Coastal Bend Visitors Guide» animals

Texas State Aquarium

Kelsea Yarbrough — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:49:53 +0000

Come. Sea. Discover the amazing world of the Texas State Aquarium. Take an aquatic journey to the depths of the Gulf of Mexico. Experience dive shows, animal feedings, and “hands on” programs. Thousands of animals (over 250 species) are ready to entertain and inspire you. Get up close and personal with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in Dolphin Bay. Look to the skies as hawks, owls and falcons soar through the Hawn Wild Flight Theater. Visit the Islands of Steel, where sharks and sea turtles live among schools of snapper, tarpon, redfish, and grouper. Enter the mysterious Amazon as you encounter poison-dart frogs, fresh-water stingrays and boa constrictors. Watch sea turtles glide in the waters of Tortuga Cay and see North American river otters play in Otter Creek. Spend time in the Living Shores, where you can really get your hands wet! With so much to see and do, what are you waiting for? Open daily. 800-477-GULF, www.texasstateaquarium.org

The Aquarium, featuring Dolphin Bay, is the number one visitor attraction in the Coastal Bend. Thousands of animals, over 250 species, most common to the Gulf, are displayed in entertaining and educational exhibits. Dive shows, touch pools, food court, playground and gift shops. Admission is $15.50: $13.95 for seniors and active military: $10.50 for ages 3-12, 2 and under free. Parking: $4.00 Open daily 9am-6pm. 361-881-1200

South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

Kelsea Yarbrough — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:46:15 +0000

One of the Coastal Bend’s major visitor destinations and leading nature tourism facilities, the 180-acre South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center showcases 11 uniquely-designed floral exhibits and gardens, including the new Butterfly House and 800-plant Bromeliad Conservatory, acclaimed Orchid House and Plumeria Garden, plus Rose Garden and massive Rose Pavilion, Hummingbird, Arid and Sensory Gardens. Tranquil Gator Lake, shaded trails, birding tower, Palapa Grande and wetlands boardwalk make this a key site on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail for both shore birds and woodland song birds. Delightful Garden Shoppe in Visitors Center. Open daily, 7:30am to 5:30pm. $6 adults; $5 age 60+/active military/college students; $3 ages 5-12; under 5 & members free. 8545 S. Staples. 361-852-2100 www.stxbot.org

Rockport/Fulton

Kelsea Yarbrough — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:43:33 +0000

Painters, sculptors and photographers flock here to record seascapes, birds and windswept live oaks. Downtown is lined with shops and galleries. Many great dining choices. Located about 35 minutes from downtown Corpus Christi, on TX 35-BS.

Aransas Wildlife Refuge

Kelsea Yarbrough — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:51:40 +0000

Armadillos to alligators roam this federal preserve, a birder’s paradise to see whooping cranes, egrets, herons, ibis, and roseate spoonbills. Tour Loop is open from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30 am-4:30 pm. $3 per person/$5 per car. Take TX 35N to FM774.