Altitude 35

General

First settlement began as a frontier trading post founded in 1839 by impresario colonizer Col. Henry Lawrence Kinney; obscure settlement until about 1845 when accelerated growth began. Institutions of higher learning are Del mar College and Texas A&M of Corpus Christi.

Seawall, with steps to the water, was built in the late 2930's as part of a major landfill that created Shoreline Boulevard and the popular "T" head docks for pleasure boats. Corpus Christi Beach, north of downtown over the bridge, is the site of the USS Lexington and Texas State Aquarium, and offers park areas, picnic tables, showers, and rest rooms. for maps and current information on Corpus Christ attractions see Visitor Centers.

In keeping with the city's image of having glistening waterways, Corpus Christi's Watergarden at Bayfront Arts and Science Park sparkles for visitors who see, hear, and touch the garden's water. some 150 fountains form the nucleus of the park, which is lighted at night.

AQUARIUM, TEXAS STATE

ART CENTER OF CORPUS CHRISTI

BAYFRONT ARTS AND SCIENCE PARK

ART MUSEUM OF SOUTH TEXAS

BAYFRONT PLAZA AUDITORIUM

COPRUS CHRISTI MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY

HARBOR PLAYHOUSE

HERITAGE PARK

CENTENNIAL HOUSE

COLUMBUS FLEET

CORPUS CHRISTI BOTANICAL GARDENS

CORPUS CHRISTI MARINA

DOLPHIN CONNECTION

FISHING

GREYHOUND RACE TRACK

INTERNATIONAL KITE MUSEUM

LAKE CORPUS CHRISTI STATE PARK

MUSEUM OF ORIENTAL CULTURES

PADDLE WHEELER FLAGSHIP

PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE

CITY PARKS

COUNTY PARKS

PIRATES OF THE GULF

PLAYLAND AT THE BEACH

PORT OF CORPUS CHRISTI AND HARBOR BRIDGE

U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION

USS LEXINGTON MUSEUM ON THE BAY

VISITORS CENTERS

Attractions

• AQUARIUM, TEXAS STATE - Experience undersea adventure upon entering through cascades of water above glass-enclosed tunnel. close-up views of the wonders of the Gulf of Mexico in a wide variety of marine habitats; an artificial reef community created by the massive leg of an offshore oil rig; the color and beauty of the Flower Gardens Coral Reef; 132,000 gallon deep-water exhibit where visitors talk to the diver; other exhibits are available. More than 125 species of the Gulf's most interesting creatures. Open Monday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Located at 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd. (Surfside Exit from U.S. 181). Water taxi available from Bayfront Art Complex. Admission is charged. Call 512-881-1200 or 1-800-477-GULF.
• ART CENTER OF CORPUS CHRISTI - Exhibits of work by area artists. Main gallery exhibits change monthly. Artist in residence studios let the visitors view artisans while they work. Also to be enjoyed is a tearoom. Open Tues - Fri from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat 1 to 5 p.m. Closed Monday. Located at 100 North Shoreline Boulevard. Call 512-884-6406.
• BAYFRONT ARTS AND SCIENCE PARK - Focal point of city's entertainment at north end of Shoreline Blvd. at foot of harbor bridge; includes convention center and the following:
• ART MUSEUM OF SOUTH TEXAS - Strikingly designed building directly on bay houses significant permanent collection; other displays frequently change. Open Tues - Sat from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun from 1 to 5 p.m. Located at 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd. Admission is charged. 512-884-3844.
• BAYFRONT PLAZA AUDITORIUM - Home of Corpus Christi Symphony, community concerts, road shows, and musicals.
• CORPUS CHRISTI MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY - Treasure house of natural history, Gulf Coast shells and artifacts, wildlife dioramas, pictures, documents, weapons, and memorabilia highlighting varied, colorful past. "Shipwreck!" exhibit houses artifacts from the 16th Century shipwrecks off Padre Island. Full-size replica of Spanish treasure ship. Open Mon. - Sat. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun from noon to 5 p.m. Located at 1900 N. Chaparral. Admission is charged. Call 512-883-2862.
• HARBOR PLAYHOUSE - Texas' oldest continually performing theater; community productions and summertime melodramas. Located at 1 Bayfront Park. Call 512-888-7649.
• HERITAGE PARK - Eight restored turn-of-the-century homes in "Old Irishtown" section. Open for visitation is the Sidbury House, a Victorian house that recalls the elegance of the late 19th Century; open Tues - Thurs from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. also, the Galvan House that houses the Multicultural Center, featuring changing art exhibits depicting the city's heritage; open from Mon. to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located at 1600 block of N. Chaparral Street. Guided tours Saturday from 10:30 a.m and 12:45 p.m. call 512-883-0639.
