Best Things to do in Port Aransas, Texas

A favorite beach getaway with many Texans, Port Aransas (often just called “Port A”) is a laid-back destination. Although it swells with revelers during spring break season and during the summer months with travelers, the rest of the year the town is relaxed and quiet, catering to bird lovers at its many parks and beachcombers (often with their dogs in this very dog-friendly community).

Looking for a cruise a little more restful? Several cruises departing from Woody’s Sport Center. Favorites include a sunset cruise and a sightseeing tour with a look at the US Naval Station (home of the largest US mine sweeping fleet), the Lydia Ann Lighthouse, and the intracoastal waterway. And for a chance to see dolphins, stop by the Roberts Point Park on Highway 361. These marine mammals often chase the ferries as they make their way across the ship channel. If you’d like to learn more about marine life, stop by the small aquarium at the University of Texas Marine Science.

Best Things to Do in Port Aransas

Hang out on the Port Aransas Beach.

Many properties in Port Aransas are within walking distance of the beach (and golf cart rentals are very popular) but you can also drive to the beach and park in the designated parking areas. A parking pass, sold at convenience stores throughout town as well as at the Port Aransas Visitors Center at 403 W. Cotter across from the ferry landing and is valid all year. There’s no fee for just driving along the beach.

Unlike the beaches further down the island and on Padre Island, there’s a clearly delineated driving and pedestrian-only area, making this a safer stretch of beach for families and dog walkers.

Catch Sunrise on the Beach

The beach is perfectly situated for sunrises you won’t forget. The quiet solitude of mornings at the beach make it worth the early alarm!

Do some birding at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center.

At this birding hotspot, a long wheelchair-accessible boardwalk extends a mile into the brackish marshes and offers excellent chances to spot a large variety of shorebirds.

Species found here include herons, ducks, egrets and pink Roseate Spoonbills. Resident alligators, known as Bags and Boots, are also spotted here frequently. Near the south end of Ross Ave.

Rent a golf cart.

One of the most popular ways to get around town is aboard a golf cart — or make that a beach cart! They’re legal on Port Aransas streets (but not only busy Highway 361 south of the Avenue G turn). Drive them on the beach, to area stores or even through the Whataburger drive-thru! You’ll find golf carts for rent throughout town by the hour, day or week.

Catch sunset at Roberts Point Park.

Located at the turn for the ferry landing, this park offers manicured grounds great for watching the channel ship traffic, ferries and even dolphins. (Keep an eye out for dolphins bow surfing in front of the largest ships!) You’ll also find plenty of places to fish as well as playground facilities.

Try your luck fishing.

Anglers have their choice of fishing locations in this town that’s known as the “Fishing Capital of Texas.” Opt for fishing the Horace Caldwell Pier which stretches out 1230 feet into the Gulf (far enough out that shark are caught here). Or choose to fish the South Jetty (or hop a jetty boat to the North Jetty and St. Jo island). Roberts Point Park, Deep sea fishing draws many travelers to this destination as well. Large group trips and private charter excursions offer guided for all levels of anglers.

Learn about local history at the Port Aransas Museum.

The town that began as the community of Tarpon, Texas has a rich history that is explored at this museum, housed in a historic house once used by the Coast Guard.

Watch boats being built at the Farley Boat Works.

The Farley Boat, the small boats that have long been a symbol of Port Aransas (you’ll see mini versions serving as concrete plants around town), are constructed along with other vessels at the Farley Boat Works at 716 W Avenue C. The still-active boat works also teaches classes in boat construction–or just pop by Tuesday through Saturday to see the boat making in action.

Visit Mustang Island State Park.

Just down the island from Port Aransas lies this state park with freshwater showers, picnic tables, and tent and RV camping. The park offers vehicular beach access as well a smaller area with a paved parking lot separated from the beach where no cars are permitted on the beach. Here free picnic shelters offer shade and a place to keep your items off the sand.

Dogs are permitted throughout the park on a leash no longer than six feet long (and this includes in the water as well). Park Rd. 53, southwest of Port Aransas.

Catch a Jetty Boat to a Deserted Island

You (and your dog) can hop the Jetty Boat from Fisherman’s Wharf to the uninhabited island of San Jose (also called St. Jo) where pirate Jean Lafitte is said to have camped. Large iron rings, thought to have been used to tie up the small boats his group used to row ashore, were discovered at the site.

Even today, the island is accessible only by boat and there are no public facilities, no roads and no cars–just a truly deserted island. San Jose is a quiet getaway for fishing, beachcombing, swimming, or shelling where you’ll only find a handful of other visitors.

Although your dog can run off-leash here, be aware that there are rattlesnakes on the island.

Jetty boats leave throughout the day from Fisherman’s Wharf. 900 Tarpon St.

Take a walking tour at University of Texas Marine Science Institute.

Students of oceanography, ecology, marine chemistry, and botany train at this branch of the University of Texas, located on 82 beachfront acres. The Visitors Center is open to the public. It features exhibits and films on Texas Gulf life. 750 Channel View Dr.

Visit the Patton Marine Science Education Center

Under construction. 855 East Cotter Ave.

Tour the Wetlands Education Center

Free guided tours are available at the 3.5-acre Wetlands Education Center, located at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute. This marsh and seagrass pond is surrounded with boardwalks (some are available for the public to explore on their own; others only on guided tours).

Watch for resident and migrating birds and learn more about the important role that the wetlands play in the health of the Gulf and the adjacent lands.

Camp at a Port Aransas RV Park

Located near the Horace Caldwell Pier right on the beach, I. B. Magee Beach Park is a no-frills, pet-friendly RV park. You’ll find a relaxing place to walk, fish, do some birding, and camp in one of the RV and tent sites.

Visit the Port Aransas Dog Park

Located in the Community Park, the fenced dog park includes both small and large dog sections. 700 Clark Parkway off Ross Ave.

Best Port Aransas Festivals

February: Whooping Crane Festival.

This annual event celebrates these magnificent birds as well as other migratory species that spend the winter in the Coastal Bend area. Educational events, birding tours and vendor demonstrations are offered at this four day celebration.