Top Things to do in Texas Gulf Coast
Top Hotels in Texas Gulf Coast
- 1. Best Western Texas City
- 2. The San Luis Resort, Spa and Conference Center
- 3. Blossom Hotel Houston
- 4. Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center
- 5. Holiday Inn Resort Galveston-on the Beach, an IHG Hotel
- 6. Hilton Americas-Houston
- 7. Best Western Plus Katy Inn & Suites
- 8. Hyatt Regency Houston West
- 9. Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria
- 10. La Copa Inn Beach Hotel
The 10 Best Zoos & Aquariums in Texas Gulf Coast, Texas Gulf Coast
Discover the best top things to do in Texas Gulf Coast, United States including South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Center, TGR Exotics Wildlife Park, The University of Texas Marine Science Institute, Gladys Porter Zoo, Houston Zoo, Sea Center Texas, World Birding Center, Stingray Reef 215 Kipp Ave, Texas State Aquarium, Bayou Wildlife Zoo.
Restaurants in Texas Gulf Coast
1. South Padre Island Dolphin Research & Sea Life Nature Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,010 reviews
This nature center is a voice for dolphins wild and free, we do not keep them in captivity. Hours for Summer: Open Daily 10 to 4pm We have DAILY BOAT TOURS to take you out to meet our amazing DOLPHINS Our facility has a touch tank and marine exhibits to help all who visit understand how we can help save our precious species of the sea. Our boat is not a commercial tour but a tour of six or less for your experience of a lifetime. We have many rescue animals at the center and have found forever homes for hundreds.
Reviewed By kathypZ3898WB - San Antonio, United States
We had an amazing experience on the last day of our trip. Captain Dave took our family of 5 (18, 13, and 9 year old kids) out for private dolphin experience. We had great weather and were very excited to find a pod of 8 dolphins who were ready to entertain. They were doing some Sea World style jumps and flips (which apparently is highly unusual) and captured our attention the whole time. While we were out there two very large boats also came out for dolphin watching. Each had to have 30+ people on them. Made me appreciate our private and small experience even more. I would definitely say that this was the highlight of our trip. Very peaceful, calm and unique portion of our vacation.
2. TGR Exotics Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 82 reviews
Grab Your Safari Gear. Your adventure begins HERE! At TGR Exotics Wildlife Park, you will get up close and personal with some of Planet Earth's most exotic, fascinating, and endangered animals. Here you will find more than 100 animals representing over 25 species. All our animals are raised hands on, if not completely hand raised, and they have amazing personalities and dispositions. Go to our website to book your tour.
Reviewed By TexSuzan
This was a fun, positive experience for our granddaughters. Traci led a very informative sloth encounter where we fed three sloths. Nick shared interesting trivia about the exotics we saw on the tour. The girls enjoyed petting the pigs, goats and llamas wandering around. It's evident that owner Gwen is passionate about providing good care of the rescued animals.
3. The University of Texas Marine Science Institute
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 196 reviews
Free admission to see tanks displaying sea horses, eels, oysters, fish and other marine life.
Reviewed By beachboywantabe - Corpus Christi, United States
We did not go inside because it was not open when we were there. But the main reason for our stop was to see Kent Ullberg’s sculpture “Interdependency”. At first glance you just see a tarpon, impressive enough. The tarpon is the symbol for the town of Port Arkansas. But look closer and you will see within the body of the tarpon a variety of different marine life. There are several other fish, several birds, a sand dollar and a crab. The habitats of all are interdependent, and the life of one species depends upon the other. Thus the sculpture is named “Interdependency.” If you go to the Corpus Christi bayfront you can find several of Ullberg’s sculptures, as well as In Rockport
4. Gladys Porter Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 515 reviews
The Gladys Porter Zoo is a visitor-oriented zoological and botanical park, dedicated to the preservation of nature through education, conservation, healthy outdoor recreation and research.
Reviewed By Valkyrie1227
Incredible zoo, definitely the highlight of not just brownsville but the entire Rio Grande Valley for that matter. A definite must-visit, the herpetarium in particular has an incredible array of extremely rare reptiles and amphibians on display, with most of them being actively bred and several conservation projects ongoing.
