When it’s the right time to pack a suitcase and head out on an exciting vacation with family and friends at your side, there’s no better place to set your sights than scenic Port Aransas, Texas. This beautiful, sunny, and endlessly exciting vacation destination is a top place on the map to settle in, savor time away from the daily hustle, and really relish a moment of relaxation at its very best. Whether you’re someone who finds their vacation state of mind most easily when you have a long lineup of adventurous activities on an itinerary, or you can think of nothing more appealing than days on end with your toes dug in at the beach watching the waves roll in, Port Aransas is a place that’s most certainly calling you this way! From its stunning natural beauty to its incredible lineup of restaurants and shops just waiting to be explored, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy who decides to spend quality time visiting Port Aransas.
While Port Aransas is a gem of a vacation destination no matter when you arrive, heading this way in the winter means you’ll be in for an exceptional treat. The following are 10 reasons to winter in Port Aransas the next time cold weather rolls into town in the places you’re from and you’re looking for something new.
1. You Can Enjoy Winter Accommodations Tailored to Exceptional Travel Style
Summer is definitely a busy time of year in Port Aransas, Texas for good reason. However, when those crowds head home, winter opens up an idyllic time of year for snowbirds to head this way and make the most of amazing local accommodations and plenty of space to roam freely! Winter in Port Aransas is a terrific time to kick back, relax, and unwind in exceptional style in a welcoming property option booked through La Mirage Resort Condominiums. Fewer crowds in Port Aransas mean more opportunities to get out and explore at your own pace, but it also means top picks on the vacation rental you can’t wait to enjoy while you’re in town.
Winter often sees exciting rental discounts in place for guests without having to give anything away on the amenities front. Instead, when you book a stay through La Mirage Resort Condominiums in the wintertime, you’ll have prime access to our two hot tubs and heated pool where you can enjoy a swim or soak no matter what time of day or night appeals. Because winter in Port Aransas comes with plenty of sunshine included, guests can make the most of soaking up the rays poolside during their winter stay as well. We also have a fully equipped recreation and event center on-site for our guests to enjoy in addition to great pickleball and basketball courts to try when a little friendly competition would go a long way toward the fun of your winter getaway. All of our property options here in the wintertime come with convenient access to the beach as well as the upscale furnishings, amenities, views, and extras right in your rental that will have you feeling at home upon arrival.
2. Mild Temperatures That Encourage All Kinds of Outdoor Fun
For many travelers who head to Port Aransas, Texas in the wintertime, a big part of the appeal is the mild and inviting weather. If your hometown is experiencing plenty of snow, ice, and frigid temperatures this time of year, Port Aransas gives you a place to vacation where you can leave all thoughts of that behind. Here, average midday highs typically linger in the mid-60s and sometimes even get into the low 70s. In the evening hours, temperatures typically only drop into the 50s, making al fresco dining at local restaurants entirely accessible after a day of fun out and about exploring the great outdoors. Even January, which is considered the coldest month of the year in Port Aransas sees an average daily high of around 64 degrees Fahrenheit. That alone should be plenty of motivation to head this way and enjoy the sunshine and blue skies while other places are dealing with snow drifts.
3. The Fun Seasonal Events
If you’re fortunate enough to be wintering in Port Aransas, you’ll be delighted to find that this time of year is defined by a robust annual calendar of events! For travelers who enjoy adding as many local festivals, events, and gatherings to their itinerary as possible, a winter trip this way is sure to inspire. Early winter travelers can participate in the annual Holiday Shop Around over Thanksgiving time which is a wonderful event to enjoy when you want to get a head start on your gift-giving options. The Barrier Island Ultra race on Mustang Island is a fun and thrilling experience for those who are traveling here in the winter with a need for speed! If you’re coming to Port Aransas in the winter and making it a holiday stay, annual events like the holiday golf cart parade, the lighted boat parade, or the New Year’s Eve fireworks display are must-have experiences designed to delight guests of all ages.
4. Opportunities to Focus on Fantastic Flavor
Winter is a wonderful time of year across Port Aransas for guests to take advantage of fewer crowds at local restaurants and really relish the many local flavors that are waiting to be enjoyed. This time of year, you shouldn’t have any problem making reservations at top dining stops in town, and when you arrive, you’ll likely have great options for dining indoors or out on open-air patios too. Places like Seafood and Spaghetti Works are a treat for the tastebuds when you’re looking for a place to pair pasta and fresh-caught fare at its finest. Over at The Bluewater Cowboy patrons can enjoy access to a three-level eatery that features some truly spectacular views out over the Gulf of Mexico from the dining room. The full bar on-site is an amazing place to drop by for a drink with friends, but if you’re here for dinner, you’ll want to make room for everything from sushi and steak to island-inspired fare as well. The cowboy crab cakes on the menu are always a fan-favorite while you can’t go wrong with the seafood nachos or the tuna tostados. There’s a full kids’ menu available at The Bluewater Cowboy too making it a great place to dine with visitors of all ages. You’ll find The Bluewater Cowboy at 229 Beach Street in Port Aransas and they’re open for service Friday through Sunday from 11:00 am until 9:00 pm as well as Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 4:00 pm and 9:00 pm.
