Corpus Christi, Texas is a coastal city located in the South Texas region of the United States.
The city is known for its sandy shores, rich south Texas history, interesting museums and fun things to do.
Corpus Christi became an important port city during the 19th century and was a major shipbuilding center.
The city also played an important role in the development of the American space program.
Today, Corpus Christi is a thriving city with a strong economy.
The city is home to many businesses and industries, and is a popular tourist destination in Southern Texas.
Things To Do In Corpus Christi
1. USS Lexington Museum on the Bay
The USS Lexington Museum on the Bay is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Corpus Christi, Texas.
It is is located on North Beach in Corpus Christi Bay, just across the ship channel from downtown.
The decommissioned World War II aircraft carrier is now a floating museum that honors the brave men and women who served during WWII.
The USS Lexington was commissioned in 1943 and saw action in some of the most pivotal battles of the war, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea.
After the war, the USS Lexington served as a training ship until she was finally decommissioned in 1991.
Today, visitors can tour the ship and see first-hand what life was like for the sailors who served onboard.
The museum also houses an extensive collection of artefacts and memorabilia from WWII.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a unique place to visit, the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay is sure to impress.
Address: USS Lexington Museum, 2914 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402
2. Texas State Aquarium
The Texas State Aquarium is located on 7.3 acres on North Beach, just minutes from Corpus Christi’s downtown district.
The aquarium opened on August 10, 1990, and was accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 1992.
The Texas State Aquarium houses over 250 species of animals, including sharks, fish, birds, alligators, turtles, and seals.
The facility also has an IMAX theater that shows educational films about the natural world.
In 2011, the Texas State Aquarium opened a new $48 million expansion called Caribbean Journey.
This expansion includes a new dolphin exhibit, stingray touch pool, and a sea turtles rehabilitation center.
Great for nature lovers and families visiting Corpus Christi Texas.
Address: Texas State Aquarium, 2710 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402
3. Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore is a national park located just outside of Corpus Christi that includes about 70 miles of undeveloped beaches and natural habitat.
The seashore protects miles of coastline, dunes, prairies and wind tide flats.
It is one of the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world.
The Padre Island National Seashore was established in 1962 and is managed by the National Park Service.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing, camping, bird watching and hiking.
Padre Island is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered whooping crane.
The island is also popular with windsurfers, kiteboarders and nature lovers.
Padre Island National Seashore charges an entrance fee, although the stand to purchase entrance tickets has different hours. Restrooms and showers are found at the Malaquite Visitor Center & Pavilion.
Address: Padre Island National Seashore, 20420 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
4. Malaquite Beach
Malaquite Beach is located on Padre Island right near the visitor center for Padre Island National Seashore.
It’s about a 40-minute drive from Corpus Christi and is definitely worth a visit.
The Beach is beautiful and the sand is white with crystal clear water.
Visitors can enjoy plenty of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking.
Malaquite is also home to many different types of animals, including dolphins, turtles, and seagulls.
There is also a visitor center with restrooms, changing areas, showers, snack machines, and a gift shop.
Malaquite Beach is open all year round and is a great place to visit any time of year.
However, the best time to visit is between April and October when the weather is warmest.
This is also the busiest time of year, so visitors should be prepared for crowds.
Address: 20420 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
5. Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge
The Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge, also known as the People’s Choice Bridge, is a 2.7-mile-long cantilever bridge.
The bridge crosses over Corpus Christi Bay and was opened to traffic on October 15, 1959.
It has a main span of 1,650 feet, making it the fourth longest cantilever bridge in the United States.
The bridge was originally built with six lanes, but was later expanded to eight lanes in 1988.
In 2013, a $30 million rehabilitation project began which added a pedestrian and bicycle lane to the bridge.
The Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city of Corpus Christi and is a major point of interest for visitors.
6. Corpus Christi Bay Trail
The Corpus Christi Bay Trail connects many of Corpus Christi’s tourist attractions along its waterfront route, including the Art Museum of South Texas, Museum of Science and History, and Corpus Christi Beach Marina.
