Corpus Christi Attractions

Padre Island, to the south of Corpus Christi has very beautiful beaches and dunes that are home to 350 different species of birds. It is located along the Central Flyway, a major migratory bird route, and nearly half of all North American migratory bird species stop at Padre Island.

Padre Island National Seashore is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world. It encompasses 130,000 acres of beach, dunes and grassland habitats.

This naval museum is located on the 1943 USS Lexington aircraft carrier. The carrier was retired from the Navy in 1990 and opened to the public in 1992 in Corpus Christi.

The museum displays art variety of works from the Far Eastern and Asian cultures, including India, China, Korea, Philippines and Vietnam.

Built in 1848, Centennial House is the oldest home in Corpus Christi. It was also at one time used as a Civil War hospital. The house has been restored and furnished antiques of the period and open to the public for tours.

The Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens consist of a Orchid House, Exhibit House, Plumeria collection, sensory garden, Hibiscus Garden, as well as trails and a lake.

The museum features of variety of exhibits related to the cultural and natural history of South Texas. Specific items include ship wreck cargo, a children's area, and local reptile displays, among others.

The Corpus Christi Zoo has a wide variety of exotic animals and plants. There is also a children's petting zoo.

Beginning with Chinese kites of 2000 years ago, the museum traces the history of kites with displays and videos.

Built in 1893, Sidbury Houses is the only example of High Victorian architecture in Corpus Christi. The house features irregular outlines, verandas, steep-pitched roofs and balconies with elaborate woodwork on the porches.

The Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi provides information about the aquatic animals and habitat of the Gulf of Mexico. Living Shores is an exhibit that interprets the Laguna Madre, a body of water right here in Corpus Christi. Complete with seahorse and crab exhibits, interactive screens and the largest touch pool in the Aquarium, Living Shores is where you can really get your hands wet!

The Wild Flight Amphitheater is a 300-person outdoor amphitheater that hosts avian acrobatics from various birds of prey.

The 70,000 acre Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, located along on the Texas Gulf coast, is home to alligators, snakes, birds and other wildlife. The area features tidal flats, salt marshes, grasslands, and freshwater ponds. Walking trails and a one way road through the refuge offer visitors access. Along the road is an observation tower with two scopes for birders.

The refuge was established as a winter home for the whooping crane which are endangered species.

Falfurrias developed in 1883. The large number of dairy farms in the area led to the creation of Falfurrias Creamery, which was built by the town's founder.

The Heritage Museum displays items related to the history of the area.

George West (pop. 2,600) is named after George Washington West, the town's founder. The town is primarily a shipping center for the surrounding agricultural area. Fishing and hunting are popular sports in the area.

The museum is named after Grace Armantrout who donated many of the items displayed at the museum. Exhibits include household items, farm equipment, firearms, and art.

The museum's collection contains early farming and ranch equipment, household items, and articles from the Taft Ranch.