Introduction
IntroductionWhat 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