For a welcoming and casual dining experience in Port Aransas in the wintertime with a firm focus on fresh seafood options, head over to Castaway’s Seafood & Grill at least once while you’re here. You’ll find this delicious and friendly eatery at 337 N Alister Street and it’s a place that’s been serving up savory moments to locals and visitors alike in the area since 1993. Here, you always count on top-quality hand-battered fried seafood selections on the menu as well as opportunities to have the chefs on-site prepare something you might have caught during the day! The menu also features pasta and steak options for guests to enjoy alongside po-boys and jumbo shrimp that leave a mouthwatering impression with every bite. Pick and choose from indoor or outdoor dining at this family-friendly stop which is open from 11:00 am until 9:00 pm Thursday through Monday with adjusted hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm.
5. You Can Pack Light
Yet another terrific benefit to wintering in Port Aransas, Texas is the fact that you can feel free to leave bulky clothing at home and pack light for the journey ahead instead. This can be refreshing when you’re coming from a place that sees a ton of snow and ice each season. Leave your parka and boots firmly in the closet and instead, fill your suitcase bound for Port Aransas with light jackets, easy-to-pack layers, and just a few options for footwear if you’re going to be moving between the beach and in-town activities. Don’t forget at least one fancy outfit for an inevitable night of dining out in style while you’re in town. As a friendly reminder, that winter sunshine can still be strong here, so it’s always a good idea to have a bottle of sunscreen in your bag too.
6. There Are Seasonal Discounts to Look Forward to Enjoying
If you’re heading to Port Aransas in the winter specifically to check out some of the most iconic stretches of shorelines and attractions, you’ll love the fact that this time of year comes with fewer visitors overall. Wintering in Port Aransas isn’t an experience in seasonal isolation, it’s simply a slower time of year here where guests can relish open beaches, spacious restaurant patios with plenty of open seating options, and typically enjoy discounts on on-the-water excursions as well. It’s a time of year where fewer visitors means your travel budget might just go further which is something everyone can agree is a good thing!
7. It’s a Great Time to Focus on Scenic Time on the Sand
In every season of the year, Port Aransas offers its guests access to beautiful beaches to enjoy and explore. That said, there’s something wonderfully exciting about heading here in the winter and taking advantage of open shorelines and sunshine when other places are contending with snow and cold! Port Aransas in the wintertime is a chance to explore over 18 miles of beaches along the Gulf of Mexico whether you’re spending time strolling hand-in-hand, searching for seashells, relaxing on a lounger, or building sandcastles with the kids. The beaches in the wintertime here are also ideal places to linger into the evening hours and enjoy a spectacular sunset or two during your stay.
8. World-Class Seasonal Fishing at Your Fingertips
Fishing is at is finest in the waters around Port Aransas and those who make time to winter here will find it might just be the very best season of the year for reeling in something exciting. Bay and Shallow water fishing around Mustang Island can be added to your itinerary with ease during the wintertime because you won’t see any freezing temperatures and there’s plenty of sunshine to make daily outings comfortable and inviting on the water. Some of the most common species anglers reel in include trout, black drum, flounder and redfish this time of year. If you head out to deeper waters, you can add everything from wahoo and marlin to sailfish and tuna to your lineup.
9. Birding Adventures Are Yours to Enjoy
Winter in Port Aransas means birdwatchers will have options to relish incredible days out and about with binoculars in hand. This is a prime birding season in the area and a time of year that sees an impressive number of bird species available to spot. Some of the top areas to check out include the Port Aransas Nature Preserve, but you can also view low-flying birds along the Central Flyway of Mustang Island. Keep your eyes open for everything from reddish egrets and bitterns to roseate spoonbills and whooping cranes along the way.
10. Great Golf Is an Option Every Day of Your Stay
Put that warm weather and sunshine to good use when you winter in Port Aransas by making time on your itinerary to hit the greens in style. Here, golf is a great option to enjoy all year long and when you head here in the wintertime, you won’t have any trouble booking a tee time at all the top spots. Places like Palmilla Beach are must-visit destinations, having earned titles as one of the best courses around according to the team over at Golfweek. Your game here will include nine holes of links-style golf as well as access to a Class A driving range and opportunities to book lessons alongside professionals on-site. Not to mention the top-rated Pro Shop and eatery to explore when you drop by.
Book a Winter Getaway to Remember Through La Mirage Resort Condominiums Today
Now is the best time to make your winter travel plans to Port Aransas a reality. When you do, make sure to book your Port Aransas vacation rental at La Mirage Resort Condominiums and you can count on luxury, comfort, and exceptional style standards being an integral part of your getaway experience! Reach out today to learn more and to get started.
