This city is a major deep-water port and one of Texas' most popular seacoast playgrounds. The first European to have visited the area is believed to have been the Spanish explorer Alonzo De Pineda in 1519. The settlement began as a frontier trading post in 1839 and was considered obscure until about 1845 when accelerated growth began.
Things to do in Corpus Christi
Aquarium - Texas State
At this aquarium visitors can experience the mysterious world that exists beneath the surface of the sea. There are numerous things to do here including coming face-to-face with a sand tiger shark or a barracuda in the Islands of Steel or get your hands wet at the Star Pool where you can touch horseshoe crabs and a variety of other creatures. Open Monday - Saturday, 9am - 5pm and Sunday 10am - 5pm. Summer hours: Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 6pm and Sunday 10am - 6pm. Closed Christmas Day. Call 361-881-1200 for more information.
Art Center of Corpus Christi
Exhibits of work by area artists are on display. The main gallery exhibits change monthly. Artists practice their craft, display their accomplishments, and teach others new skills. Gift shop and restaurant on site. Located at 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd. Open Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm. Call 361-884-6406 for more information.
Art Museum Of South Texas
Renowned architect Philip Johnson designed this striking building. The museum houses an impressive permanent collection and changing exhibits of a wide variety. Also offers a continuous program of films, lectures and art classes. Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm and Sunday 1 - 5pm. Call 361-825-3500 for more information.
Asian Cultures Museum & Educational Center
The mission of this facility is to provide visitors with an understanding of the Far Eastern and Asian cultures. The museum also includes artifacts from India, China, Korea, the Philippines and Vietnam. Permanent displays include a five-foot bronze Amida Buddha, fine Japanese Hakata figures, lacquer ware and porcelains. The collection also includes examples of kimonos and other native costumes, utensils, games and toys. Exhibits are changed periodically to showcase different artifacts and to accommodate the different holidays and special events throughout the year. Located at 1809 N. Chaparral. Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm. Call 361-882-2641 for more information.
Bayfront Plaza Auditorium and Convention Center
This is the home of the Corpus Christi Symphony, community concerts, road shows and musicals. The Plaza is currently undergoing expansion and addition of the arena.
Captain Clark's Flagship
On this ship visitors can cruise along the downtown Bayfront while passing close to the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium. Group rates and private charters available for tours and special functions. Call for schedule as it varies by season. Departure from Peoples Street "T" Head. Call 361-884-8306 for more information.
Centennial House
This is the city's oldest existing home. It was built in 1848 of the then popular "shellcrete" construction. It was once a Civil War hospital. The house is now restored, furnished and open to public. Located at 411 N. Upper Broadway. Open Wednesday 2 - 5pm. and when the flag is flying. Call 361-882-8691 for more information.
City Parks
There are ten major city parks offering a variety of outdoor attractions and other facilities. Call 361-884-7275 for more information.
Cole Park
Located on the bay front featuring a pier, playground, amphitheater, and Kid's Place recreation area for children and families. Outdoor concert series is held in the summer. Located at 1526 Ocean Drive.
Corpus Christi Bay Hike & Trail
8-miles along Corpus Christi Bay fromBayfront Arts & Science Center to TAMUCC Call 361-880-3460 for more information.
Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens
This 190-acre site sites along the Oso Creek and features more than 1,000 native plants in display areas, greenhouses, wetlands and along the one-mile "Mesquite Trail". This is a great place for bird watching and has a picnic area and gift shop. Open Tuesday - Sunday 9am - 5pm. Located at 8545 South Staples Street and Oso Creek. Call 361-852-2100. for more information.
Corpus Christi Marina
This marina is called the "T" heads by the locals. This scenic Bayfront area is bustling with activity. There are private yachts, sailboats, water-sport rentals and waterside restaurants. Visitors can even buy fresh shrimp right off the boat.
Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
Here visitors can see the treasures of the world famous 1554 Spanish shipwreck and the spectacular Smithsonian Institution exhibit "Seeds of Change". Also features the "Gallery of Cultural Encounters" which includes an authentic 16th-century carved dome ceiling that is originally from Castile, Spain. Located at 1900 North Chaparral. Open Tuesday - Saturday from 10am - 5pm and on Sunday from noon - 5pm. Call 361-883-2862 for more information.
Corpus Christi Race Track
At this state-of-the-art, $21-million dollar facility visitors can view races year-round. Includes a Clubhouse area with a full-service restaurant with an excellent view of the track. Also has a Grandstand area with a variety of tables with both lounge and theatre-style seating. Evening races begin at 7:30pm and matinee races at 1:30pm. Call 361-289-9333 for more information.
Deep Sea and Bay Fishing
There are numerous guides and charters for fishing in the bay around Corpus Christi.
Dolphin Connection
This boat trip provides a first-hand look at the sleek and beautiful dolphins in the wild as visitors view them in their natural habitat. Viewings are seasonal and require reservations. Call 361-776-2887 for more information.
