Corpus Christi, Texas, known as "The Sparkling City by the Sea," is a city that surprises many visitors. People who arrive in Texas expect to see desert, ranches, and open spaces, and are often in awe to find a coastal town that offers them a chance to enjoy the water as well as the land.
When visiting Corpus Christi, tourists often miss some of the natural beauty that surrounds the city. The Hans A. Suter Wildlife Area, for example, is a premier worldwide destination for watching sea birds, and attracts international visitors as well as scientists. The area is designed to facilitate viewing without directly interfering with the birds' habitat, so people can walk around or over marshes, lakes, and vegetation. Another great natural spot not to be missed when visiting Corpus Christi is the Padre Island National Seashore, which offers visitors a chance to camp right on the beach and watch Kemp's Ridley sea turtles nest in the area.
The Dolphin Connection Texas is the only company in Texas that provides those visiting Corpus Christi with trips to the sea to interact with free dolphins. More adventurous visitors can rent kayaks and take to the water by themselves, but the company also offers small group sailing to enjoy the interaction in an even more relaxed atmosphere. The trip lasts about an hour and guarantees sightings to all those visiting Corpus Christi.
Another great sight for those visiting Corpus Christi is the USS Lexington, an aircraft carrier that circled the waters from 1942 to 1991. The USS Lexington is now a museum dedicated to the history of WWII and the place of the Texas coast in the battle. The ship is also home to an IMAX theater, a flight simulator, and a chance to sleep onboard on original crew quarters.
Those visiting Corpus Christi have an excellent opportunity to enjoy the ranch lifestyle as well. King Ranch, the world's largest ranch, covers a total surface of 825,000 acre (3,340 km²) and is a National Historic Landmark. The ranch is a breeding place for horses and an amazing stop for those who wish to enjoy the Texas countryside along with its coasts. The Mustang Island State Park, originally home to wild horses, is now a natural reserve for birds and a favorite place for hiking and camping to those visiting Corpus Christi.
