USS Lexington
A WWII aircraft carrier museum.
Corpus Christi and Padre Island
The Texas Gulf's biggest beach city, with a WWII carrier, and the world's longest undeveloped barrier island.
The USS Lexington, known as the Blue Ghost, is a floating museum. Padre Island National Seashore has 60 miles of dunes where you can drive on the sand, and baby sea turtle releases at dawn in summer. Selena fans come for her bayfront statue.
- Best Time
- March–May and October–November
- Time Needed
- 2 days
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Check before you go; hours vary by season
- Getting There
- About 2.5 hours by car south of San Antonio.
What to See
0 of 3 are freePadre Island National Seashore
A wild beach, and Kemp's ridley turtle hatchling releases.
Texas State Aquarium
With rescued wildlife.
Know Before You Go
- The Gulf can have jellyfish and strong currents.
Where to Stay
Stay on North Padre or the bayfront.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
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Last checked 2026-11-02. Part of the Texas list.