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 treasure is home to dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, flamingos, and so much more. From interactive exhibits and hands-on touch pools to family-friendly dining and accessibility features, there’s something here for everyone. Read on for some information to know before you go. 

It's the Largest Aquarium in Texas

The Texas State Aquarium isn’t just the largest aquarium in Texas; it’s also one of the largest in the United States. Known as the “Original Aquarium of Texas,” it opened its doors on July 6, 1990, with a mission to promote environmental conservation and wildlife rehabilitation in the Gulf of Mexico. Since then, it has welcomed millions of visitors to interactive marine and coastal wildlife experiences.

 

Explore Over 15 Unique Exhibits 

Visitors can explore more than 15 engaging exhibits designed to transport you into the underwater world. Wander through immersive habitats like the Caribbean Sea, Blue Hole, and Coral Reef, or get a glimpse of jungle life in the Amazon. Each exhibit is carefully crafted to highlight different ecosystems, featuring sharks, tropical fish, flamingos, jellyfish, and more. Add a little extra fun to your visit with Aquaventures, a self-guided scavenger-hunt-style activity that lets you explore the aquarium in a whole new way. Whether you’re interested in marine science or simply want a fun day out, there’s an exhibit for everyone.

 

Catch an Exciting Dolphin Show

The aquarium’s Dolphin Bay is a must-see highlight. Guests can enjoy dynamic presentations showcasing Atlantic bottlenose dolphins as they leap, swim, and interact with their trainers. These shows are both entertaining and educational, teaching visitors about dolphin behaviors, conservation, and the importance of protecting marine habitats.

 

Enjoy a Variety of Dining Options

You’ve been walking all day, and now it’s time to round up the family and get some delicious food! Stop by one or all of the brand-new dining options making waves around the aquarium.

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 dedicated to providing an inclusive, sensory-friendly experience for all visitors. From accessible pathways to sensory guides, this Kulture City Certified attraction ensures that everyone can enjoy up-close encounters with sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and more. The aquarium offers touch pools, wheelchair-accessible viewing areas, and more, making marine conservation and education engaging for all.

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 

For a truly hands-on experience, the aquarium offers two exciting touch pools. Inside, the Saving Sharks exhibit allows guests to learn more about these misunderstood creatures through an interactive touch pool. Outside, the Stingray Lagoon houses a 10,000-gallon exhibit where you can gently touch stingrays and even feed them during daily presentations. Both pools provide an up-close and memorable way to connect with marine life.

 

See Incredible Marine Life and Mammals

The aquarium is home to an incredible diversity of animals from around the world. Watch playful otters, majestic sea turtles, and graceful stingrays. Admire the vibrant flamingos, delicate jellyfish, and colorful tropical fish. Guests can also meet sloths, exotic birds, and of course, the dolphins. With such a wide range of species, every corner of the aquarium offers a new discovery.

 

Visit the Port of Corpus Christi Wildlife Rescue Center

The new Wildlife Rescue Center is the largest coastal wildlife rescue facility in Texas, and one of the largest in the United States. In fact, it is the only Texas wildlife rescue facility permitted to treat marine mammals, raptors, shorebirds, and sea turtles, along with accommodating thousands of animals at any given time. Services provided by this state-of-the-art hospital range from simply providing a safe, temporary refuge for an exhausted migratory shorebird to acute medical care for an ill dolphin. The center also includes an interpretive gallery, an emergency operations center, and the only CAT scan used specifically for wildlife 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

New, improved, and three times its original size, the 15,000 sq. ft. H-E-B Splash Park is filled with pure aquatic excitement for kids of all ages. The new design, which mimics the aquatic and terrestrial habitats of the Caribbean and its animals, includes all new custom water features:

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

Parents can stay cool in a shaded seating area with 30 umbrella-covered tables, and there are plenty of snack options to keep everyone fueled – there’s even a mobile ordering food service from the Pepsi Shoreline Grill, the aquarium’s main restaurant. Admission to the Splash Park is included in your admission, but make sure you allow plenty of time to let the kiddos splash around - they turn the water off 15 minutes prior to closing to allow guests time to exit before the facility closes.  

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

 

Find Something Special at the Gift Shop

Explore a curated selection of eco-friendly products from clothing and reusable water bottles to plush toys made from 100% recycled materials. Every purchase contributes to marine conservation efforts, helping to engage visitors with wildlife and inspire a deeper appreciation for our oceans. 

 

Be sure to check out our upcoming events for even more ways to enjoy Corpus Christi. For insider tips and inspiration, explore our visitor guides packed with local favorites and hidden gems. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop on the latest happenings along the coast.