Free Things to Do in Corpus Christi, Texas

My husband and I visited Corpus Christi, Texas in January and February this year and found a whole lot of things to do for free that just couldn't be beat for price. Here are some of my favorite free things to do in Corpus Christ.

Free Tourist Attractions in February

One of our early stops was at the Corpus Christi Arboretum, where we became members. The garden was undergoing some construction due to difficulties with the native pigs so we couldn't resist helping out by becoming members. Members of the Corpus Christi Arboretum are allowed to visit many of the local tourist attractions including the Texas State Aquarium, the USS Lexington, Art Museum etc. for free.

Entertainment Book will provide discounts to many of these events at other times of the year.

Go Birding

According to Caller.com, Corpus Christi was voted America's birdiest city again in 2009 because local birders identified more species during the annual migration beach count, usually held late in April. We found the state parks on Mustang Island worth a look, along with Port Aransas, the North Padre Island Seashore.

The Corpus Christi area Audubon Outdoor Club offers many free bird watching activities including April bird walks and the hawk watch during August 15-November 15.

Walking on the North Padre Island Seashore requires a Golden Eagle pass to get in free otherwise a small daily fee. North Padre Island Seashore and Mustang Island State Park have various beaches suitable for tanning, volleyball, shell collecting, wild flower viewing and whatever else you can think of including walking. Portland's

Annual Earth Bay Day Celebration

Visit Historic San Patricio and the Patton Mansion and Sugar Works

San Patricio is located on the outside of town via a county side road 666 (how creepy can you get?) off of either exit 17 or exit 31 off of I-37. Patton Mansion and Sugar Works is one of the many historic buildings in the area. San Patricio sponsors St. Patrick's day events worth a look. Birding is good and there's room for a walk. Visiting hours are quite short so arrive early.

Visit Corpus Christi Lake for a Swim, Camping or Picnic or Wildlife Viewing or Fishing

Take exit 47 off of I-37. The road passes by a wildlife refuge that leads you back to a look at the dam at the end of the lake. Many ponds are available of the trail suitable for fishing and wildlife viewing and photography. The lake is further on and was quite windy when we visited. Camping and picnicking facilities are available.

Free Fishing in Corpus Christi

Fishing is free except for the license and equipment required. Many access points are around, take your pick.

Free Walks in Corpus Christi