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

Spread the love!

Feel the soft breeze of the Coastal Bend from the suburban town of Portland, Texas.

As one of the older cities in San Patricio County, Portland goes a long way with only 192 original settlers. The South Texas community thrived into a flourishing town thanks to its strategic location on the Texas Gulf Coast.

The list of things you can do in this small coastal town is endless unless you decide to live here forever!

Reel a fish, catch the tide, or paddle away your worries on the city’s tranquil waters. Bordered by the beautiful Corpus Christi and Nueces Bays, there’s something to do for the whole family, day and night!

Portland also boasts its saltwater lakes, scenic parks, homey restaurants, historic buildings, and captivating local attractions. Sitting on the region’s hotspot for birders and anglers, every sun-seeker will find sanctuary in this gem.

Discover all things sunny and breezy in the “Gem City of the Gulf Coast.” This list of the best things to do and places to visit in Portland, Texas, will tell you!

Bayside Park

Begin your sunny adventures with a spectacular ocean view by hitting the beach at Bayside Park in Portland, Texas. 

Along the street of Sabine Drive, the park offers picnic areas, covered shelters, and manmade dunes perfect for kid’s play. In addition to the stunning view of the Corpus Christi beach, Bayside Park is conveniently situated in a peaceful, friendly neighborhood.

If you are simply looking for a place to sit and relax while watching the tides, this park serves its purpose.

It’s a great place to take your children to explore and play ball on the nice playground. Its facilities include water recreation, monkey bars, sets of slides, and comfortable benches.

Located down a hill from the road, you’ll be rewarded with a peaceful, quiet view of the Corpus. The roaring sound of the wind from the Texas Coastal Bend is nothing less than soothing after a long drive.

You can walk down the boardwalk and dip on the shallow waterfront with lake-like waves. It’s easy to spot little crabs and seashells along the shores, too!

Bayside Park is a casual hang-out spot for families and friends for its shallow waterline and idyllic sand dunes. You can always enjoy a beautiful and serene sight whenever you come around any day of the year.

Address: 108 Sabine Drive, Portland, TX 78734, United States

Corpus Christi Brewery Festival

Celebrate German heritage with the locals in the marvelous annual beer festival in Corpus Christi!

If you’re eyeing to experience this celebration all year, it’s just a 12-minute drive from Portland, Texas. This family-friendly event at the Art Center of Corpus Christi brings together local breweries around town for visitors to try.

Raise your stein and enjoy over 50 different local beers on tap from pop-up tasting rooms while polka-dancing. A souvenir stein is available for purchase at the start of the festival to refill as you go.

You will be serenaded with live music and entertainment of various genres, including Polka, Country, and American Surf Rock. Try unique selections of traditional German food like hot pretzels and German-style pizza while enjoying the scenic waterfront view.

Don’t miss a single food truck and as many local treats as you can!

The festival has many fun, local creations mixed with a surf vibe and German touch. Among the things to see are displays of vintage Volkswagens, a traditional stein-holding competition, and a pet costume contest!

The brewery festival has something for everyone, including children. A kid’s space with an emphasis on conservation and art is designated for your little ones.

Nobody is left behind the fun in this annual celebration within the Texas Coastal Bend.

Address: 100 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, United States

Fred Jones Nature Sanctuary

Don’t mind traveling a few miles from West Portland for a great Texas birding trail amidst a sea of farmland.

Fred Jones Nature Sanctuary provides a 9-acre wonderland of Gulf Coast flora and fauna near Nueces Bay. This site is commonly known as a stopover point for migratory and wintering grassland birds and sparrows.

To have better access to these views, you can walk their hiking trails shaded by native brush and rich vegetation. Its flora includes mesquite, Texas olive, basil, black brush acacia, and tall Texas Ash.

Fred Jones is the only defined area that remains to have native vegetation in the coastal area of San Patricio County. It is home to many wildflowers during the Spring, with a scenic view of the creek dividing the property.

In their wildlife viewing areas, spot western and southern bird species, such as curved and long-billed thrashers, olive sparrows, and woodpeckers. More stunning species of these feathered animals soar through Fred Jones’ picturesque skies. They weren’t identified as one of the best birding spots in Corpus Christi for nothing!

After a day of wildlife exploration, you can visit the preserve’s pavilion and take a break from the magnificent views.

Managed and maintained by the Audubon Outdoor Club, this sanctuary is expected to see a bright tomorrow. Preservation efforts and invasive grass control programs are in order to keep this little haven thriving for many years.

