20 Best Places and Things To Do in Corpus Christi, Texas

Corpus Christi, Texas, offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and diverse outdoor adventures, Corpus Christi has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in Corpus Christi:

1. USS Lexington Museum

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The museum showcases a remarkable collection of aircraft, ranging from vintage World War II planes to modern fighter jets. Visitors can marvel at the impressive lineup of aircraft on the ship’s flight deck and delve into the stories behind these iconic machines. There are also flight simulators that offer a taste of what it’s like to pilot these aircraft.

2. Selena Museum

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Inside the Selena Museum, visitors can explore exhibits that showcase various aspects of Selena’s life and career. The museum houses an extensive collection of personal items, including stage costumes, awards, musical instruments, and personal mementos. These artifacts offer an intimate glimpse into Selena’s journey as a musician and her vibrant stage presence.

3. Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge

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The Harbor Bridge holds historical significance as it has played a significant role in facilitating trade and maritime activities in the region for many years. It provides a vital transportation route for cargo ships, oil tankers, and other vessels entering and exiting the Port of Corpus Christi, one of the largest ports in the United States.

4. Cole Park

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The park features spacious grassy areas, making it perfect for picnics, frisbee games, or throwing a ball around with friends and family. There are also shaded pavilions and picnic tables available, providing comfortable spaces for gatherings and outdoor meals. It’s a great place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the pleasant coastal breezes.

5. South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

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The botanical gardens showcase a vast array of native and adapted plants that thrive in the South Texas climate. Visitors can wander through themed gardens, including the rose garden, butterfly garden, arid garden, and palm garden, each offering a different horticultural experience. The gardens are meticulously maintained, providing a tranquil setting for strolling, taking in the vibrant colors and fragrances, and learning about the flora of the region.

6. Texas Surf Museum

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The museum’s exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution of surfing in Texas. From its early beginnings in the 1960s to the present day, visitors can explore the development of the sport, the surf culture, and the individuals who have shaped the Texas surfing scene. The displays feature vintage surfboards, photographs, videos, and memorabilia that offer a glimpse into the past and the progression of surfing in the region.

7. Hazel Bazemore Park

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Hazel Bazemore Park offers various amenities and activities for visitors to enjoy. The park features well-maintained trails that wind through its natural surroundings, providing opportunities for hiking, jogging, and leisurely walks. The trails offer peaceful escapes into nature, with lush greenery, mature trees, and glimpses of the river along the way.

8. Hurricane Alley Waterpark

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Hurricane Alley Waterpark is its extensive selection of water slides. From high-speed slides that twist and turn to thrilling tube slides that send riders on exhilarating journeys, there are options to suit every level of adventure. Visitors can experience the rush of adrenaline as they zoom down towering slides, splash into refreshing pools, and make lasting memories with friends and family.

9. Blucher Park

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Blucher Park features a variety of mature trees that provide ample shade, creating a comfortable environment even on hot Texas days. The shady areas offer respite from the sun, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the outdoors without the discomfort of direct sunlight.

10. Packery Channel County Park

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located in Corpus Christi, Texas, is a coastal park that offers a range of outdoor activities, stunning natural beauty, and access to the Gulf of Mexico. Situated along Packery Channel, a man-made inlet that connects the Laguna Madre with the Gulf, the park provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, and relaxation in a picturesque setting.

11. Bayfront Park

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Bayfront Park features a spacious green lawn that is ideal for picnics, outdoor games, and leisurely walks. The open space invites visitors to spread out a blanket, relax, and enjoy a picnic with family and friends. The park also hosts various community events, such as concerts, festivals, and art shows, which add to the lively ambiance and offer opportunities for entertainment and socializing.

12. Corpus Christi Watergardens

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The Watergardens encompass a series of interconnected pools, fountains, and cascades, which create a soothing soundscape and an aesthetically pleasing visual experience. The flowing water elements not only add to the park’s beauty but also contribute to a calming atmosphere that encourages visitors to unwind and enjoy a moment of tranquility.

13. Labonte Park

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located in Corpus Christi, Texas, is a scenic riverside park that offers a range of recreational activities, beautiful natural surroundings, and a peaceful atmosphere. Situated along the Nueces River, the park provides a serene escape where visitors can enjoy outdoor fun, connect with nature, and create lasting memories.

14. Swantner Park

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The Texas Film Commission (TFC) was created in 1971 by Texas Governor Preston Smith, who found that it was, “in the social, economic and educational interest of Texas to encourage the development of the film-communication industry”. Since then, the TFC has expanded to include the television, commercial, video game, animation, visual effects and extended reality (AR, VR, MR) industries.

15. Surfside Park

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Surfside Beach offers a long stretch of sandy shoreline where visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and picnicking. The beach is known for its gentle waves, making it a great spot for beginners to learn how to surf or boogie board. It’s also a popular spot for fishing, with opportunities to catch various species from the shore or by casting out from the nearby Surfside Jetty.

16. Poenisch Park

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Poenisch Park offers amenities that enhance the beach experience. There are picnic tables and shaded areas with barbecue pits, making it a great spot for family picnics or cookouts. Visitors can bring their own food and enjoy a meal with a view of the bay.

17. Palmetto Park

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The Revolutionary War interrupted Thomas Sumter’s life, according to the South Carolina Encyclopedia. He was elected as a delegate to the First and Second Provincial Congress and then took part in the Snow Campaign in December 1775, the Battle of Fort Moultrie on June 28, 1776, and the Cherokee campaign from July to October of 1776. Sumter was involved in engagements in Georgia in 1777 and 1778 and on Sept. 19, 1778, he left the army as a colonel and returned to private life.

18. Ropes Park

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Corpus Christi does have several parks and recreational areas that offer a range of activities and amenities. Some of the well-known parks in Corpus Christi include Cole Park, Labonte Park, and South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center. These parks provide opportunities for picnicking, walking trails, playgrounds, and enjoying nature.

19. Texas State Aquarium

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The aquarium features a variety of exhibits that highlight the rich biodiversity of the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can explore immersive habitats such as the Islands of Steel, where they can observe sharks, rays, and other marine species swimming among artificial coral reefs. The Living Shores exhibit provides an up-close look at the coastal environments of Texas, complete with touch tanks where visitors can interact with creatures like stingrays and hermit crabs.

20. Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History

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The museum features a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits that cover diverse topics. One of the highlights is the Exploration Station, an interactive area where visitors can engage in hands-on activities related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It provides a fun and educational environment for children and adults alike to learn about scientific concepts through interactive displays and experiments.