If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Corpus Christi, Texas, a visit to the Texas State Aquarium should be at the top of your list. Located on the scenic Bayfront, the aquarium is home to dolphins, rescued American River Otters, colorful Caribbean fish, sharks, and even the elusive Ocelot. We’ve visited several times, but our most recent trip—with lighter crowds, beautiful weather, and incredible animal encounters—might have been our best experience yet.
This post contains affiliate links. As a participant in Amazon Associates and various affiliate programs, we are compensated when qualifying purchases are made through our referral links at no additional cost to you. Full Disclosure
First Impressions
The aquarium sits right on the Corpus Christi Bayfront, with sweeping water views and a modern design that fits perfectly into its coastal setting. Without the heavy weekend or summer traffic, the whole place had a more relaxed feel. It was easy to take our time, move at our own pace, and really enjoy each exhibit without feeling rushed.
Location & Directions
The Texas State Aquarium is located on North Shoreline Boulevard along the Corpus Christi Bayfront. Its waterfront setting makes it easy to spot, and it’s just minutes from downtown Corpus Christi. Parking is available on site for $7, and if you’re visiting more than once, the cost is covered with an annual pass.
Texas State Aquarium
2710 N. Shoreline Blvd.
Corpus Christi, TX 78402
Exploring the Exhibits
Each visit brings something new, but a few favorites always stand out:
- Caribbean Journey – Walking through the lush rainforest setting, hearing tropical birds overhead, and spotting colorful fish never gets old.
- Gulf of Mexico Exhibit – The massive shark and ray tank is hypnotic. We always find ourselves lingering there.
- Saving Sharks – A reminder of how important these animals are to the health of our oceans.
- Dolphin Bay – This time, we had a fantastic view of the dolphin show. Watching them leap and play with the water sparkling in the sun was unforgettable.
A Rare Treat: The Ocelot
Seeing the Ocelot was one of the highlights of this visit. These beautiful, elusive cats are native to South Texas, but they’re rarely seen in the wild—and even in the aquarium, it often comes down to luck.
Last year, when we had a season pass and visited four or five times, we only saw the Ocelot once. This time, not only did we see it, but we had a clear view. Watching it move gracefully through its habitat was a treat and made the day feel extra special.
Animal Encounters and Shows
We made a point to catch a couple of the scheduled presentations, and both were excellent. The dolphin show never fails to impress, but what stood out was the way it blended fun with education. The trainers emphasized conservation and the important role dolphins play in ocean ecosystems.
We also caught the American River Otter presentation, which quickly became a favorite of ours. These playful otters are endlessly entertaining to watch, and the presentation gave us a chance to see just how curious and intelligent they are. We were surprised to learn that the two otters at the aquarium were rescued right here in Texas. That connection to the local landscape made the experience even more meaningful, highlighting how the aquarium plays a hands-on role in wildlife conservation.
Admission & Membership (Annual Pass)
As of our visit, admission to the Texas State Aquarium is:
- Adults (ages 13+): $49.95
- Children (ages 3–12): $36.95
- Children (ages 2 and under): Free
- Military: $44.95
- Parking: $7.00 per vehicle
Annual Pass (Membership) Options
If you plan on going more than once, the membership is the better value.
- General Membership (12 months): $84.95 per person
- Military Membership (12 months): $76.95 per person
Membership includes:
- Unlimited free admission for 12 months
- Free parking (for up to 2 vehicles per visit)
- Free access to the H-E-B Splash Park
- 10% discount in the gift shop and food venues
- 10% discount on exclusive animal encounters
- Guest discounts ($5 off adult admission and $4 off military, senior, and children’s admission)
- Reciprocal admission discounts at other AZA zoos and aquariums
- Discounts on select educational programs
For us, a one-time admission felt a bit high, but when you consider that a general membership pays for itself in less than two visits, it’s definitely the way to go if you’ll be returning.
👉 Check the official site for the most up-to-date prices and details: Texas State Aquarium
Photography Opportunities
The lighter crowds gave us more space for photos, especially around the dolphin show and outdoor exhibits. With the nice weather, the natural light made a big difference. From the flamingos and dolphins to the rare glimpse of the Ocelot, there were plenty of moments worth capturing.
Tips for Visiting
- Visit during the school year – Fewer crowds make for a calmer experience.
- Arrive early – The morning hours are quieter, and the light is softer for photos.
- Give yourself time – Plan three to four hours to see everything at a relaxed pace.
- Don’t skip the Ocelot habitat – You might get lucky like we did.
- Catch the shows – The dolphin show and American River Otter presentation are both highlights worth timing your visit around.
- Consider an annual pass – For a one-time visit, ticket prices may feel a bit high, but if you plan on going multiple times, the annual pass is definitely worth it.
Nearby Attractions
One of the best parts about visiting the aquarium is how close it is to other Corpus Christi attractions. The USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, a retired aircraft carrier turned museum, is right next door and makes for a great two-for-one day trip. The Bayfront area also offers walking paths, scenic views, and plenty of local seafood restaurants if you want to make a full day out of your visit.
Final Thoughts
Every visit to the Texas State Aquarium feels a little different, and this one might be our favorite so far. With the combination of light crowds, beautiful weather, a chance to see the elusive Ocelot, and two fantastic animal presentations, it reminded us why this aquarium is such a special place on the Gulf Coast.
While the price of admission may feel steep for a single visit, the annual pass offers excellent value if you plan on going multiple times. Whether you’re exploring Corpus Christi for the first time or returning for another trip, the Texas State Aquarium is a must-see attraction that belongs on every Corpus Christi itinerary. Plan your visit, enjoy the shows, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for the Ocelot—you never know when you’ll get lucky.