5. Houston Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,164 reviews
The Houston Zoo provides a fun, unique, and inspirational experience fostering appreciation, knowledge, and care for the natural world. Essentially a small city encompassing a world of ecosystems and experiences, the Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts. We have over 6000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! In addition, we have over 1.84 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well being of our residents and guests.
Reviewed By oxfordcg - Houston, United States
Whenever I visit the Zoo, of which I am proud to say I am a member, it feels as if I am visiting several countries in one day. The variety of well-cared for animals is outstanding. I particularly love how the animals interact with us. During the season of Christmas lights, we visit the animals and then as it darkens and we return for the Christmas lights, it is great to picture where the animals are sleeping and resting.
6. Sea Center Texas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 201 reviews
Sea Center Texas is a marine aquarium, fish hatchery and nature center operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. See saltwater aquariums showcasing the diversity of the Texas coast and tour the largest redfish hatchery in the world. Reservations required for hatchery tours. Hours for visitation are Tuesday through Saturday 9 am-4 pm, Sunday 1-4 pm, Closed Mondays. Aquarium feedings Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30 am. Free Admission and Tours.
Reviewed By 890warrenp
Family attraction with touch tank, aquaria, outdoor boardwalk to fresh and saltwater habitats where wildlife including turtles, amphibians, and birds may be seen up close.
7. World Birding Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By SallyBIshopMerrill - Harlingen, United States
This place is a lovely City Park so huge you can get pleasantly lost, and found again. Benches, markers, some labels on our native trees and plants, hosting such beautiful species. The only down side is some ignorant people who take van loads of kids in, each with their own plastic straws and tops in cups of soda pop. There are plenty of trash bins, which our resident Javalinas, coyotes, and huge Chachalacas don't disturb. Notice the great care which various areas, like the Peace Circle, receive. Someone might be there when you visit, watering, working, pulling out invasives, our waiting to show you our special species. Did you know butterflies can't lay eggs on just any plant? We had the most lovely time, and saw lots of other couples, and families, enjoying Ramsey Nature Park, the Arroyo Colorado World Birding Center. Something's always in bloom here: your next love affair, naturalist hobby, joy. Bring your dog on a leash.
8. Stingray Reef 215 Kipp Ave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By conniee781
This was such a fun and exciting experience!! Looking at all of the cool fish and snakes and turtles was fun, but the most fun was seeing and petting and feeding the stingrays! I have never seen my son laugh so much and the stingrays were so fun ! Thanks for making this such an affordable and fun experience!
9. Texas State Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,480 reviews
Discover the amazing underwater world of the Texas State Aquarium! Thousands of animals representing over 500 different species are ready to enchant, entertain, and inspire you. Conveniently located on North Beach, the Texas State Aquarium is just minutes from Corpus Christi's downtown district, convention center complex, and museums. Every visit to the Texas State Aquarium is a new and exciting discovery of animals that remind us all of our responsibility to those whose world we share. The Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Aquarium's mission is to engage people with animals, inspire appreciation for our seas, and support wildlife conservation.
Reviewed By John_MT5486MW - Corpus Christi, United States
Yes, they have a petting tank that delights young children, but they have so much more. Exotic birds free flying in a special exhibit which is huge; large sharks and stingrays swimming leisurely in special tanks; thousands of beautiful fish swimming in a Gulf of Mexico Oil rig structure. I’m a scuba diver and this exhibit accurately reflects what a diver sees on such a structure. In addition, the Texas State Aquarium is loaded with excellent learning exhibit for the entire family to enjoy. The Aquarium is really a gem, and it is huge. You will spend several hours here, or you can spend days here as well. There is so much to see and do at this facility. Enjoy.
10. Bayou Wildlife Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By Springchick1986 - Spring, United States
Great safari type Zoo. Lots of animals are endangered and dont see in a regular zoo. You are taken on a tram to see them . Before going on tram, you are given bucket of food to feed animals while riding. Huge 1000lb alligator.
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