Address: Co Rd 69E, Taft, TX 78390, United States

Indian Point Fishing Park & Pier

One of the best fishing spots in Portland, Texas, is the Indian Point Fishing Park and Pier.

With its recent upgrade, the pier reels in many locals and visitors for a catch of abundant good-eating fish. Its iconic long wooden path and spectacular view of the Texas Gulf Coast also gained popularity.

Feel the cool sea breeze while casting a line off the lighted pier for those with a saltwater fishing license. Meanwhile, you can enjoy a few additions to the renovated structure, including a pavilion and picnic tables.

As Portland’s best fishing spot, you can expect an abundance of great catch at any season. However, the best time to come is during winter for a higher chance of luring black drum fish.

You can access the fishing park and pier 24 hours a day and seven days a week at no cost. The short drive to Indian Point comes a long way with a multitude of fun for the whole family. If you’ve had enough walking, you can go kayaking or watch birds, preferably with the help of binoculars.

There’s no better spot to watch the beauty of the Corpus Christi skyline than at Indian Point Fishing Park & Pier.

Address: 100 US Highway 181, Portland, TX 78374, United States

Kaiah Dog Park

Your furry pets deserve some doggy day out, too! Take your pup to Kaiah Dog Park, a premier dog park in Coastal Bend.

Whether in the mood for dog day or killing some time, include this off-leash dog park on your list of places to visit in Portland, Texas. It’s a perfect way to be friendly with local dog owners and get involved with the community!

Open from sunrise to sundown, Kaiah Dog Park offers two areas for small and large dogs. It features a wide space and obstacle courses for dog play, as well as balls and some toys. There is also plenty of shaded seating and separate watering fountains for both pups and pup lovers.

In addition, the grounds are well-kept, with garbage bags and waste stations provided. The fenced facility across the road is a convenient place for dogs to bond, with dual entry gates to prevent runaways. Especially for travelers, your four-legged pets can use a little stretch and a good run with other dogs.

Located at 1001 Moore Avenue, this park has a lot of room for dogs of all breeds. However, use the park at your own risk.

There are rules and regulations to observe when using this city attraction. So far, the dog visitors in Kaiah are nice and friendly.

Address: 1001 Moore Ave Portland, TX 78374, United States

NorthShore Country Club

Playing a round at NorthShore Country Club harmed no one. But prepare for a challenging feat!

This premier golf club in the Texas Coastal Bend and Portland, Texas, not only offers a place for entertainment. It also provides a space for relaxation.

Conquer 18 holes of golf while enjoying the picturesque landscape of the Texas Gulf Coast. Its elevated greens and four holes along the Bay challenge all golfers at every skill level.

NorthShore Country Club has a reputation for being one of the most scenic golf courses along Corpus Christi Bay. Besides its Championship links-style course, it features many amenities and services, including a pool, gym, and sports lounge.

They also have prestige tennis courts along with a Tennis Shop. A classy clubhouse overlooking the course tops up your country club experience!

Other amenities in the club are Golf Pro Shop, practice facilities, driving range tees, and an on-site restaurant. They serve the most delicious brunch buffet and quality meals, as well as heavenly dessert options.

If you wish to create good business relationships, this is a place to strengthen that connection. Looking to host a banquet? The NorthShore Country Club has the perfect venue to cater to any event, especially weddings!

Savor the breathtaking view and fragrant ocean breeze from the panoramic landscape of Portland’s best country club!

Address: 801 East Broadway Boulevard, Portland, TX 78374, United States

Portland Aquatic Center

Beat the Texas weather and swim laps in a year-round outdoor facility in Portland, Texas.

Portland Aquatic Center is the town’s public swimming pool facility and recreation center for families and friends. It offers aquatics programs and swimming lessons for residents and visitors in its heated competition pool.

Its programs include lap swimming, free swim, and San Patricio County swim teams.

Meanwhile, the recreational pool includes child-friendly water slides, palm tree splashers, bubblers, and zero-depth entry.

The competition pool ranging from 4 to 13 feet in depth features diving boards, lily pads, and floating structures.

If you’re around Portland during the summer or fall, this is the best time to take a dip and get fit! You can enroll in summer swim lessons for children and private lessons for adults.

Whether celebrating a party or just hanging by the pool for a tan, Portland Aquatic Center has something for everyone!

Address: 2002 Billy G Webb Dr, Portland, TX 78374, United States

Portland Community Center

Near Portland Aquatic Center, Portland Community Center is a multi-purpose recreational facility to help you keep up with your fitness journey.

