A Port Aransas summer trip can be as relaxed or active as you want it to be. Spend the morning on the beach, book something fun in the afternoon, and end the day with live music or a quiet night at the condo. For summer activities in Port Aransas, La Mirage Resort Condominiums gives you a good home base close to the coast.
Peak Season Highlights
Summer is peak season in Port Aransas, so it helps to know what is worth adding to the itinerary before you arrive. Some activities are great for families, while others are better for couples, friend groups, or guests who want something a little more adventurous. Here are a few standouts to consider during your summer journey to Port Aransas.
Red Dragon Pirate Cruises
Red Dragon Pirate Cruises is one of the more unique family-friendly activities in town. The two-hour cruise takes guests through the Lydia Ann Channel aboard a 75-foot Spanish galleon replica with cannon fire, dolphin watching, sword fighting, treasure hunting, and pirate crew entertainment.
- Location: 440 W. Cotter Ave., Port Aransas, TX 78373
- Phone: 361-749-2469
- Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Book Your Trip
Over 20 Fishing Tournaments
Port Aransas is known as the Fishing Capital of Texas, and summer is one of the busiest seasons for anglers. The area hosts more than 20 fishing tournaments during the summer months, with events ranging from kids’ tournaments and women-only competitions to serious offshore contests for billfish, redfish, kingfish, and more.
Even if you are not competing, tournament season adds a lot of energy to town. You can watch weigh-ins, book your own fishing charter, or spend the day near the marina before heading back to La Mirage to clean up and relax.
Bioluminescent Kayaking
GlowRow takes kayaking in Port Aransas in a completely different direction. Their guided nighttime tours use clear kayaks with underwater LED lights, so you can paddle under the stars while seeing the water, wildlife, and local landmarks from a new angle.
GlowRow provides the equipment, and each kayak has seven glow color options so you can choose the vibe for your tour. Guests can also bring their own drinks, with alcohol allowed for those 21 and older, making it a fun pick for adults, couples, or friend groups looking for something different after dark.
- Location: Redfish Bay Causeway, Aransas Pass, TX 78358
- Phone: (702) 720-4569
- Hours: 1 PM to 12 AM
- Book Your Tour
Skydiving with Skydive South Texas
For guests who want a real adrenaline activity, Skydive South Texas offers tandem skydiving on Mustang Island. The company has been based in the area since 2010 and serves Port Aransas, Mustang Island, Corpus Christi, and the Texas Gulf Coast.
- Location: 139 Piper Blvd., Port Aransas, TX 78373
- Phone: 361-945-5867
- Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM Friday-Sunday
- Skydiving FAQ
Live Music on the Beach
Live music is easy to find in Port Aransas during the summer, especially after a long day at the beach. Treasure Island, Bron’s Backyard, and Bernie’s Beach House are all casual spots where you can grab a drink, listen to music, and keep the night relaxed.
Treasure Island is a Port Aransas bar with outdoor seating and a nightlife setup that works well for groups. It is a good stop if you want to sit outside, hear a band, and stay close to the center of town.
- Location: 315 N. Alister St., Port Aransas, TX 78373
- Phone: (361) 416-1020
- Hours: 7 PM to 2 AM Thursday-Saturday
Bron’s Backyard is a laid-back outdoor spot with live music, food, drinks, games, and plenty of room to hang out. It has a casual, family-friendly feel earlier in the day and works well for groups who want an easy night out.
- Location: 314 E. Avenue G, Port Aransas, TX 78373
- Phone: (361) 290-7143
- Live Music
Our Summer Rentals in Port Aransas
La Mirage Resort Condominiums gives summer travelers a comfortable place to stay near the beach. The resort is located on Mustang Island, just minutes from Port Aransas and about 25 minutes from downtown Corpus Christi, making it easy to enjoy the island while still having access to restaurants, shopping, and activities.
La Mirage offers studio efficiencies and one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos ranging from 700 to 1,250 square feet. Each condo includes a fully equipped kitchen, laundry room, living area, and dining area, which makes summer travel easier for families, couples, and groups. Resort amenities include:
- Direct beach access
- Two swimming pools
- One heated pool during winter months
- Two hot tubs
- Splash pad
- Sports court
- Picnic tables
- Outdoor grills
- Courtyard setting
- Full kitchens
- Laundry rooms
- Living and dining areas
Book Today
Summer is one of the best times to visit Port Aransas, and the right rental makes the trip easier. La Mirage Resort Condominiums gives you beach access and resort amenities. Book your stay at La Mirage today and start planning your summer getaway filled with summer activities in Port Aransas!
