Discover 11 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Corpus Christi (United States). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: USS Lexington, Texas State Aquarium, and Art Museum of South Texas. Also, be sure to include Mirador de la Flor in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Corpus Christi (Texas).
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USS Lexington
Essex-class aircraft carrier. USS Lexington, nicknamed "The Blue Ghost", is an Essex-class aircraft carrier built during World War II for the United States Navy. Originally intended to be named Cabot, the new aircraft carrier was renamed while under construction to commemorate the recently-lost USS Lexington, becoming the fifth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name in honor of the Battle of Lexington.
Since 1992, the ship has been docked in Corpus Christi, Texas, where she operates as a museum.[1]
Address: 2914 N Shoreline Blvd, 78402-1116 Corpus Christi
Texas State Aquarium
Aquarium in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Texas State Aquarium is a nonprofit aquarium located in Corpus Christi, Texas, United States. It aims to promote environmental conservation and rehabilitation of the wildlife of the Gulf of Mexico. It has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1995. It is the largest aquarium in Texas, and one of the largest aquaria in the United States.[2]
Address: 2710 N Shoreline Blvd, 78402-1097 Corpus Christi
Art Museum of South Texas
The Art Museum of South Texas, located in Corpus Christi, Texas, is an art museum which was established in 1936.[3]
Address: 1902 N Shoreline Blvd, 78401-1138 Corpus Christi
Mirador de la Flor
Tourist attraction in Corpus Christi. Mirador de la Flor is a monument in Corpus Christi, Texas, that honors Tejano musician Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, who was murdered in 1995 at age 23. About 30,000 people visit the monument every year. It is located a few miles north of Selena's burial site, and features a life-sized bronze statue of the singer, sculpted by Corpus Christi native H.W. "Buddy" Tatum. Selena's statue leans against a concrete pillar, looking towards the Corpus Christi Bay.
The monument also features a motif of white roses, said to be Selena's favorite, and a memorial plaque facing Shoreline Boulevard. A 4-foot (1.2 m) high stainless steel barrier was added in 2000 to protect the statue and pillar from graffiti.[4]
Address: 500 N Shoreline Blvd, 78401 Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
Museum in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History is a science and history museum in Corpus Christi, Texas, near Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge and the waterfront. It was established in 1957. Among its many displays covering an area of over 40,000 square feet are many artifacts found in the wreck of the Spanish ship San Estaban, including the world's oldest mariner's astrolabe with a confirmed date of 1554. An extension to the museum opened in May 1990 to house the Shipwreck! exhibition.[5]
Address: 1900 N Chaparral St, 78401-1114 Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi Cathedral
Catholic cathedral in Corpus Christi, Texas. Corpus Christi Cathedral is a cathedral church located in Corpus Christi, Texas, United States. It is the seat of the Catholic Diocese of Corpus Christi.[6]
Address: 505 N Upper Broadway St, Corpus Christi
Old Nueces County Courthouse
The Old Nueces County Courthouse is a historic government building in downtown Corpus Christi, Texas, United States. All functions at the courthouse relocated to the current county courthouse just a few streets away. The old courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. There are currently ongoing efforts to restore the old courthouse, which is being worked on by county government.[7]
Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge
Through arch bridge in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge is a through arch bridge located in Corpus Christi, Texas which carries six lanes of U.S. Route 181 and Texas State Highway 35 from downtown Corpus Christi to Rincon Point, known to locals as North Beach. The harbor bridge crosses the Corpus Christi Ship Channel and handles nearly 26,000 vehicles daily. A new bridge called the New Harbor Bridge is currently under construction. When complete it will allow larger ships to pass beneath, permit safer pedestrian transit, and reconfigure the entire highway interchange system in the surrounding community.[8]
South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, formerly known as the Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is a nonprofit, 180-acre botanical garden and nature center located at 8545 South Staples, Corpus Christi, Texas. It is open daily; an admission fee is charged.
The gardens can be traced to 1987 when a first cottage garden and nature trail opened in Corpus Christi. Today's gardens, however, are on a different site that opened in 1996. The gardens have been actively developed since that time.
Major exhibits now include an arid garden; Exhibit House with bromeliads, cycads, cacti, and succulents; hibiscus garden; hummingbird garden; landscape demonstration beds; orchid house with more than 3000 orchids; a major collection of more than 100 plumeria varieties; contemporary rose garden with a large pavilion; sensory garden; and water garden.
The site also contains a mesquite nature trail through 30 acres of brush. It features some 35 species of woody trees and shrubs, herbs, grasses, and cacti, as well as white-tailed deer, collared peccaries, and coyotes.[9]
Address: 8545 S Staples St, 78413-5900 Corpus Christi
Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures and Education Center
Museum, Art museum, Specialty museum, Art gallery
Address: 1809 N Chaparral St, 78401-1111 Corpus Christi
K Space Contemporary Gallery
Museum, Art gallery
Address: 415D Starr St, 78401-2342 Corpus Christi