Planning a Memorial Day weekend on the coast? Corpus Christi is packed with ways to celebrate, from live music and waterfront dining to family attractions. Whether you're spending the weekend at the beach or exploring the city, here’s where to celebrate Memorial Day 2026 in Corpus Christi.

Texas State Aquarium  

Open Memorial Day | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Spend Memorial Day weekend exploring the Texas State Aquarium, home to marine life from the Gulf and Caribbean, hands-on exhibits, animal encounters, and family-friendly activities. While you're there, check out Ocean Odyssey, the aquarium’s newly opened indoor playground inspired by ocean exploration, wildlife rescue, and interactive discovery. Kids can climb, slide, and explore multi-level play areas designed around life along the coast while families cool off indoors between exhibits. Military personnel and veterans receive $5 off regular admission. To redeem this discount, please show identification verifying your service on-site, such as a valid military ID or a driver’s license identifying you as a veteran. For more information, please call (361) 653-2616.

USS Lexington Museum

Open Memorial Day | 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

What better way to honor those who have served than aboard the USS Lexington Museum, the longest-serving Essex Class aircraft carrier in World War II? Step aboard this iconic "Blue Ghost" for a moving experience filled with history, heroism, and hands-on exhibits that bring the stories of our nation’s service members to life.This Memorial Day, take part in special events including war birds and war ships on display, a flag retirement ceremony, and a heartfelt Memorial Day ceremony held at 2 p.m. in Hangar Bay. 

South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

Open Memorial Day | 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

Slow things down this Memorial Day weekend at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, where art and nature come together across 182 acres of gardens, exhibits, and wildlife encounters. Wander through birding areas, tropical landscapes, orchid displays, and habitats filled with parrots, reptiles, and native wildlife. Don’t miss the Orchid Conservatory, home to more than 2,500 orchids, or the Butterfly House, where you can snap the perfect Instagram-worthy photo with the butterfly wings.  

In the Game Funtrackers

Open Memorial Day | 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Looking for family fun over Memorial Day weekend? Spend the day at In the Game Funtrackers with attractions like the 6D theater, bumper cars, the bungee dome, axe throwing, arcade games, go-karts, mini golf, and more. Don’t miss their regular BOGO attractions special for even more ways to play.

Restaurants offering military discounts:  

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.