Things To Do in Corpus Christi, Texas

Visitors can tour the most highly decorated aircraft carrier of World War II, now a floating museum since its retirement after 48 years of service, a longer tour than any other ship in the U.S. Navy. The 16-story "Blue Ghost" displays military artifacts and more than a dozen aircraft, and visitors can explore the vessel, watch a video, and try a flight simulation.

Padre Island National Seashore

A 15-minute drive from downtown Corpus Christi transports you to this magnificent 70-mile stretch of white sand beach, scenic dunes and warm ocean water, offering ideal conditions for swimming, fishing, beach-combing, windsurfing, camping, bird-watching and viewing wildlife.

Corpus Christi Museum of Science

Popular with families, the museum focuses on the history and culture of South Texas with something for everyone, including relics from a 1554 shipwreck, recreations of two of the three ships used for Columbus's voyage to the New World, an interactive weather station, a children's section with marine activities and numerous artifacts.

Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail

Texas can take pride in being the first state to create a birding trail, serving as a model for other states. The trail is actually a coastal highway that links 310 birding sites and offers kiosks, observation platforms and helpful information to visitors.

Texas Sate Aquarium

Get a close up look at underwater life of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean at this 9-acre marine life aquarium, which also features birds and other animal species. Exhibits include a swamp complete with alligator and a sea turtle tank, and ongoing demos keep you well entertained.

Art Museum of South Texas

An all white building on the water, this art museum was voted one of the best in southern Texas. Although permanent exhibits feature art from the region, the museum is known for its rotating exhibits of fine art work in different mediums.

Corpus Christi Botanical Garden

This collection of gardens soothes the soul with walking trails, 2500 varieties of orchids, an idyllic rose garden, desert and tropical flowers, wetlands, forest and many opportunities for bird watching.

Heritage Park

Historical area of beautifully restored homes of Corpus Christi's founders.

Historical area of beautifully restored homes of Corpus Christi's founders.

Malaquite Beach

This beach on Padre Island is a great camping and beach-going spot.

Laguna Madre

Watch the migration of thousands of birds from your secluded campsite.

Mustang Ranch Riding Stable

Stables where visitors can go horseback riding on the beach; discounts for children.

Grasslands Nature Trail

An easy 3/4-mile loop through dunes, interior grassland and marsh.

Bob Hall Pier

Pier that is open to the public 24 hours a day for fishing.

Blucher Park

City park that is a favorite for birdwatchers.

Cole Park

City park that is a favorite of birdwatchers; home to egrets, herons, terns and other species.

Indian Point

Indian Point is a favorite site for birdwatchers.

Hans A. Suter Wildlife Area

Bird watchers can watch gulls, black-necked stilts, American coots and numerous other birds from the boardwalks at this popular viewing site, considered one of the best water bird viewing areas in the world.

Corpus Christi Museum

History museum that covers a broad range of topics from the history of Texas to wildlife in the Gulf region.

Port Aransas Birding Center

A popular site for bird watching that is located near Corpus Christi, Texas.