Exciting Things to do in Port Aransas, Texas
Port Aransas is a small fishing community and resort town off the Texas coast that many families, including mine, visit for beach vacations and weekend getaways. There are many exciting, fun, and affordable things to do in Port Aransas. You will find something for everyone, from playing in the sand, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the calm waters to bird watching, fishing, and parasailing.
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How to Get to Port Aransas
Located about 180 miles south of San Antonio, Port Aransas is the only town on Mustang Island, a long narrow island south of Corpus Christi.
In 2022, Tripadvisor ranked Port Aransas as number 20 in the Top 25 beach resorts in the United States, and Southern Living‘s readers ranked it as one of the Top 15 Beach Towns in the South.
There are two ways onto the island: bridge and ferry.
The JFK Causeway bridge connects to Corpus Christi and delivers visitors onto the south end of Mustang Island by Mustang Island State Park.
A free three-minute car ferry connects to the island through the city of Aransas Pass and drops visitors in the heart of Port Aransas.
To ride on the ferry, simply get in the car line. No reservations are needed, and the ferry operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
During the busy summer months, the wait for the ferry can be lengthy. No convenient stores or bathrooms are available once you get in line, so come prepared.
RELATED POST: Driving to Port Aransas? Check out my post: The Best Buc-ee’s Snacks for your Next Road Trip.
If you want to check the ferry wait times, you can check the ferry’s Twitter page for updates.
Not typically subject to powerful hurricanes; unfortunately, Hurricane Harvey slammed the Texas coast in August 2017 and devastated the small fishing community. With it came a surge of thirty feet of water, destroying most of the homes and businesses in the town.
One business owner recently commented, “It looked like the Gulf of Mexico threw a party in the middle of the store.”
It has been a long road back for the Port Aransas Community, but it has grown stronger and better than ever before.
Best Time to Visit Port Aransas
While there’s no bad time to visit Port Aransas, there are a few things to consider when choosing when to visit.
In the fall and winter, you will find mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation prices.
Spring brings families and college students to the beach for spring break and spring vacations. There can be large crowds, especially during the second and third weeks of March, when Texas schools are on spring break.
SandFest is an annual 3-day festival in April that celebrates the art of sand sculpting, bringing in artists and spectators from around the world. Held on the beaches of Mustang Island, this festival showcases impressive sand creations, ranging from intricate sculptures to larger-than-life designs, creating a festive atmosphere by the Gulf of Mexico.
The summer attracts the most crowds. You can expect higher rates for condominium and home rentals. Book your Port Aransas accommodations well in advance for a summer trip.
Where to Stay in Port Aransas
Port Aransas has so many great vacation rentals that I compiled a list of some of the best places to stay on the island, including the best house rentals with private pools.
What to Do in Port Aransas: In and Around the Water
The city of Port Aransas is relatively small and has a little over 4,000 people. However, thousands more people inundate this small community during the spring and summer months for its miles of beautiful beaches and resort-like atmosphere.
Things to do at the Port Aransas Beach
One of the best things to do in Port Aransas is to spend the day at the beach. The calm water, gentle breezes, and smooth sand help to make a day at the beach enjoyable.
With over six miles of beaches, Port Aransas has plenty of space for you to enjoy the sand and water.
Most people love this coastal community because it allows beachgoers to drive directly onto the beach, a convenience many other beaches don’t allow.
Before driving down the beach, purchase an annual beach parking pass for $12. The 2024 Port Aransas beach tag can be bought at most convenient stores and will allow you to park and enjoy all the beautiful beaches of Port Aransas.
Imagine not having to trek your beach toys and supplies through a parking lot but rather being able to keep everything in your car at your fingertips. It’s so convenient.
For more coastal adventures, check out my guide on things to do in Rockport, Texas!
Build a Sandcastle
Building sandcastles is a favorite Port Aransas beach activity. The moisture level of the sand is perfect for making a sand masterpiece.
