Texas State Aquarium 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd. 1-800-477-4853 Directions: From Corpus Christi, 181 North to Corpus Christi Beach Exit, rt. on Burleson, rt. on Surfside.. Summer Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-6 Labor Day through Memorial Day: Mon.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-5 Admission charged. Under 4 Free The visitor's experience begins at the entrance plazas which depict whales, rays, dolphins, sharks, and the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Guests enter the building by walking under a "waterfall". Volunteer guides are stationed throughout the Aquarium to explain exhibits and answer questions.

USS Lexington 2914 N. Shoreline Blvd. 361-888-4873 Directions: From Corpus Christi, 181 North to N. Shoreline Blvd. Hours: 9-5 daily, except for Christmas Day. Admission charged. The USS Lexington, a World War II aircraft carrier, haunted the waters of the South Pacific and was known as the "Blue Ghost." Today the USS Lexington is one of the top ten visitor attractions in the state. Multi-media presentations and unique exhibits intrigue visitors. Live reenactments engage visitors of all ages

The Art Museum of South Texas 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd. (361) 825-3500 Directions: From Corpus Christi, 181 North to N. Shoreline Blvd. From Portland, 181 South to N. Shoreline Blvd. Hours: Tues. Wed. Fri. Sat. 10 - 5 ; Thurs. 10 - 9 ; Sun 1 - 5 (Closed Mondays) Admission: By Donation Changing exhibits of prints, paintings, sculpture, photography and folk art. Exhibits share space with breathtaking views of the bay in this facility designed by renowned architect Phillip Johnson.

Museum of Science and History 1900 N. Chaparral (361) 883-2862 Directions: Located in the Bayfront Arts and Sciences Park, on the South side of the ship channel in downtown Corpus Christi Hours: daily Mon.-Sat. 10 - 5 ; Sun. 12 - 5. Memorial Day - Labor Day 10 - 6. Admission charged.

The museum contains many interesting, interactive exhibits. Also, you can explore "Reptiles of South Texas," featuring a live alligator and "Shipwreck," an award-winning story of a 1554 shipwreck.

Pirates of the Gulf Miniature Golf 2901 West Surfside Drive 512-884-4774 Directions: Take I81 North to N. Shoreline Blvd. Hours: April-August, Daily 11-11 Sept.-March on weekends (call to check times) Admission charged. 18 Hole championship miniature golf course.

Art Center of Corpus Christi 100 Shoreline Blvd. (361) 884-6406 Directions: From Corpus Christi, 181 North to N. Shoreline Blvd. From Portland, 181 South to N. Shoreline Blvd. Tues.-Sun. 10 - 4 Closed Mondays. Admission: Free Watch artists practice their craft, display their accomplishments and teach others new skills. The complex includes a gallery, gift shop and a restaurant.

Asian Cultures Museum 1809 N. Chaparral (361) 882-2641 Directions: Located in the Bayfront Arts and Sciences Park, on the South side of the ship channel in downtown Corpus Christi Tues.-Sat. 10 - 5 Admission charged.

The museum houses over 8,000 objects and documents, including artifacts from Japan. There is also an exhibit of arts and crafts from the Philippines, China and Korea. Exhibits include a 5 ft. bronze Buddha, Chinese porcelain, lacquerware, opera costumes and Hakata dolls.

Britton-Evans Centennial House 411 N. Broadway (361) 992-6003 2 - 5 Wednesday only... or when the house's flags are flying. Built in 1848, the Centennial House is Corpus Christi's oldest structure. Special tours available.

Harbor Playhouse 1 Bayfront Park (361) 888-7469 or 882-5500 Box office open Mon.-Sat. Noon - 6 Call for shows & times. The oldest continually performing community theater in Texas. A variety of productions are offered each year at this theater by the sea, from musicals to melodramas.

Heritage Park 1581 N. Chaparral St. (near the Bayfront Arts & Science Park) (361) 883-0639 The site of nine historical homes, the oldest dating back to 1851. These homes are now beautifully restored.

Cole Park This sprawling 43-acre park along Ocean Drive offers a spectacular view of sparkling Corpus Christi Bay. The Kid's Place playground is always popular. Free concerts are held Thursdays and Sundays throughout the summer.

Corpus Christi Marina Called the "T-heads" by locals, this scenic bayfront area is bustling with activity...private yachts, sight-seeing boats, water sport rentals and waterside restaurants. Buy fresh shrimp right off the shrimp boats and don't miss the colorful sailboat regatta every Wednesday evening.

Downtown Seawall Impressive waterfront wall and promenade. Bicycle, rollerblade or just stroll and people-watch. Miradores del Mar provide visitors with shady rest spots along the way. And the special Mirador del Flor includes a pavilion and statue dedicated to the late Tejano singing star, Selena.

Harbor Bridge The second tallest bridge in Texas spans the port and connects Corpus Christi Beach to the Downtown area.

Ocean Drive A seven-mile scenic waterfront drive lined with stately homes, parks and walking paths.

Port of Corpus Christi The sixth largest deep-water port in the U.S. The Port's Cargo Dock One pavilion offers an incredible view of the city and ship traffic.

