Corpus Christi is split into three parts: downtown, where you'll find the majority of office buildings in the city along with some major attractions; South Padre Island Drive, where most of the locals shop and work, and Corpus Christi Beach, where the majority of visitors stay and play. The surrounding areas of Padre Island, Mustang Island Port Aransas, the King Ranch and Rockport are well worth a visit and make for a pleasant day trip.

Downtown

Downtown lies conveniently at the crux of Interstate 35 and Highway 118. Here you will find many of the city's tourist attractions, restaurants and entertainment venues, along with stunning views of the sparkling bay. Corpus Christi's downtown skyline is dominated by the American Bank Building and the Omni Bayfront Tower and the Omni Marina Tower on each side. Just north of these is the American Bank Center, which houses the Selena Auditorium, Arena and various conference and banqueting facilities. Adjacent to the center is the Art Museum of South Texas, which is associated with Corpus Christi campus of the Texas A&M University. The museum greets visitors with its signature pink exterior and pyramid shaped structures on the roof. The area in which it is located is called Bayfront Science and Arts Park. Here, you can also find the Watergarden, a circular structure with fountains all around the perimeter and a pleasant lawn in the center; quite a sight to see and the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the mist on a hot summer afternoon. Next door to this is the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History where you can view replicas of the Spanish ships that first colonized the bay many years ago. For a bit more history, walk down Chapparral and visit Heritage Park, a collection of turn-of-the-century homes, restored and open for visitors.

For baseball fans, there's Whataburger Field, home of the Corpus Christi Hooks, the minor league division of the Houston Astros. Games are usually in the evening and are a favorite summer activity for locals. Also nearby is the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures where the culture and art of Asia come alive. For more culture, attend a show at the Harbor Playhouse, Texas' longest running community theater. In the evening many people like to walk up and down Shoreline Boulevard while admiring the boats docked at Corpus Christi Marina, enjoying a snow cone and the cool breeze. The promenade is dotted with gazebo-like structures called Miradores del Mar or "sea watchers." There are eight of these structures, but the most famous by far is the Selena Memorial. Adorned with a large white rose and a bronze statue of the Tejano musician, the memorial attracts fans that come to leave flowers and write special messages on the memorial's walls.

Corpus Christi Beach

Also known as North Beach, it is accessible from downtown via the Harbor Ferry, which departs from People's T-Head, the Trolley Beach Connector that makes various stops around the city and by car via the iconic Harbor Bridge. The Texas State Aquarium is an attraction that families should not miss. Explore different forms of sea life found in the bay, climb to the top of the observation deck for unsurpassed views of the beach, and even pet a stingray. The aquarium even features a dolphin training demonstration, with shows throughout the day. Right next door you can lose yourself in history at the USS Lexington aircraft carrier. This ship was first used in combat, then as a training ship and now it is a very popular museum. After exploring the museum, you can relax on the sand of Corpus Christi Beach. All beaches in the city are free public beaches, open to various activities such as swimming, fishing and sailing. Close by there are several hotels, motels, guest houses and condos; as well as a wide variety of restaurants and a selection of kooky souvenir shops.

South Padre Island Drive

Otherwise known as "S-P-I-D" by locals, this is precisely where the locals do most of their shopping, dining and run their errands. South Padre Island Drive traverses the length of Corpus Christi and leads to Padre Island, but does not lead to South Padre Island, which is several miles down the coast. All along this drive and on the streets that lead away from "S-P-I-D" there are various national chain restaurants and stores, including Padre Staples Mall. You will also find here a couple of charming locally-owned watering holes and restaurants that are mostly not visited by tourists.

Outside the City: King Ranch

One of the largest ranches in the world, the King Ranch, is just 50 miles from downtown Corpus Christi. The ranch is 825,000 square acres, that's 1,289 square miles (3,340 km), which is bigger than the state of Rhode Island. The Ranch was built by Richard King, who was actually born in New York to an Irish family; he ran away from his apprenticeship at a jeweler to seek adventure in the Wild West. Today, King Ranch is very involved in ranch management and is affiliated with the Texas A&M University. However tours are available and there's even a museum and saddle shop.

Rockport-Fulton

Tucked away between fancy summer homes and endless coastline, you will find Rockport and Fulton. Although they are actually two separate cities, they are almost always referred to jointly, especially by locals. Rockport is a charming little artists' community full of delightful galleries and cute shops. Located just a few miles from downtown Corpus Christi, this tiny town offers visitors an artistic alternative from lounging in Corpus Christi Beach. In Fulton you will find Fulton Mansion, finished in 1877 after three years of construction. The mansion was built by George and Harriett Fulton and at the time contained the most modern amenities such as indoor plumbing heating and a gas lighting system. This historic Second Empire style house is open to visitors and tours.

Port Aransas & Mustang Island

Otherwise known as "Port A" by locals, this tiny town is all about boating, fishing and birding. The Corpus region is well known for its bird watching opportunities. One of the best places to do some bird watching is in Port Aransas where you will find several birding sites and the Leona Belle Turnbull Birding Center. If you prefer sea creatures, the University of Texas Marine science institute welcomes you to its visitor's center and even offers educational summer programs for children. This picturesque village also allows visitors to camp out on its pristine beach, you can even drive your vehicle on to the sand; just make sure you have four-wheel drive. Mustang Island is largely undeveloped, but that is quickly changing golf courses, hotels, resorts and condos are springing up all along the coastline. The island gets its name from the horses that the Spanish ships brought from Europe when the area was first colonized.