In fact, one of the most popular events in Port Aransas is SandFest which happens each April.
Competitors from all over gather at Port A in Texas for the nation’s largest sand sculpture competition. The festival includes the sand sculpture competition, shopping, live music, food, and a fun-filled beach weekend.
Go Parasailing
Chute ‘Em Up Parasail – 154 W Cotter Ave.
For an adventure over the water, check out Chute ‘Em Up Parasailing, located in Port A Outfitters. For around $90 per person, you can fly high above the Lydia Ann Channel. They have rave reviews on Facebook, especially from first-timers.
They take up anyone from age seven on up and can even take up to three people at a time. So, pick your best friends and have the time of your life.
Kayak at Night
Glow Row Kayak Tour – Lighthouse Lakes Launch, Redfish Bay Causeway, Port Aransas, TX
Want a water adventure that doesn’t include flying? One of the most unique things to do in Port Aransas is kayaking at night! Glow Row light-up kayak tours offer two trips on Thursday nights, leaving at 8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
The mile-long trip takes over an hour to complete.
Clear bottom kayaks fitted with colorful lights are your vessel as you cross the boating channel and then into the shallows of Lighthouse Lakes.
Beginners are welcome!
Learn How to Surf
Texas Surf Camps
For other fun Port Aransas activities, try surfing or stand-up paddleboarding. Texas may not be known for its surfing; however, the owner of Texas Surf Camps is changing that. Sharing his passion for surfing was the force behind creating his company that offers daily and weekly camps. Campers meet at the Horace Caldwell Pier in I.B. Magee Beach Park.
Anyone age six and up with basic swimming skills can sign up for a camp or class.
If surfing isn’t your thing, how about stand-up paddleboarding? Texas Surf Camps offers private and group lessons.
Paddleboarding is a surprisingly peaceful activity once you find your balance. It’s worth checking out.
Go Fishing
Port Aransas is known as the “Fishing Capital of Texas.” There are a variety of ways to enjoy fishing in Port Aransas. You can fish from the beach, charter a tour, or fish from the piers or jetties.
Take a Dolphin Watch Nature Tour or Sunset Cruise
If you want to get out on the water but don’t want to fish, consider booking a dolphin-watching cruise or sunset cruise. Cruises leave from the Port Aransas Harbor area near the ferry.
The dolphin watch nature tours last 1 ½ hours and leave several times throughout the day. Adult prices begin at around $35, and children’s prices start at $25, depending on the cruise line.
The sunset cruises leave, beginning at 6:30.
For a large family, consider booking a private dolphin and sunset cruise.
Act Like a Pirate on the High Seas
That’s right! Port Aransas has its very own pirate ship. The Red Dragon Pirate Cruise takes visitors out into the Lydia Ann Chanel in Port Aransas for a two-hour trip two times daily.
The interactive boat ride is a super fun thing to do in Port Aransas. It includes “pirates” entertaining you with stories, engaging you in a water gun and sword fight, blasting a cannon, and providing an overall fun adventure. Passengers even spot dolphins on the trips.
The Red Dragon Pirate Cruises depart from Capt. Kitty’s, which is located near the ferry landing in Port Aransas.
The cost of the trip varies with the season. To ride on a pirate ship, advanced reservations are required.
Red Dragon Pirate Cruise – 440 W. Cotter Ave.
What to do in Port Aransas: In and Around Town
Visit the Port Aransas Museum
Learn about the history of this small fishing town by visiting the Port Aransas Museum. In addition to the museum, visit Farley Boat Works to see a working boat museum.
You might recognize the Farley Boat name from the boats you see at various businesses around town. Farley Boat Works sponsors the annual Wooden Boat Festival held over three days in October each year.
Go Shopping
You won’t find chain retailers in Port Aransas, but what you will find are adorable locally-owned businesses like BoJon’s, Roam Home, and Stephanie’s Stuff, all selling beach-related decor, clothing, and toys.
