One of the main attractions in downtown Corpus Christi is its bustling marina. Here you will find sailboats docked in neat rows, snow cone vendors, restaurants and tour ship cruises. During the day you can walk down the piers and find local fisherman selling the day's catch. During the summer months, it becomess especially busy with families walking up and down the wooden piers and at night, it is particularly stunning when the marina is illuminated.
On a breezy summer evening, with the sun setting behind the Corpus Christi skyline, nothing is better than a walk down the promenade. Built along the sea wall of Corpus Christi Bay, the promenade attracts walkers, runners in-line skaters and families to cool down and take in the sea air. Along the way, visitors can take refuge under one of the 'Miradores del Mar', these eight gazebos are a great place to stop and look into the vast Gulf.
Located in beautiful Bayfront Park, the Harbor Playhouse consists of hundreds of volunteers and actors that perform about four productions each year. Since 1925 it has entertained city dwellers as well as tourists who happen to stumble upon a performance. Some interpretations include contemporary drama, musicals and comedies. Additionally, the theater has special events scheduled throughout the year. One of the most popular is the annual Halloween open house featuring actors dressed as ghosts and goblins.
The Texas State Asian Cultures Museum promotes the culture and traditions of the world's largest continent; with art from nations such as India, China Sri Lanka, Laos, Japan, the artworks represent regions from the entire land mass including parts of Austronesia. On the second floor you will find the information center which educates visitors about Asian cultures through costumes, storytelling and crafts. The museum is conveniently located downtown and it host special events throughout the year.
For an educational day out with the kids, visit the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History located in Bayfront Park. What really draws visitors to this museum are the replicas of the Pinta, Niña and Santa Maria; the ships that Christopher Columbus sailed upon when he arrived in the Americas. Guided tours of the ships are available every hour and are included in the price of admission. Aside from the ships, the museum has a number of exhibits that highlight the region. From paleontology and ecology to agronomy and the history of Corpus Christi, this museum is a veritable treasure trove of education in the region.
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.
This nature center in southwest Corpus Christi houses more than 180-acres (72.84 hectares) of exotic and native plants. The site features an Orchid House, Bromeliad Sanctuary, a Rose Garden and many other designated flower areas. Another benefit to the gardens, include the fact that the center works as a conservationist for exotic and abandoned animals. The botanical gardens house reptiles, birds and fish all in their respective exhibits and habitats. Don't forget to take a walk down the Bird & Butterfly Trail which overlooks Gator Lake! Moreover, the gardens often host special events, educational classes and tours.