South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center
#10 in Best Things To Do in Corpus Christi
Price & Hours
Details
scorecard
- 3.0Value
- 2.0Facilities
- 4.0Atmosphere
Flower fans will likely want to stop by the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center. Here, you'll find an orchid conservatory, a plumeria garden and a rose garden along with a hummingbird garden, a butterfly house and a sensory garden. Children can expend energy running around the on-site playground and meet both parrots and reptiles that live at the park.
Though it is small, recent travelers said the park is tranquil and a wonderful place to walk around. Others appreciated the kid-friendly atmosphere and friendly staff. However, multiple reviewers also noted that the park could use a little updating and that the plants could use identifying labels.
The park is located about 15 miles south of downtown Corpus Christi. It's open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission costs $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for children ages 3 to 12. Kids younger than 3 can explore with a paid adult. Visit the park's website for more information.
More Best Things To Do in Corpus Christi
1 of 12
2 of 12#1 Padre Island National Seashore
This barrier island stretches along the Texas coast for 113 miles, though it's split into two islands. While its southern section, South Padre Island, is a well-known spring break destination, Padre Island offers a calmer seaside getaway near Corpus Christi. In particular, travelers rave about the island's national seashore, a 70-mile stretch of land protected by the National Park Service, for its pristine beaches, calm atmosphere and space to spread out.
At the national seashore, travelers can build sandcastles on the beach, windsurf on Laguna Madre (a small body of water that is saltier than the ocean) or hop on a four-wheeler and cruise down the sands. If you time your trip for a summer visit, you may even be able to catch a sea turtle hatchling release. Remember that these releases have no set schedule as the baby turtles will hatch when they like. And if you're looking to save on accommodations, you can do so here by camping on the beach. Just know that camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Explore More of Corpus Christi
If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.