More than any other city along the Texas Gulf Coast, Corpus Christi provides the greatest variety of things to do and see. Although it’s a major deepwater seaport with a population of around 300,000, Corpus Christi has a small town feel with a pleasant downtown core that is easy to explore.
When you visit Corpus Christi, you will either be hanging out along the bay or wandering around the downtown area. The city itself covers a fairly wide area, but everything a visitor would want to see is conveniently situated in the downtown which spreads over to the waterfront. Most motels and some restaurants are scattered around the edges of the city, while most of the shops and eateries are downtown.
Visitors will likely want to have a car if they plan to see any of the highlights along the surrounding coast. It’s likely your hotel won’t be within walking distance of the downtown either, and there’s a lot to check out such as South Padre Island and other small towns that sit along the bay.
Highlights
Texas State Aquarium: this major highlight is one of the best aquariums in the state, with numerous tanks exhibiting the many ecosystems found in the neighboring Gulf of Mexico and along the Texas coast. Touchpools and the new Dolphin Bay habitat are also big attractions.
USS Lexington Museum on the Bay: once an aircraft carrier during WWII and now a floating museum dedicated to naval history, visitors flock to this unique and realistic venue to get an authentic feel for life aboard these mighty ships. Explore every corner of the ship, watch an IMAX film, get into the flight simulator and check out the interpretive exhibits.
Dolphin Swims: dolphins are still abundant around the shores of Corpus Christi, and a boat tour to check out these clever mammals is a great way to get out and see another side of the area.
Museums: to the north of downtown near the eye-catching convention center is a clutch of museums worth checking out. Within minutes of each other are the Asian Cultures Museum, the Museum of Science and History and the South Texas Art Museum. Stop by the onsite visitor center to get to lowdown.
Aransas National Wildlife Preserve: during the winter, whooping cranes flock to this preserve which is only accessible by boat and off-limits to land use.