These boutique shops are located throughout town and have unique items to take home to remind you of your fun time on the island.
A fun thing to do in Port Aransas is to visit the souvenir shops.
Souvenir shops are easy to find in town. Look for the giant beach-themed displays, such as the open-mouthed giant shark or the black and white lighthouse.
Many souvenir shops sell t-shirts, beach things like towels, beach toys, flip-flops, and beachy souvenirs like shark tooth necklaces.
If you have small kids or are just with people young at heart, look for the wooden-painted Port Aransas art displays around town for photo opportunities.
My family members modeled for you. Don’t they look great?
A small IGA grocery store, a CVS pharmacy, and many convenience stores/gas stations for ice, drinks and even fishing licenses are located on the island.
Port Aransas is genuinely a family destination. Although there are bars and restaurants with entertainment like outdoor music, most establishments close early, before midnight.
Grab a Bite to Eat
Port Aransas has many different restaurants, including ones that offer waterfront dining. For a complete list and breakdown of places to eat in Port Aransas, check out my post, Don’t Miss out on These Port Aransas Restaurants.
Play a Round of Golf
Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Community – 258 Snapdragon
The Palmilla Beach Golf Course welcomes golfers to tee off on their “links” style golf course. This course is similar to those that you might find in Scotland in that three of its holes run parallel to the beach and have coastal dunes.
Originally designed by Arnold Palmer, the course has nine holes with a par three loop. Golfers have a choice to play 9, 12, or 18 holes.
Palmilla is a casual golf club with no membership fee or dress code. The course embraces island living, and players are encouraged to come and play a round with friends.
Your tee time fee includes a golf cart and an hour on the driving range.
Check out REDS grill at the Palmilla Clubhouse for drinks, snacks, and music when your round is done.
Ride Around in a Golf Cart
Some shops are within walking distance of each other, but the popular mode of transportation in the town is golf carts. You will see golf carts of different sizes jetting around, intermingling with the regular traffic. Many visitors cruise the small town in their carts, looking for fun things to do in Port Aransas.
Golf cart rentals in Port Aransas have become increasingly popular. Rental companies have popped up all over town, making golf carts easy to rent.
Many beachfront condos and home rental communities built boardwalks allowing you to drive your carts onto the beach, making it much more convenient.
Because of their popularity, golf carts are allowed on the streets in town and along most of the beach. For safety reasons, the only place you cannot drive the golf carts is on the highway.
Some vacation rental properties now include golf carts in the rental price. When looking for a Port Aransas vacation condo or house, consider renting one that provides a golf cart rental.
Golf cart rental prices can range anywhere from $150-$225 per day, so having the cost included in the accommodation rental can be a money saver.
Golf cart rentals in Port Aransas
- Bron’s Backyard & Beach Rentals – Besides golf carts, you can rent chairs, umbrellas, and other beach items from Brons.
- Trout Street Golf Cart Rentals
- Sage Beach Carts – provider for Cinnamon Shores guests
- Ocean Carts
- Jackfish Golf Cart Rentals – Rents golf carts, surfboards, fishing gear, and boogie boards
Have a Spa Day at Balinese Wellness Sp
When you need a respite from the sun, enjoy a spa day at the Balinese Wellness Spa and Yoga Retreat. The spa offers a full menu of services, from waxing to massages to various facials.
Free Things to Do in Port Aransas with Family
Explore The University of Texas Marine Science Institute’s Patton Center
The newly opened Patton Center, run by the UT Marine Science Institute, offers hands-on opportunities to learn about Port Aransas’s local marine life.
The Patton Center, located at 855 East Cotter Ave., is free to visit and is open from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 pm on Tuesday- Saturday.
Watch for Dolphins
Roberts Point Park is located to the left of the ferry exit. There is a walking path, pavilions, and benches overlooking the water. Here you can almost always spot dolphins that bow-surf the large ships that cross the channel.
Go Bird Watching
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center – 1356 Ross Ave.
