With a humid subtropical climate, Corpus Christi, Texas, draws beach goers during the warm, steamy, summer months but also attracts a year-round following for its mostly mild winters. Should you happen upon this Gulf Coast city when the weatherman indicates air conditioning is in order, don’t throw in the towel. Instead, arm yourself with a good list of some indoor attractions in the Corpus Christi, Texas, area and prepare to keep your cool.

Next best to being at the beach is a trip to the Texas State Aquarium. Not only can you sign up for special dolphin encounters without leaving land but you can also spot sea turtles, otters, alligators and other creatures of the water relatively up-close. In a crab shell: good for all ages.

Another family-friendly option is the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. It’s not so big that you’ll get lost but it does have a well-rounded selection of interactive exhibits to keep everyone entertained beyond meteorites and mammoth bones.

Overlooking Corpus Christi Bay is the recently expanded Art Museum of Southern Texas. Thoroughly modern in design, this pleasant facility boasts a permanent collection strong in art of the Americas, with a number of works by artists from the general Southwestern region. Check their calendar for the latest temporary exhibit or arts-oriented programs that even tots can sink their teeth into.

We can’t promise total air conditioned comfort, but the other, almost-indoor, cultural attraction worth adding to your agenda is the USS Lexington, an aircraft carrier from the 1940’s. This floating museum has a flight simulator (with air conditioning, mind you), a MEGA Theater that can get you inside a bone-shaking Texas thunderstorm and other exhibits to supplement a self-guided tour of the Lexington.

So on those days when even another layer of sunscreen won’t cut it, don’t hide out in your hotel room. Head for local cultural hot spots and see this beach city’s other side.