USS Lexington
Commissioned in 1943, the USS Lexington set more records than any other Essex Class carrier in the history of naval aviation. The ship was the oldest working carrier in the United States Navy when decommissioned in 1991. Corpus Christi is privileged to be selected as the permanent home to this national treasure. She is open year-round seven days a week for touring and special events.
Hangar Deck and Flight Deck are wheelchair accessible. The 3D MEGA Theater, Mess Deck, Ship’s Store and restrooms are on the Hangar Deck. The LEX LIFT elevator takes those unable to climb stairs, to the Flight Deck.
Texas State Aquarium
Discover the amazing underwater worlds of the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and beyond at the Texas State Aquarium, the 5th largest aquarium in North America. Travel on an aquatic journey from the shores of the Gulf of Mexico out into the open sea to encounter thousands of animals representing more than 360 species.
Experience dive shows, animal feedings, hands-on interactions with sharks and stingrays, and entertaining and educational presentations featuring dolphins, birds, and otters.
Explore a wetland habitat in Nearshore and spend some time in Living Shores, where you can touch starfish and urchins. Open since 1990, the Texas State Aquarium’s mission is to engage people with animals, inspire appreciation for our seas, and support wildlife conservation. Through Texas State Aquarium’s Wildlife Rescue Program, the Aquarium is also able to rescue and treat hundreds of sick or injured animals every year and release them back into their natural habitats.
Interesting Aquarium Facts
There are a number of endangered species in their collection.
The H-E-B Caribbean Sea exhibit features a 68-foot-long acrylic window – the longest in North America.
The exhibits are replenished with seawater collected from the Corpus Christi Bay.
Padre Island National Seashore – The Longest Stretch of Undeveloped Barrier Island in the World
Padre Island National Seashore separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre, one of a few hypersaline lagoons in the world. The park protects 70 miles of coastline, dunes, prairies, and wind tidal flats teeming with life. It is a safe nesting ground for the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle and a haven for over 380 bird species. It also has a rich history, including the Spanish shipwrecks of 1554.