It provides a space for cardio exercises, weightlifting, indoor walking, and more. Their facility includes a full-size basketball court, two racquetball courts, and full-size locker rooms.

Come by and try the new equipment in their renovated fitness center! Walk miles on the treadmill or go for a run on their Woodway runner while watching TV in the cardio room. The room also features upright and recumbent bikes you can use to warm up or cool off.

Or, you can watch a game on their 75-inch TV while lifting free weights in the weight room.

Among the multiple rooms in the community center are ballroom and meeting spaces for events like wedding receptions or birthdays.

This nice, well-kept community center is an addition to Portland’s Parks and Recreation facilities. This department aims to provide the residents of Portland with a sense of community and enhance their quality of life.

It birthed diverse recreational programs, including special events and festivals, farmer’s markets, public parks, and fitness programs.

Check the classes offered at Portland Community Center that include arts, wellness, leisure, health, education, and more!

Address: 2000 Billy G Webb Dr, Portland, TX 78374, United States

Portland Farmers Market

It’s time to make a bargain at Portland Farmers Market, held every Saturday of most months through the year!

From fresh local produce to handcrafted merchandise, you’ll find it all at the Farmers Market in Portland, Texas. All homemade, homegrown, and home-crafted items are displayed for your perusal.

This is the perfect time to stock up on local produce from your favorite vendors! If this is your first time coming by, shop, eat, chat with locals, and get to know the neighborhood.

This community event is a yearly tradition considered a social affair and gathering of Portland families and residents. However, it’s also known as a hotspot for tourists or visitors during peak season.

Enjoy the food and music while strolling the venue in the middle of town. If you happen to be around town on a different day, there are several markets in Portland that opens every day of the week. You can still experience its spirit regardless of the season!

Nonetheless, it’s still a must to try and see the Farmers Market Street Fairs and Events once in a while.

Address: Old Town, 810 Houston, Portland, TX 78374, United States

Portland Skate Park

Hit the ramps at a large public skate park in Portland, Texas, right next to the community center.

Opened in 2001, Portland Skate Park is one of the recreational facilities in Portland that features a variety of bowls, ramps, rails, and ledges.

It is located at Billy G. Webb drive at the Portland Community Center, a few minutes away from the harbor bridge.

Open seven days a week, the park is monitored by security cameras 24 hours a day. At no charge, the park offers not only a space for skating but also for bikes or scooters. Before coming by for afternoon fun, make sure you’ve gone through the rules in the park! This includes strictly no food or drinks in the skate area.

Don’t forget to grab your helmets! Otherwise, you can either rent one or not play here at all.

The park reaches 13,524 square feet and is a lighted outdoor concrete facility. It also features a flat-bank rail, a fun box, and a Grind pad.

If you’re not much of a skater, it would still be fun to watch others shows their best moves in Portland’s public skate park!

Address: 2004 Billy G Webb Dr, Portland, TX 78374, United States

Portland Veterans Memorial

Honor today’s local heroes and veterans from World War II at Portland Veterans Memorial.

Located adjacent to Portland, Texas City Hall, Veterans Memorial is a place to commemorate the fallen heroes from World War I and II through the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

This structure is initially part of a Master Plan to develop public spaces in the city’s complex. Blocks of concrete white monuments were erected in their honor, expressing the motto “E Pluribus Unum.“

This is the Latin for “Out of many, one” or “One from many.” It’s a traditional motto of the United States for the first Great Seal in 1176, proposed by the nation’s founding fathers.

The statement strongly represents the American determination to unite the nation’s collective states.

Drive by this town landmark just 26 minutes away from Portland, and see what it looks like from up close. A Memorial Day Ceremony was held here in the past year featuring a performance from the C.C. Veterans Band.

Address: 201 South Upper Broadway, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401, United States

Sunset Lake Park

Explore Sunset Lake Park’s two-mile hike and bike trail with views of marshes and wetlands.

This scenic saltwater lake in Portland, Texas, has over 330-acre oases of the most diverse coastal marsh and habitats. Its trails, constructed on an old roadway, offer some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Among the many outdoor recreational activities include hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching.

Sunset Lake attracts hundreds of species of birdlife and activity such as nesting and feeding. Feast on the delightful sight of the pelicans, gulls, shorebirds, herons, egrets, and more avian adventures in this wildlife preserve.

