The city of Corpus Christi in Texas is a situated in South Texas on the Gulf of Mexico. The city has found followers largely because it catches the fancy of different travellers with different travel needs. It is home to some of the most beautiful white sand beaches, a prosperous flora and fauna and most importantly, due to its beautiful coasting setting, making it a delight for every traveller. Here’s everything you should do when you are in Corpus Christi.
Corpus Christi – Points of Interest
Padre Island National Seashore
On the south of Corpus Christi, is the Padre Island. Said to be the topmost undeveloped barrier island, it is also the longest in the world which stretches for more than 70 miles. It encompasses 130,000 acres of beaches, dunes, vast prairies and grassland habitats. It strategic location along the Central flyway, which is known to be a chief migratory bird route, makes it a bird watchers delight. The Padre Island is home to up-to 350 different species of birds. The Island is also a marine life haven, protecting terrestrial plants and animals; mainly the endangered Kemps Ridley sea-turtle.
USS Lexington
The USS Lexington is Corpus Christi’s naval museum dedicated to the US warship of the same name. For more than 50 years, the USS Lexington, also known as the “Blue Ghost” played a very significant role in America’s defence. It earned the nickname largely because of its dark-blue colour that camouflaged with the ocean. The Japanese had claimed to sink the mighty ship until it was seen in action elsewhere. In 1992, this warship was converted into a museum of naval aviation in order to preserve it and the history it represented, and to educate the public about the role it played in World War II. On a tour of the museum, one can see numerous vintage aircrafts along with a massive collection of scale models.
Texas State Aquarium
The Texas State Aquarium is a place your kids will love. It is commonly known, that the Texas State Aquarium plays a significant role in preserving, conserving and rehabilitating the rich aquatic life in the Gulf of Mexico. The Aquarium is home to one of the largest touch-pools in America and has an array of exhibitions that one can enjoy and interact with. You can also witness various training sessions of the animals, dive shows and even feed them. The Dolphin bay is the top attraction featuring two Atlantic bottle-nose dolphins. Also don’t miss an exhibit featuring Grace, a beautiful American bald eagle and the floating Phantoms exhibit about different varieties of Jellyfish.
South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center
Located on South Staples Road, the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, is Texas’s top-most nature centre and public garden. Established in 1987, this Center features an arid collection of beautiful hibiscus gardens and a world- class Orchid House that showcases more than 3000 rare and common species of Orchids. Among other beautiful sights are a contemporary rose garden and other exotic species of plants such as cycads, cacti, bromeliads, cacti, and the hummingbird garden. The Centre was established as an educational and recreational resource and is continuously developed to include more and more rare species of plants and flowers.
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
For wild-life lovers, there is nothing better than the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. At a distance of 50 miles to the north of Corpus Christi, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is a huge 70,000 acre land that provides refuge to endangered snakes, alligators and innumerable species of birds. The area has expansive tidal flats, grasslands, and freshwater ponds. It was originally established as a winter home for the whopping crane, the tallest North- American bird that is a highly endangered species. Be sure to get a peek of the birds from the observatory tower.
Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History was established with but one aim; to encourage children to develop an interest in science. The museum is spread over a massive 40,000 square feet and has on display, a huge variety of exhibits about the natural and cultural history of more than a century of South Texas. The most famous exhibit here is of the shipwrecks from early explorers. The Seeds of Change exhibit gives you a closer, detailed look at nature and its environment. Also get a good look at South Texas’ ecology and its vast coastal region at the coastal ecology display.
Selena Museum
The Selena Museum was built in honour of one of Texas’s biggest contributors to the world of pop culture, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. Born in Texas, Selena was known as the Queen of Tejano Music and the best-selling Latin Artist of her time. Selena was tragically killed at the young age of 23 by one of her fans in Corpus Christi. The Museum showcases her life through her many achievements. It was built by the Quintanilla family after they received requested from fans all over the country and showcases the singers journey via exhibits such as her stage costumes, her recording studio, her music awards and her trademark red Porche.
Corpus Christi in its early stages was just a humble little town, a no-man’s land between America and Mexico. Then came the War era where Corpus christi found itself playing the important role of being one of the largest ports in the country, shipping goods through its vast coastline. Today, the city offers an all-rounder appeal. Both children and adults find themselves appreciating the city for the diverse things it offers, making it an instant favourite.
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