Sitting just north of Padre Island, Port Aransas is a beautiful barrier island along the Texas coast that must be seen to be believed. When you’re looking forward to some well-deserved time away, Port Aransas is the perfect place to settle in, relax, and enjoy amazing surroundings in good company. Any time of year you happen to have time set aside to leave the hustle and bustle of life in your wake, this is the place you’ll most definitely want to be. You’ll find Port Aransas on Mustang Island and upon arrival, it won’t be difficult to see why it’s a place that’s been named one of the top 25 beaches in the country!
Many travelers say Port Aransas is the definition of the true Texas Coast and if you happen to be someone who loves plenty of sunshine, surf, and sand, you’re likely to agree with the sentiment. Port Aransas has earned the title of the Fishing Capital of Texas and it’s also a place where travelers can expect to find more than 500 species of birds. Whether you’re a traveler with a passion for golf, surfing, hiking, or paddling your way through a stay anywhere on the map, you’ll find Port Aransas is a place that’s designed by nature to impress.
If you can’t wait to simply sit back and enjoy life at a slower pace, you’ll quickly discover Port Aransas is a destination where you can do that as well. Home to 18 miles of beaches, ship channels and bays to admire, Port Aransas is a one-stop resource for sunbathing, dolphin spotting, boating, and sea turtle watching as well. While some come here to parasail, others find they enjoy spending their time zipping around in golf carts, sightseeing at their own preferred pace. World-class dining options are right at your fingertips in Port Aransas so when cravings come calling, you never have to worry about where you’ll find something delicious to enjoy.
No matter what your interests might be, Port Aransas is your ideal getaway destination, and this first-time Port Aransas visitor guide will help you make more of every moment you’re here.
Getting Here Is a Breeze
There are two distinct driving routes leading to Port Aransas that first-time visitors will want to be aware of while planning their trip. Many travelers to drive through Corpus Christi and enter Port Aransas through Mustang Island from the south while others take the route directly in from the mainland that runs through the town of Aransas Pass. This second route requires a car ferry ride across the ship channel to reach your final destination. You’ll find Port Aransas 30 minutes across the bay from Corpus Christi on Mustang Island’s northern end. The JFK Causeway links Port Aransas to Corpus Christi traveling above the Laguna Madre.
If you choose to fly into Port Aransas, you’ll need to arrive via private plane or charter and land at Mustang Beach Airport. More often than not, travelers choose to fly into Corpus Christi International Airport or choose a runway a bit further from Port Aransas and drive in from there. The drive from San Antonio is approximately three hours while Houston is 3.5 hours away and Austin is 4 hours.
First-time visitors to Port Aransas will find the Port Aransas Ferry System refreshingly comprehensive and easy to use. It offers no-cost service to passengers 24 hours a day every day of the week and connects Mustang Island and Port Aransas to the mainland. It’s a simple way to navigate the Aransas Pass and the system hosts 6 ferry boats in total. Ferries are typically busiest during the summer months and holidays, and each vessel can transport about 100 vehicles per hour.
Wonderful Attractions to Check Out During Your Stay
When you’re excited to be making your way to Port Aransas, Texas for the first time and you’re arriving with a passion for angling firmly in place, you’ll find the options for casting a line in good company here are seemingly endless! One of the best places to check out for fishing and sightseeing alike when you’re in town is the iconic Horace Caldwell Pier. This local landmark has long defined the Port Aransas landscape and continues to be one of the most popular fishing destinations on the island. The Horace Caldwell Pier extends 1,240 feet out over the Gulf of Mexico and sits at Port Aransas Beach. For just $3 a day, anglers can fish from the pier which is managed by 361 Blue. If you don’t have your own pole, those can be rented here as well for $4. There are discounts on access and rentals for seniors and military and those visiting who are 12 and under can enjoy time fishing for free.
Expanding on your tour of piers across Port Aransas isn’t a difficult thing to do, especially when you have the Pier at Roberts Point next up on your must-visit attraction list. This is another popular fishing post along the ship channel that you can pair with time casting a line from Roberts Point Park bulkhead if you’d like to. For a more off-the-beaten path pier encounter, don’t overlook a visit to Charlie’s Pasture Fishing Pier while you’re here.
This was recently reconstructed and is now open for enjoying along the ship channel within the parameters of the Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture. It’s a wonderful place to relax, fish in tranquility, and spend quality time with family and friends far from any crowds. Finally, don’t forget to set aside time on your itinerary to visit the Ancel Brundrett Pier during your Port Aransas stay. At 167.5 feet long, this pier is situated at the northern end of the island and is sometimes referred to by locals as Station Street Pier. It offers up great views to enjoy and is easy to find beside Cline’s Landing right on Station Street.
