FLORA, FAUNA and FUN are keywords for the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, one of the Texas Coastal Bend's major visitor destinations and leading nature tourism facilities! The 182-acre venue showcases 11 uniquely-designed floral exhibits and gardens, including the 2600 square-foot screened Butterfly House, new 1800 square-foot Samuel Jones Orchid Conservatory, Anderson Bromeliad Conservatory, seasonal Plumeria Garden with viewing ramp, plus Rose Garden and massive Rose Pavilion, delightful Hummingbird Garden, desert-like Arid Garden and "artscaped" Sensory Garden. New entertainment features include "Resident Reptiles" and vibrant Exotic Parrot collection.
Tranquil Gator Lake, Mary Hope Brennecke Nature Trail with two Kent Ullberg bronze wildlife sculptures, birding tower, Palapa Grande, wetlands boardwalk and newly enhanced Oso Creek Loop Trail make this a key site on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, and in Corpus Christi, which repeatedly has been named "Birdiest City" in the United States. Strategically situated along Oso Creek on Corpus Christi's rapidly-growing upscale south side, this unlikely blend of beauty in the wild is part of the city's growing Oso Creek Greenbelt system, nearly touching the northern reaches of the world-famous King Ranch in an intriguing wildlife corridor--and is a Texas Watchable Wildlife Program site.
A memorable venue for visitors, family outings, garden enthusiasts, birdwatchers, wildlife trackers, teachers and students--or those just out for an enjoyable recreational, relaxing change of pace. Shop the delightful Joan Batman Nature's Boutique-recently enlarged and remodeled-in the Visitors Center. Memberships, docent-guided group tours, and facilities rentals are available.
Located at 8545 S. Staples St. in Corpus Christi, the facility is open daily, 9 am to 6 pm, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. General Admission--$8 adults; $6 age 60, active Military, college students; $4 children ages 3 through 12. Under 3 and members, free. Free car, bus, RV parking. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
This facility is a member of the American Horticultural Society's Reciprocal Admissions program. (www.ahs.org)
South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
8545 S. Staples
Corpus Christi, Texas 78413
361- 852-2100
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