WaterStreet Market

In Corpus Christi’s downtown marina and entertainment district is this popular oasis. The square is  home to numerous specialty stores and many excellent restaurants, and one of Corpus Christi’s best coffee shops.  Enjoy a lovely area with benches and tables at which you can relax and people watch. Also home to the Texas Surf Museum. Wander through the area to view the South Texas Music Walk of Fame. In close walking distance from downtown hotels. For more info visit them online at www.waterstreetmarketcc.com.

Rockport Center for the Arts

Located in Rockport’s Heritage District, you’ll see exhibits by local and regional artists in a  beautiful turn-of-the-century house on the edge of Aransas Bay. Downtown Rockport on TX 35BS. Tues-Sat, 10-4pm, Sun 1-4pm. Free.  361-729-5519

Rockport Art Festival

July 3-4

If you’re seeking something unique and beautiful, then you’re sure to find your heart’s desire in the lovely Rockport. Again this year the Rockport Center for the Arts will host their prestigious  Annual Art Festival on Saturday, July 3 from 10am to 6:00pm and Sunday, July 4 from 10am to 5pm. Located on the beautiful Rockport Festival Grounds directly across from the Art Center.  Adult admission for Saturday is $6, Sunday is $5 and $1 for children under 12 each day.

Limited to fewer than 130 of the finest artists from across the country. The pieces featured at the festival are outstanding and represent a broad spectrum of mediums. Expert judges award “Best of Category” ribbons and cash awards to artists in the following classes: painting, photography, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, pastel, drawing, mixed media, glass and more.

Musicians provide continuous entertainment for visitors while they sample variety of food and beverages. There will be several different live bands creating a wide variety of great tunes over the weekend! The Kids’ Tent provides art activities for even the littlest creative minds supervised by professional artists. In the Kids’ Gallery “priceless” treasures can be purchased by youngsters for under $5. There’s even a Festival Store.

For a full schedule of events or to learn more about the Art Festival  call 361-729-5519 or visit them online at www.rockportartcenter.com.

Asian Cultures Museum

A large collection of Oriental art. Heritage Park. Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, $5, Students $3, $2 under 6.

Art Museum of South Texas

Since 1972, the gleaming white walls of the Art Museum of South Texas have been a landmark on Corpus Christi Bay. Designed by Philip Johnson, the three-level facility is constructed of poured white concrete and shell aggregate. An addition, completed in 2006, designed by Ricardo Legorreta of Mexico City, doubled the Museum’s size, and includes galleries for the Permanent Art Collection and traveling exhibits, a Museum Store and a cafe overlooking the ship channel. Currently on exhibit: 100 American Ceramics from the Collection of the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts. Open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1-5pm. Closed on major holidays.  Admission is $6; seniors/active military $4; under 12 and members free. www.artmuseumofsouthtexas.org.  361-825-3500