Corpus Christi (better known as "Corpus") is located on the Gulf of Mexico between Houston and the United States and Mexico border. Surrounded by islands and miles of beaches, this community, located on a bay, is a popular destination for vacations and active outdoor lifestyles.

Corpus Christi is the 8th largest city in Texas. The 2000 metro census reported a population of 380,783. The bay area population reaches over 500,000!

Our average temperature is 71.1 degrees and there are about 260 days of sunshine every year. Our mild, tropical climate is perfect for outdoor life. Fishing, sailing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding are among some of the popular outdoor sports.

Corpus Christi was originally founded in 1519 when the Spanish explorer Alonzo Alvarez de Pineda landed on the tropical bay on the Roman Catholic Feast Day of Corpus Christi. Our name translates as the "Body of Christ." Corpus Christi started out as a frontier trading post in the 1800s and later housed army troops in preparation for the war with Mexico. In 1852 the first mayor was elected, Benjamin F. Neal.

Local attractions that Corpus Christi has to offer:

• Art Center of Corpus Christi
• Art Museum of South Texas
• The Asian Cultures Museum and Educational Center
• Capt. Clark's Flagship
• Concrete Street Amphitheater
• Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History and the
  Ships of Christopher Columbus
• Corpus Christi Beach
• Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens and Nature Center
• Corpus Christi Greyhound Racetrack
• Funtrackers Amusement Park
• Harbor Playhouse
• Padre Island National Seashore
• Texas State Aquarium
• USS Lexington Museum on the Bay
• Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge
• The Watergarden
• Ocean Drive
• Downtown Seawall
• Texas Treasure Casino
• Sky High Adventures (parasailing)