Planning a trip to Corpus Christi? A visit to the Texas State Aquarium should be at the top of your list. As the largest aquarium in Texas, this Gulf Coast attraction brings visitors face-to-face with dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, flamingos, and more. With interactive exhibits, hands-on experiences, family-friendly dining, and thoughtful accessibility features, the aquarium offers something for visitors of all ages. Here’s what to know before you go.

It's the Largest Aquarium in Texas

The Texas State Aquarium is not only the largest aquarium in Texas, but also one of the largest in the United States. Known as the Original Aquarium of Texas, it opened on July 6, 1990, with a mission focused on wildlife conservation and rehabilitation in the Gulf of Mexico. Since then, millions of visitors have explored its immersive marine and coastal wildlife experiences while learning about the importance of protecting ocean ecosystems.

Explore Over 15 Unique Exhibits 

The aquarium features more than 15 exhibits designed to transport visitors into underwater and coastal environments from around the world. Walk through habitats like the Caribbean Sea, Blue Hole, Coral Reef, and Amazon, each highlighting a different ecosystem and its wildlife. Along the way, you’ll encounter sharks, tropical fish, flamingos, jellyfish, and other marine life. For an added layer of fun, Aquaventures offers a self-guided scavenger hunt that encourages guests to explore the aquarium in a new and interactive way.

Catch an Exciting Dolphin Show

Dolphin Bay is one of the aquarium’s most popular experiences. During scheduled presentations, guests can watch Atlantic bottlenose dolphins swim, leap, and interact with their trainers. These presentations combine entertainment with education, sharing insights into dolphin behavior, conservation efforts, and the importance of protecting marine habitats along the Texas coast.

 

Enjoy a Variety of Dining Options

After a full morning of exploring, it’s easy to refuel without leaving the aquarium. Dining options are spread throughout the property, making it convenient to grab a snack or sit down for a meal.

Ground Level
  • Pepsi Shoreline Grill: A go-to spot for hearty favorites like burgers, personal pizzas, and chicken tenders, with kiosk and mobile ordering available.
  • Aqua Dolce: Quick bites like nachos, popcorn, and soft-serve ice cream—perfect before the Dolphin Presentation.
  • Dippin’ Dots House: Take a break from the play and beat the heat with a cool snack from the Dippin’ Dots House!
  • The Back Porch: Tucked away past Tortuga Cay, it's the aquarium’s hidden hangout with front-row bay views, a porch swing, and plenty of seasonal bites. Closed for the season. 
  • Tiki Hut: Serving up refreshing snow cones and frosty beer to beat the heat! Tiki Hut is located on the ground level, next to Stingray Lagoon. Closed for the season.
Level 1
  • Fathoms: A café inside the Caribbean Sea exhibit serving kid-friendly snacks with a shark-tank view.
  • Café Aqua: A lobby-level café offering Starbucks coffee, fresh-baked items, and grab-and-go snacks.
Level 2
  • Canopy: Grab ice cream or spicy snacks while exploring the jungle.
Level 3
  • Canopy Overlook: Latin-inspired bites like elote cups, lime-pepper wings, and aguas frescas, served with bay views and tabletop games.

It's Accessible to Everyone

The Texas State Aquarium is committed to creating an inclusive experience for all visitors. As a Kulture City Certified attraction, the aquarium offers sensory-friendly programming and accommodations to ensure everyone can enjoy the exhibits. Accessible pathways, elevators, ramps, and wheelchair-friendly viewing areas are located throughout the property. Sensory bags are available for checkout, and the H-E-B Splash Park is also fully accessible.

Accessibility Features:
  • Kulture City Certified
  • Accessible pathways & parking
  • Elevators and ramps
  • Wheelchair accessible restrooms
  • Wheelchair-friendly exhibits
  • Accessible H-E-B Splash Park
  • Sensory-friendly programming
  • Sensory bags available for checkout

Get Hands-On at the Touch Pools 

Hands-on learning is a highlight of any aquarium visit. Inside, the Saving Sharks exhibit features an interactive touch pool where guests can learn more about these often misunderstood animals. Outside, the Stingray Lagoon is a 10,000-gallon exhibit where visitors can gently touch stingrays and even participate in daily feedings. These experiences offer a memorable way to connect with marine life up close.

See Incredible Marine Life and Mammals

The aquarium is home to a diverse range of animals from both coastal and global environments. Visitors can watch playful otters, graceful stingrays, sea turtles, flamingos, and jellyfish, along with colorful tropical fish. The aquarium is also home to sloths, exotic birds, and dolphins, making every visit full of discovery and surprise.

Visit the Port of Corpus Christi Wildlife Rescue Center

Located on site, the Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue is the largest coastal wildlife rescue facility in Texas and one of the largest in the country. It is the only facility in Texas permitted to treat marine mammals, raptors, shorebirds, and sea turtles. The center provides everything from temporary refuge for migratory birds to advanced medical care for injured dolphins. Guests can explore the interpretive gallery, view the emergency operations center, and learn about the only wildlife-specific CAT scan in Texas.

  • Hours: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Access to the rescue center is included in your admission

Cool Off at the H-E-B Splash Park

The H-E-B Splash Park is a favorite for families visiting the aquarium. Now expanded to 15,000 square feet, the splash park features a Caribbean-inspired design with custom water features:

  • Multi-level slide
  • 350-gallon water dump
  • Small spray features

Shaded seating with umbrella-covered tables allows parents to relax nearby, and mobile food ordering from Pepsi Shoreline Grill is available. Splash Park admission is included with aquarium entry. The park closes for the season on September 29 and reopens in the spring. Water features shut off 15 minutes before closing to allow time to exit.

Splash Park closes on September 29 for the season and reopens in the Spring.

 

Find Something Special at the Gift Shop

Before heading out, stop by the aquarium gift shop to browse eco-friendly merchandise, including apparel, reusable bottles, and plush toys made from 100 percent recycled materials. Purchases support marine conservation efforts and help extend the aquarium’s mission beyond the visit, making it easy to take a meaningful piece of the experience home with you.

Looking for more ways to spend your time on the coast? Check out  upcoming events happening around Corpus Christi, browse our visitor guides  for local favorites and trip ideas, and sign up for the newsletter to stay up to date on what’s happening next along the water.