One of the best parts of being an adult is getting to choose where you want your next vacation to take place and not be at the mercy of your parents who have historically made the decision for you. And one of the worst parts of being an adult is having to pay for everything yourself, with one of your worst vacation memories being the time you went to Paris and ran out of money before you got to take the Eifel Tower tour. Fortunately, the fact that you are reading this proves to us that you have learned from your mistakes, turning to La Mirage and this guide to budgeting for your 2025 vacation to Port Aransas so that you can fully enjoy your Texas trip of a lifetime with no sacrifices!

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Budgeting for Your 2025 Vacation to Port Aransas

Remember that time you forgot to pack any dark socks for the trip you made for your stepdad’s funeral? Life is funny like that, and we often forget the little things and that includes parking costs for your day at the beaches of Port Aransas. The good news is that your La Mirage beachy escape is close enough to the beach that you won’t need to drive, but if you visit beaches beyond the one outside your window, there is an annual parking fee of $12 that you will need to pay. Additionally, you may need to rent beach gear (some of our sanctuaries may offer the equipment as well, so that could be another savings), and if you want to learn to surf, well, that will cost you as well. Texas Surf Camps, 230 N On the Beach, offers a selection of surfing lessons beginning at $60 per person, so be sure to add that fee to your budget if you think you would like to hang 10 during your Port A journey.

2025 Vacation to Port Aransas

Dining Out can be a Budget Buster

Again, because you have chosen La Mirage and our escapes offer fully equipped kitchens, you can lessen the burden on your budget by choosing to eat in for some meals, but the culinary landscape of Port Aransas is one that deserves to be explored. Most restaurants in the area run in the $10-$20 range, making dining out reasonable, but there are a few spots that will force you to dig deeper. Roosevelts, 200 E Cotter Avenue, is the first restaurant that comes to mind, offering a fine dining experience with elevated food choices. Because life is too short to always eat cheap, if you are celebrating a special occasion, we will always recommend Roosevelts, but remember that you can expect to spend between $50-$100 for your meals here.

Catch Your Dinner

Fishing is a popular Port Aransas activity, we are even known as the Fishing Capital of Texas, but there will be some expenses involved if you choose to participate in this activity. Fishing licenses are required and can cost $16 per person for an all water license. If you want to fish from the Horace Caldwell Pier, it will cost $7 per person; $3 for access and $4 for the pole (children are free and seniors and military can access the pier for just $1). Until now, the costs have been minor ones, but if you want to charter a fishing expedition, you can expect those costs to grow exponentially. Bay fishing trips can start at $54 per person for a 3.5-hour one when you choose Deep Sea Headquarters for your fishing expeditions, but if you want a real adventure, they offer charters that can last as long as 60 hours, where the costs will jump into the thousand-dollar range. A steep cost, of course, but the adventure will be one you will never forget!

2025 Vacation to Port Aransas

Don’t Walk the Plank

It can be difficult to find things the youngest travelers enjoy while on vacation, but in Port Aransas, Red Dragon Pirate Cruises is destined to change that, if you budget for it! Offering a fantastic adventure aboard a Spanish Galleon replica, there will be cannon fire, sword fighting, a lesson in speaking pirate, and the chance to find hidden treasure, with a full bar on board ensuring that the parents will have a blast as well. Ticket prices are $40 for adults, $30 for children, and if your kiddos are 2 or under, they can board for free. This swashbuckling adventure will bring your entire family the best memories, and on the best trips, the opportunity to watch dolphins frolicking in the surf as well.

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Less Expensive Than a Hotel?

Although our La Mirage retreats offer a variety of costs, depending on the size, location, and the views, it can still be less costly than renting a hotel room, especially when you choose to dine in for a few meals. Contact us to reserve your favorite escape today! Browse our rentals by bedroom here.