Corpus Christi Greyhound Race Track 5302 Leopard 1-800-580-7223 or (361) 289-9333 Evening Races Tues. - Sat. 730 ; Matinees Wed. Sat. Sun. 130 . Simulcast races Mon. Tues. and Thurs. Call for current schedule. The Clubhouse area features booth service with an excellent view of the track and televisions at every table showing the racing action live. The Grandstand area contains a variety of seating, plus a food court. Both are fully air-conditioned.. Admission

Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens 8545 South Staples 361) 852-2100 9 - 5 Tues. - Sun. Call for Holiday Admission charged. This 180-acre site along Oso Creek combines nature, tourism and eco-education with colorful, exotic floral exhibits and local landscapes. Tour the Orchid House, Exhibit House, Plumeria collection, Sensory Garden, Hibiscus Garden and Water Garden. Be sure to save time for the shaded Bird & Butterfly Trail, Oso Creek Trail and Gator Lake. The complex contains extensive natural wetlands and protected native habitats. The Gardens is a Greater Texas Coastal Birding Trail site with lakeside observation tower, air conditioned Visitors Center, gift shop and gallery. There is also a playground and covered picnic sites. Parking is free. Call for class schedules and schedule of events, including spring and fall Children's Garden, April and October plant sales, and summer day camps.

Corpus Christi Zoo County Road 33 (361) 814-8000 Open daily 10 - 6 The Corpus Christi Zoo continues to expand its existing collection of exotic birds, primates, big cats, hoof stock, reptiles and water fowl. Children's Petting Zoo.

GCCA/CPL Marine Development Center 4330 Waldron Road (361) 939-7784 Reservations required. Admission free. See red drum and spotted seatrout up close in a 3,000-gallon saltwater spawning tank at one of the largest marine fish hatcheries in the world.

Hans A. Suter Wildlife Park Ennis Joslin at Nile Admission free. This coastal marshland is one of the best bird watching locations in Texas! A boardwalk, viewing tower and hiking trails offer an ideal view of ducks, rare brown pelicans and other shore birds in their natural habitat. Picnic Tables.

Padre Island J.P. Luby Surf Park Hwy. 361 At Zahn Road, Mustang Island (361) 949-8121 This is where the surfers hang ten and hang out! The "surf pier" generates lots of wave action. A pavilion and recreational facilities are nearby. Special events.

Padre Ball Park Park Road 22, Padre Island (361) 949-8121 A recreational complex with pavilion, overnight camping hookups for RV's, tent sites, showers and covered picnic areas. Bob Hall Pier is nearby. Admission Call.

Padre Island National Seashore At the end of Park Road 22, Padre Island (361) 949-8068 Park is open 24 hrs. Visitor Center daily 9 - 6 , Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Padre Island National Seashore is the largest undeveloped barrier island in the continental United States. The park is open year-round for beachcombing, camping, surfing, swimming, hiking, fishing and other activities. The Visitor Center has restrooms with showers, a convenience store and an exhibit/information center. There's a free boat launch at Bird Island Basin.

Mustang Island State Park Port Aransas Mustang Island Highway 361, Mustang Island (361) 749-5246 Park closes at 10 except to overnight guests. Padre Island, this 3,700-acre state park has 1 1/2 miles of beach

Mustang Riding Stables Hwy. 361, Mustang Island (361) 991-RIDE or (361) 749-5055 Open daily 9 - 5 Ride on horseback along the beach on Mustang Island. Hay rides and beach parties also available. Instruction available

Roberts Point Park Highway 361, Port Aransas Free admission. Watch dolphins chase the ferries across the ship channel and cargo ships steam by on their way to the Port of Corpus Christi. Pavilion, picnic areas, fishing pier, scenic overlook and a play area.

University of Texas Marine Science Institute Port Aransas (361) 749-6729 Mon-Fri 8 - 5 weekends in the summer, Sat 9 - 5 and Sun Noon - 4 Free admission This "mini-aquarium" addresses mysteries of the sea from a scientific viewpoint and highlights current research projects.

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Aransas Pass, Ingleside And Rockport/Fulton (361) 286-3559 Daily Sunrise to Sunset, Visitors Center 8:30 - 4:30 Admission charged. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. 30 miles north of Rockport, this expansive wildlife refuge offers a 16-mile paved loop with wildlife photo opportunities, a museum, hiking trails, picnic areas, a visitors center and an observation tower. It's the winter home for the endangered Whooping Cranes.

Dolphin Connection Ingleside on the Bay (361) 882-4126 or (361) 776-2887 Five trips a day during peak season. Call between 8 and 10 tour times. Seasonal--March through October. Reservations required. View dolphins in their natural habitat in Corpus Christi Bay on this guided boat trip.

Fulton Mansion 317 Fulton Beach Road, Rockport-Fulton (361) 729-0386 Call for tour times. A spectacular example of French Second Empire architecture, this home has been completely refurbished by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. Sixteen rooms showcase technology that was far ahead of its time when constructed in 1877.

The King Ranch Hwy. 141 at Santa Gertrudis, Kingsville (361) 592-8055 Visitor Center open weekdays 9 - 4 . . The King Ranch is one of the largest and oldest working cattle and horse ranches in the world. This is the birthplace of the American ranching industry, founder of the Santa Gertrudis breed of cattle, and home of the first registered American Quarter Horse. Tours on ranch's history, wildlife and agriculture offered.

King Ranch Museum 405 North 6th St., Kingsville, (361) 595-1881 Mon-Sat 10 - 4 ; Sun 1 - 5. Trace the history of the King Ranch from its early days as a cow camp to the present-day activities in agribusiness, energy exploration and cattle.

Lake Corpus Christi State Park (361) 547-2635 or (361) 389-8900 Two fishing piers and two boat ramps.