If history and architecture are what get your heart pounding and you’re looking for incredible local photo backdrops during your Port Aransas trip that also bring the past to life, the Aransas Pass Lydia Ann Lighthouse might just end up being the highlight of your stay. This lighthouse was in operation beginning in 1857 and continued to illuminate the shoreline for just under 100 years with brief interruptions during the Civil War and due to hurricane damage. It’s an impressive and important local landmark well worth seeing for yourself that has earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s the second oldest lighthouse on the Texas Gulf Coast and while you can see it in the distance, to reach the actual structure you’ll need ot travel by boat or kayak. Many visitors pair their trip to the lighthouse with wildlife watching along the way, making the experience that much more memorable.
Top Activities to Enjoy
For travelers heading to Port Aransas during the warmest season of the year with the entire family in tow, there’s no better place to cool off in a fun way than Hurricane Alley Waterpark. Located at 702 East Port Avenue in nearby Corpus Christi, Hurricane Alley Waterpark is a fantastic place to rent a cabana for the day and make the most of waterslides, a surf simulator on-site, and wave pools as well. If you’re traveling with young kids, the Captain Kids Cove can be a convenient alternative to open water experiences that might not be suitable for their age.
Travelers looking to get out on the water and cast a line alongside a professional during their first-time visit to this exciting destination will find that booking a fishing charter in Port Aransas is an eye-opening, fun, and successful experience from start to finish. Many local charters can customize your outing to fit your preferences and skill level as well as provide everything you might need for great day on the water. Experienced anglers can get a heads up on the best locations to check out on their own later on while first-time anglers will enjoy learning the basics at an easy-to-understand pace. Not to mention the catches you’re likely to reel in!
Other top activities you’ll definitely want to add to your itinerary when you make it a point to head to Port Aransas for the first time include beach hopping, shoreline picnics, booking your place on a dolphin-watching tour, and spending some time with an eco expert in the area learning more about the unique habitats that make up the greater Port Aransas area. Bird watching at the Leonabell Turnbull Birding Center is sure to thrill while you can’t go wrong with booking a sandcastle building lesson for the family when you want to enjoy something together. The Palmilla Beach Golf Club is a top destination for booking a tee time during your stay while those looking to elevate the adrenaline-pumping fun can always rent a jet ski and hit the waves at a breathtaking clip during their visit.
Can’t Miss Restaurants
Port Aransas is known for its family-friendly vibes and when it comes to the local dining scene, that takes a friendly approach to local service too. If you happened to have enough time to check out every eatery in town during your first visit this way, you wouldn’t be disappointed, but if you have to narrow down the list, there are few you’re not going to want to miss. Among them is the Grumbles Seafood Company located at 850 Tarpon Street. Here, you can count on enjoying a menu that showcases everything from fried seafood platters and fresh catch of the day to corn chowder and delicious crab. Island-inspired cocktails are always available at Grumbles Seafood Company which is a popular stop in town among locals and visitors alike.
For an elevated dining experience during your Port Aransas getaway, don’t leave a meal at Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill off the list. You’ll find this restaurant at 429 N. Alister Street and between the robust menu of options and captivating coastal-inspired décor, you really can’t go wrong. Oysters, fish tacos, and steak dinners all top the list of fan-favorite menu items here while the Sunday brunch is equally appealing. They’re open every day of the week and are known for their friendly service and great wine list too.
Yet another eatery you won’t want to overlook during your first visit to Port Aransas is Castaways Seafood & Grill. Situated at 337 North Alister Street, Castaways Seafood & Grill is a great place to enjoy grilled seafood platters, boils, and po-boys in good company. The craft beer and cocktail menu is always a treat and if you happen to be traveling to Port Aransas with your favorite canine companion included in your group, the outdoor patio is here wide open, comfortable, and pet friendly too.
Seasonal Weather Expectations for Your Journey
Those who decide to travel to Port Aransas for the first time in the summer can count on daytime temperatures being hot with daily highs lingering in the low 90s. Winter travelers will find more mild temperatures on their side with daily highs in the 50s and 60s to look forward to enjoying. Spring and fall are invitingly comfortable off-season travel times with little rain in the forecast and fewer overall crowds to contend with compared to summer and winter.
Book an Ideal Home Away from Home in Port Aransas
Half the fun of booking a Port Aransas getaway is pairing your one-of-a-kind local adventures with amazing accommodations to top your trip off in luxury, comfort, and style. That’s exactly what you’ll find waiting for you when you make reservations through La Mirage Resort Condominiums. Plan on staying close to the places you’re excited to experience for yourself and when you return to your home away from home at the end of the day, you’ll find an amazing array of fantastic furnishings, features, and amenities at your fingertips. While our team takes care of the details, you can focus on the fun of your first trip to Port Aransas. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting Port Aransas vacation rentals and to start turning your travel plans into a reality soon!
