Spend A Day Touring

The Texas Coastal Bend abounds with treasures for all. Beaches, fishing, historical sites, working ranches, hunting, shopping, antiquing, and golf await those seeking fun and excitement in this beautiful unique part of the world.

If you have never visited, or have visited but did not have the opportunity to spend much time here, you will want to order digital prints and other digital products - note cards, calendars, mugs, etc.

The viewing and ordering of prints is handled by Shutterfly^TM. All of our 1700+ pictures can be viewed and ordered individually. Credit cards are accepted and Shutterfly prints, packages and ships your ordered pictures directly to you.

Currently we have published Shutterfly digital photos of these Texas Coastal Bend galleries:

1. Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
2. Port Aransas

'Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens & Nature Center' Gallery

Corpus Christi is a beautiful city and the hub of the Texas Coastal Bend area.   Its Botanical Gardens is one of the highlight stops when touring Corpus Christi.  If you have never visited, or have visited but did not have the opportunity to spend much time here, you will want to order prints from this gallery.

This Pictorial Walking Tour contains over 300 pictures arranged along 13 tour paths that you follow while spending a day touring the Botanical Gardens.  In additon, there are a partial set of pictures from 4 side trips: Padre Island, USS Lexington, Texas State Aquarium, and Port Aransas.

Click on one of the following tour locations to view the frameable pictures in the tour and to order prints.

** BG01 - Visitor's Center (21 pictures)

The Visitor's Center houses the Garden Shoppe, check-in and restrooms. A cool, relaxed shopping experience and delightful selection of gifts. Also, note the nearby plants, flowers and pottery objects.

Let's explore the Visitor's Center through 11 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.

** BG02 - Water Garden (8 pictures)

The Water Garden is in the Visitors Center front yard. Follow the splash, take a break!

Let's explore the Water Garden through 8 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.

** BG03 - Hibiscus Garden (22 pictures)

The Hibiscus Garden opened November, 1999. More than 75 hibiscus plants, plus a four-tiered, trickling fountain and pool. Hibiscus is the official city flower of Corpus Christi.

Let's explore the Hibiscus Garden through 22 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.

** BG04 - Orchid House (40 pictures)

The Orchid Greenhouse holds a collection of more that 2100 orchids, donated by the family of nationally acclaimed collector, the late Donald Larkin, with smaller collections added since 1996.

Let's explore the Orchid House through 40 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.

** BG05 - Exhibit House (12 pictures)

The Exhibit House displays exotic collections of bromeliads, cycads, cacti, succulents and other tropicals.

Let's explore the Exhibit House through 12 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.

** BG06 - Plumeria Collection (5 pictures)
The Plumeria Collection is a unique exhibit for a mainland botanical garden. Plumeria are tropicals plants and their blooms are used in Hawaiian leis. There are 250 plants of 75 varieties.Exhibit House.

Let's explore the Plumeria Collection through 5 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.

** BG07 - Rose Garden and Pavilion (26 pictures)
The Rose Garden and Pavilion was completed in 2002. It features 300 roses in 12 raised curved beds plus seasonal displays around the pavilion. It is a popular place for weddings.

Let's explore the Rose Garden and Pavilion through 26 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.

** BG08 - Sensory Garden (9 pictures)
The Sensory Garden was designed to challenge and stimulate our five senses. Note sounds of gravel underfoot, the windmill overhead, smells, textures of various herbs. The art includes ranch hands, "sofas," and colorfully-tiled windmill legs.

Let's explore the Sensory Garden and Pavilion through 9 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.

** BG09 - Hummingbird Garden (12 pictures)
The Hummingbird Garden spotlights the colorful hummingbird attractor plants for your yard.

Let's explore the Hummingbird Garden through 12 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.

** BG10 - Bird and Butterfly Trail (11 pictures)
The Bird and Butterfly Trail goes through the only forest in Corpus Christi! This trail displays the area's native habitat which is labeled and keyed. Enjoy the view of Gator Lake from the Birding Tower and Palpa Grande.

Let's explore the Bird and Butterfly Trail through 11 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.


** BG11 - Wetlands Walk (17 pictures)
The Wetlands Awareness Walk begins at the Palapa Grande with a series of colorful graphics of wetlands reptiles, bird life, wildlife and plants. Beginning at the Palapa, learn about wetland plant and animal life through creative signage on the Wetlands.

Let's explore the Wetlands Walk through 17 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.

** BG12 - Arid Garden (28 pictures)
The Arid Garden demonstrates almost waterless landscape possibilities.

Let's explore the Arid Garden through 28 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.

