Things to Do in Corpus Christi, Texas

Padre Island National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore is easily one of Corpus Christi's most famous attractions. The protected barrier island offers 70 miles of undeveloped beaches, sand dunes and grasslands. Visitors of the Padre Island Seashore can fish, bird watch, picnic and camp at one of the five campgrounds on the beach. Beginning in early June and lasting until the end of summer, the public is invited to watch the release of thousands of sea turtles at special public viewing sessions. The park is open every day of the year.

Malaquite Visitor Center
P.O. Box 181300
Corpus Christi, Texas 78480-1300
(361) 949-8068
nps.gov/pais/index.htm

Texas Surf Museum

Texas is often not the first place one thinks of when they hear the word "surfing." But along with the typical Texas image of cowboys and oil magnets, Texas has a long and storied surfing history as well. Corpus Christi's Texas Surf Museum opened in 2005 to showcase and exhibit this history. The museum aims at making the greater public aware of not just Texas surfing, but surfing culture worldwide and to increase interest in the sport. The museum is open seven days a week.

Texas Surf Museum
309 N. Water St.
Corpus Christi, Texas 78401
(361) 888-7873‎
texassurfmuseum.com

South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

Famous for its expansive Orchard Greenhouse, the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center houses nine-exhibits covering 180 acres. The garden's Butterfly Garden allows visitors to walk among wild butterflies in their 2600-square-foot screened-in facilities. Hiking takes visitors through native wetlands where birding and wildlife opportunities abound. Visitors can go on self-guided or guided tours of the gardens. It is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
8545 S. Staples
Corpus Christi, Texas 78413
(361) 852-2100
stxbot.org