Some people may not know that Port Aransas is a bird watcher’s paradise. With wetlands and miles of beach, the area offers a refuge for many bird species.
In fact, the Port Aransas Nature Preserve has four spots dedicated to protecting the area’s habitats.
If you have time to go to one, I recommend the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center. It is free and open from sunrise to sunset, but the morning is the best time to go.
A small cement pathway surrounded by beautiful plants and butterflies leads you into the area, where you will find a well-built boardwalk and viewing tower for your use.
The birding center fills with some serious bird watchers. Don’t feel silly with your iPhone as they carry their mega lenses. You can still enjoy the experience with the help of informational plaques.
If you have wildlife binoculars, you should bring them.
I don’t know much about the types of birds I was looking at, but some of the birds you might see are herons, pelicans, ducks, and many other types.
If you are lucky, you might even see the alligator that lives there as we did.
Beware, the wastewater treatment plant is located next door. It gave off a not-so-pleasant smell that lingered our way, but it wasn’t enough to ruin the experience.
A birding expert guides groups through the boardwalk each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. on a free walk called Birding on the Boardwalk. All levels of bird watchers can come; they even have binoculars you can use for the walk.
Take a Yoga Class
Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture
The Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture is over 1,000 acres of undeveloped land that has been preserved in Port Aransas as a haven for wildlife. As the city’s development happens, the conservation of the land maintains the coastal environment for birds and waterfowl.
The Preserve offers free yoga classes on Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. You have to pre-register for the class, which you can do here.
Watch Turtles Released into the Ocean
Padre Island National Seashore – 20420 Park Road 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
This next activity isn’t in Port Aransas but near The Padre Island National Seashore.
If you visit Port Aransas in the summer, watch the schedule for the sea turtle hatchling releases at Padre Island National Seashore on Malaquite Beach, located at the Malaquite Visitor Center.
Each year, Kemp sea turtles, the smallest and most endangered sea turtle species, come to Texas beaches and lay their eggs. Once they lay them, they return to the sea and never come back.
Volunteers search the beaches for the nests, then rescue and care for the eggs until they hatch.
Visitors can watch the hatchlings being released onto the National Seashore beach. As they make their way to the water, the journey can take up to forty-five minutes.
Because the eggs’ hatching timeline is an estimate, there is no set schedule for the release.
You can check the Hatchling Hotline (361-949-7163) or the Padre Island National Seashore Facebook page for up-to-the-minute details.
Activities Near Port Aransas
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
If a trip to the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center has piqued your interest in bird watching, then you must plan a visit to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in nearby Austwell, Texas.
The wildlife refuge is dedicated to protecting the breeding grounds of the endangered whooping crane.
Visitors can enjoy the new visitors center, a 16-mile auto tour, observation towers, walking trails, and picnic spots.
Visit San Jose Island
For even more secluded beach time, take a short ferry ride to San Jose Island, also known as St. Jo’s Island.
On the deserted island, you will find twenty-one miles of undisturbed beaches, including some of the best beaches to go shelling for unique shells.
The ferry leaves from Fisherman’s Wharf in town with set ferry times. There are no amenities on the island, so make sure to bring anything you might need for your visit.
Visit the Texas State Aquarium
The Texas State Aquarium is located a short drive away in Corpus Christi. The aquarium educates visitors about the Gulf of Mexico and its sea animals.
Visitors learn about dolphins, turtles, sharks, and rays through interactive presentations.
Additionally, there is a splash park for the kids, a 4-D theater, and many dining options.
Begin Planning your Next Port Aransas Trip
Consider these activities in Port Aransas as exciting things to do while visiting Texas. Enjoy the beach, the water, the town, and all of these exciting things to do in Port Aransas. Who knows? Maybe I will see you there.
RELATED POST: If you want to learn about another Tripadvisor top-ranked United States beach, you can read about Ogunquit, Maine, in my post from a New England road trip.