Port Aransas has a lot of places to stay, but La Mirage condominiums check the boxes that actually matter for a summer trip. Beachfront location, well-equipped units, and a resort that makes wanting to leave difficult.
Everything You Need for the Perfect Beach Stay at La Mirage
La Mirage is a three-story courtyard-style resort with units ranging from studio efficiencies to three-bedroom condos between 700 and 1,250 square feet. Every unit is fully furnished with a variety of conveniences, including a fully equipped kitchen and a private balcony. The resort also has a 24-hour front desk, meaning someone is always available if you need anything during your stay. Our summer condos book up fast, so the earlier you plan, the better.
Beachfront Condos in Port Aransas
La Mirage condos sit directly on the Gulf of Mexico with a private boardwalk connecting the resort to the beach. You’re not crossing a road or walking a long stretch to get to the water. You walk through the courtyard, and you’re on the sand. Many of our upper-floor units face the Gulf, offering unobstructed views from the balcony. The beach at Mustang Island is wide, clean, and significantly less crowded than most other Texas Gulf Coast destinations, even in peak summer.
Perfect for Small Families and Large Groups
La Mirage works well across a range of group sizes. Studios and one-bedroom units are a solid fit for couples or small families traveling light. Two- and three-bedroom condos give larger families and groups the room they need without anyone feeling cramped. Full kitchens in every unit mean you can cook meals in, manage grocery runs on your own schedule, and not rely on restaurants for every meal.
For groups who want flexibility with their booking, our staycation condos are designed for longer stays and give you everything you need to settle in and actually enjoy the island.
Summer Amenities Guests Love at La Mirage
La Mirage has a strong lineup of on-site amenities that make the resort a destination in its own right. Here’s a closer look at what guests come back for every summer.
Beautiful Courtyard and Outdoor Spaces
The three-story courtyard layout surrounds a landscaped outdoor space with palm trees, seating areas, and easy access to the pools and the beach boardwalk. It’s a well-designed common area that gives guests a central gathering spot without feeling crowded.
Pools & Hot Tubs
La Mirage has two pools and two hot tubs, with one pool heated during cooler months. In the summer, the pools get heavy use from families and groups who want a break from the Gulf. The splash pad is a popular spot for younger kids.
Private Balconies with Coastal Views
Every unit at La Mirage includes a private balcony. Upper-floor units on the Gulf-facing side offer direct water views, while courtyard-facing units overlook the landscaped common areas. Either way, you have an outdoor space that belongs entirely to your unit.
Convenient Onsite Amenities
Beyond the pools and outdoor spaces, La Mirage includes:
- In-unit washer and dryer in every condo
- Fully equipped kitchens with stove, refrigerator, and microwave
- Flat-screen TVs and wireless internet
- Elevator access
- Private boardwalk to the beach
- 24-hour front desk
Fun Things to Do Near La Mirage This Summer
Port Aransas has enough going on to fill a full summer week without repeating yourself. A few things worth building into your trip:
- Dolphin watching and sunset cruises
- Surf lessons
- Parasailing
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
- Browsing boutiques, galleries, and restaurants along Alister Street downtown
- The Port Aransas Nature Preserve and Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center for wildlife watching
- Day trips to Corpus Christi for the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington
Book Our Summer Rentals in Port Aransas
Summer availability at resorts in Port Aransas, Texas, fills up fast, especially for holiday weekends and peak season weeks in June and July. La Mirage Port Aransas has units available across all bedroom counts for summer stays of any length. Browse our weekly vacation rentals to see what’s available for your dates!
Looking for things to do in Port Aransas, Texas, this summer? Between the beach, time on the water, good seafood, and a few easy spots around town, Port Aransas has plenty to keep the trip fun from start to finish.
Spend Your Days on the Beach
The beach is still the main attraction here, and summer is the ideal time to hit the shore. Port Aransas has miles of shoreline, drivable beach access in many areas, and enough room that you can usually find a stretch that fits how you want to spend the day. Some people want chairs, snacks, and a full setup. Others just want an hour by the water before heading somewhere else. You can enjoy both here.
Swim and Play in the Gulf of Mexico
Summer water temperatures in Port Aransas average about 84 degrees, so the Gulf is warm enough for swimming, floating, and spending a good chunk of the day in the water. A few tips to keep in mind:
- Get there earlier if you want easier parking and cooler sand
- Bring more water than you think you need
- Pack shade if you plan to stay a while
- Check beach conditions before you go
Search for Shells Along the Shoreline
Shelling is easy to work into a summer beach day. Bring a small bucket or bag, then walk the shoreline and see what turns up. Mornings are usually the best time to go since the beach is quieter and the heat is not as strong yet. It is also a good activity for groups because people can do it at their own pace. Some can swim, some can walk, and some can look for shells for a while.
