To get a better sense of the area’s colorful past, drop by the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History (1900 N. Chaparral St., 361/826-4667, www.ccmuseum.com, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tues.–Sat., noon–5 p.m. Sun., $11.50 adults, $9 seniors, $6 children 5–12). The museum features myriad educational exhibits emphasizing the Gulf Coast’s relation to the natural and cultural world.

Particularly fascinating is the Ships of Christopher Columbus exhibit featuring authentic reproductions of the Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria. The three vessels, located outside the museum and accessible to visitors, were built in Spain to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ voyage to the New World. Each ship was made with authentic 15th-century materials such as hand-forged nails and wood from the same forests used for Columbus’ ships.

The museum’s other noteworthy exhibits are also maritime-related, including an interactive shipwreck display containing artifacts from three Spanish treasure ships that ran aground on Padre Island in 1554, an exhibit featuring artifacts related to French explorer Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle’s ill-fated Belle shipwreck, and the Children’s Wharf, a bustling learning area for youngsters.

The remainder of the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History contains a comprehensive collection of more than 28,000 objects (shells, Native-American crafts, bird and reptile eggs) representing the history and culture of South Texas.