Corpus Christi, TX — 15 Fascinating Facts About the Coastal City

Fun and Historical Facts

1. The Bayfront Seawall connects history, art, and family fun

Corpus Christi’s Bayfront Seawall ranks among the city’s major attractions. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum built it in 1928, years before he became known for creating Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.

Instead of ordinary freshwater, workers mixed local bay saltwater into the seawall’s construction. The mile-and-a-half route also offers the gulf coasters challenge, which begins with a look into the galaxy through the exhibition “Journey Through Our Solar System.”

2. Laguna Madre has unusually salty water

Laguna Madre is one of only six hypersaline lagoons in the world. Its water contains more salt than the oceans, making floating easier, although anyone boating or kayaking should still use a life vest.

Some parts of Laguna Madre reach more than five feet deep. By comparison, the world’s largest hypersaline lagoons average only 3.3 feet deep.

3. USS Lexington Museum is enormous

The USS Lexington Museum reaches the height of a 19-story building and stretches the length of three New York City blocks. Its flight deck is large enough for three football games to take place simultaneously.

The ship also attracted Hollywood director Michael Bay, who filmed all aircraft take-offs on the USS Lexington Museum for his 2001 movie Pearl Harbor, starring Ben Affleck and Alec Baldwin. Visitors can additionally see the F-14 Tomcat featured in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun.

4. Texas State Aquarium leads visitors into Gulf wildlife

Texas State Aquarium is the largest aquarium in Texas and one of the largest in the United States. Also known as the “Original Aquarium of Texas,” it works to promote environmental conservation and the rehabilitation of wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico.

Its first public exhibition opened on July 6, 1990. Since then, the aquarium has welcomed visitors to interactive encounters with marine and coastal wildlife.

5. South Texas Music Walk of Fame celebrates regional musicians

Corpus Christi established the South Texas Music Walk of Fame in 2004 to recognize musical artists from South Texas. Its honorees span Tejano, rock and roll, country, and jazz.

Located in Water Street Market just steps from the Visit Corpus Christi headquarters, “The Walk” features stars handcrafted by local ceramists at Aloe Tile Works. Visitors often stop to photograph the stars honoring Selena, George Strait and Kris Kristofferson.

6. Art Museum of South Texas is both gallery and artwork

The Art Museum of South Texas presents fine art while also serving as an example of fine art itself. Its impressive buildings incorporate floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights, and architectural details designed to reflect the South Texas sun and the shimmer of Corpus Christi Bay.

Although the structure itself is an artistic attraction, its pink exterior wall may be the most recognizable feature. Visitors travel from nearby and far away to take selfies there.

7. Corpus Christi Bay is a deep-sea-fishing hub

Corpus Christi Bay serves as a headquarters for deep-sea fishing, with tours that let visitors charter boats and catch their own dinner.

Travelers who would rather not cook during vacation can bring pre-cleaned fish to participating “cook-your-catch” restaurants, including Doc’s Seafood and Steaks. Most chartering companies can prepare and clean a fresh catch for customers.

8. Britton-Evans Centennial House remains in its original setting

Constructed in 1849, the Britton-Evans Centennial House is the oldest home in the city that remains on its original site.

The house’s former residents included several influential families, among them the Howells, Staples, and Evans families. During the Civil War, it operated as a Confederate hospital, and some of its original furnishings remain inside. Home tours take place on the first Sunday of every month.

9. Whataburger Field is connected to Houston Astros history

Whataburger Field is the home of the Corpus Christi Hooks, a Minor League Baseball team and the Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros.

Among the 25 legendary Astros players who won the 2017 World Series, 12 had previously played for the Hooks. The waterfront ballpark occupies land that once held old cotton warehouses and offers families the chance to enjoy a game together.

10. The Labonte Brothers began racing in Corpus Christi

NASCAR Hall of Famers Bobby and Terry Labonte grew up in Corpus Christi. They developed their racing abilities in the parking lot of Corpus Christi’s Yeager Elementary School.

The brothers became the first pair of siblings to win premier series championships. They are also the only Texans inducted to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

11. Corpus Christi’s wind supports outdoor water sports

Corpus Christi experiences an average annual wind speed of 11 mph, while April is the windiest month. Spring wind speeds average 17 mph, and a “windy day” means wind speeds greater than 10 mph.

These dependable winds create favorable conditions for windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and parasailing. Visitors from around the world travel to Worldwinds Windsurfing at Bird Island Basin, located in the Padre Island National Seashore on the longest undeveloped barrier island in North America and a short drive from Corpus Christi.

12. Mustang Island has a long human and cultural history

Mustang Island extends 18 miles from Corpus Christi to Port Aransas and was originally inhabited by Paleo-Indians.

When Spanish explorer Alonso Álvarez de Pineda passed through the entrance to what he later named Corpus Christi Bay in 1519, the Karankawa people lived on the island. During the 18th century, the islands became known as “Wild Horse.” Spanish settlers later introduced grazing horse herds, leading to the name “Mustang Island.” The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History offers another way to explore the area’s origins.

13. Ocean Drive has appeared in classic films

Two classic movie scenes were filmed along Ocean Drive. Swatner Park appeared in Selena, including a flashback in which a younger Selena learns to cumbia dance from her mother. Visitors can still go to the park, try the “washing machine,” and enjoy the views.

Ocean Drive also provided the setting for a scene from The Legend of Billie Jean. Lloyd’s home, belonging to one of the film’s main characters, stood along the drive. Although the property has been updated, it remains there today, making Ocean Drive a destination for seeing the home and taking in Corpus Christi Bay.

14. Whataburger began in Corpus Christi

Harmon Dobson founded the iconic fast-food chain Whataburger in Corpus Christi in 1950.

A replica of the original location stands on South Staples Street, while the two-level restaurant overlooking the bay is known as “Whataburger by the Bay.” Corpus Christi has the only two-story Whataburger in the world. Fans appreciate its landmark A-frame design and its 24-hours-a-day operation.

15. Harrison’s Landing includes a repurposed Army barge

Tavern on the Bay at Harrison’s Landing occupies a retired Army utility lash barge that was converted to support the existing two-story floating building.

Harrison’s is a family-owned-and-operated business with three services: Tavern on the Bay, Cathy’s Boutique and Gifts, and the Yachting Center. The Yachting Center began in 2006 as a sailing school, captain’s training program, and charter boat operation. By 2007, it had expanded and moved to its present location at the Peoples Street T-Head.

Visitors can board the BYOB one-hour bay tour boat “Japonica.” The trip may offer sightings of pelicans, sea birds, turtles, and dolphins.