It runs from Oso Bay to the downtown area of the city and spans 8.8 miles.
The Corpus Christi Trail also links the city’s six parks along Ocean Drive on Corpus Christi Bay.
While the trail’s concrete surface makes it popular for bikers, walkers, and skaters, the Corpus Christi Bay Trail also has a reputation as a superb spot for bird watching.
The Corpus Christi Bay Trail is the ideal way to see as much of the city as possible in one excursion.
7. The Art Center of Corpus Christi
This local art community center is located right on the beautiful Corpus Christi Bayfront.
The Art Center of Corpus Christi is home to local art in the Corpus Christi area.
Visitors can view art in its seven galleries, shop in the Gift Gallery and local artists’ studios, dine in the restaurant and create art themselves.
There are workshops for anyone who wants to learn the techniques and secrets to creating wonderful art.
The Art Center also has a ‘Free Family Art Time’ that are creative fun activities for the whole family.
Free and open to the public, with several art galleries, a gift shop, and cafe, and outside courtyard, the Art Center is one of the best things to do in Corpus Christi for families.
Address: The Art Center of Corpus Christi, 100 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
8. Corpus Christi’s Downtown Seawall
The Corpus Christi’s Downtown Seawall is a seawall and promenade that runs along the shoreline of Corpus Christi Bay in downtown Corpus Christi, Texas.
The seawall was built in the early 20th century to protect the city from flooding and erosion.
Today, the seawall is a popular spot for walking, jogging, fishing, and picnicking.
It offers stunning views of the Bay and the city skyline.
The seawall stretches for 1.5 miles from Peoples Street T-Head to North Beach.
Address: 2220 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
9. Selena Museum
The Selena Museum is a museum dedicated to the life and career of Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.
The museum is housed in the former Q-Productions recording studio, which was owned by Selena’s father and brother.
The studio was converted into a museum after Selena’s death in 1995, and opened to the public in 1998.
The Selena Museum contains items such as Selena’s stage costumes, awards, photos, and personal belongings.
The museum also has interactive exhibits where visitors can learn about Selena’s life and music career.
The Selena Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday only.
Address: Selena Museum, 5410 Leopard St, Corpus Christi, TX 78408-2509
10. Bob Hall Pier
Bob Hall Pier is a pier named after Bob Hall, a local fisherman and business owner who was instrumental in its construction.
The pier is 1,200 feet long and provides access to the Gulf of Mexico for fishing, swimming, and other activities.
Bob Hall Pier runs far into the sea and has a lot of space. There is also a restaurant, a walking area, and a fishing area.
Bob Hall Pier was originally built in 1964, but was destroyed by Hurricane Celia in 1970.
It was rebuilt in 1971 and has since been repaired and updated several times.
In September 2008, Bob Hall Pier underwent a major renovation that added a new deck, restrooms, showers, and an ADA-accessible ramp.
The beach near the pier is clean, well-kept, and has all the necessary beach facilities
Address: Bob Hall Pier, 5100 N. Beach St, Corpus Christi, TX 78402
11. South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center is a beautiful nature spot with something for everyone with over 85 acres of land to explore.
The lush greenery and diverse plant life make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Guests can stroll through the many gardens, hike on the nature trails, or even take a paddle boat ride on the lagoon.
The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center is also home to a variety of animals including peacocks, rabbits, and ducks.
There is also a screened Butterfly House, a wetlands boardwalk, a Rose Garden, Sensory Garden and the Monkey Mansion tree house for kids.
Visitors can learn about the local ecosystem and wildlife through the educational exhibits at the nature center.
There is also a gift shop on site where you can purchase souvenirs and plants to take home with you.
Address: South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, 8545 South Staples Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78413
12. Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Located on the scenic harbor waterfront in the Sports, Entertainment and Arts Dstrict, the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History was established in 1957.
This museum spans almost 100,000 square feet and focuses on Corpus Christi and south Texas.
The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History is a great place to learn about the history and science of Texas and the Gulf Coast region.
The museum has a variety of exhibits that are both educational and interesting, such as a hands-on science center, and a children’s museum.