** BG13 - Children's Garden (11 pictures)
A children’s garden is created in the spring and fall and a children’s camp occurs in the summer.

Let's explore the Children's Garden through 28 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.

** BG14 - Padre Island (33 pictures)
Padre Island National Seashore, encompassing 130,454 acres, is the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of barrier island in the world, and offers a wide variety of flora and fauna as well as recreation.

Let's explore the Padre Island through 33 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.

** BG15 - USS Lexington (21 pictures)
The USS Lexington is a valuable national treasure having played a significant role in the nation's defense for nearly 50 years. Her World War II record is second to none and is a place where Americans died in defense of freedom.

Let's explore the USS Lexington through 21 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.

** BG16 - Texas State Aquarium (11 pictures)
The Texas State Aquarium: * Educates over 60,000 children annually. * Is a Coastal Bend leading visitor attraction (second only to the beaches). * Host approximately 500,000 visitors annually. * Has over 5,500 memberships.

Let's explore the Texas State Aquarium through 11 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.

** BG17- Port Aransas (29 pictures)
Port Aransas, the best kept secret on the Gulf Coast, has everything to satisfy the most discriminating vacationer. The bays, jetties and deep gulf waters offer some of the finest fishing found anywhere and there are miles of beautiful beaches.

Let's explore Port Aransas through 29 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.

End of 'Corpus Christi Botanical Garden' walking tours. Return to Texas Index.

Port Aransas, the best kept secret on the Gulf Coast, has everything to satisfy the most discriminating vacationer. The bays, jetties and deep gulf waters offer some of the finest fishing found anywhere and there are miles of beautiful beaches.

This Pictorial Walking Tour contains over 300 pictures covering 5 touring activities that you can do while spending a day touring the Port Aransas area. In additon, there are a partial set of pictures from 4 side trips: Padre Island, USS Lexington, Texas State Aquarium and South Texas Botanical Gardens.

Click on one of the following activities to view the frameable pictures and to order prints.

** PA01 - Let's view area highlights (34 pictures)
Known to casual and serious anglers alike as the "fishing capital of Texas," Located on the northern tip of Mustang Island, Port Aransas is a hub of coastal activities and family fun on the Texas Coast. The bays, jetties and deep Gulf waters offer the finest fishing around. More than 500 species of birds visit annually, making it one of the most popular birding destinations on the continent.

Begin your day with a scenic stroll on the beach and relax to the rhythm of the waves. Watch dolphins frolic in the ship channel as the ferry transports you across the waterway to enjoy area sights. Ride the trolley and visit unique boutiques and art galleries filled with one-of-a-kind island treasures, home décor and island style clothing.

And you'll still have time to relax and savor fresh, coastal cuisine at any of our fine restaurants before the breathtaking sunset signals the start of the island's tropical nightlife.

Lets go touring through 34 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.


** PA02 - Let's go fishing (20 pictures)
Known to casual and serious anglers alike as the "fishing capital of Texas," Port Aransas offers challenges and a string of rewards for everyone who casts a line. Anglers of all ages will find their own paradise. Take your pick from numerous experienced guides or charters, or go it alone. Bring your own boat and launch it in one of our marinas. In addition, there are four lighted piers to fish from day or night - and don't forget the jetties and surf-fishing on the beach!

Lets go fishing through 20 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.


** PA03 - Let's go birding (31 pictures)
Nature tourism is at its best on Mustang Island, which has one of the highest bird counts on the Gulf Coast. Port Aransas has an abundance of birding sites, including the Wetland Park, Joan & Scott Holt Paradise Pond, the Leona Belle Turnbull Birding Center and the South Jetty, all of which are on the Great Texas Birding Trail. They were created to give birders an "up close" adventure to observe hundreds of permanent and visiting species in their natural and wintering habitats.

Lets go birding through 31 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.


** PA04 - Let's explore the beaches (46 pictures)
Port Aransas is an island paradise tucked away on Mustang Island off the Texas Gulf Coast. Enjoy 18 miles of uncrowded, unspoiled beach on this part of the world's longest barrier island, and one of only three in the United States you can still drive on with street legal vehicles and all things beachy. Our beaches are great for shelling, strolling, sunning, playing and family fun!

A popular year-round attraction, area beaches and inland waterways offer some of the best water sport activities such as windsurfing, kiteboarding, parasailing, kayaking, jet skiing, fishing, surfing and more. Soak up the natural serenity or take it to extremes in the surf and seas. Come try a little bit of everything for a big lot of fun!

Lets explore the beaches through 46 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.


