Has life gotten a little hectic and you find yourself needing a beach vacation? Maybe you find yourself needing a little time to reset with some vitamin sea and sunshine. Port Aransas, aka Port A is someplace you should consider visiting. This area is home to some of the best beaches in the Lone Star State. You’ll find long stretches of soft, sandy coast, and family friendly beaches where you can take in the view, relax and reflect.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top Port Aransas beach area, while giving you an idea of what you can expect when you visit. We’ll highlight the benefits of visiting the beach when in Port A, since it does wonders for your mental and emotional health and wellbeing, and how a vacation rental from La Mirage Resort (located right on Mustang Island) can take your beach vacation up to the next level! Get ready to make a splash on the beaches of Port A in this ultimate guide!
Planning a Getaway to the Beaches of Port A
Beach vacations can do a lot at resetting your mindset and restoring you from burnout. Restore your mind and heart to balance, ease stress, and slow down and savor the moment during your visit to the beaches of Port A.
Scientific studies have shown that being near the ocean can lower stress levels, improve mood, and even enhance sleep quality! That’s just what the doctor ordered and can be found in Port A. Listen to the sound of waves, feel the warm sand beneath your feet, and take a deep breath as you notice the endless water horizon. The atmosphere of Port A is so calming, and it’s easy to have fun by the water here.
Port Aransas Beach
While there are plenty of beach destinations out there, Port Aransas Beach is one of a kind. With 18 miles of wide, sandy beaches, you’ll always find a perfect spot to stretch out, go for a swim, take a surfing lesson, or relax on the sand. Something unique about Port Aransas beach is that you can drive your car out onto the sand. This is a convenient option for bringing all your beach goodies down easily without having to make numerous trips back to the parking lot!
Keep in mind that beach parking permits are required for a fee of $12. These can be purchased at the Port Aransas Welcome Center, Ace Hardware and other locations like participating convenience stores.
Once you have your permit and entrance ticket, the world is your oyster! Visit Port Aransas Beach to lay out in the sunshine, have a picnic with loved ones, go swimming, bodysurfing, boogieboarding and traditional surfing! The town is also known for sunset cruises, dolphin watching tours and fishing opportunities. If you want to explore more on land, you can go for a walk. There’s no shortage of ways to fill your days in Port A.
Lifeguards patrol certain areas during the summer, making it a safe option for families with younger kids. The beach is also a hot spot for surf fishing, where you can watch as anglers try their luck casting out lines in the warm Gulf waters. This beach in Port Aransas is the heart of the area and should be your first stop on your list of beaches to visit.
Mustang Island State Park
Just a short drive south of Port Aransas Beach, Mustang Island State Park spans five miles of coastline and over 3,000 acres of protected natural grounds. Come to this beach for the perfect mix of recreation and relaxation. Many visit this beach for the excellent birding opportunities, the Mustang Island Paddle Park trail, fishing, and more. It allows you to have the full beach experience with a few add-ons that make the trip more enjoyable.
You can say that this park gives you a well-rounded beach experience. The vibes are relaxed and quiet. You’ll definitely want to consider doing the Paddle Park Trail. This is a 20-mile kayaking route that takes you along shallow bays and estuaries – home to various sorts of wildlife. It’s a one of a kind experience that you wouldn’t readily imagine for the beach!
San Jose Island
Treat yourself to a mini-island getaway to San Jose Island. Located just a ferry ride away from Port A, you’ll arrive at the privately owned but open to the public San Jose Island. The beaches are quiet and undisturbed, and the waters are clear and calm. Being here will make you feel like you’ve inherited your very own island.
When planning your visit, you’ll want to think ahead since passenger ferry boats at Fisherman’s Wharf. Services are limited, so with a little advanced research and proper planning, you can make it to San Jose Island. The area is much like a refuge for wildlife, so vehicles are not permitted.
Enjoy responsibly. The island has no amenities or restaurants. You must pack your own food items for the day, along with a trash bag to carry them out in. If you were never into sea shelling before, you might want to start on San Jose Island. The shores are a treasure trove of all kinds of unique shells to find – like lightning whelks, shark eyes, sand dollars, and more! Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this island oasis made for nature lovers.
Tony Amos Beach
Tony Amos Beach is just south of Port Aransas Beach. This beach has been named after the late Tony Amos who was a local oceanographer and wildlife advocate. Tony Amos Beach is typically less crowded, making it perfect for an easygoing beach visit. Keep your eyes peeled for sea birds, and dolphins playing in the surf. Summer months brings nesting turtles so if you’re visiting during that time, be mindful of where you set up! Make a day of it by bringing burgers, steaks and hot dogs to grill here. There are also showers and restrooms for freshening up at the end of your beach day.
