©Olga Melhiser Photography/Getty Images
Corpus Christi is the center of life in its namesake region and bay. Its museums and attractions can fill a day or more, while the pull of the beaches on Mustang and Padre Islands is irresistible – not to mention Port Aransas is easily the most charming beach town in Texas. But it's not all sand and sea – it can be cowboys and cattle too if you like. An easy day trip from Corpus Christi takes you to Kingsville, home of the massive King Ranch dynasty and one of the largest and oldest working ranches in the world, or further to tiny Sarita and the remnants of the once-great Kenedy Ranch.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Corpus Christi Area.
Historic Site
Much of the King Ranch is not open to the public. But there are 60,000 head of cattle, 400 horses and dozens of cowboys here – many fifth- and sixth-generation descendants of Kineños, who moved en masse to the ranch in the 1860s from the small Mexican town of Cruillas. Tours depart from the ranch's visitor center, which is just inside the rather modest entrance on the west side of Kingsville at the end of Santa Gertrudis Ave.
Nature Reserve
The 60 southern miles of 'North' Padre Island that lie beyond Corpus Christi city limits are protected within the Padre Island National Seashore. Endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtles nest in the park and are closely safeguarded. Visit in late summer, and you might be able to take part in a turtle release.
Island
A privately owned island just across the ship channel from Port Aransas, known as St Jo to locals. This squat desert island, 2 miles at its widest but 21 miles long, is popular for fishing and beachcombing. There are absolutely no services, so users are advised to bring over everything they require (including water). The jetty boat runs many times daily for the five-minute trip: on demand until around 10am and then regularly back and forth till 6pm.
Beach
The main access point to this county-run park is via Beach St (try to remember that). The park has rest rooms, the Horace Caldwell fishing pier and seasonal concession stands. Day use is free, but beach camping is $12 per site and developed sites are $20 to $25, payable at the pier.
Nature Reserve
Over 1200 acres of nature preserve look out over the bird-filled marshes and salt flats on the east side of town. The 2-mile-return boardwalk stroll leads to several observation decks and a tower on Salt Island, from which the preserve unfolds.
Museum
This fun museum explores Texas' natural history, and displays gold bars and huge disks of silver recovered from three Spanish ships wrecked nearby in 1534. Follow the doomed expedition of French explorer La Salle, and gawp at the peculiar ‘Guns & Ammo’ gallery, devoted to historic and modern firearms. There's also a huge two-story science center, targeted at kids.
Nature Reserve
A short boardwalk runs through the tall grass to an observation tower with wide-open views over the nature reserve and ship channel. Local guides run a free birding tour Wednesday at 9am.
Museum
This small but well-curated museum is worth a look if you have an interest in art from across South and Southeast Asia, but particularly from Japan. There are some interesting masks and Kabuki figures, plus a tranquil bamboo garden. Despite the posted hours, it's often closed due to staffing shortages.
Museum
This small space hosts contemporary-art exhibitions, which rotate every four to six weeks, with a penchant for emerging artists. The often-provocative installations are thought provoking, but themes can sometimes be mature, so check what's showing before bringing children.