If you are looking for the best things to do in Port Aransas, Texas, then you are in the right place!
As native Texans, we have visited Port Aransas all our lives and love all that this coastal city has to offer!
Located on the Texas coastline, Port Aransas boasts great sandy beaches, deep sea fishing, and a fun, laid-back atmosphere.
Visitors to this Texas coast city can enjoy dolphin watching, hiking trails, and a whole lot of other fun things!
Located on Mustang Island, just south of Corpus Christi, this small Texas town might be small, but it has plenty to offer.
The proximity to South Padre Island and Corpus Christi makes it easily accessible from Texas cities like San Antonio and Austin, making this one of the fun Texas road trips.
If you don’t want to drive, fly to the local Mustang Beach Airport instead.
The close location to Corpus Christi means that you can also head back to the mainland to explore some of the things to do in Corpus.
Let’s dive into all the fun things to do in Port Aransas.
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Port Aransas Beach
Port Aransas Beach is one of the best beaches in Texas, and once you visit it, you will see why.
This public beach is wide and sandy, the perfect place to spend the day lounging in the sun, bird watching, shallow water fishing, or just playing in the Gulf of Mexico waters.
This beach is also where the annual Texas Sand Fest (mentioned below) occurs yearly.
A visit to Port Aransas Beach means you are at the perfect place to enjoy the warm Gulf breezes while you bask in the Texas sun.
If you rent a golf cart, which we recommend below, you can also drive it on Port Aransas Beach.
This makes lugging your beach necessities around a breeze!
Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island State Park is a beautiful state park on a barrier island off the coast of Texas. It is one of the reasons that Port Aransas is considered one of the most romantic getaways in Texas!
Named after the wild mustangs that used to be found on the island, the park offers more than 5 miles of beach and outdoor recreation area.
Visitors to Mustang Island State Park can fish, swim, mountain bike, build sandcastles, or just lounge on the beach.
Mustang Island is also popular for bird watching as over 300 bird species call Mustang Island home.
Birds aren’t the only species that call Mustang Island home, though.
The island is also home to the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles and whooping cranes.
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Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
Speaking of whooping cranes, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place to see this endangered species.
In addition to the cranes, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is also home to alligators, lizards, turtles, waterfowl, and other species.
The preserve also boasts a gorgeous landscape with beaches, dunes, and grasslands.
Here, you can partake in wildlife watching, hiking, fishing, and more.
Visit Texas Sandfest
One of our favorite things to do in Port Aransas, TX, is to visit during the annual Texas Sandfest.
Texas Sandfest is an incredible world-famous sand castle-building competition held each year in Port Aransas.
Head down to Port Aransas beach to see the sandcastles lining the shores.
The artistry of the sand castles is incredible, and it is worth visiting Port Aransas during the festival.
We love seeing national and local artists create their sand masterpieces, and the vendors with their tasty treats are just a bonus!
Of course, you can always try to build your sandcastle as well!
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Go Kayaking
There are several places in Port Aransas to hit the water and enjoy some time kayaking.
Over 20 miles of paddling trails are on the Mustang Island Paddling Trail.
The trails here are well-marked and easy to follow.
Another paddling trail in Port Aransas is the Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail in Aransas Pass.
This trail allows paddlers to see several different habitats.
These habitats include tidal flats, salt marshes, and mangrove forests.
Both paddling trails are part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife System, so you can be assured that they are worth visiting while in Port Aransas.
If you own a kayak, you are ready to go. If you don’t, there are several places around Port Aransas, TX, where you can rent one.
Try Your Hand At Deep Sea Fishing
One of the best things to do in Port Aransas is to go deep-sea fishing.
There are loads of fishing charters from Port Aransas that would love to take you out fishing for the day.
Anglers are known to catch all sorts of fish from the Gulf of Mexico.
I guess that is why this is the fishing capital of Texas.
Once you have your catch, some local restaurants will cook up the day’s catch for you.
You can participate in a group tour or rent your private charter in Port Aransas.
A private tour allows you the flexibility to create your desired experience!
Catching and eating your dinner tops the list of things to do in Port Aransas, TX.
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Roberts Point Park
For a fun day filled with outdoor activities, then be sure to add Roberts Point Park to your Port Aransas, TX list.
The park’s close to the Corpus Christi Ship Channel makes it a great place to see boats.
The park’s granite jetties and lighted piers ensure that there are also perfect areas for fishing.
Here, you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and more.
