25 Super Awesome Things To Do in Port Aransas, Texas, USA

Introduction

What are the things to do in Port Aransas, Texas? What are places and activities that make Port Aransas most unique for travelers? Then, here is the complete Port Aransas, Texas travel guide.

This small town in Texas is not only famous for its long wide beaches but breathtaking views, beautiful sunset evenings, divine wine taste, delicious food, compelling wildlife adventures, and other things that you can only see in Port Aransas.

So, let’s take a walk on those things you must know if you would like to visit this lively small beach city. For your convenience, I have found the top five famous places in the table below for reference.

Top Five Places OF Port Aransas Famous For Google Ratings Timing
USS Lexington The oldest aircraft carrier converted into a museum 4.8 Stars September to May

9 AM to 5 PM

May to September

9 AM to 6 PM

Roberts Point Park Fishing, kayaking, birding, & hunting 4.7 Stars Monday to Friday

8 AM to 12 PM &

1 PM to 5 PM

Texas State Aquarium Gulf of Mexico & Caribbean sea species 4.6 Stars Monday to Saturday

10 AM to 5 PM

Port Aransas Museum Showcases the glorious history of Port Aransas 4.6 Stars Thursday to Saturday

1 to 5 PM

Red Dragon Pirate Cruises Experience the pirate ship culture 4.6 Stars Monday to Saturday

11 AM to 7 PM

Sunday

9 AM to 5 PM

Are you planning a trip next weekend then check out my below travel trip recommendation:

25 Top-Rated Things To Do in Port Aransas, Texas

In the below blog, I mentioned the most famous places, adventures, beaches, and other things that you can do in Port Aransas, Texas. If you plan your trip according to the below activities, you can make your trip more momentous.

Pack your backpack, and let’s explore the beautiful attractions of this beach town!

1. Port Aransas Beach

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This beach is famous for its mangrove-covered beach areas, lagoons, sandy beaches, and tidal marshes. Exploring this beach on sunny days is one of the best things to do in Port Aransas. At walking distance, you will find Chute ‘Em Up Parasailing.

In the 19th century, pirates were active in this area, they knew this beach town as “Aranzazu“.

Famous Things To Do: Water sports, boat tours, fishing, parasailing, paragliding

How To Reach: Take a ferry from Mustang island

Working Hours: Monday to Sunday, ( Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Sat-Sun: 9 AM to 1 PM)

Entrance Fee: $12 to enter the beach and park

Amenities: Public restrooms, showers, RV parking spaces, sunbeds, and beach chairs

Official Website: Port Aransas Beach

Best Hotel: Best Western Port Aransas

Address: 1023 State Highway 361 Ste C, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

2. Mustang Island State Park

Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island State Park | Image Credit: tpwd Texas

This State Park is located to the south of this beach town. In this state park, you can see 400+ species of birds which is definitely a treat for the environment enthusiast.

Famous Things To Do: Recreational activities, water sports, kayaking, surfing, hiking, biking, fishing, dolphin watching, bird watching, etc

Working Hours: Monday to Sunday ( 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

Fee: Free for below 12 kids and school students, $5 for adults, $70 for yearly passes

Amenities: Public showers/restrooms, picnic area, sunbeds, pet area, and ranger programs

Official Website: Mustang Island State Park

Best Hotel: Island Hotel

Address: 9394 State Highway 361, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, United States

3. The Crazy Cajun Seafood Restaurant

The Crazy Cajun Seafood Restaurant
The Crazy Cajun Seafood Restaurant | Image Credit: Tripadvisor

If you want an exotic or authentic taste of Texas seafood, you must visit The Crazy Cajun Seafood Restaurant. The Hungry Cajun, Shrimp Remoulade, Shrimp or Crawfish Creole, Baby Back Ribs, and Gumbo all are famous dishes of this restaurant.

Working Hours: Monday to Sunday, (Tue – Fri: 11 AM to 10 PM, Sat: 12 to 11 PM, Sun: 12 to 10 PM, Mon: 11 AM to 10 PM)

Specialty: Seafood, American, Cajun & Creole

Official Website: The Crazy Cajun Seafood Restaurant

Address: 303 E Beach St, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

4. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
Roseate Spoonbills in Aransas National Wildlife Refuge | Image Credit: Facebook

If you are a fan of whooping cranes, herons, ibises, Atlantic ridley, roseate spoonbills, and American alligators, you must visit Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. This place has a large collection of wildlife refugees; that’s why I included this place in our things to do in Port Aransas blog.

