Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Port Aransas, Texas

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Dive into the best beach experience of your life in Texas’ fishing capital.

From its top beach destinations to many sought-after attractions, you’ll have a splendid time in Port Aransas, Texas. The city on Mustang Island along the Texas coast is known for its famous Gulf of Mexico beaches and fishing waterways.

The city is also rich in local arts and culture, featuring exhibits of early island life and yearly classes and events.

There are more things to do in Port Aransas if you’re a nature lover, a shopaholic, or a foodie! The party town also boasts its city night funk with live music, theatre performances, and clubs.

Organize your list of the best things to do in Port Aransas, Texas, with the following places to visit.

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Enjoy many opportunities for recreation in the wintering home of the endangered flock of whooping cranes.

The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge can be dated back to 120,000 years ago, during the Pleistocene era. It is known for its strong dedication to the conservation movement for migratory birds and other wildlife.

This place offers a haven for not only wildlife but a stress reliever for visitors. If you want to reconnect with nature and leave your city life behind for a while, you’re in the right place.

Deliberately tucked in the middle of nowhere, the drive to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is worth every second. If you’re visiting for a quick 15-minute tour, visit the Alligator Viewing Area in one of the few freshwater resources on the refuge, or walk the grassy trail to the Rail Trail Bridge.

However, if you have the day to yourself, you can have a complete view of the scenic landscape from the Observation Tower or explore them closely through one of their nature trails or the one-way auto tour loop.

They also have the perfect location for picnics, fishing, bird watching, and hunting in designated areas.

The refuge provides a great view of the gulf and coastal waterway from the boardwalk, a big park highlight.

Binoculars are helpful tools to spot other species in the area up close. Adult and baby gators hang out more in the marsh, while whooping cranes and other winter birds can be easily spotted along shores.

Don’t miss out on a spring songbird serenade in the Songbird Loop or a view of the mysterious 500- year old oak tree on the way to San Antonio Bay.

Before going home, you might as well stop by the new Visitor’s Center to get information on the best places to see in Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

Address: 1 Wildlife Cir, Austwell, TX 77950, United States

Badfish Sportfishing

Experience Texas deep-sea fishing in Port Aransas, home to great seasonal offshore fishing!

You don’t need to be a pro to catch offshore species anywhere on the Texas Coast with their fishing trips tailored to your skill. Badfish Sportfishing is an ultimate Texas adventure that will blow your mind – it’s a trip like no other!

From Tuna to Red Snapper, Amberjack, Barracuda, Shark, and more, catch a trophy fish of a lifetime you’ll be proud to have.

Fishing trips will vary depending on the month of your visit. There are peak and off-peak season trips and long-range trips for true fishing fanatics and experienced anglers.

Expect informative inputs from your captain and boat crew if you’re planning to book one of these trips. There are many variables to consider for a successful catch, such as time of the year, moon phase, and ideal weather and species.

Nevertheless, you will have an awesome time with the gang and give a high five-star rating for the overall experience.

It can be a unique and fulfilling way to celebrate a special occasion, too, and enjoy other amenities like lounging in their air-conditioned cabin.

If this is your first fishing trip in Port A, there’s a high chance you’ll return for a second!

Address: 301 J C Barr Blvd, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

Balinese Wellness Spa

Have access to a luxurious spa experience in the heart of Port Aransas, Texas, at a low cost! Balinese Spa and Boutique have all the services you need to take care of your personal health and well-being while on a trip.

The quaint wellness and fitness center near the beach provides a true sanctuary for all guests 18 years old and older. It features a full-service spa, yoga retreat, picnic area, and concierge services that will have you feeling relaxed and calm if you’re having a stressful day.

This lovely island getaway is a perfect destination to reset from a busy day or week within beautifully decorated rooms and a quiet environment.

They offer various services like massages, body treatments, and facials you didn’t know you needed. You can also afford any of their organic products and skincare lines to achieve that youthful glow while traveling the world.

If you’re planning a quick weekend getaway in Port A, you won’t regret spending it here. Besides the indoor amenities, they also have a private patio in every unit with beach chairs and tables, and you can smell the beach from up there!

