, so plan for a little cultural enrichment to make this a truly worthwhile escape.

Lounging and playing will definitely get plenty of your attention, however, and that’s perfectly acceptable. Rent a kayak and explore the coast, look out for feathered friends as you take a bird watching tour, and hit the beach. Magee beach has been recently restored and is a hotspot for family-oriented activities as well as strolling, rollerblading, and people-watching. Get in the water without worrying about seaweed or dirty sand, not that you’ll see much of that anywhere here.

After a few traditional tourist activities, you’ll be relieved to head back to your private sphere with your beloved. Cook a romantic meal together and enjoy it al fresco, then mix a cocktail and sip it as the sun goes down. After dark, you may be in that peaceful zone that puts you to bed early, or if you have a little energy left, watch a movie from the DVD library or play a game of scrabble. If you’re too cool for all that, go ahead and satisfy the romantic impulse to walk on the beach in the moonlight. You know you’ve always wanted to.

If you’re a part of a different scenario, say traveling with a couple kids or a few friends, you’ll have options as well. Vacation rentals can be super sized, and some even have more than one master bedroom so that no one feels slighted. Basic necessities like shampoo, towels, and coffee makers are often available, so those “oh no I forgot something" panics can be kept to a minimum. Pack lighter than usual thanks to the washer and dryer on hand, and overall, prepare to breathe a little easier.

Stepping foot into a uniquely decorated place that has no close neighbors and a one-of-a-kind personality is an experience that all vacationers should have at some point, so if you’re ready to see what it’s like, start looking online at all the Corpus Christi Vacation Rentals that are available.