Corpus Christi Tourist Attractions
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The little port of Corpus Christi, on an inlet to the north of Brownsville, has two features of interest: the Texas State Aquarium and the Art Museum of South Texas. Moored in the harbour is that legendary of all American aircraft carriers, the "USS Lexington"; also reconstructions of Christopher Columbus's little armada.
Padre Island National Seashore
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.
USS Lexington Museum on the Bay
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.
Texas State Aquarium
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.
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Austwell, Texas
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.
Centennial House
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.
Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
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.
Sidbury House
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.
Asian Cultures Museum and Educational Center
The museum displays art variety of works from the Far Eastern and Asian cultures, including India, China, Korea, Philippines and Vietnam.
Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens
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.
Corpus Christi Zoo
The Corpus Christi Zoo has a wide variety of exotic animals and plants. There is also a children's petting zoo.
International Kite Museum
Beginning with Chinese kites of 2000 years ago, the museum traces the history of kites with displays and videos.