Famous Things To Do: Birding, fishing, hiking, wildlife exploring

How To Reach: Travel from Austwell, Texas

Working Hours: Monday to Sunday, ( Mon-Sun: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, closed on holidays)

Amenities: Public restrooms

Official Website: Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Address: 1 Wildlife Cir, Austwell, TX 77950, United States

5. Deep Sea Headquarters

Deep Sea Headquarters
Deep Sea Headquarters | Image Credit: Facebook

The deep sea headquarters is a great place to explore different species of fish if you enjoy diving deeper into the sea. Deep sea headquarters could be one of the fun things to do in this town.

Famous Things To Do: Fishing and bay fishing

Working Hours: Monday to Sunday (Mon-Tue: 6 AM to 9 PM, Wed: 5 AM to 9 PM. Thur-Fri: 6 AM to 9 PM, Sat: 5 AM to 9 PM, Sun: 6 AM to 9 PM)

Amenities: Fish cleaning, mounting, etc

Official Website: Deep Sea Headquarters

Address: 440 W. Cotter Road, Port Aransas, Texas – 78373, United States

6. Red Dragon Pirate Cruises

Red Dragon Pirate Cruises
Red Dragon Pirate Cruise | Image Credit: Pinterest

For a Pirate of the Caribbean fan, sailing the Red Dragon Pirate Cruise is one of the memorable things to do in Port Aransas. This pirate ship brings you to Lydia Ann Channel and makes your fishing experience unforgettable.

Working Hours: Monday to Sunday (Mon to Sat; 11 AM to 7 PM, Sunday; 9 AM to 5 PM)

Famous For: Pirate cruise experience, birthday parties, team meetings, selfies, salads, beers, wines, and more

How To Reach: Travel to Mustang Beach Airport and take a cab from Mustang Beach Airport

Entrance Fee: $40 for below 12 and $50 for one person during the season. The off-season charges are $40 for one person and $30 for children

Official Website: Red Dragon Pirate Cruise

Address: 440 West Cotter Ave. Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

7. Palmilla Beach Golf Club

Palmilla Beach Golf Club
Palmilla Beach Golf Resort | Image Credit: Palmilla Beach

Are you looking for a place to go golfing in this beautiful beach town? Then Palmilla Beach Golf Club is the place that you most like. Because here you can play golf with your buddies without a membership.

Famous For: REDS patio bar, golfing

Working Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (8 AM to 5 PM, closed on Mondays)

How To Reach: Take a cab from Mustang Beach Airport

Entrance: $49 to $75 for weekdays and $59 to $95 for Friday to Saturday

Amenities: Cabanas, dining, luxury homes, and pools

Official Website: Palmilla Beach Golf

Best Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites

Address: 258 Snapdragon, Port Aransas, TX, United States

8. Aransas Pass Aquatic Center

Aransas Pass Aquatic Center
Aransas Pass Aquatic Center | Image Credit: Facebook

If you are looking for the best water park, then you must visit Aransas Pass Aquatic Center. You can do water aerobics, pool parties, and lots of other interesting things to do in this water park. Karankawa Indians found this exciting Aransas Pass, where they used to do dugout canoes and fishing.

Famous For: Water sports, swimming, fishing, private parties, kayaking, birding, and hunting

How To Reach: Take a bus from Aransas Pass (E)

Working Hours:  Every weekend from May to October. (Mon-Sun: 8 AM to 9 PM)

Official Website: Aransas Park Aquatic Center

Best Hotel: Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham

Address: 1023 State Highway 361 Ste C, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

9. Bella Bella Boutique By Mrs. Woody Jrs.

Bella Bella Boutique By Mrs. Woody Jrs.
Bella Bella Boutique | Image Credit: Facebook

Ladies out there, this beach town has a beautiful boutique for your shopping and all beauty purposes. Bella Bella Boutique offers the latest fashionable clothes and accessories for parties and outings.

Time: Monday to Sunday (Tue-Fri: 11 AM to 10 PM, Sat: 12 to 11 PM, Sun: 12 to 10 PM, Mon: 11 AM to 10 PM)

How To Reach: Take a taxi from Corpus Christi International Airport

Official Website: Bella Bella Boutique by Mrs. Woody Jrs

Address: 422 W Avenue G, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

10. Texas Sandfest

Texas Sandfest
Sculpture in Texas Sandfest | Image Credit: Facebook

If you are exploring things to do in Port Aransas during April, don’t miss out on Texas Sandfest! At Texas sandfest, you will see the largest sculptures made from sand by various professional sand sculptors. They gather in this town during April to participate in a sand sculpture competition organized on 14 to 16 April at Port Aransas Beach. This festival was started back in 1997.