Visiting here for the first time will certainly not be your last. Besides having very clean spaces, they are fully equipped with bedroom suites, a kitchen, a yoga deck, and more.

 You’ll never get this comfortable in any part of town!

Address: 121 Cut-Off Rd, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

Bernie’s Beach House

If you enjoyed an island spa getaway, you would also love Port Aransas’ hottest nightspot. It doesn’t have the peace and quiet Balinese Wellness Spa offers, but it’s nice to try a different kind of night that will be on the books.

Everyone is the life of the party at Bernie’s Beach House. It’s where everybody ends up after a day on the beach, natural parks, or other famous attractions in Port Aransas, Texas. Share a conversation with a local and discover more things you can do in the city.

Shake off the bad vibes with a happy hour on Bernie’s dance floor. No one will judge you! The certified favorite spot in Port A has all the ‘crazy good’ drinks and delicious appetizers on the menu, featuring Boar’s Head Premium Deli Meats and Cheeses. You’ll love their burgers, too!

Feel the local vibe, and don’t just dine! The house is full of entertainment, music, a pool, poker, and cold drinks.

You’ll find bartenders and regular folks in this hangout place very friendly and fun. In addition to that, you’ll also have a great view of the marina from here.

Wednesdays are Seniors’ Night!

Address: 730 Trout St, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

Farley Boat Works

Experience the unique Port A history in Farley Boat Works, a Port Aransas living exhibit.

Farley Boat first established the standard for fishing and sport along the Gulf Coast in 1915. The old museum was built in the early decades of the twentieth century at the back of the Farley family’s house, who designed and operated it for three generations.

If you want to be educated about the Farley boats and how they preserved an important part of the history of Port Aransas, this is the place to go.

It’s not just a look-but-no-touch exhibit, but you can actually learn how to hand-build your own replica of the classic vessel here. You might even see one under construction on your visit. It would be a great way to observe how the boats came to be.

You can even get help from passionate local volunteers who are very knowledgeable about its building process.

You’ll see replicas in the local neighborhood painted and decorated outside their houses as part of the beautification project created by the Port Aransas Garden Club to combine the city’s history with its native plants.

This place of craft has been kept alive for decades, and it still attracts visitors to the art of boat building. It would be smart to consider visiting here in the fall for the Wooden Boat Festival!

Address: 716 W Avenue C, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

Horace Caldwell Pier

You will never fail to catch something in one of the best and most abundant fishing piers on the US Gulf Coast.

Located on the northernmost point of Mustang Island, the Horace Caldwell Pier offers not only great fishing opportunities but a fun family atmosphere, good food, and spectacular views!

With over 1200-foot concrete pier that stretches out into the Gulf, you’ll enjoy a catch like never before! The abundance of fish from the pier equals the same amount you’ll find on a boat 10-15 miles out.

It can be a long walk, but the types of fish here are the real catch. There’s a designated area where you can clean them, too.

You can tell it is indeed popular with the locals and tourists on days when it is packed. Make sure your rods and nets are sturdy because you never know which takes your bait! You can’t risk letting that one go.

If you want to people-watch, you can do that on the pier, too! It could be fun watching people fish or the view of the town from a different angle. If you’re there in daylight, you can also watch a lot of Texas surfers out there in the sea.

Some people you encounter in Horace Caldwell have been fishing here for years. You can talk to locals and ask for fishing inputs to make the best out of the experience.

Address: 121 Cut Off Rd, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, United States

Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center

Welcome the birder’s paradise in the central flyway, Port Aransas and Mustang Island!

You’ll have the most satisfying stop and a closer look at the wetlands and marshes on the Great Texas Birding Trail.

The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center on the South end of Ross Ave. provides a wide view of the freshwater marsh fed by the Nueces County Water District treatment plant from its 700-foot boardwalk.

From there, you’ll see various attractions and diverse wildlife, including migratory birds, ducks, white pelicans, and American alligators named “Boots.”

The boardwalk in Leonabelle was once hit by a strong hurricane and destroyed most of its parts. However, it was restored to its glory, and even added a new trail extended to the boardwalk toward the southern portion of Charlie’s Pasture Nature Reserve. This is part of a project to soon connect Port Aransas’ natural areas.