** PA05 - Let's watch the boats (25 pictures)
Port Aransas is located on Mustang Island with water on all sides. Fishing boats cast their lines in the Intercontinental Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. Tour and gambling boats are active especially in summer months. Freighters and supply ships pass by Port Aransas on their way to the Gulf.

Lets explore the beaches through 25 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.


** PA06 - Let's kick back and relax (31 pictures)
Port Aransas is an island paradise tucked away on the Gulf Coast. Soak up the natural serenity or take it to extremes in the surf and seas. Come try a little bit of everything for a big lot of fun!

Take a leisurely stroll on the beach or around town and enjoy the birds and nature of our island. Watch dolphins frolic in the ship channel as you sail smoothly into the marina or your boat guide navigates you to area hot spots for fishing and boating. Rent a bike or electric buggie for zipping around while enjoying the arts, culture and history of Port Aransas or visiting boutiques and galleries filled with unique island treasures. Kayak, kiteboard or catch a wave surfing. Enjoy a round of golf or check out local events.

Sightsee from a private plane or a scenic cruise to view neighboring islands and the Lydia Ann Lighthouse. Take in a Community Theatre production or try your luck on the gaming cruise. Visit the University of Texas Marine Science Institute or birdwatch at our many birding sites. Finish off the night with delicious dining and dance the night away to local music. Port Aransas is the perfect place for beach, sun and family fun ~ Island Style!

Lets kick back and relax through 31 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.


** ST01 - Let's visit Padre Island (33 pictures)
Lets take a side trip and visit North Padre Island. The Island is one part of a barrier sand reef that hugs the Texas coast. Before a ship channel was dredged at Port Mansfield, Padre Island stretched from the tip of Texas to just south of Corpus Christi. Except for a few natural cuts, manmade channels and a few major inland bays, Padre island could actually be called the primary barrier island that reaches all the way from Brownsville, at the southern tip of Texas, to the Louisiana border. It is over 350 miles of pristine and natural wilderness, encompassing the other named barrier islands of texas: Mustang Island, Galveston Island, St. Joesph's Island - and others.

Today, North Padre's northern reaches start near Corpus Christi (at the Village of North Padre Island) and stretch south to Big Shell, near Port Mansfield, an 80 mile strech of shifting sand dunes, the longest unbroken barrier island in the United States.

Padre Island National Seashore is the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world. Padre Island National Seashore, encompasses 130,434 acres and offers a wide variety of flora and fauna as well as recreation. Because of its location on a major migratory route known as the Central Flyway, approximately 380 species of birds have been documented within the National Seashore. This is almost 45% of all bird species documented in North America.

Let's explore Pardre Island through 33 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.


** ST02 - Let's visit the USS Lexington (21 pictures)
Lets take a side trip and visit the USS LEXINGTON which rests in Corpus Christi Bay, just across the ship channel from downtown Corpus Christi, Texas. Come aboard "The Blue Ghost", a true living legend, for an educational, exciting and entertaining time. Commissioned in 1943, LEXINGTON served longer and set more records than any carrier in U.S. Naval history. Decommissioned in 1991, the 910-foot, 16-deck, 33,000-ton aircraft carrier now serves as an important historical repository and museum.

Lets explore the USS Lexington through 21 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.


** ST03 - Let's visit the Aquarium (11 pictures)
Lets take a side trip and visit the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, Texas. Your experience begins on the walkways which feature images of whales, rays, dolphins, sharks, and the Gulf of Mexico itself. You enter the building by walking under our signature "waterfall" representing a full submersion into the Gulf of Mexico.

Volunteer guides are stationed throughout the Aquarium to explain exhibits and answer questions. You not only travel an aquatic journey from the shore to the depths of the Gulf, but also have the opportunity to observe dive shows, feeding demonstrations, and have a "hands on" experience with sharks, stingrays. Come. Sea. Discover.

Lets explore the Aquarium through 11 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.



** ST04 - Let's visit the Botanical Gardens (51 pictures)
Lets take a side trip and visit the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center--one of the region’s five major visitor attractions. It is a leading South Texas nature tourism destination, showcasing colorful, exotic floral exhibits blended with vast conserved areas of native habitat and natural wetlands.

The 180-acre site is an integral part of the city’s growing Oso Creek Greenbelt system, is a Texas Watchable Wildlife Program site, and is on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. It also is recognized as one of the key birding sites in Corpus Christi, which has been named the Birdiest City in the United States.

Lets explore the the Botanical Gardens through 51 digital pictures. Click above on the blue tour name and then 'View as Slide Show' when you reach the Shutterfly page. Enjoy.



End of 'Port Aransas' tour. Return to Texas index.