Take an aquatic journey from the shore to the depths of the Gulf of Mexico to
experience dive shows, animal feedings, training sessions, and "hands-on"
programs with sharks and stingrays. Thousands of animals representing more than
250 species are displayed. Get up close to Atlantic bottlenose dolphins from
above and below the water in Dolphin Bay. Visit the Islands of Steel exhibit,
modeled after an offshore oil platform. Sharks and sea turtles live among
schools of snapper, tarpon, redfish, jacks and grouper. Encounter colorful
exotic birds, poison-dart frogs, fresh-water stingrays and boa constrictors in
the Amazon exhibit. The Living Shores has three large touch pools. The Hawn Wild
Flight Theater features birds of prey, including hawks, owls and falcons.
Tortuga Cay, a sanctuary exhibit for rehabilitated sea turtles, offers a view of
the turtles from above and below the water. Learn about the various species of
turtles, their injuries and what people can do to help protect them in the wild.
Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily and Memorial Day–Labor Day 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily, closed
Thanksgiving and Dec. 25. Admission charge. Parking charge. 2710 North
Shoreline. 361/881-1200, 800/477-GULF. www.texasstateaquarium.org.
City: Corpus Christi
Region: Gulf Coast
With so many amazing things to do in Texas, there’s not enough room to feature them all. So check out some popular attractions to see just how much fun your Texas vacation can be.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
City: Canyon
Region: Panhandle Plains
Lakes near Dallas
City: Dallas
Region: Prairies and Lakes
Lake Conroe Park
City: Conroe
Region: Piney Woods
Galveston Island Beach
City: Galveston
Region: Gulf Coast
Lakes near San Antonio
City: San Antonio
Region: South Texas Plains
Devil’s Backbone
City: Wimberley
Region: Hill Country
Balmorhea State Park
City: Balmorhea
Region: Big Bend Country