Of course, with the Gulf of Mexico at your doorstep, you can be sure that there are many birds and other wildlife species to watch while at Roberts Point Park.
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center is considered one of the top birding destinations in the United States.
Of course, this can be attributed to numerous migrating birds making their way here.
This great Texas birding trail welcomes species like ospreys, peregrine falcons, and spoonbills.
When you visit, be sure to visit the observation tower.
The Leonabelle observation tower lets you see great marshland and Aransas Bay views.
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Port Aransas Museum
Head to the Port Aransas Museum to explore the museum and its historic home.
The early 20th-century kit house was on the state’s list as one of the most endangered structures before being donated to the Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Society in 2007.
The historical society renovated and restored the historic home and made it the home of the Port Aransas Museum.
Today, you can visit the museum to learn more about the history of Port Aransas, TX.
Explore the artifacts, photographs, and documents that are housed here.
Farley Boat Works
If you want to see true craftsmanship, visit Farley Boat Works in Port Aransas, Texas, to watch boats being built.
The boat-building process is long, so you won’t be able to see a boat completed in one visit, but you can still observe the craftsmanship involved in creating one of the vessels.
Farley Boat Works is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving this craftsmanship in Port Aransas, TX.
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Port Aransas Nature Preserve
Thanks to the boardwalk constructed at the Port Aransas Nature Preserve, visitors can get up close and personal with the local wildlife.
Photographers visiting Port Aransas, Texas, will love that the boardwalk at the nature preserve allows visitors to walk over a small patch of wetland to see the birds and animals.
The best part is that this is also one of the many free things to do in Port Aransas!
Rent a Golf Cart
One of the things I loved about Port Aransas was the golf carts that could be seen scooting all over the island.
During your time in Port Aransas, Texas, why not join the locals and make a golf cart your choice for transportation also.
I loved seeing all of the fun carts all over the island.
There were golf carts of all makes and sizes cruising the streets and beaches of Port Aransas.
My favorite part of this was seeing the personality that people added to their carts.
We saw carts decorated like old-timey cars, resembling sharks, and carts sporting college logos and colors.
Several companies on the island rent golf carts, so shop around to find a perfect fit for you.
The best part is, you can take them to the street and the beach!
Remember that you must still obey traffic laws when operating a golf cart.
Always be mindful of pedestrians and other vehicles, and NEVER drink and drive your golf cart!
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Sail on a Pirate Ship
Yes, you read that correctly. You can sail on a pirate ship during your Port Aransas vacation.
Red Dragon Cruises has been entertaining kids with their pirate adventures for years.
Their tour takes you around the bays in Port Aransas, helping you spot all sorts of aquatic wildlife.
While kids participate in the pirate adventure, adults can enjoy some fun, signature cocktails from the onboard bar.
Just belly up and say “Ahoy matey” to the bartender!
Of course, costumes are encouraged to make the voyage more memorable.
Take a Dolphin Watching Cruise
One of our favorite things to do in Port Aransas and any beach town is to take a dolphin-watching cruise.
Seeing marine life in its natural environment is a fabulous experience, and I love that the Lone Star State offers many opportunities to do this!
The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico attract dolphins, making Port Aransas a great place to spot them.
Several businesses in the area offer tours, but one of our favorite activities is participating in private tours.
The private charters allow you to interact with the dolphins and have the boat crew’s attention, ensuring you have a great time.
Most tours take you to the Lydia Ann Channel, where you can see dolphins, birds, and more.
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Ferry Ride To Corpus Christi
Another way to spend time on the water is to take the ferry from Port Aransas, TX, to Corpus Christi.
The free ferry ride only takes about 10 minutes; you can even put your car on the ferry to take over with you.
There are many fun things to do in Corpus Christi, one of the most popular being the Texas State Aquarium.
Major attractions at the aquarium include Dolphin Bay, Otter Creek, and Stingray Lagoon, sure to please kids of all ages.
For information on the aquarium, be sure to visit their website.
Go Horseback Riding
You are missing out if you have never been horseback riding on the beach!
One of our favorite places to experience this fun activity is on Padre Island National Seashore.
Located a short drive from Port Aransas, TX, Padre Island National Seashore is one of the best beaches in Texas and the perfect place to enjoy a horseback ride.
The beaches here are expansive, and the waves coming in create the perfect atmosphere for a nice evening ride.
Whooping Crane Boat Tour
Hop on a whooping crane boat tour and head to the Aransas Wildlife Refuge to learn all about the beautiful birds and the whooping cranes.
