The USS Lexington was an Essex Class aircraft carrier commissioned in 1943. It served in the Pacific theater for about 21 months during World War II, earning numerous combat records. After a brief decommissioning in 1947, it was reactivated in 1955 primarily for Navy training. By the 1980s, it became clear that maintaining this World War II-era vessel was costly, leading to its replacement by the USS Forrestal as a training carrier in 1990. Corpus Christi secured the USS Lexington as a museum through community support and a bond sale, and it has been open to the public since November 14, 1992, becoming a significant attraction in the Coastal Bend area. 

The USS Lexington is famous for its resident ghost, Charlie, a well-mannered sailor with piercing blue eyes, wearing a vintage white Navy uniform no longer used by the ship’s staff. It is believed that Charlie was killed during a Japanese kamikaze attack in 1944, and he is known to dazzle visitors with his intimate knowledge of the ship and its engines. Both visitors and staff have reported hearing ghostly sounds like chains dragging, elevator movements, as well as encounters with other spirits. The ship earned its nickname "Blue Ghost" from Japanese folklore due to its legendary World War II history, during which it survived numerous attacks.  

Try one of the ultimate escape rooms exclusively aboard the ship, if you dare! The USS Lexington is full of stories, and with Lockdown on the Lex, you can enjoy an escape room experience that messes with the mind, shocks the senses, and baffles even the most experienced escape room enthusiast. Whether your group is small or large, this is the perfect high-tech and high-intensity outing that everyone will enjoy.

Enjoy the stadium seat theater with 3D shows projected on three-story-tall screens using a flagship laser projector, and thundering digital sound. Get up close and personal with each show including sight, sound, and an educational view into the real action with aviation, flight, and history, creating an unparalleled 3D experience. Admission to the Mega Theater is free with your paid admission to the Ship! The theater is wheelchair accessible and closed captioned with CaptiView for visitors with hearing impairment. 

Do you have what it takes to be an F/18 pilot? If so, jump in the 15-seat simulator and join the men and women in the training exercise, “Screaming Eagles” and be prepared to launch off the aircraft carrier, hit every target, complete your air to air mission, and land safely. The Flight Simulator is located on the Hangar Deck during regular operating hours and there is a $5.00 admission fee per person.  

Self-Guided

If you prefer to go it alone, there are five different routes, covering 100,000 square feet, eleven decks, and interactive displays that you can explore at your own pace and discover the many stories behind the ship’s history. If you have questions along the way, look for their “yellow shirt” volunteers (many of whom served on USS Lexington!) They know all the ins and outs of the ship and will be happy to assist you. 

Guided

Try one of three guided group tour: Flight Operations, Hard Hat, or Paranormal Investigations. These special, behind-the-scenes experiences are guided by volunteers and are scheduled upon request. Please note that guided tours should be booked at least 2-3 business days in advance to allow for scheduling a guide and payment processing.  

You’re probably hungry by now, and the Mess Deck Café is a great option to stop and recharge during your visit aboard the USS Lexington. Dine on one of the selections from their full lunch menu or grab a drink and a snack to power through your adventure. The café is located at the aft end of the hangar deck and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

Discover the stories of the women who have shaped the history of the U.S. Navy through the USS Lexington Museum's Women of the Navy exhibit. Interactive displays, personal artifacts, photographs, and firsthand accounts highlight the contributions of women across generations, offering visitors a deeper look at the people who served both aboard ships and on shore. It's a meaningful stop that adds another layer to your experience aboard the Blue Ghost.

One of the highlights of any visit is stepping onto the USS Lexington's massive flight deck. Home to an impressive collection of restored military aircraft, the deck offers sweeping views of Corpus Christi Bay and downtown, making it one of the museum's best photo opportunities. Throughout the year, the flight deck also serves as the backdrop for special events, including the museum's annual Fourth of July Red, White, & Boom fireworks viewing party, where guests can watch the city's fireworks from one of the most iconic spots on the coast.

While you're over the bridge, spend some time enjoying the relaxed vibe of North Beach, home to souvenir shops, hotels, restaurants, and scenic bayfront views. The beach itself features just over a mile of calm shoreline and a concrete beach walk that's perfect for biking, skating, or a stroll along the water. Jetty fishing is also available from the north and south jetties. When hunger strikes, enjoy fresh seafood and a pet-friendly atmosphere at Pier 99 Restaurant, savor coastal-inspired dining at Eighteen18 Bar & Grill inside the DoubleTree by Hilton Corpus Christi Beachfront, or head to Blackbeard’s on the Beach for seafood, steaks, comfort food, and live music every night.