2 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!