It’s a free place to visit if you’re planning a day trip or have a few hours to spare. The best times to visit are the fall and winter seasons to spot a wide array of species.

This place is a great choice if you want a good highlight for your trip to Port A!

Address: 1356 Ross Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture

Nothing beats a free nature walk on a weekend at the Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture.

This nature preserve on Ross Ave. supports an abundant species of flora and fauna in its uplands, mudflats, marshes, woodlands, shorelines, and estuarine habitats. It is one of the few lands that remained undeveloped to preserve its environmental, ecological, and historical nature.

While it is a haven for diverse wildlife, visitors can observe them thrive in their natural habitats with added amenities to maximize the experience.

You can join a Yoga class at the pavilion, enjoy lunch at their picnic tables, walk on trails from the Community Park, or rest on one of their benches and gazebos. The place is also near Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center!

Expect serene and peaceful views of the birds, including the lovely white pelicans, at Charlie’s Pasture. It’s a scene you and your family will deeply enjoy and have a special place in your hearts.

It is certainly one of the best natural spots in Port Aransas, Texas!

Address: 1356 Ross Ave., Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

Palmilla Beach Golf Course

Play golf at the longest stretch of Port Aransas beachfront, overlooking the stunning Gulf of Mexico.

Everyone is welcome on the greens of Palmilla Beach Golf, where admission is free, and you can wear whatever you want! The 12-hole course provides great time and experience for all, and it’s not just for serious golfers.

To get the best gear or rent the latest clubs (you can get cold drinks, too), visit the Golf Pro Shop. They also have a driving range you can book for an hour and access to a Golf Pro to help beginners and seasoned golfers improve their game.

Ride the complimentary golf cart along the dunes to see the beauty of Port A from Pamilla Beach’s point of view!

After your tee time, you can sit back and relax on the REDS Patio Bar and taste the best Mimosas, or dine in one of the restaurants nearby.

You will have access to the beach and several resorts and houses for a longer staycation.

Address: 258 Snapdragon, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

Port Aransas Beach

Port Aransas, Texas, has the best beaches in the state you can ever go to. Even its public beaches are safe, clean, and have a sweet smell of salt air.

One of the common reasons why travelers go all the way to Port A is for its clear, warm water and soft Texas beach sand. It’s easy to find a perfect spot to get a tan, surf, swim, and enjoy outdoor games such as beach volleyball or frisbee.

Enjoy the cool ocean breeze and all things beachy after a long mile drive, whether it’s reading your favorite book or making sandcastles along the shore. Port A beaches also provide exciting opportunities for camping and campfires.

There are a lot of great places you can stay nearby that give the best look at the coast.

Go-to beaches around the area include the 5-mile stretch of sandy beaches of Mustang Island State Park. Not very far is Mustang Island, which boasts 18 miles of undisturbed Texas coastline.

There’s also the mini privately-owned San Jose Island, the I.B. Magee Beach near the Horace Caldwell Pier, and the Padre Island National Seashore to experience the coastline in its most natural state.

While at it, meet and greet the friendly locals and discover the best things you can do on the dunes!

Address: Port Aransas Beach, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

Port Aransas Community Theater

Other than the obvious fact that Port Aransas, Texas, is a hit with its beaches, it’s also a family favorite for its local art and entertainment.

In fact, one of the reasons it attracts tourists is its community theater which has been delivering quality shows and events in Port A for over 25 years.

Watch interesting live performances every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening, including Sunday matinees in Port Aransas Community Theater!

You’re free to join some exciting productions at PACT, too! A lot of volunteers participate in shows and theatrical performances with no experience necessary. Its mission is to enrich the cultural life of the Texas Coastal Bend area and educate local talents of all ages about theatre arts.

Its famous past shows include “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Arsenic and Old Lace,” “Last of the Red Hot Lovers,” “Opry Forever,” “Grumpy Old Men: The Musical,” and more! Their summer productions are to look forward to as well!

Drag your friends, lovers, or family member to watch one of the wonderful shows in PACT! It’s one of the hidden gems you can find in a little town, and you must coordinate the shows in one of your schedules.

The indoor venue has comfortable seating, and concessions include popcorn, snacks, refreshments, and a full bar!