• CENTENNIAL HOUSE - The city's oldest existing home built in 1848 of the then popular "shellcrete" construction. It was once a Civil War hospital. Now restored, furnished, and open to the public. Open Wed from 2 to 5 p.m. when the flag is flying.. Located at 411 North Upper Broadway. An admission is charged. Call 512-883-8691.
• COLUMBUS FLEET - Re-creation of famous vessels of Christopher Columbus, authentic in detail and construction, and built by the government of Spain. The Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria moored at Port of Corpus Christi at Cargo Dock One adjacent to Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. Ashore are Spanish exhibits, las Carabelas Gift Shop, and a food court. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Christmas. Admission is charged. Call 512-886-4492.
• CORPUS CHRISTI BOTANICAL GARDENS - a 300 acre natural area featuring wild and domesticated species. Hiking trail through virgin mesquite brushland with more than 1,000 native plants. Small lake; resident flocks of herons, cranes, and roseate spoonbills. Information center and gift shop; picnic area. Open Tues - Sun. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays. Located south of city on S. Staples St. at Oso Creek. Admission is charged. Call 512-852-2100.
• CORPUS CHRISTI MARINA - Two "T" heads and "L" head thrust from bay front at heart of downtown; hundreds of pleasure craft moor at neat, modern docks and slips. Water sports equipment rental in season. Excursion boats ply bay from docks; fishing boats based here, too. excellent view of sailboat races on Wed. evenings.
• DOLPHIN CONNECTION - Boat trip provides first-hand look at sleek and beautiful creatures in the wild. Visitors view and feed dolphins in their natural habitat in Corpus Christi Bay. Seasonal; reservations are required. Call 512-882-4126.
• FISHING - Free fishing from numerous municipal piers, jetties, miles of beach, and the seawall. Bait and tackle shops (tackle may be rented by the day ) are abundant. Arrangements and reservations for group-boat fishing may be made at Corpus Christi Marina or through private operators. Among species anglers may expect to take, depending upon season and proverbial luck of the moment, are (in the bay) sheepshead, sand and speckled trout, redfish, flounder, catfish, whiting, drum, pompano, and Spanish mackerel. Deep-sea anglers cruising Gulf waters from Port Aransas may take tarpon, sailfish, wahoo, king mackerel, bonito, and many others, plus red snapper and jew-fish over off-shore reefs.
• GREYHOUND RACE TRACK - Year-round racing on a 60 acre facility. Evening races Tues - sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat & Sun 1:30 p.m. matinees. Visitors can see greyhounds in their handling pens; 18 on premise kennels. Track has both full-service restaurants and food court. Adjacent to I-37 between Navigation Blvd. and McBride Lane. Call 512-289-9333 or 10800-580-RACE.
• INTERNATIONAL KITE MUSEUM - The history of kites through displays and video from the earliest Chinese kites more than 2,000 years ago. Includes fascinating story of kites used in scientific discoveries. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In Best Western Sandy Shores Resort at 3200 Surfside. Call 512-883-7456.
• LAKE CORPUS CHRISTI STATE PARK - About 35 miles northwest of Corpus Christi.
• MUSEUM OF ORIENTAL CULTURES - Features Japanese and other Oriental art; scale models of famous pagodas, shrines, and temples; sculpture, furniture, paintings, and largest U.S. collection of hand-crafted Hakata dolls Also library, films, slides, and floral art studies. Open fro Tues - Sat from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located at 418 Peoples Street, Suite 200. An admission is charged. Call 512-883-1303.
• PADDLE WHEELER FLAGSHIP - Narrated cruises of Corpus Christi Bay and Harbor. Hour-long morning, afternoon, and evening cruises. Summertime weekend evening cruises feature jazz band. Schedule varies by season. Call (361) 884-8306. Departure from Peoples Street "T" Head. A fee is charged.
• PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE - 110 Mile long Padre Island offers one of the last natural seashores in the nation. Each end of the narrow sand island is developed with parks and resorts. But, in between, the National Seashore preserves an unblemished 80 mile stretch. Information about swimming beaches and extensive primitive beach camping areas and nature trails at ranger station. Visitor center with gifts and concessions, bathhouse, and picnic area. Beachcombers may collect seashells, driftwood, perhaps prized glass floats from Portugal or the Orient, and other items washed in by tides. Federal law prohibits collecting historical artifacts like flint points, antique coins, or any other item more than 100 years old. Use of metal detectors is prohibited on the National Seashore. Admission is charged.