November through April, guests can hop on board the Wharf Cat for a trip narrated by Texas Master Nationalist and Ornithologist Ray Little.
The excursion is best enjoyed from the observation deck, which ensures a great view of the endangered species native to the Port Aransas area.
The boat offers concessions for sale throughout the tour to ensure your needs are accounted for.
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Visit San Jose Island
San Jose Island is a short boat ride from Port Aransas, TX, and a popular place to visit if you are a sea shell lover.
The privately owned island offers pristine beaches, usually full of seashells, surrounded by the blue waters of the Gulf.
As many people make the trip over from Port Aransas, San Jose Island can get crowded, so if you want to find the best shells, plan to visit early in the morning!
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute
Founded in 1892, the University of Texas Marine Science Institute is one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious marine research facilities.
Today, the Institute serves as the institute’s public education museum.
Here, you can check out the aquarium exhibits that house marine life from varied Texas ecosystems.
The varied educational outreach programs help visitors learn about the wide variety of aquatic flora and fauna throughout the state.
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Aransas Pass (Lydia Ann) Lighthouse
The Aransas Pass lighthouse, aka the Lydia Ann Lighthouse, in Port Aransas, TX, is one of several 19th-century lighthouses along the Texas coastline.
The lighthouse is located in Aransas Pass, west of Port Aransas.
Port Aransas Community Theatre
If you are looking for some indoor activities during your time in Port Aransas, check out the Port Aransas Community Theatre.
The community theatre was created over 25 years ago and has been going strong in this community ever since.
Offering live performances of all kinds, the theatre hosts musicians and theatrical performances throughout the year.
In the summer, they even offer live, interactive performances.
On occasion, they even host escape rooms in the theatre. This is fun for all ages!
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Balinese Wellness Spa
Who doesn’t love a little pampering during vacation?
Well, if you desire some pampering in Port Aransas, TX, the Balinese Wellness Spa is the place for you!
Schedule any of their fabulous services to enjoy a day of pampering in their calm, stress-free environment.
Services that we love include full-body massages and relaxing facials.
Combining this with the fact that you can enjoy wine and snacks during your spa time is a win-win!
Coffee Waves
Coffee lovers will want to visit the local coffee shop, Coffee Waves.
This coffee shop serves delicious, gourmet coffee drinks that please even the most discerning coffee addict.
Offering hot and cold drinks in various flavors, you could visit Coffee Waves every day for a week and not have the same drink (unless you choose to).
In addition to coffee, they offer pastries, smoothies, paninis, and gelato, my favorite.
Come on Friday and Saturday evenings and enjoy your treat with live music performed by local musicians.
Irie’s Island Food
Another local hot spot is Irie’s Island Food. It is opened in 2013 and offers delicious island-style food in a laid-back, chill atmosphere.
The menu offers a variety of appetizers, tacos, bowls, and more, so you are sure to find something to please everyone.
The seafood dishes are made from fresh-caught Gulf seafood and offer several vegan and vegetarian options.
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About the Author:
Michelle Snell-Founder/Writer
Born and raised in Texas, Michelle Snell graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master’s Degree from Texas Wesleyan University. Her passion for travel has taken her all over the world. She has received multiple awards for her writing. She has been featured in numerous publications, including Travel Awaits, Fort Worth Magazine, Fort Worth Weekly, NewsBreak, Voyage Dallas, Ella Inspires Magazine, and more. You can view her complete profile on MuckRacks.
Dania
Wednesday 28th of September 2022
My husband went deep sea fishing the last time we were in Port Aransas. He had so much fun!
Renee
Tuesday 23rd of August 2022
I never turn down the opportunity for kayaking and would want to combine it with sunrise or sunset watching right from the water. Looks like a fun city with lots of great options. I wouldn't mind checking out the Wellness Spa to get that ultimate relaxing vacation experience.
Sage Scott
Tuesday 23rd of August 2022
Oooooh, I love all the wildlife viewing opportunities in Port Aransas, from the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge to a a dolphin watching cruise. What a magical place!
Dania
Monday 22nd of August 2022
We took a trip to Port Aransas a couple of years ago and one of our kids' favorite things was riding the golf carts around town. They still talk about it! Our beach days were fun and we really enjoyed the area.
Kathryn
Monday 25th of July 2022
What a beautiful spot! Have only been to Galveston, so will have to check this out!