Bidi bidi bom bom, Texas! Few Texans have touched as many hearts as Selena Quintanilla. Decades after her music first lit up radio stations across the state, her songs still fill quinceañeras, family parties, and car rides with the windows down.
Selena called Corpus Christi home, and the city has never stopped celebrating her. If you’re a fan, here’s how to spend a day honoring the Queen of Tejano.
Who Was Selena?
Selena Quintanilla was born on April 16, 1971, in Lake Jackson, Texas. She began performing as a child with her family’s band, Selena y Los Dinos, and grew into one of the biggest stars in Tejano music.
Her live album, Selena Live!, won a Grammy in 1994. Her style, warmth, and powerful voice made her an icon, and she was working on a crossover English-language album when she died in 1995 at just 23 years old. Her legacy lives on through her music and the millions of fans who still love her.
Mirador de la Flor
This is the spot every fan wants to see. Mirador de la Flor is a memorial on the Corpus Christi bayfront, along the 600 block of North Shoreline Boulevard. It features a life-size bronze statue of Selena gazing out at the water.
The Selena statue at Mirador de la Flor in Corpus Christi. Photo: Jruizalvarez via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Visitors often leave flowers and messages, and it’s a beautiful place to pause and enjoy the bay views. Go early in the morning or near sunset for the best light and smaller crowds.
The Selena Museum
The Selena Museum is located inside the studios of Q Productions, her family’s record label, on Leopard Street. Inside, you’ll find her iconic stage outfits, gold and platinum records, her Grammy awards, and personal items from her childhood.
It’s a heartfelt look at her life and career. Hours can change, so call or check online before you go.
Her Star on the South Texas Walk of Fame
Selena has a star on the South Texas Walk of Fame near Water Street Market in downtown Corpus Christi. It’s a fun photo stop if you’re already exploring downtown.
Paying Respects at Seaside Memorial Park
Selena is buried at Seaside Memorial Park on Ocean Drive. Many fans visit to leave flowers. If you go, please be quiet and respectful, since this is a cemetery for many families.
Murals and Neighborhood Tributes
Selena murals pop up around Corpus Christi, including in the neighborhood where she once lived. Keep your eyes open while you drive around town, and you’re bound to spot her smiling face.
The Corpus Christi bayfront at night, where Mirador de la Flor overlooks the water. Photo: Jay Phagan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Make It a Corpus Christi Weekend
Corpus Christi has plenty more to explore. Visit the Texas State Aquarium, tour the USS Lexington Museum, or head out to the beaches of Padre Island National Seashore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Selena statue in Corpus Christi?
The statue is at Mirador de la Flor, along the 600 block of North Shoreline Boulevard on the bayfront.
Can you visit the Selena Museum?
Yes. The museum is on Leopard Street inside the Q Productions studios. Check hours before you visit.
Where was Selena born?
Selena was born in Lake Jackson, Texas, and later lived in Corpus Christi.
Como la Flor
Selena’s story is a Texas story, full of family, music, and big dreams. Visiting Corpus Christi is a beautiful way to celebrate her life. Just don’t be surprised if you have her songs stuck in your head the whole drive home.
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