Port Aransas, Texas
LIFE MOVES AT A SLOWER PACE HERE. YOU'RE ON ISLAND TIME.
We love Port Aransas, and we’re so excited to welcome you. Friendly reminders and helpful tips to help you enjoy your time visiting our island home safely and responsibly. Learn how to do things the “Port A Way” so together we can help Port Aransas maintain its charm and beauty for generations to come!
Patton Center For Marine Science Education
Patton Center for Marine Science Education features eight large aquaria and engaging interactive displays.
Patton Center for Marine Science Education features eight large aquaria and engaging interactive displays.
Learn MorePort Aransas Museum
Learn more about Port Aransas and all the things that make this island such a special place at the Port Aransas Museum.
Learn more about Port Aransas and all the things that make this island such a special place at the Port Aransas Museum.
Learn MorePort Aransas Fishing
Port Aransas is known to casual and serious anglers alike as the “Fishing Capital of Texas”.
Port Aransas is known to casual and serious anglers alike as the “Fishing Capital of Texas”.
Learn MoreFerry Landing
As you board the ferry to Port A, your easiest mode of transportation also becomes the portal to your vacation destination.
As you board the ferry to Port A, your easiest mode of transportation also becomes the portal to your vacation destination.
Learn MoreFarley Boat Works
Learn about these handmade boats that are being lifted by the rising tide of craftsmen, enthusiasts, and historians.
Learn about these handmade boats that are being lifted by the rising tide of craftsmen, enthusiasts, and historians.
Learn MoreChapel on the Dunes
Known locally as the Chapel on the Dunes this historical church is one of the Eight Wonders of Port Aransas.
Known locally as the Chapel on the Dunes this historical church is one of the Eight Wonders of Port Aransas.
Learn MoreLydia Ann Lighthouse
The Lydia Ann Lighthouse is one of the most famous local landmarks and is one of the 8 Wonders of Port Aransas.
The Lydia Ann Lighthouse is one of the most famous local landmarks and is one of the 8 Wonders of Port Aransas.
Learn MoreSouth Jetty
The south jetty is one of the 8 Wonders of Port Aransas and marks the Corpus Christi Ship Channel.
The south jetty is one of the 8 Wonders of Port Aransas and marks the Corpus Christi Ship Channel.
Learn MoreSan José Island
San José Island is historically a ranch. Today you can enjoy a beach day and shelling on this little island.
San José Island is historically a ranch. Today you can enjoy a beach day and shelling on this little island.
Learn MoreBeach Carts
The beaches are drivable! You can rent a cart from any number of quality vendors, and off you go to explore the beach.
The beaches are drivable! You can rent a cart from any number of quality vendors, and off you go to explore the beach.
Learn MoreBoat Cruises
Whether you want to watch dolphins play in a wake or kick back and enjoy the sunset, nothing compares to a trip on the water!
Whether you want to watch dolphins play in a wake or kick back and enjoy the sunset, nothing compares to a trip on the water!
Learn MoreLeonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
Enjoy a close-up look at life in a wetland, panoramic views of the marsh, and a birder’s idea of paradise.
Enjoy a close-up look at life in a wetland, panoramic views of the marsh, and a birder’s idea of paradise.
Learn MorePort Aransas Art Center
Surround yourself with the captured beauty of Port Aransas, and become part of the island’s vibrant artist community.
Surround yourself with the captured beauty of Port Aransas, and become part of the island’s vibrant artist community.
Learn MorePort Aransas Community Theatre
Port Aransas Community Theatre puts on a range of shows from comedies to poignant productions and tribute band concerts.
Port Aransas Community Theatre puts on a range of shows from comedies to poignant productions and tribute band concerts.