Watch the Sunrise Before Everyone
The sunrise is worth seeing at least once in summer, especially since it usually falls around 6:35 to 6:45 a.m. in Port Aransas. The beach is quieter, and it is an easy time to walk the shoreline before the day gets hotter.
Get Out on the Water
The beach is only part of the summer draw in Port Aransas. Once you are ready to do more than sit on the sand, there are plenty of ways to get on the water without making things complicated.
Book a Dolphin Watching Tour
A dolphin tour with Scarlet Lady Dolphin Adventures is one of the easiest wins in Port Aransas. It works for families, couples, and groups because it gets everyone on the water without requiring any experience or a big commitment. Kids usually stay interested because there is a real chance of seeing dolphins.
- Location: 440 W Cotter Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373
- Phone: (361) 749-5597
- Tour Calendar
Enjoy Kayaking or Paddleboarding
If you want something more active, kayaking and paddleboarding are easy to work into a Port Aransas summer day with rentals from Coastal Bend Kayak. They give you a different view of the water, and you do not need a full-day plan to make it worthwhile. An hour or two is enough.
- Location: 1038 South Commercial St., Aransas Pass, Texas 78336
- Phone: 361-557-7003
- Kayak Rentals
Book a Fishing Charter
Fishing is a big part of Port Aransas, and summer is one of the easiest times to build it into the trip. If you want more than casual pier fishing, book a charter with Deep Sea Headquarters and let someone else handle the boat, gear, and timing.
- Location: 440 W Cotter Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373
- Phone: (361) 749-5597
- Tours
Eat Well During Your Visit
Summer beach days go better when you already know where you are eating after. Port Aransas has enough seafood and casual spots to keep everyone satisfied.
Eat Seafood Harvested the Same Morning
Seafood is part of the reason people come here, so it makes sense to lean into it. Port Aransas has places where fresh fish, shrimp, and oysters are the point of the meal, not just something added to the menu.
Virginia’s On the Bay
- Location: 815 Trout St, Port Aransas, TX 78373
- Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM
- Menu
Trout Street Bar & Grill
- Location: 104 W Cotter Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373
- Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM
- Menu
Casual Restaurants the Whole Family Will Enjoy
FINS Grill & Icehouse
- Location: 420 W Cotter Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373
- Hours: 11 AM to 8 PM (9 PM Friday-Saturday)
- Menu
MacDaddy’s Family Kitchen
- Location: 118 Beach St, Port Aransas, TX 78373
- Hours: 11 AM to 8 PM (9 PM Friday-Saturday)
- Menu
Explore the Town
Beach time carries a lot of the trip, but Port Aransas is better when you mix in a few town stops.
Browse the Local Shops
Shops in Port Aransas are good for more than T-shirts and postcards. You can spend an hour walking around town, stopping for gifts, beachwear, candy, or something small to bring home. This is also a good late-afternoon activity when the sun is still strong.
Visit the University of Texas Marine Science Institute
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute’s Patton Center is one of the best indoor stops in town, especially for families. Explore aquariums, exhibits, and hands-on displays about local marine life—all for free!
- Location: 855 E Cotter Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373
- Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM Tuesday-Saturday
- More Info
Follow the Nature Trails
If you want a slower outing, the Port Aransas Nature Preserve gives you walking paths, birding, and a different side of town.
Make the Most of Summer
Where you stay matters more in summer because you will probably be going back and forth during the day.
Stay Close to the Beach
If the beach is the reason for the trip, staying close to it makes the day easier. You can head down in the morning, come back for lunch, cool off inside for a while, then go back out again later. That is a much better setup than driving back and forth each time.
Vacation Rentals with Room for the Whole Group
At La Mirage, guests can choose from studio efficiencies and one-, two-, or three-bedroom condos. That range makes it easier to book the right amount of space, especially on a summer trip when people are coming in with beach gear, groceries, and more than a few wet towels. A fully equipped kitchen in each condo also helps with quick breakfasts, lunches, and drinks throughout the day.
Book Your Summer Vacation Rental in Port Aransas Today
Summer in Port Aransas is easy to fill with beach time, boat tours, fishing, seafood, and a few simple stops around town. If you are planning a trip built around the best things to do in Port Aransas, Texas, booking the right rental helps from the start. Reserve your vacation rental in Port Aransas today and give yourself a good home base for an unforgettable vacation!