Visitors will find gorgeous ocean views, and many activities centered around beaches and water sports: fishing, sailing, windsurfing, and just swimming and relaxing on the beach.

The two-mile sea wall running through the heart of the business district was constructed in such a way as to open the city to the Bay rather than to form a barricade. Steps lead down to the water and to the popular "T" head docks where pleasure boats tie up. This very attractive waterfront was designed in the late 1930's by Guzon Borglum, sculptor of Mount Rushmore.

North of downtown, over the bridge, is the site of the USS Lexington, a floating naval museum, as well as Texas State Aquarium, and extensive park and picnic areas. Scenic bay front cruises provide an orientation to all that the waterfront offers. A favorite with children is the ferryboat ride into the ship channel to watch the dolphins frolic in their natural habitat.

The Beach Loop is a scenic drive that takes about an hour with no stops (if the ferry isn't too busy). It is wise, however, to allow a few hours for browsing the shops, walking the beach, swimming in the surf, and enjoying the view.

Begin the Loop in Downtown Corpus Christi, then cruise along Ocean Drive savoring the gorgeous view of the bay. Turn at Ennis Joslin Road to reach South Padre Island Drive (S.P.I.D.) also known as Route 358, and turn east. You will soon reach a causeway which meanders up and down over scenic bridges and takes you to Padre Island National Seashore. Turn left on Route 361 (a paved road that runs through the middle of the island). There are several Beach Access Roads along the way.

Route 361 takes you into Port Aransas, which is the deep-sea fishing capital of Texas. Gulf waters contain an abundance of king mackerel, red snapper and pompano. The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail offers birders plenty of sightings in this area year around. The sunny beaches, eclectic island atmosphere, funky shops and waterside restaurants of Port Aransas appeal to just about everyone. It is almost impossible to drive through without stopping for an hour or two.

Leaving Port Aransas, you can drive onto a ferry for a great ride. If you get out of your car on the ferry, you might see some porpoise following behind. Continuing on Route 361, you will reach Aransas Pass, known as the "shrimp capital of the world", then Gregory, Portland, and back to Corpus Christi.

If time permits, take a side trip along Route 35 to the sleepy little town of Rockport, the area "artist community". There you will find a wide variety of stores featuring local art, paintings, seashells, and beachwear. If you continue to Fulton, you will pass the Fulton Mansion, a Texas landmark which has periodic tours through the historic home.

For an entertaining and enjoyable meal, stop at Boiling Pot Seafood which serves huge pots of boiled crabs, shrimp, corn, and potatoes. They will ceremoniously deposit all of this in the middle of your table, put giant bibs on everyone, and hand out wooden mallets for cracking the shellfish. Open from lunch to late evening, seven days a week, they feature blues bands on the weekends, but the process of pounding and cracking your way through the meal is entertainment enough!

Texas is cattle country and no city captures the roping, wrangling, ranching spirit of the old west like Kingsville. Just south of Corpus Christi, Kingsville is the city that grew up around the famous King Ranch. Bigger than the state of Rhode Island, the King Ranch is one of the largest (825,000 acres) and oldest working cattle ranches in the world. Guided tours are offered at the ranch and its history is also preserved in exhibits at the Conner Museum at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

The Corpus Christi area is a shopper's paradise. From malls and retail centers, to antique shops, souvenir centers and galleries, there are many days of shopping pleasure to be discovered.

Corpus Christi's status as one of the breeziest (warm breezes) cities in the nation makes it a prime vacation spot for those who love the wind and waves. Each spring, the city hosts the annual U.S. Open Windsurfing Regatta. In addition, weekly sailboat regattas are held on Wednesday evening all year round.

The variety of waterways, from open Gulf beaches to protected coves, make the Corpus Christi area attractive to beginners and experts alike. In keeping with the city's image of maintaining glistening waterways, Corpus Christi's Water Garden at Bayfront Arts and Science Park sparkles for visitors who see, hear, and touch the garden's water. Some 150 fountains form the nucleus of the park, which is lighted at night.

The revitalized downtown area provides visitors with an array of stores, restaurants, and nightlife. The center of activity downtown is the Water Street Market, a collection of places to dine, shop, and then relax with a cool drink and evening entertainment.

These are just a few of the unforgettable sights and sounds of Corpus Christi. How can anyone resist a visit to this Sparkling City by the Sea?

The Art Museum of South Texas 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd. (361) 825-3500 Directions: From Corpus Christi, 181 North to N. Shoreline Blvd. From Portland, 181 South to N. Shoreline Blvd. Hours: Tues. Wed. Fri. Sat. 10 - 5 ; Thurs. 10 - 9 ; Sun 1 - 5 (Closed Mondays) Admission: By Donation Changing exhibits of prints, paintings, sculpture, photography and folk art. Exhibits share space with breathtaking views of the bay in this facility designed by renowned architect Phillip Johnson.