I.B. Magee Beach Park
I.B. Magee is the place to be if you want a no fuss, no muss day at the beach. Many love it for its clean shores, and jetty walk. On the jetty, you can watch anglers trying to reel in their next great catch and view ships sailing along on the water. The facilities are well-maintained and include picnic areas and showers.
Bring your fishing gear, surfboard, windsurf board, and enjoy the best of what this beach has to offer. The waves here are mild, which is great for boogie boarding. Top the day off at I.B. Magee by watching the sunset over the jetty.
Beach Rules to Keep in Mind
We want you to experience the Port Aransas beaches safely so you can come back next time! Keep these rules in mind to have the best time. As mentioned earlier in our guide, beach permits are required for vehicle access on certain beaches and fires are only allowed in designated areas.
Port A takes pride in keeping its beaches clean, so what you pack in – pack out. Glass containers are not allowed. If you’ll be spending time in the water, be mindful of the weather, changing tides and weather conditions. Never swim alone and keep an eye on young children. Pets are welcome on most beaches but should be leashed. Be sure to clean up after them too. This helps all visitors to Port A’s beaches to have the best time in clean, comfortable surroundings.
Choosing the Right Home Base for the Beach
When your vacation is all about the beach, why not choose a place to stay that makes it easy to enjoy your time on the coast to the fullest? La Mirage Resort in Port Aransas is located on the sands of Mustang Island. You can choose a beachfront rental to call home during your time in Port A, with La Mirage!
A beachfront rental means no driving, no packing up the car, no crossing busy streets. Take a short walk from your condo, down a private boardwalk to the water’s edge. Your feet are warmed by the soft sands, as you listen to the song of sea birds and waves. With the excitement of a beach day in front of you, why not get the day started with a hot cup of coffee made just the way you like it. Savor each sip with a view of the sunrise coming up. After a quick breakfast, made in the kitchen of your rental, you’ll be ready to run down to the shores to lounge by the beach. With the beach so close, it will be easy to plan your days like the rhythm of the tides – slow and steady.
Feel like a morning stretch session on the shore before breakfast? Go for it. Craving a midday swim to beat the Texas heat? You’ll be there in no time. Sunset strolls, evening picnics, or stargazing on a blanket under the open sky—are all very real possibilities for you during your visit to Port A.
Inside Your La Mirage Rental
Inside La Mirage you’ll find comfortable, spacious condos designed to maximize coastal living. Multiple bedrooms give families and groups plenty of space to relax without feeling overcrowded and cramped. Large, open living areas invite you to sit and stay a while. Relax and reconnect with loved ones, with stories, movie nights, or meals together.
Speaking of meals, you can create your favorite recipes throughout your stay. Full kitchens give you the flexibility to whip up breakfasts, dinners, and beach snacks. Take in meals from your private balcony or patio overlooking the ocean.
These private outdoor spaces seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living. There’s something special about ending each day outside with spectacular beach views. You have a cool drink in hand, as you take in the last rays of sunshine peek behind the horizon.
Take advantage of the resort amenities. Switch up days by the beach with afternoons lounging poolside with a good book. Melt your cares away with a relaxing soak in the hot tub. Personal barbecues, picnic areas and outdoor seating spots help you to explore the resort area fully. And when you’re ready to head back to the beach, the convenient boardwalk makes it effortless — no need to pack up the car or navigate crowded public access points. In a few steps, you’re there.
La Mirage puts you right where you want to be. Bask in the best of a beach vacation: spontaneous swims, seaside picnics, and so much more.
Central Access to Every Beach
You’ve likely heard of bar hopping, well now you can incorporate the tradition of beach hopping! All of these beaches are nearby, meaning you can discover a new one each day of your stay.
One of the biggest advantages of staying at La Mirage is its central location. Whether you’re heading north to I.B. Magee Beach Park or south to Mustang Island State Park, you’re never far from any of Port A’s best beaches. Take the ferry over to San Jose Island, or in a short drive you’ll reach Tony Amos Beach.
Your Dream Beach Vacation Awaits in Port Aransas!
Will you answer the call of the coast? The beaches of Port Aransas are waiting for your visit. Plan your itinerary, making sure you visit each beach we covered in this guide. And for unlimited beach access, consider booking a vacation rental from La Mirage Resort.
Perks include direct access to the beach while being centrally located to the best of Port Aransas. Get ready to get the best tan of your life as you recenter and refresh yourself with a beach vacation in Port Aransas.
Check out the selection of vacation rentals in Port Aransas offered by La Mirage and pick the one that appeals to you most. Reach out with any questions, or in just a few simple clicks you can book your Port Aransas beachfront rental in no time! Don’t wait—book your stay at La Mirage today.