Address: Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, 1900 N. Chaparral Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
13. Mustang Island State Park
Located almost 30 miles south of downtown Corpus Christi, Mustang Island State Park is well worth the visit.
The island is named for the wild mustangs that once roamed its shores and Spanish explorers first recorded seeing the wild horses in 1519.
Mustang Island State Park is a wonderful family destination by the sea offering a well-maintained and convenient setting for various outdoor activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, fishing, birdwatching, strolling, and watching wildlife.
This 18-mile-long barrier island features beautiful dunes and many tidal pools.
Mustang Island State Park is a wonderful place for nature lovers and those interested to see animals in the wild.
Address: Mustang Island State Park, 9394 TX-361, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
14. Texas Surf Museum
The Texas Surf Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of surfing in Texas.
The museum houses a collection of surfboards, photographs, and other memorabilia that tell the story of surfing in the Lone Star State.
The museum was founded by a group of passionate surfers who wanted to share their love of the sport with others.
Since then, the museum has grown into a respected institution that attracts visitors from all over the world.
The Texas Surf Museum regularly hosts events and exhibitions that highlight different aspects of Texas surfing history.
The museum is located in downtown on Water Street. It is open six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday.
Admission to the museum is free, but the surf museum appreciates donations.
Address: Texas Surf Museum, 309 N. Water St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
15. The Art Museum of South Texas
The Art Museum of South Texas is one of the premier art museums in the southern United States.
The museum houses a permanent collection of over 3,000 works of art.
The collection includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, and more from a variety of artists and cultures.
The original complex, designed by world-renowned architect Philip Johnson, opened to the public in October of 1972.
Today, the Art Museum of South Texas is a respected institution that attracts visitors from all over the world.
The museum is dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of art through its exhibitions, educational programs, and public events.
The Gift Shop is the first thing you see when you enter the museum and the last thing when you leave, located near the main entrance.
Address: 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
16. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is a nature lover’s paradise.
The refuge is home to a variety of plant and animal species.
Visitors can enjoy bird watching, fishing, hiking, and more.
The refuge was established in 1937 as a wintering ground for the whooping crane.
Today, it is estimated that there are about 200 whooping cranes that call the refuge home.
These magnificent birds can stand up to six feet tall and have a wingspan of over seven feet. They are the largest migrating bird in North America.
The refuge is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including alligators, bobcats, deer, and coyotes. Visitors may even spot an ocelot or a jaguarundi.
Address: Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, 3701 S. Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
FAQ
When can you see sea turtles in Corpus Christi?
Sea turtles hatchling releases typically occur from mid-June through August.
Most releases that are open to the public take place on Malaquite Beach in front of the Visitor Center at Padre Island National Seashore on North Padre Island in Corpus Christi, Texas.
What is Corpus Christi Texas known for?
Due to high windspeeds, Corpus Christi is one of the best cities in North America for kiteboarding, wind surfing, kite flying and sailing.
The city has even hosted the Windsurfing World Championships.
What is the best time of year to visit Corpus Christi Texas?
The best time to visit Corpus Christi is from September to October, when the summer tourists are back at home and the Texas heat gets a bit cooler than the steamy summer season.
What is Hurricane Alley Waterpark, Corpus Christi Texas?
Hurricane Alley Waterpark is the family-friendly water-bound attraction complete with a wave pool, lazy river, slides, and thrill rides located in the Bayfront and Downtown District of Corpus Christi.
Is the Omni Corpus Christi hotel a good place to stay in Corpus Christi?
The Omni Corpus Christi Hotel has a stylish rooftop restaurant, heated outdoor pool, and stunning views of Corpus Christi.
It’s situated in the vibrant downtown Marina District of Corpus Christi, TX, and features upscale rooms and suites with bay-view balconies.
How long is North Beach Corpus Christi TX?
Anchored by the USS Lexington Museum and the Texas State Aquarium, North Beach Corpus Christi is one of the most well-known neighborhoods in the area.
The Beachwalk is 1.5-miles-long.
