General-
First Settlement began as frontier trading post founded
1839 by empreario-colonizer Col. Henry Lawrence Kinney; it was an obscure settlement until
about 1845 when accelerated growth began. Institutions of higher learning include Del
Mar College and Texas A&M Corpus Christi.
 The famous Seawall, with steps to the water, was
built in the late 1930'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.
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 108 fountains form nucleus of
park, which is lighted at night.
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 habitat: an artificial reef community created by the
massive leg of an offshore oil rig; the color and beauty of the Flower Garden Coral Reef;
132,000-gallon deep water exhibit where visitors talk to to the diver; other exhibits.
More than 250 species of the Gulf's most interesting creatures. 2710 North Shoreline Blvd.
- Admission. (512) 881-1200 or (800) 477-GULF
Art Center of Corpus Christi -
Exhibits of works by area artists. Main gallery exhibits
change monthly. Artist-in-residence studios let visitors view artisans while they work;
tearoom. 100 North Shoreline Blvd. - (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., 1902 North Shoreline
Blvd., Donations accepted. (512) 884-3844.
Bayfront Plaza Auditorium -
Home of Corpus Christi Symphony, community concerts, road
shows, 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 16th-Century
shipwrecks off Padre Island. Full-size replica of Spanish treasure ship. open Mon. -Sat.
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 1900 N. Chaparral. Admission. (512) 883-2862
Harbor Playhouse -
Texas' oldest continually performing theater; community
productions and summertime melodramas. 1 Bayfront Park. (512) 888-7469
Vistor Centers -
For information on city attractions, accomodations, and
events, visit the area visitor bureau, 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, open daily 9 a.m. - 5p.m., or Visitor Information Center at 9405 S.
Padre Island Dr., open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Make your lodging reservations at the Sandy Shores Best Western |
