Things To Do
in Alice

Alice is a compact Texas city in Jim Wells County, inland from the Gulf Coast. The downtown preserves a mix of historic storefronts and a friendly, small-town vibe. It's a practical base for day trips to beaches and nature reserves while offering affordable dining and easy access to outdoor spaces.

Expect hot summers, mild winters, and a welcoming community that celebrates local culture.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the Alice Historical Museum, where you can dive into the rich history of this charming town. Afterward, stroll through the historic downtown area, appreciating the unique architecture and quaint shops. Don't forget to grab a coffee and a pastry at a local café to fuel your exploration.

afternoon
:

Head to the nearby Alice City Park for a picnic lunch surrounded by beautiful trees and vibrant flowers. Spend some time walking the trails, soaking in the fresh air and the sound of birds chirping. You can also check out the local art installations scattered throughout the park.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Alice's family-friendly restaurants, where you can sample Tex-Mex cuisine. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll down Main Street, enjoying the warm Texas evening and perhaps stopping by a local ice cream shop for dessert. Cap off your day by attending a community event or concert, immersing yourself in the local culture.

day 2
Nature and Wildlife Exploration
morning
:

Start your day early with a guided birdwatching tour at the nearby wildlife refuge, where you can spot various migratory birds. Enjoy the tranquility of nature as you listen to the sounds of wildlife awakening. Bring your binoculars for an up-close experience of these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

afternoon
:

After a hearty lunch at a local diner, head to the nearby wetlands for a nature hike. Follow the well-marked trails, and keep your camera ready to capture stunning views and various species of plants and animals. This is also a great opportunity to practice your photography skills among the picturesque landscapes.

evening
:

Return to town and unwind with a casual dinner at a barbecue joint famed for its brisket. As evening falls, consider visiting a local brewery to sample some craft beers made in the area. Engage in conversation with locals and learn more about the rich culture of Alice.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🧺Grocery item (7 days for one person)$40-70
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$80-120
🚗Gasoline (1 gallon)$2.50-3.50
🎬Movie ticket$8-12

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Friendly, affordable weekend getaway
  • Easy access to nature and outdoors
  • Limited nightlife and big-city amenities
  • Distances to some attractions require a car

Places to Visit in Alice

Visit one of these nice places.

Downtown Historic District

Brick storefronts, vintage signage, and classic Texan streets provide timeless city photography.

Nueces Riverfront Overlook

A quiet riverside spot for golden-hour shots and wildlife silhouettes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Alice

South Texas cuisine blends Mexican, Tex-Mex, and homestyle American flavors, with an emphasis on fresh produce and hearty meats.

Alice Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Brisket or Barbecue Taco

Slow-smoked beef in a corn tortilla with fresh toppings; a staple at local taquerias and BBQ joints.

Must-Try!

Fajitas

Sizzling strips of carne asada or chicken with peppers and onions, served with warm tortillas.

Tortilla Soup or Menudo

Hearty soups and comfort classics found at family-run eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Downtown Farmers Market (weekends)

Seasonal produce, homemade salsas, tamales, and quick street bites from local vendors.

Climate Guide

Weather

Alice experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. Spring and fall are often warm with breezes; rainfall is occasional and can come in sudden showers.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Be friendly and polite; handshakes or verbal greetings are common; small talks about local life are appreciated.

Safety Guide

Safety

Basic safety tips apply: stay hydrated in heat, lock vehicles, and be mindful of traffic on and near highways. In general, the town is walkable in core areas, but stick to well-lit streets at night.

Tipping in Alice

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In the United States, tip restaurant servers 15-20% of the bill before tax; tip bartenders and hotel staff accordingly.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Very hot and humid; carry water, use sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

Winter

Mild daytime temperatures with cool mornings; rain is possible, packing a light jacket helps.

Spring

Warm days with occasional showers and blooming landscapes; great for photography and outdoor walks.

Autumn

Pleasant temperatures and lower humidity, ideal for outdoor activities and city strolls.

Nightlife Guide

Alice at Night

Nightlife in Alice is low-key, with neighborhood bars, family-friendly venues, and casual dining; for more variety, many visitors head to nearby Corpus Christi where live music, craft beers, and clubs are more common.

Hiking in Alice

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Padre Island National Seashore (coastal)

Coastal trails and beaches offering wildlife viewing and broad horizons.

Lake Corpus Christi State Park Trails

Woodland and lakeside trails suitable for casual hiking.

Mustang Island State Park Trails

Coastal dunes and pine habitat with scenic water views.

Airports

How to reach Alice by plane.

Alice Municipal Airport (ALI)

Small, local airport with general aviation facilities.

Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP)

Regional airport offering domestic flights and travel options; about 60-90 minutes by car.

San Antonio International Airport (SAT)

Major hub with extensive domestic and international connections; about 3-4 hours away by car.

Getting Around

Walkability

The core downtown and nearby neighborhoods are walkable, but most sights and beaches require a vehicle for longer day trips.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Hispanic/Latino

The majority community with strong cultural influence on food, festivals, and daily life.

White (non-Hispanic)

A smaller but active part of the population.

Other

Small communities including Black, Asian, and other residents contribute to the town’s diversity.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

American Football

High school and community leagues are popular during fall weekends.

Basketball

Local gyms host pickup games and school competitions.

Transportation

Traffic

Generally light to moderate; roads such as US-281 see average traffic with peak commute hours, while public transit options within town are limited.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Alice.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most places can accommodate vegetarians by offering bean, cheese, or veggie fajitas; ask for sides like rice and beans.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available in town via clinics; for major care, residents typically travel to Corpus Christi or Kingsville.

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