Time: Every Year (14th, 15th, and 16th April)

Specialty: Sand sculptures, live music, food, and shopping corners

Official Website: Texas Sandfest

Address: P.O. Box 1076, Port Aransas, TX 78373

11. Jackfish Cart Rentals

Jackfish Cart Rentals
Golf Cart in Jackfish Cart Rentals | Image Credit: Facebook

There are many things to do in Port Aransas, Texas which will require you to have a cart. Jackfish cart rentals are one of the best cart rentals available in this beach town that provides carts for your outdoor roaming and golf-playing sessions.

Working Hours: Monday to Sunday (Sun-Thur: 9 AM to 8 PM, Fri-Sat: 9 AM to 8:30 PM)

Official Website: Jackfish Cart Rentals

Address: 3411 South 11th Street, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

12. Dolphin Dock Inc.

Dolphin Dock Inc.
Fishes point in Dolphin Dock Inc. | Image Credit: Dolphin Docks

When you explore various things to do in Port Aransas, then I recommend you must visit Dolphin Dock Inc once. Because they provide a 5+ hour dolphin watching tour.

Working Hours: Mon to Sun – 5 AM to 10 PM

How To Reach: Take a drive from Corpus Christi International Airport

Famous For: Dolphin-watching and ocean view

Official Website: Dolphin Dock Inc

Address: 300 W Cotter Ave, Port Aransas, Texas, United States

13. Roberts Point Park

Roberts Point Park
Roberts Point Park | Image Credit: Project for Public Spaces

Are you looking for the best hangout place or fun things to do in Port Aransas? Then Roberts Point Park is the answer to your question. In this park, you can do many activities like playing sand volleyball, shuffleboard, horseshoe pits, bocce ball, and basketball.

Famous For: Fishing and pavilion games

How To Reach: Take a cab from Mustang Beach Airport

Time: Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 12 PM, and 1 to 5 PM (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)

Entry: Free

Official Website: Roberts Point Park

Best Hotel: The Place Hotel Port Aransas 

Address: 710 W. Avenue A, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

14. Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center

Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
Boardwalk in Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center | Image Credit: Virtual Builders Exchange

Leonabelle is a fantastic bird-watching center, having more than 90 bird species in one place. It’s a must-watch and an influential place to see several birds and other animals. In short, it helps you to get close to nature.

Working Hours: Everyday (24 hours)

Bird Species: Herons, Ibises, Egrets, and Cormorants

Speciality: Teaches you about animals and birds

Official Website: Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center

Address: 1356 Ross Ave, Port Aransas, Texas, United States

15. Port Aransas Museum

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Knowing the history of this small beach town always remains one of the best things to do in Port Aransas. It was opened a decade ago, in 2008, and it is wonderful to see its glorious historical facts.

Famous For: History of this fishing town

How To Reach: Ferry from Mustang Island

Working Hours:  Thursday to Saturday, 1 to 5 PM (closed on rest days)

Entrance: Free

Official Website: Port Aransas Museum

Address: 710 W. Avenue A, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

16. Port Aransas Art Center

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Again the most famous art exhibit destination is among the most interesting things to do in Port Aransas. Thankfully, this is open for every visitor year-round with its supremely unique and enticing art designs.

Famous For: Art exhibitions

How To Reach: Take a taxi from Corpus Christi International Airport

Working Hours:  Monday to Saturday, 11 to 5 PM (closed on Sundays)

Entry: Free

Official Website: Port Aransas Art Center

Best Hotel: Amlia’s Landing Hotel

Address: 104 N Alister Street, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

17. Texas State Aquarium

Texas State Aquarium
Texas State Aquarium | Image Credit: Port Aransas, Texas

Out of the best fun things to do in Port Aransas, Texas state aquarium is a great place to explore a variety of sea creatures.

Famous For: Exhibitions, exploration of sea creatures, education programs, shows, and presentations

How To Reach: Take a taxi from Corpus Christi International Airport

Working Hours:  Monday to Saturday, 10 to 5 PM (closed on Sundays)

Entrance: Starts from $39.95

Official Website: Texas State Aquarium

Address: 2710 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, United States

18. The Port Aransas Nature Preserve

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On the number 18, I suggest exploring This nature preserve area. This is one of the great things to do in Port Aransas. This nature preserve is dispersed over 1200 acres, along with various plants and animals. The nearest tourist attraction is Aransas Pass, which is 8.9 miles away from this location.