• CITY PARKS - Ten major city parks offer a variety of outdoor attractions and facilities, including picnicking, playgrounds, swimming, tennis, softball and other sports, and fishing pier. Corpus Christi Beach, north of Harbor Bridge, has a pavilion, playground, showers, rest rooms, and picnicking.
Cole Park on bay front features pier, playground, amphitheater, and Kid's Place recreation area for children and families. Outdoor concert series in summer. Located at 1526 Ocean Drive. The Hans A. Suter Wildlife Park along Oso Bay features a viewing tower for watching birds, especially flocks of heron, cranes, and roseate spoonbills. Boardwalk, hike-and-bike facilities, jogging trail. Accessible by Ocean Drive or take South Padre Island Drive and exit at Nile.
• COUNTY PARKS - Nueces County Parks offer exceptional recreational facilities. John J. Sablatura Park, near Banquete on Texas 44 , has picnic, barbecue and camping facilities, and small zoo with animals of South Texas. J.P. Luby Surf Park on Park Road 22 offers a surf pier for wave generation. To the south, Padre Balli Park (512-949-8121) features overnight camping hookups, covered picnic areas, pavilion, park ranger station, and 1,200 foot Bob Hall Pier with snack and tackle shop. Packery Channel Park, on Padre Island near junction of Texas 361 and Park Road 22, is excellent day-use park with good fishing. Padre Island Park, on Gulf side from Park Road 22, has bathhouse, sandy swimming beaches, overnight camping facilities, fishing pier, and small Beachcomber's Museum in park office with nautical and unusual items found along the beach. Port Aransas Park, at northeast end of Mustang Island on Gulf side, has similar facilities.
• PIRATES OF THE GULF - Family theme park featuring an 18 hold championship miniature golf course complete with waterfall. Open from April thru August daily 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sept thru March Friday from 4 - 10 p.m. Sat 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday fro noon to 9 p.m. Located at 2901 West Surfside. Call 512-884-4774.
• PLAYLAND AT THE BEACH - Outdoor family park featuring Supertrack Grand Prix go-cart races, bumper boats, bumper cars, children's playground, and largest redemption game room in South Texas. Open seasonally, weather permitting from April to October from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Located at 3001 Seagull Blvd. Call 512-884-7251 for additional information.
• PORT OF CORPUS CHRISTI AND HARBOR BRIDGE - Port is sixth busiest in the nation with ships from nearly every country in the world. Major cargoes are oil and refined products, grain, cotton, and chemicals. The harbor entrance is spanned by an impressive bridge (U>Sl 181) that arches 235 feet above the water. Beneath the bridge is an observation platform offering close-up views of ships entering and leaving the port.
• U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION - Home of U.S. Navy's Air Training Command. On peninsula southeastern edge of the city, naval air activities share site with Corpus Christi Army Depot. Tours every Wed at 1 p.m. from north gate on Ocean Drive. Call 512-939-2674.
• USS LEXINGTON MUSEUM ON THE BAY - Vintage wartime aircraft carrier is a naval museum.   The Lex is not 'floating" we are 18 feet into the ground.  A trench was dug 10 feet deep and we were pushed into it by Tug boats.  Our fuel tanks were flooded for ballast and sand and water filled around us throughout the 5 years we have been there.  We will never move.  (we hope!). Commissioned in 1943, USS Lexington CV-16 served longer and set more records than any carrier in the U.S. Navy. During World War II, the "Lady Lex" saw action from Tarawa to Tokyo and was the first U.S. carrier to enter Tokyo Bay after the treaty was signed with Japan in 1945. Tours include the hangar deck, foc'sle, commanding officer/admiral quarters, sick bay, galley, flight deck, and bridge. Among aircraft on display are vintage SNJ Texan and Yellow Peril, F2 Banshee,  F-4 Phantom, F9F Cougar, A-4 Skyhawk, OY-1 Sentinel, and Avenger. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Christmas. Adjacent to aquarium. Located at 2914 N. Shoreline Blvd. (Surfside Exit from U.S. 181). Admission is charged. For additional information call 512-888-4873.
• VISITORS CENTERS - For information on city attractions, accommodations, and events, visit the area visitor bureau, located at 1201 N. Shoreline Blvd., during business hours; the Tourist Information Center in Nueces River Park at the Nueces River crossing of I-37 at west edge of city is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.