Quite possibly the most famous musician to come out of Corpus Christi, Selena Quintanilla's life journey can be seen through this museum. Her family built the museum after receiving letters from fans expressing their interest in a museum to commemorate the legendary Tejano singer. On display you will find several of Selena's stage costumes, most of which she designed herself, awards and other memorabilia. The museum even has Selena's red Porsche for visitors to see. All admission revenue goes to the Selena Foundation, which helps to aid children in need and provides scholarships to promising students.
Just steps from the museums of Bayfront Park, visitors will find a collection of homes surrounded by beautiful greenery on North Chaparral Street. Visitors who walk through this neighborhood will feel as if they have stepped into the Victorian era and visiting one of the twelve homes will only enhance that sentiment. It is recommended to take the guided tour of these homes in order to better understand the full history of these architectural gems. The Galvan House is the yellow center house from which all tours depart and there is a fee when you take a tour, however if you wish to walk around the neighborhood, that is free.
A coastal paradise par excellence, Mustang Island State Park is a stunning jewel embedded on the Gulf of Mexico. Believed to have been formed by sedimentary deposits, this state park features swathes of sand dunes intermingled with pristine stretches of beaches. The park's name comes from mustang horses that the Spaniards brought over when the land was first settled, hundreds of years ago. What was once a habitat of the indigenous Karankawa Indians, is now an idyllic sanctum which is a treasure trove of activities like swimming, kayaking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching and more. Open to the public since 1979, the state park harbors a variety of wildlife like raccoons, hawks, jackrabbits, and coyotes, as well as plenty of waterbirds, shorebirds, and songbirds.
This building was designed by the renowned architect Philip Johnson, where he used a material called 'shellcrete', which is a combination of shells and concrete. The tri-level structure stands majestically by the bay and it houses an interesting permanent collection as well as constant temporary exhibitions. Most pieces are American contemporary and include paintings and sculptures from renowned artists like Georgia O'Keefe and Jackson Pollock. For the little ones there is a children's play area located downstairs and if art makes you hungry, step into the elegant Dobson Cafe for a light lunch.
One of main attractions in Corpus Christi, the Texas State Aquarium is a sought-after favorite in this part of Texas. Located on Corpus Christi Bay right next to the entrance to the USS Lexington, the aquarium is a cool refuge away from the sweltering summer heat. The exhibits feature local sea life as well as exotic animals from all parts of the world. One of the other highlights is the dolphin training demonstration, it is held at varying times throughout the day.
Built in 1849, this mansion was originally the home of Senator Forbes Britton. Constructed with local brick and scored masonry, the house got its name after the estate's 100th anniversary in 1949. At the time it was built the former senator could see the wharf from the house. Marvel at the petticoat tables in the foyer, the odd placement of light switches on the floorboards, and the spellbinding porcelain doll collection upstairs, for the house conveys different stories pertaining to different eras.