If it weren’t for the Gulf, Port Aransas and the other small towns and islands that surround us wouldn’t be the popular vacation destination they are today, but there is more than beach days that will make your Texas getaway one you will never forget. There are nature walks and bird watching fun, snorkeling adventures, and dolphin watching cruises, and although you can do all those activities right here in Port Aransas, we at La Mirage want to encourage you to explore the natural side of life all over the area. This guide to the best nature-filled day trips that start and finish at home in Port Aransas will give you a vacation experience that is well rounded and wonderful!
Stop and Smell the Flowers at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Reserve in Corpus Christi
Located at 8545 S Staples Street and offering 180 acres of botanical garden and nature center, the South Texas Botanical Gardens never bores. In addition to featuring what you might consider standard gardens (rose, plumeria, and even an orchid conservatory), guests will discover sensory gardens that delight the senses, a butterfly house and gardens filled with color and the delicate flutter of butterfly wings, and a hummingbird garden that always thrills. The Botanical Gardens are where kids can see an armadillo for the first time, watch for birds, and be amazed by parrots as well as hike along a variety of nature trails, making it the perfect stop for your natural Texas adventures.
Savor the Shade of the Big Tree at Goose Island State Park in Rockport
Goose Island State Park is an awesome natural experience on its own merit, offering camping, fishing, hiking, and boating activities, but if you do manage a day trip to the park, don’t have so much fun that you miss standing in the shade of what the locals call the Big Tree. This centuries-old coast live oak stands 44 feet tall, has a trunk circumference of over 11 feet, and a canopy that spreads out over 89 feet. It truly is a big tree, and its longevity and gnarled beauty makes it a popular selfie spot as well.
Commune with Wildlife at the Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge in Corpus Christi
A popular spot with birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, the Hans and Pat Suter Wildlife Refuge is also the site of ancient burial grounds used somewhere in between 1000 BC and 1000 AD and determined to be that of the Karankawa Tribes. Today, a medicine wheel can be found in the park, and an annual blessing of sacred grounds is conducted with plans for a memorial to be built. But there is also a 1-mile nature trail that traverse the area and picnic spots where guests can enjoy a meal as they watch for snowy egrets and great blue herons, giving guests a serene way to spend their day.
Linger Closer to Home With a Visit to the University of Texas, Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas
Your natural day trip doesn’t have to take you far from “home” as you plan to spend some hours exploring all the University of Texas, Marine Science Institute has to offer. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM until 4 PM, it is free to enter and explore its 8 large aquariums, interactive displays, and fish feeding demonstrations. Keepers Chats are always a hit with the littles, educating them on the importance of protecting our waters and the animals who inhabit those waters, without making it feel like they are actually learning something! Also offering walking trails that take visitors through the Wetlands Education Center and the Water Wise Wildlife Garden, the Marine Science Institute is always a smash hit for visitors.
Kayaking Along the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail
Kayaking on the Mustang Island Paddling Trail is one of our favorite ways to enjoy a beautiful day in Texas, offering 20 miles of “trails” that take paddlers along the western shoreline of Mustang Island. The trails lead through secluded coves, marsh islands (naturally formed), and spoil islands (man made formations made from dredged materials), ending at the Island Moorings Marina right here in Port Aransas. During your paddling adventures you might fish, watch for birds or scour the land you are paddling alongside for armadillos running free, or you may just paddle, enjoying the calming repetition of paddling.
Natural Adventures at Home With La Mirage
Your day trip may be more comfortable if it is the journey you take from the living room to the balcony of your La Mirage sanctuary! From your perch you may be able to see schools of dolphins frolicking in the surf, and you will definitely be able to watch the sun rise and set over the water. Reserve your favorite escape today and enjoy a natural adventure that will be complemented by all the comforts of home!