Gabe Lazano Senior Golf Course
4401 Old Brownsville Road Call 361-883-3696 for more information.
Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Park
Located along Oso Bay features a viewing tower for watching birds, especially flocks of heron, cranes, and roseate spoonbills. Boardwalk, hike-and-bike facilities, jogging trail. Accessible by Ocean Drive or take South Padre Island Drive and exit at Nile.
Harbor Playhouse
This is Texas' oldest continually performing theater. Community productions and summertime melodramas are offered each year at this theatre by the sea. Box office open Monday - Saturday noon - 6pm. Call for shows and times. Located at 1 Bayfront Park.
Heritage Park
This is the site of nine historical homes, the oldest dating back to 1851. These homes are now beautifully restored and are a tribute to the ethnic diversity and culture of our area. The Galvan House serves as the center for the park and includes art exhibits. Open Monday - Thursday 10am - 4pm and Saturday 9am - 2pm. Guided tours are conducted Thursday and Friday at 10:30am. Located at the 1600 block of north Chaparral Street. Call 361-883-0639 for more information.
Island Breeze Bicycle Ramble
From Bayfront Arts and Science Center
J.P. Luby Surf Park
This surf park on Mustang Island is a favorite hangout for surfers. The park's surf pier increases the wave action in the area. Call 361- 880-3460 for more information.
La Copita Ranch - Nature and Heritage Tours
3091 Country Road 440, Corpus Christi, TX
Lake Corpus Christi
Located 20-miles northeast of Corpus Christi. Call 361- 547-2635 for more information.
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Park Road 25 off State Highway 359, Corpus Christi, TX
Mustang Island State Park
Located just north of Padre Island, this 3,700-acre state park has 48 campsites with electricity and water and 1½ miles of beach camping. Reservations required for campsites. Call 361-389-8900 for more information.
Mustang Island State Park
State Highway 361 on the Island Call 800-782-1112 for more information.
Mustang Riding Stables
Ride on horseback along the beach on Mustang Island. Hay rides and beach parties also available. Instruction available. Located at Hwy. 361 north Mustang Island. Call 361-991-RIDE for more information.
Old Concrete Street Amphitheatre
Corpus Christi's premier outdoor concert and festival facility located at the base of the Harbor Bridge, next to downtown. Old Concrete Street Amphitheater pursues exceptional, award-winning artists to present rock, country, Tejano, pop, jazz and symphonic concerts. In addition, Old Concrete Street produces family festivals, art exhibits and community generated events.
Oso Beach Municipal Golf Course
5601 South Alameda Street Call 361-991-5351 for more information.
Padre Balli Park
A recreational complex with pavilion, showers and covered picnic areas. Bob Hall Pier is nearby. Located at Park Road 22, Padre Island. Call 361- 949-8121 for more information.
Padre Island National Seashore
The 110-mile-long Padres Island offers one of the last natural seashores in the nation. Each end of the island is developed with parks and resorts, however, in between there is an 80-mile stretch of unblemished seashore. Information on nature trails and swimming beaches can be found at the ranger station. Call 391-949-8068 for more information.
Padre Island National Seashore
20301 Park Road 22 Call 361-949-8068 for more information.
Port of Corpus Christi & Harbor Bridge
This port is the fifth busiest in the nation and harbors ships from nearly every country in the world. Major cargo includes oil and refined products, grain, cotton and chemicals. The harbor entrance is spammed by an impressive bridge, US 181, that arches 235-feet above water. From the bridge's pedestrian walkway, visitors can view a fantastic view of the harbor and city. Call 361-882-5633 for more information.
Selena Museum
This museum honors the life and memory of Selena, the Latin pop superstar. It was built by her father, Abraham Quintanilla, when fans would show up at his family's business. The museum displays outfits and dresses that Selena wore at concerts and award shows. Other exhibits include music awards, a "Selena" movie script and other personal memorabilia. Open Monday - Friday from 9am - noon and 1pm - 5pm. Call 361-289-9013 for more information.
Texas Treasure Casino Cruise
This gaming cruise sails from Port Aransas twice daily at noon and 7:00 pm and features live entertainment and a buffet dinner. Located at Hwy 361 South in Port Aransas. Call 800- 472-5215 for more information.
Treasure Island Golf and Games
This is a family park on Padre Island with an 18-hole uphill and downhill golf course and two 50-foot caves. Open Monday - Friday 10am - 10pm. Located at 14041 South Padre Island Drive. Call 361-949-1769 for more information.
U. S. Naval Air Station
Naval aviation is the focus of this station. Contact: Lt. Mike Ordonez for additional information. Tours available and can accommodate up to 100 people; advance notice is required. Located at 11001 D Street. Call 361-961-2568 for more information.
USS Lexington Museum on the Bay
This vintage wartime aircraft carrier is a floating naval museum. It was commissioned in 1943 and served longer and set more records than any carrier in the U.S. Navy. During World War II, the "Lady Lex" saw action from Tarawa to Tokyo and was first U.S. carrier to enter Tokyo Bay after treaty was signed with Japan in 1945. Located at 2814 North Shoreline Boulevard Call 361-888-4873 for more information.