One of the Coastal Bend's major visitor destinations and leading nature tourism facilities, the 180-acre South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center showcases 11 uniquely-designed floral exhibits and gardens, including the new screened Butterfly House and 800-plant Bromeliad Conservatory, acclaimed Orchid House and Plumeria Garden, plus Rose Garden and massive Rose Pavilion, Hummingbird, Arid and Sensory Gardens. Strategically situated along Oso Creek on Corpus Christi?s affluent south side, this unlikely blend of beauty in the wild nearly touches the northern reaches of the world-famous King Ranch, placing it in an intriguing wildlife corridor. Tranquil Gator Lake, shaded trails, birding tower, Palapa Grande and wetlands boardwalk make this a key site on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail for both shore birds and woodland song birds. Delightful Garden Shoppe in Visitors Center. Docent-guided group tours, and facilities rentals available.

Near future includes new Education Station, fruit tree orchard won in on-line competition sponsored by Fruit Tree Foundation and Dreyer's Fruit Bars, Palm Garden.

Member: American Public Garden Association,
American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Gardens program,
Texas Travel Industry Association,
Greater Corpus Christi Hospitality Association,
Texas Coastal Bend Regional Tourism Council.

The Corpus Christi Botanical Society, Inc., formed in 1983, was a grass-roots effort by a small group of horticulturally inclined citizens. Opening in 1987, the Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens, included a preliminary one-acre 'cottage' garden, small farmhouse Information Center and a nature trail--through 1995.

In early 1996, the Botanical Gardens officially opened its 180-acre permanent site at 8545 S. Staples, rich with preserved natural wetlands and pristine natural habitat along Oso Creek. Significant by-laws changes occurred in 1999. The Botanical Society changed its corporation name to the Botanical & Nature Institute of South Texas, Inc. The membership also voted to increase the number of potential board positions from 15 to 50 to enhance the board?s community profile and increase its fundraising capabilities. A high-profile advisory board also was added.

Upon opening the permanent site in 1996, the Children's Garden, picnic/play area, Bird & Butterfly Trail, Palapa Grande on Gator Lake, dirt parking area and compact but intimate Visitors Center was all that greeted visitors. But fall of 1996 brought dedication of the four-winged lathe-constructed Exhibit House, as well as one of CCBG's cornerstones, the Don Larkin Memorial Orchid Greenhouse. The Orchid House--built with wet wall, heaters, fans, rainwater collection system assisted by a reverse osmosis system now houses nearly 2000 orchids, curated and maintained by the South Texas Orchid Society.

In 1999, the Hibiscus Garden opened, followed by a Water Garden. Construction projects in 2000 included widening and resurfacing of the Bird & Butterfly Trail; adding 500 feet to the Wetlands Awareness Boardwalk; and creating an earthen levee in the large wetlands to help maintain water levels. The wetland exhibit was nationally recognized for outstanding partnerships in conservation and education by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service during National Wetlands Month in May, 2005.

A screened live Butterfly House, and the Anderson Bromeliad Conservatory, home for 800 bromeliads, both opened in 2009. Both facilities are part of a $3 million capital campaign which will fund a new visitors center, education facility, entrance, dancing waters, children?s play area and more.