South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, Corpus Christi, Texas, United States of America
South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Corpus Christi, Texas is home to an Exhibit House featuring bromeliads, cacti, cycads, and succulents. It has an orchid house with over 3,000 orchids. Inaugurated in 1996, it also has an arid garden, contemporary rose garden with a huge pavilion, hibiscus garden, hummingbird garden, landscape demonstration beds, sensory garden, and water garden. It is equipped with a mesquite natural trail as well. Fauna includes collared peccaries, coyotes, and white-tailed deer.
There are several fun things to do in the area, such as visiting Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge. Popular as one of the world’s best sea bird watching areas, it has a dedicated pier for bird viewing. It has a trail suitable for biking and hiking. Also, it has grills and picnic tables. Tourists should also visit Mirador de la Flor - Selena’s Seawall. It is a 5’8” bronze statue honoring the late Tejano singer Selena. It was sculpted by HW “Buddy” Tatum and dedicated in 1997. Another interesting site to visit in the area is Whataburger Field. It is a minor league baseball stadium with various facilities. These include CITGO Cotton Club, which is an airconditioned entertainment area; Stripes Kid’s Park, which is a youth baseball field; and VIP Lounge, which is a covered area perfect for parties. There are a lot of hotels around the Botanical Garden, like the Residence Inn Corpus Christi. The hotel offers an indoor pool, and free internet. Another prominent hotel in the area is the Fairfield Inn & Suites Corpus Christi, which features a fitness center and free self service breakfast.