Texas State Aquarium, Public aquarium in Corpus Christi, United States

The Texas State Aquarium is a public aquarium in Corpus Christi with tanks full of species from the Gulf of Mexico such as sharks, dolphins, and coral reefs. The facility spans multiple buildings and outdoor areas where you can watch the animals in large, well-designed habitats.

The Junior League of Corpus Christi led the coalition behind the aquarium, first named the Gulf Coast Zoological and Botanical Society. It became the Corpus Christi Aquarium Association in 1978 and the Texas State Aquarium Association in 1986, after the Texas Legislature designated it the State Aquarium of Texas. After more than 20 years of fundraising and building, the first exhibit opened on July 6, 1990; federal rehabilitation permits followed in 1993 and AZA accreditation in 1995.

The aquarium teaches visitors about the Gulf of Mexico and its creatures through direct observation and explanations at the tanks. Many people come here to introduce their children to marine life and show them why protecting the oceans matters.

The facility is easy to reach on foot and accessible from everywhere, including for people with mobility limitations. It is best to wear comfortable shoes as you will walk a lot between different areas, and there are days when it can get quite crowded.

Caribbean Journey opened on May 13, 2017, doubling the aquarium's size. Its H-E-B Caribbean Sea tank holds 400,000 gallons (1,500,000 L) and is viewed through the longest acrylic display window in North America, or from inside an acrylic tunnel.