Catch a sunrise and enjoy a sunset of the Texas Gulf Coast in this hamlet! Located on the shores of Corpus Christi Bay and Nueces Bay, the park offers the best of both worlds.

A combination of habitat preservation and public use, Sunset Lake Park is a vision brought to life by the City of Portland.

In addition to the park’s outdoor attractions are the miniature beaches, grassy sand dunes, and picnic tables. Outdoor enthusiasts will have the best time in this oasis!

These are just a few of the experiences you can have at Sunset Lake. Explore your options with the company of family or friends in the city’s magnificent locale for an all-day adventure.

Address: 201 Sunset Dr, Portland, TX 78374, United States

Texas State Aquarium

Visit a state-of-the-art aquarium that has it all, just 10 minutes from Portland, Texas!

If you think the things you can do in Texas State Aquarium are limited to viewing, you might want to reassess your itinerary. Although you will certainly see all kinds of aquatic animals, you are bound to explore something else eventually.

Texas State Aquarium is a source of education about conserving the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It serves as a resource for residents and tourists of Portland to inspire and support wildlife conservation.

To ensure a smooth visit, always check the aquarium hours as it is subject to changes. Explore the various exhibits of animals in the aquarium, often relocated but mostly include sharks, blue holes, dolphins, and more. Expect an immersive look at even the most infamous predators in the Caribbean, such as reef sharks.

From the unique Blue Holes to the vibrantly-colored fish and coral reefs, this state aquarium will brighten up your day!

With the numerous dining options you get at the Texas State Aquarium, expect nothing less than a splendid day! From the grill menu to house-made campechana, ice-cold drinks, and healthy options, you’ll get enough sustenance through your underworld adventures.

When you believe nothing can top up your day, wait until you experience the Whataburger 4-D Theater. The theater experience, inclusive of admission, features cutting-edge technology and special effects to entertain the whole family.

Address: 2710 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, United States

USS Lexington Museum

Tour the longest-serving and world’s oldest Essex Class aircraft carrier of World War II in the USS Lexington Museum.

In just 10 minutes from Portland, you get to step foot on USS Lexington at Corpus Christi beach, a valuable national treasure for half a century. Now a museum and educational facility, it has served the local community since 1992, thanks to donations, grants, and ship store sales.

Also known as the “Blue Ghost,” LEX offers something for everyone. It features the “Lockdown on the LEX” escape rooms, the popular Flight Deck, and 3-D Mega Theater.

Take a look around their multi-media exhibit of Pearl Harbor, or climb on in their flight simulator! Peruse the wide display of vintage World War II aircraft, warships, and large collections of scale models on the Lower Deck.

If you’re looking for an overnight adventure, Camp LEX offers a one-night and two-night program ideal for scout troops or adventure geeks.

You must be famished by now. Grab a bite at their Mess Deck Cafe for great dining options located at the aft end of the hangar deck!

With four adventures to choose from, both self-guided and guided tours will give you a great once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The USS Lexington Museum is a major hit during Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Spring Break. If you want to coordinate your visit to these holidays, you better do it fast to secure a spot!

Address: 2914 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, United States

Violet Andrews Park

Last on the list is Portland’s another unique bayside destination and kiteboarding hotspot!

Violet Andrews Park is a must-visit location in Portland, Texas, if you’re looking for a southeastern breeze. That’s just a plus to the prime kiteboarding opportunities you will experience on the Texas Gulf Coast!

Although Portland is notable for its consistent coastal wind, it’s true that Violet Andrews Park stands out in this category. For some reason, its wind is more kite-friendly, and it provides more space for kiteboarding due to its shallow waters.

In addition, you can enjoy this activity in its wide grassy area while soaking in the sun’s heat.

The outdoor recreation in this 10-acre park is not limited to flying kites. It also provides opportunities for water recreation, like kayaking or canoeing on its beautiful, pristine beach. Moreover, the park features a birdwatching facility, picnic areas, and hiking trails.

Enjoy the views from the bay overlooking the Corpus Christi Bay shoreline and the well-maintained neighborhood. Situated directly in Circum-Gulf and Trans-Gulf migratory pathways, the park is subject to strong winds and abundant in coastal grassland vegetation.

Managed by the City of Portland, the park is a top attraction and an important part of native habitat restoration. These native shrubs and trees are important habitats for resident birds and stopover habitats for migratory birds.

So much for the lecture! You can freely enjoy the amenities in the park while making small acts of kindness to its habitats.

Address: 305 Wildcat, Portland, TX 78374, United States

Spread the love!