Description
The Corpus Christi Bay Trail connects many of Corpus Christi's tourist attractions along its nearly 9 mile waterfront route, including the Art Museum of South Texas, Museum of Science and History, and Corpus Christi Marina. The trail begins in the north at the city's American Bank Center arena, where residents and visitors can take in a sporting event or convention. At the southern endpoint, the trail passes directly through the campus of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi.
The Corpus Christi Bay Trail also links the city's six parks along Ocean Drive on Corpus Christi Bay. While the trail's concrete surface makes it popular for bikers, walkers, and inline skaters seeking space for exercise, the Corpus Christi Bay Trail also has a reputation as a superb spot for bird watching. Threatened and endangered species—such as the brown pelican and American peregrine falcon, among others—often can be spotted from the trail along Oso Creek and Oso Bay.
Trail users should be advised that a significant portion of the Corpus Christi Bay Trail is actually a sidewalk or bike lane, and not a dedicated off-road route.
Parking and Trail Access
The Corpus Christi Bay Trail parallels S. Shoreline Boulevard/Ocean Drive for most of its route. For those traveling to the trail by car, parking is available at Bayfront Park and the American Bank Center at the northern trailhead. Parking can also be found between Sherrill Park and McCaughan Park near the city's marina. Cole Park likewise has its own parking lot farther south, or consider parking at the campus of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi at the trail's southern endpoint.