Corpus Christi is a coastal city that acts as the county seat of Nueces County within southern Texas. The city limits stretch into the counties of Aransas, Kleberg, and San Patricio. It is even the principle city of three county MSA whose population, in 2008, was calculated to be 416,000, with roughly 305,000 being from Corpus Christi. This makes it the 8th biggest city in Texas.
Translated from Spanish, the words Corpus Christi mean "Body of Christ." It was originally granted by the Spanish in honor of the Blessed Sacrament. In most literature which promotes tourism for Corpus Christi City, it is called The Sparkling City by the bay.
The Port of Corpus Christi is the 6th biggest port in the nation. The Naval Air Station Corpus Christi and Corpus Christi International Airport are likewise situated in the city of Corpus Christi.
The Corpus Christi Convention and Visitors Bureau is responsible for the organization of visitor and tourism information which promotes the cities top attractions, consisting of the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington floating museum.
There are some theaters and museums situated in the cities museum district, comprising the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Asian Cultures, the Texas Surf Museum, the South Texas Institute for the Arts, and the Harbor Playhouse Theater. A lot of the restored older houses in the city of Corpus Christi are also situated in this district.
The non-profit art group called K Space Contemporary, works in order to support national, local and regional artists. It is situated downtown together with a center of marinas, some businesses and shops, skyscrapers, the aquarium, and Mirador de la Flor.
Corpus Christi City is known its Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, which throughout the year hosts some gardening programs. Known for its sea bird watching, the Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife, is located close to the Pharaoh Valley subdivision on Oso Bay.
Padre Island and Mustang Island are located directly east of Corpus Christi City. These islands are home to several of the most beautiful parks in the area, like the Padre Island National Seashore. One of the world's biggest ranches, King Ranch, is situated near the city.
Every year Corpus Christi celebrates the Buccaneer Days Carnival.
The attractions all over Corpus Christi City help to tempt lots of visitors to the area. There are miles of gorgeous beaches together with cool sea breezes, culturally diverse museum and arts district, waterfront restaurants, as well as numerous shopping centers.
The city of Corpus Christi hosts military bases as well as a major seaport, refineries, and chemical plants together with a large heath care system. Economically speaking, Corpus Christi City depends on port activity and tourism with additional support coming from the gas and oil, agriculture, military industries and petrochemicals.