Learn about the wildlife on a walk through the trails at Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve and Learning Center. Photo by Carrie Robertson Meyer
Take a walk through one of the coastal bend’s many beautiful parks, preserves, nature trails and more. Whether through sand dunes, near the sea wall, along a creek bed or through a nature preserve, Corpus Christi has a trail for every nature or fitness lover.
Dunescape
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute
Dunescape is a brand new, free public walking trail through sand dunes restored with native plant species. Built as an educational tool focused on the importance of sand dunes, Dunescape highlights the natural beauty and the strength of dunes, which are important protectors of the inlands against storms.
Dunescape is located on The University of Texas Marine Science Institute campus, 750 Channel View Drive in Port Aransas.
Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve and Nature Center
City of Corpus Christi
A 162-acre nature preserve in the city, the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve and Learning Center features a series of trails that wind through a forest of young mesquite trees, wildflowers and other native plants. Bring your own binoculars for bird-watching or check out a pair from the main building. Guided nature walks available. Read more about Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve here.
Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve and Learning Center is located at 2446 N. Oso Parkway. Take Rodd Field Road and turn southeast on Wooldridge Road. Keep going until it dead ends. Visit the website for upcoming programs and more information.
Cole Park
City of Corpus Christi
For oceanside views, visit Cole Park along Ocean Drive in Corpus Chrsiti. Upgraded facilities include a skatepark, playground and lighted fishing pier. Park offers plenty of open space for kite flying, soccer, picnics and more.
Cole Park is located at 1526 Ocean Drive in Corpus Christi.
Boardwalk
Nueces River at Hazel Bazemore Park
Take a walk on the brand new boardwalk at Hazel Bazemore park. A short 0.7 miles roundtrip, the boardwalk features fresh wood curves around the Nueces River, with Spanish moss coloring the view. The project was recently completed by the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program.
Hazel Bazemore Park is located at 4343 Co Rd 69 in Corpus Christi.
South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
Corpus Christi
After spending time exploring the botanical gardens’ 11 floral exhibits and butterfly house, hop onto the trails. A boardwalk features gazebos, birding towers and benches throughout, showcasing 182-acres along Oso Creek.
The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center is open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. It’s located at 8545 South Staples in Corpus Christi. Visit stxbot.org or call 361-852-2100 for more information.
Schanen Hike & Bike Trail
Corpus Christi
The Schanen Hike and Bike trail was built in 2016. It is over a mile long and links four parks: Snead, Whales, Cedar Ridge and Breckenridge. Benches, bike racks and stone paths are featured throughout.
Visit the Schanen Hike and Bike Trail at 6737 Snead Drive in Corpus Christi.
Nature & Hiking Trail
The Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
This scenic trail wraps around the Ward island. This 7.3-mile is lighted from dusk until dawn daily and is an excellent location to walk, bike, jog, or observe nature and wildlife.
The Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi is located at 6300 Ocean Drive in Corpus Christi. Start the trail in the Hammerhead parking lot.
