Meet and greet this magnificent mammal in its natural habitat within the Gulf of Mexico's warm waters. In fact, it is the only place in Texas to see dolphins at such close range, which makes Dolphin Connection worth the 25-minute drive from Corpus Christi. The tours last from between one to two-hours and almost each ride guarantees seeing a few dolphins. The guides simply love what they do, and are as passionate about these wonderful creatures. All in all, an unforgettable encounter.
The USS Lex was once used in military expeditions throughout the world, but today it functions as a floating museum. It is docked pleasantly on the Corpus Christi Bay, and it's quite impressive to see from any angle. To board, you are whisked away in a free shuttle that takes you right to the ship's hangar entrance. The tour allows visitors to see the flight deck, the control and navigation rooms and even the captain's quarters. There is also a mega-theater on board as well as a flight simulator and an interactive exhibit entitled 'Virtual Battle Stations'.
Founded in 1995 as a cooperative artist's studio, the gallery gets its name from the Kress Five and Dime shop that was the former tenant of the building. Today, this non-profit organization aims to advance and cultivate contemporary art in South Texas. Various special exhibits are organized throughout the year, where guests will see paintings, sculptures and multi-media works on display, everything created by local artists. Be sure to visit the gift shop for one-of-a-kind, hand made souvenirs and small pieces of art.
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.
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.
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.
The Art Center of Corpus Chrsiti promotes and displays the work of local artists as well as educates the public at-large. Aside from the gallery that is always changing with new temporary exhibitions, the establishment also has meeting halls and classrooms. The gift shop is a great place to find a unique souvenir, all articles are produced by local artists and most items are one-of-a-kind. Moreover, a visit is always free which makes it perfect for the whole family.
Built in 2005, this family friendly baseball field is a favorite summertime destination for locals. Sitting right next to the bay with views of the Harbor Bridge, every seat is a good seat. The park is reminiscent of old-fashioned fields from baseball's Golden Age and the popular fast-food chain Whataburger offers all the modern amenities you would see in an MLB stadium. All concession stands are designed so that patrons never have their back to the field and never miss a play. The kid's area features a playground, mini baseball diamond and full-sized basketball court. There's even a pool overlooking the field that can be rented for large groups or parties.
A theater that puts the "unity" in "community", the Aurora Arts Theatre strives to bring people together through arts and culture. A small, intimate performance space, this theater works towards giving local artists an opportunity to firmly plant their feet in the burgeoning arts and theater scene of this coastal city. Named in the honor of a local community icon, the theater carries a sense of commitment to enriching South Side's cultural wealth.
Meet and greet this magnificent mammal in its natural habitat within the Gulf of Mexico's warm waters. In fact, it is the only place in Texas to see dolphins at such close range, which makes Dolphin Connection worth the 25-minute drive from Corpus Christi. The tours last from between one to two-hours and almost each ride guarantees seeing a few dolphins. The guides simply love what they do, and are as passionate about these wonderful creatures. All in all, an unforgettable encounter.
Overlooking the stunning harbor of Port A, Roberts Point Park is a beautiful local park spread over 50 acres (20 hectares). Featuring a large pavilion suitable for various events, the park hosts an array of activities. Fishing is a popular activity among the locals here. Stretching over a 1-mile paved trail ideal for jogging, running, and biking is a highlight. Visitors can sit by the picnic pavilion and relax while enjoying a lovely sandwich by the lake. Amenities like a basketball court, sand volleyball, soccer field, and playground are well-maintained.