The Plaza at North Beach, Corpus Christi: What to See and How to Get There

North Beach is the Corpus Christi waterfront area where the Texas State Aquarium and USS Lexington Museum are located. The aquarium sits at 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd.; the museum is at 2914 N. Shoreline Blvd. in Corpus Christi Bay, across the ship channel from downtown.

The USS Lexington Museum on the Bay is a retired aircraft carrier that serves as a museum. Its position across the channel gives the North Beach waterfront a clear connection to downtown Corpus Christi across the water.

The Texas State Aquarium is a key North Beach stop, with admission covering animal presentations, indoor and outdoor exhibits, and access to more than 300 animal species. The aquarium says an average visit lasts about 4 hours, although the time varies by guest.

For current aquarium admission prices, check its ticket-prices page. The aquarium accepts cashless payment for admission, retail, food and drink purchases. It does not allow outside food or drinks inside, but you can leave for a picnic and have your ticket stamped at the information desk for re-entry.

The aquarium’s H-E-B Splash Park operates seasonally; when it is running, water shuts off 15 minutes before closing. Its hours can change, so confirm details before setting out.

Texas State Aquarium

The aquarium’s regular hours are daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission includes animal presentations and indoor and outdoor exhibits, with access to more than 300 animal species. Its average visit takes about 4 hours, though your visit may be shorter or longer.

A limited number of wheelchairs are available to rent at no charge, and a limited number of strollers are available for $6 for single capacity or $8 for double capacity.

Rentals are first come, first served. The aquarium permits ADA service animals trained to perform a task directly related to a person’s disability; emotional-support and therapy animals are not permitted.

USS Lexington Museum on the Bay

The USS Lexington Museum is open daily from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. during its normal season, from Labor Day through Memorial Day, and from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. in summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

General-admission tickets are sold at the museum’s admission booths. Admission costs $25 for adults, $21 for seniors, $16 for military, $20 for youth ages 13–17 and $15 for children ages 4–12. Members and children 3 and under are admitted free. The USS Lexington Museum guide to tickets and access covers more details about visiting the ship.

All-day parking at the museum costs $5, with free parking for members. The Hangar Deck and Flight Deck are wheelchair accessible, and the LEX LIFT elevator takes visitors who cannot climb stairs to the Flight Deck. Outside food and beverages are not allowed; service animals are permitted, but pets are not.

The USS Lexington is across the ship channel from downtown, and North Beach is about 4.8 miles from Texan Hotel. For a broader look at local transport options, the guide to getting around Corpus Christi by car, bus and coastal routes covers ways to travel around the city.

North Beach brings the aquarium and museum into the same area, so you can plan around one attraction or set aside time for both. The aquarium’s average visit is about 4 hours, while the USS Lexington has separate seasonal opening hours; confirm each attraction’s current schedule and ticket details before going.