8 Best Sights in South Texas and the Coast, Texas

Spacious galleries inside these white shellcrete walls designed by architect Philip Johnson have beckoned South Texas art lovers and tourists for more than four decades. In 2006, the museum doubled in size, adding gallery space and a café that overlooks the bay and ship channel. The permanent collection comprises more than 1,500 pieces in a variety of mediums, with concentration on works of the Americas, and especially the region contiguous to Texas. In addition to the exhibits, the museum presents classes, lectures, films, and performances to highlight the art and artists of the region and of the Americas. The café courtyard has unobstructed stunning views of the water. Look for a spectacular chandelier by iconic glass artist Dale Chihuly.

Three Spanish treasure ships that ran aground on Padre Island in 1554 anchor the exhibits at this family-friendly museum. You'll want to schedule several hours to fully explore nine different exhibit areas that cover a variety of subjects, including agriculture, coastal ecology, history of trading, and reptile biology—each in a mind-bending, curiosity-building interactive way that will keep even the most skeptical teenagers engaged. Younger children have a designated area to play with dinosaur puzzles, climb on a two-story lighthouse, or make believe in a farmhouse. Pack a few extra coins to spend in the gift shop. Nerds love it!

This small museum honors Selena Quintanilla Perez—known simply as Selena and considered by some to be the Mexican equivalent of Madonna—a wildly successful singer–songwriter during the 1990s who was murdered by a former president of her fan club. See her red Porsche, some of her favorite outfits, and other items that honor her memory and legendary career.

Underwater adventure comes to life for all ages in an intimate educational environment that allows you to touch, watch, feed, and interact with hundreds of aquatic species. Interactive exhibits will introduce you to water-based tales from the Texas shore to the the depths of the Gulf of Mexico. If the weather is good be sure to pack the kids' swimsuits—they may get wet if the dophins get happy during their performance; even if they don't, the splash park will be waiting when the show is over.

Retrofitted as a floating museum after 48 years of service, this World War II–era aircraft carrier is the most highly decorated in its class. Watch history take flight in a 3-D IMAX theater, then take a self-guided tour to explore nearly 100,000 square feet on 11 decks (which means lots of stairs) on which you'll see 20 aircraft on loan from the National Museum of Naval Aviation. Before you leave, strap yourself into a $180,000 fighter-jet flight simulator to take home an experience you'll never forget. Non-air-conditioned areas of the ship can get very warm during hot weather. Dress comfortably.