PLAYDiscover the Top Things to Do in Corpus Christi Texas

You’ll never run out of things to do around here. When you’re not enjoying the beach or our resort-like atmosphere, explore the local sites, including Water Street Market and the Texas State Aquarium. Guests often choose Emerald Beach Hotel when looking for a Corpus Christi hotel near Texas State Aquarium or indeed hotels near USS Lexington Corpus Christi. When you stay with us, we offer easy access so you can go wherever you want in the region.

For your travel planning convenience, we’ve put together a list of popular nearby attractions and things to do in Corpus Christi, Texas.

American Bank Center

Catch some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment, including Carrie Underwood and Blue Man Group, along with live musicals like Green Day’s American Idiot. This state-of-the-art entertainment venue accommodates approximately 8,000 fixed seats for sporting events such as basketball, ice hockey, boxing, and more and 10,000 for concerts.

Art Museum of South Texas

For over forty years, the stark white Art Museum of South Texas has been a landmark on Corpus Christi Bay. Approximately 15 distinct exhibitions are presented annually and showcase the work of entry level, mid-career, and recognized artists from around the world.

Corpus Christi Museum Of Science & History

The Museum’s 25,000 square feet of history and science exhibits are a collection of carefully selected representations that are unique to the Texas Gulf Coast culture. From historic shipwrecks of early explorers to decorative artwork from local families, the collections and exhibits celebrate 500 years of South Texas history.

Hurrican Valley Water Park

Get wet and wild at one of the best water parks on the Gulf Coast. Rides include a six-story waterslide, a four-lane racer slide, two wave pools and a replica aircraft carrier. There’s also a bar for grownups and a baseball-themed play area for the little ones.

La Palmera Mall

Indulge your shopping jones at this indoor and open-air shopping mall located along the shopping corridor of South Padre Island. Visit over 100 shops and eateries including: Dillard's, JCPenney, Macy's, 2b, Aeropostale, Aldo, Aveda Institute Corpus Christi, Benjamin's, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Carter's, Charming Charlie, Coach, Forever 21, Francesca's Collections, Grimaldi's, Pandora, Papaya, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Soma Intimates, Ulta, Vans, White House Black Market, Zumiez, and more!

Texas State Aquarium

Marvel at a diverse range of undersea life at indoor and outdoor exhibits that include the 10,000-gallon Stingray Lagoon, the Dolphin Bay Underwater Room, a Shark Touch Pool, a Splash Park and more!

USS Lexington Museum

Known as “The Lex,” this retired World War II-era aircraft carrier is docked a short distance from the Texas State Aquarium. The Lexington features a number of exhibits, as well as a museum, flight simulator and stunning views of Corpus Christi Bay.

South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

The 180-acre South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center showcases nine uniquely designed floral exhibits and gardens, including the acclaimed Orchid House and Plumeria Garden--plus the Bromeliad Conservatory and Butterfly House. The center has a full calendar of horticultural and environmental education classes and workshops for adults, and camps and Junior Master Gardener series for youth.