Famous For: Biking, board walking, uplands, shorelines, etc

How To Reach: Take a drive from Corpus Christi International Airport

Working Hours: Monday to Sunday ( 8 AM to 5 PM)

Entry Fee: Free

Amenities: Photography, nature vibes, and hiking

Official Website: The Port Aransas Nature Preserve

Address: 710 W. Ave A, Port Aransas, Texas 78373

19. Texan Warbird Adventure Activity

Texan Warbird Adventure Activity
Texan Warbird Adventure | Image Credit: Texan Warbird Adventure

Moving on to the most thrilling things to do in Port Aransas, Texas, Texan Warbird Adventure, located at FM3512. One of the best activities is paying tribute to the great soldiers who fought in World War II. This entire place is managed by the Hayden family, who possess over 80 years of aviation experience and serving for all age groups.

Working Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM 

Specialty: Warbird, Aerial Photography

Price: $450

Official Website: Texan Warbird Adventure

Address: 3141 FM3512, Aransas Pass, Port Aransas, TX 78336, United States

20. Irie’s Island Food

Irie’s Island Food
Salad of Irie’s Island Food | Image Credit: Port Aransas

Exploring varieties of food is one of the most important things to do in Port Aransas. So, visit Irie’s Island Food to refill your stomach with mouth-watering food items. Although this is a regular food destination for ordinary people, it’s food heaven for foodies.

Working Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11 AM to 5 PM (closed on Sunday and Monday)

Specialty: Cuisines and seafood

Price: $450

Official Website: Irie’s Island Food

Address: 200 W Avenue G, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

21. USS Lexington Museum

USS Lexington Museum
USS Lexington Museum | Image Credit: 101 Corpus Christi

Exploring things to do in Port Aransas include this vintage carrier used in the Second World War. This vintage carrier was later turned into a museum. It was one of the important aircraft carriers that help you learn about overnight adventures and provides education about inspiring historical stories.

Working Hours: Year-round (September to May: 9 AM to 5 PM and May to September: 9 AM to 6 PM)

Entrance: $18.95 for normal persons, $16.95 for Seniors, $14.95 for Military, $16.95 for 13 to 17-year youth, and $13.95 for children

Official Website: USS Lexington Museum

Address: 2914 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78336, United States

22. Port Aransas Community Theatre

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All drama lovers looking for what to do in this beach town? Get your backpacks ready and visit this entertaining place where the epicenter is available and is perfect for showing your drama talent. You can learn drama, arts, and culture and get a memorable life experience from this community theater.

Famous For: Entertainment, information, education content, live performance, music, etc

Working Hours: Thursday to Sunday (Thurs-Sat: 6:30 to 10 PM & Sunday 1:30 PM to 5 PM)

Official Website: Port Aransas Community Theatre

Address: 2327 TX-361 Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

23. The University of Texas Marine Science Institute

The University of Texas Marine Science Institute
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute | Image Credit: Corpus Christi Business News

If you want to explore educational purpose things to do in Port Aransas, then you must visit The University of Texas Marine Science Institute. This institute was established in 1941, and Dr. Lund was appointed as the first director.

Time: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM (closed on Sundays to Mondays)

Famous For: Sea horses, fish, marine creatures, etc

Official Website: The University of Texas Marine – Science Institute

Address: 200 W. Avenue, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

24. Chapel On The Dunes

Chapel On The Dunes
Chapel on the dunes | Image Credit: Port Aransas Museum

Exploring the City of Port Aransas often brings you to a great destination, like Chapel On The Dunes. The roots of this church can be shown from eight decades back in 1938. You can also visit the nearest places, like Mustang Island, which is a few minutes away.

Working Hours: Every Morning

Famous For: Peace, sunset, etc

Best Hotel: Captains Quarters Inn

Official Website: Chapel On The Dunes

Address: 203 S. 11th St, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

25. Joan and Scott Holt Paradise Pond

Joan and Scott Holt Paradise Pond
Joan and Scott Holt Paradise Boardwalk | Image Credit: Port Aransas, Texas

This paradise pond is an interesting place to visit in Port Aransas. It is famous for its freshwater wetland with a pond and marsh area. This paradise pond is perfect for watching birds from a peaceful boardwalk or shaded benches.

Famous For: Freshwater wetland with a pond and marsh area

Official Website: Joan and Scott Holt Paradise Pond

Address: Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States

Conclusion

So, here I end my list of things to do in Port Aransas!

Port Aransas is undoubtedly a hidden gem in Texas, which looks sleepy yet magnificent. You can enjoy endless things when it comes to attractions or tourist places. Although it’s a famous tourist small town, you can enjoy hiking, board walking, live performing, biking, kayaking, and whatnot.

In the same way, you can enjoy a lot of fests, events, and parties over here. That points towards the statement that it is one of the most exciting places you can ever visit.

Gina Alvarez

Content Creator at Always Ful

Myself Gina Alvarez. I am a Creative Wordmonger & Content Creator of Always Ful. ...

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