Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Our local state park in Mathis, TX. Unique features include boating, fishing, bbq's, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, biking, swimming & bird watching. Don't forget to check out the castle! Their hours are Monday through Thursday 8am to 8pm and Friday / Saturday 8am - 10pm
Popular underwater world of discovery in Corpus Christi, TX. experience dive shows, animal feedings, training sessions, and "hands on" programs with sharks and stingrays. Thousands of animals representing over 300 species, displayed in entertaining and educational exhibits, are ready to enchant, entertain and inspire you. They are open daily from 9am - 5pm.
USS Lexington Museum
Commissioned in 1943 and a major player in the Pacific theater of WWII, the massive aircraft carrier USS Lexington should be part of any visit to Corpus Christi. Now a naval museum, "The Blue Ghost" was so named for her dark blue camouflage and Japanese claims to have sunk her only to have her appear in action elsewhere. Highlights of a tour include numerous vintage aircraft; a close-up look at the command deck and quarters; a huge collection of detailed scale models, simulators, and games; and the thrilling Fighter Pilot 3D movie. Guided tours are available, and if you have the stamina, go for the four-hour Hard Hat Tour, which takes you into the very bowels of this huge ship. Hours open daily from 9am - 5pm.
Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island, to the south of Corpus Christi, is the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world and stretches some 70 miles from end-to-end. It encompasses 130,000 acres of beach, dunes, and grassland habitats. Thanks to its location along the Central Flyway - a major migratory bird route - it's a birder's paradise, home to 350 different species. Nearly half of all North American migratory bird species can be spotted here at certain times throughout the year. It's also a haven for marine life such as sea turtles, including endangered species reintroduced to the area. Best approached from the Malaquite Visitor Center, it's a wonderful place to visit for a few hours or even as part of an overnight camping trip. Also worth visiting is the stunning five-mile-long beach at Mustang Island State Park, a 3,954-acre park south of Port Aransas.