Learn MorePort A Stories
Clean, Cook, or Ship your Catch
- 2 min read
You filled the fish box, here's what you can do next! After a long day of fishing and catching keepers on the coast you might wonder what to do next. In Port Aransas, there are some great options for what you can do with the…
Margarita Madness
- 2 min read
One margarita, two margaritas, three margaritas, try some more! Margarita Madness is finally here! For the whole month of March, you can enjoy margaritas from different restaurants all over Port Aransas. Try a classic or find a…
Breakfast in Port Aransas
- 3 min read
Uncover the breakfast hot spots of Port Aransas! When visiting Port Aransas, there is no shortage of breakfast hot spots that are sure to leave you coming back for more. With amazing locally owned restaurants you can't find…
Palmilla Gone Green
- 2 min read
Earth Day at Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Community in Port Aransas Every day is Earth Day when you live on the beach! From the call of the seagulls in the sky to the soft give of the sand beneath your feet, Port Aransas…
The Perfect Mother's Day in Port Aransas
- 5 min read
Give the mother in your life the day that she deserves! Show the most important woman in your life how much you care! Mother's Day doesn't have to be stressful. Planning the perfect day in Port A is easy whether your mom…
Mardi Gras in Port Aransas
- 2 min read
Mardi on the beach! Celebrate Mardi Gras the island way when you visit Port Aransas. Enjoy the local favorite Mardi Gras Parade or eat king cake while celebrating on the beach. Make a new tradition or continue an old one and visit…
Flynn's Christmas Adventure
- 4 min read
Once Upon A Christmas... Flynn woke up excited to start his day. Today was the day he would mail his letter to Santa! Flynn waited all year to send his letter and was excited to tell Santa all about his year and how he had been…
12 Days of Christmas Gifts in Port Aransas
- 1 min read
12 Days of Port A Gift Ideas Christmas is a time of giving and showing the ones you love that you care about them. One way to do that is by giving a gift to show how much you care. Port Aransas is the perfect place to find unique…
Be a Good Beach Neighbor
- 3 min read
Respect the island and its beachgoers The beach is a place for everyone to enjoy! The Port Aransas beach is a relaxing place where everyone should be able to unwind to the sounds of the ocean waves crashing on the shore and feel…
Taking Care of Port Aransas Beaches
- 4 min read
National Clean Beaches Week National Clean Beaches Week is fast approaching, so here are 5 tips on how you can show the Port Aransas beach some TLC in honor of the week! Keep Your Trash Out of the Sand It's no coincidence…
Respecting Our Island Home One Plastic Bag At A Time
- 4 min read
Global Recycling Day is here, which means it's time to party! Just kidding, Global Recycling Day is actually a time reserved for self reflection and learning about how your own trash habits affect the world around you. For…
Get the Most Out of Your Spring Break Vacation in Port Aransas
- 3 min read
Tips & Tricks for Visiting the Port A Way You’ve got time off from work approved, lodging booked, bags packed, and you’re ready to head to the beach. But wait! What will you actually do when you get here? Do you…
Swim into Spring in a New Suit
- 3 min read
Find your new favorite swimsuit in Port Aransas Spring has arrived, which means summer is just around the corner! Beach trips and spending time by the pool are definitely in your future. Whether you are looking for board shorts, a…
Dolphin Docks in Port Aransas
- 6 min read
Discover the heart of Dolphin Docks Dolphin Docks was formed in 1977 and named after the “Dolphin” charter boat, which is still in service to this day! Before Dolphin Docks, it was called the Blue Heron Dock, where…
The Piers of Port Aransas
- 3 min read
You don't have to leave the shore to reel in a keeper! Port Aransas is known as the “Fishing Capital of Texas,” but that doesn't mean you need a boat to join in on the fun. Several piers offer access to…
Mardi Gras in Port Aransas
- 2 min read
Mardi on the beach! Celebrate Mardi Gras the island way when you visit Port Aransas. Enjoy the local favorite Mardi Gras Parade or eat king cake while celebrating on the beach. Make a new tradition or continue an old one and visit…
Things To Do
You'll have no shortage of good times and are sure to discover why this island is ranked one of the top 25 best beaches in the U.S. and as one of the South's best beach towns.
Port Aransas Beaches
Mustang Island
Explore the unique beach community voted one of the top 10 beaches in TexasMustang Island boasts 18 miles of beautiful, largely undisturbed Texas coastline. Visitors can drive right up to the water and barbecue, play horseshoes, camp out, or just enjoy the cool ocean breeze.
San Jose Island
A Forgotten Island TreasureSan José Island, known affectionately as St. Jo's, is privately owned. Historically a ranch, today the island is managed principally for wildlife. Access is permitted only on public land, meaning that…
I.B. Magee Beach
Located just on the other side of the rolling sand dunes that stretch along the small town of Port A is I.B. Magee Beach. Rent a golf cart, cruise the beach in your vehicle, or take a stroll on the…
Padre Island National Seashore
This scenic national park, found at the end of Park Road 22 on North Padre Island, is a nature enthusiast’s paradise. The site for camping among the coastal wildlife and catching hatchling releases…
Port A Featured Events
Texas Women Anglers Tournament
- Port Aransas Fisherman's Wharf, LLC
- Aug 23, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024
Ladies' Powder Puff Fishing Tournament
- Jun 14, 2024 - Jun 15, 2024
Majek Boat Owners Tournament
- Roberts Point Park
- Aug 9, 2024 - Aug 10, 2024
Billfish Pachanga
- Virginia's on the Bay
- Jul 18, 2024 - Jul 20, 2024
Port Aransas Wooden Boat Festival
- Roberts Point Park
- Oct 25, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024
Texas Legends Billfish Tournament
- Port Aransas Fisherman's Wharf, LLC
- Aug 7, 2024 - Aug 11, 2024
The Addams Family
- Port Aransas Community Theatre
- Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024
Texas Sand Fest 2025
- Texas SandFest
- Apr 25, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
Visit A Certified Music Community
Port Aransas has been granted the designation of "Music Friendly Community" by the Texas Music Office. The Music Friendly Community program seeks to foster music industry development in Texas cities and communities that are serious about attracting and developing local music industry growth.
Salty Stories
The island town of Port Aransas has a personality all its own. Meet some of the people who continue to make Port Aransas more than a beach destination. This is their island, and these are their Salty Stories.