Every performance on this little stage is heartfelt, showcasing excellent productions and stirring different emotions.

Address: 2327 TX-361, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

Port Aransas Museum

Getting to know more of the region’s history through art and culture can be done in the Port Aransas Museum, an early 1900s kit house now home to Port A’s history and preservation.

It was established jointly by the Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association and the City of Port Aransas to create the first historical museum in the small fishing town. It was also named one of the state’s top 12 most endangered structures.

There are many reasons why Port Aransas Museum is one of the best places you can visit in the city. Aside from admissions being free, you can publicly access copies of more than 25,500 photos and documents archives about the city’s history.

It houses permanent exhibits of the Fourth Order Fresnel lens from the Lydia Ann Lighthouse, Farley’s Boat, the bell from the train carrying the rocks for S. Jetty, Port A’s 1920s and 1930s films, interviews of early islanders, and more!

Join fun tours of the Chapel on the Dunes and the Eight Wonders of Port Aransas with a short video before every trip. The small chapel with a beautifully-painted interior is a mesmerizing, peaceful sight.

You can also look up information about family and island history digitally. A good 45 minutes to one hour is enough to read how Port A took part in the history of surfing in Texas.

This is a fun exploration if you’re in Port A for the first time. Friendly staff and nice locals will walk you through the exhibits making learning more meaningful. You can ask questions, too. It is encouraged!

As you will see, exhibits are changing periodically in the museum, but they largely focus on the local area.

Nevertheless, learning history cannot get more fun here at Port Aransas Museum.

Address: 403 N Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

Red Dragon Pirate Cruise

To top up the island experience in Port Aransas, Texas, get on board the Red Dragon Pirate Cruise and set sail along the waters of the Lydia Ann Channel.

The pirate ship is full of entertainment for kids, teenagers, and adults. Watch the crew light up the cannon fire and enjoy many activities while cruising the seven seas with dolphins, sword fights, water pistol battles, treasure hunts, and lots of dancing!

Red Dragon is not your typical party cruise. You can look into one of their birthday packages. It’s also a unique place for weddings, educational tours, and other special events.

Sail during perfect weather, and you’re good to go! You’ll have a blast with the crew and co-sailors with a guarantee that it is safe and family-friendly.

Look out for water guns because pirates will attack fearlessly! They also put together an interactive and inclusive show you will never forget.

Although it’s quite a short cruise, all activities you can do and enjoy here make an experience of a lifetime. Don’t forget to bring cameras and pose for pictures because there’ll be a lot of animations, views, and moments to catch. This will certainly be one of the favorite things you can do in Port A.

Wait until sunset, and you’ll witness an outstanding view of the Gulf coast, too. If you love the day trip, you’ll love the evening cruise even more!

Whenever you want to sail the sea off Port Aransas, Texas, you are welcome aboard!

Address: 440 W Cotter Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

San Jose Island

An uninhabited island on the Gulf Coast of Texas, San Jose Island (also known as Saint Joseph Island) is a beautiful natural island that can only be accessed by ferry.

Getting to this peaceful, privately-owned paradise from Port Aransas, Texas, is just a short boat ride, about five minutes or so. You can even see the island from the city! The San Jose beaches offer the best birding and saltwater fishing in the south within 21-mile undisturbed land.

San Jose was historically a ranch, so you’ll see cows roaming occasionally. However, it is now mainly managed to support as much wildlife as possible.

As mentioned, you can get to the island via ferry, specifically the Jetty Boat from Fisherman’s Wharf, Port A. While there are numerous ways to spend a good time on Port A beaches, exploring this part of the Gulf coast is something you can’t miss out on.

Get settled and find a spot, lay on a towel, soak in warm water, and feel the soft golden sand on your feet along the beautiful shoreline.

Fish from the jetties to catch one of the favorite Texas fish, watch shorebirds and pelagic species, or hunt for shells, crabs, and sand dollars from the shores of San Jose Island. Avid shellers, this is the place for you!

You should remember that the island only has limited land for public access and needs to be respected. You can pack lunch and refreshments but ensure everything you carry leaves with you.

This remote, local treasure is by far the best place to go for a primitive island experience.

Address: San Jose Island, TX, United States

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