Location: Rockport
Top Things to do in Rockport
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Rockport, United States
On the eastern coast of Texas, Rockport is a relaxing town with plenty of visitor attractions. The Fulton Mansion, overlooking Aransas Bay, showcases Second Empire architecture and is included on the National Register of Historic Places. Also visit the Texas Maritime Museum, the Rockport Center for the Arts and Rockport Beach Park, a great place for swimming or fishing.
Restaurants in Rockport
1. Fulton Mansion State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Rising above the Aransas Bay and surrounded by stately live oaks, the Fulton Mansion is located in the resort area of Rockport-Fulton. The house must have appeared incredible in 1877 with its mansard roof and ornate trim. Interior gas lighting, flush-toilets, and other refinements were progressive and luxurious elements for this part of Texas. Today, visitors journey through the restored home, getting a glimpse into the life of an affluent family in the late 1800s. Learn about 19th century innovations, walk through Harriet's garden, and hear stories of living in a grand Victorian villa.
Reviewed By Darlene H - Austin, Texas
We really enjoyed touring this beautifully restored mansion in Rockport. It has been furnished with many of the Fulton's belongs and other pieces that were typical of the era. The docents were very informative and knew a lot about the history of the home and the restoration of it.
The building where you buy the tickets in back of the museum is a small museum about the home and gift shop.
2. Goose Island State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 456 reviews
A recommended bird sanctuary in Texas.
Reviewed By Braxmar - Ft. Mohave, AZ
In Rockport during Hurricane Harvey on 8/25/17 the Big Tree, its neighbor trees and the community were hit by sustained winds at 130 mph with gusts of 150+ mph. Miraculously although there was a lot of damage to big oak trees in people's yards on the Lamar Peninsula, the Big Tree and its gigantic neighbor trees fared very well. They look pretty much the same as they always have. My grandchildren were very pleased to hear that because they enjoy climbing on one of the Big Tree's neighbors.
I did have the time to go into the main part of Goose Island Park to see how it fared in the hurricane.
3. Rockport Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 621 reviews
A mile-long sandy beach that offers swimming and a variety of water sports.
Reviewed By Candy B - Dunnellon, Florida
Rockport Beach suffered a lot through the past hurricane season. I have been here both before and after the storms. It is a quaint beach town whose residents have truly rallied to bring the area back and they have done a great job.
4. Aquarium at Rockport Harbor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
Reviewed By Ashley S
This is right by rockport beach and is only open a few hours on certain days. It's free (which is awesome). They do have a little gift shop. It is stuffy in there, or at least the day we went, but it's pretty small so you aren't in there too long. Had some pretty cool creatures, we loved the giant hermit crab, and we got to see them feed the sea horses! Would go back, my 4 year old loved it.
5. Texas Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
The Mission of the Texas Maritime Museum is to excite and educate the public about Texas Maritime history and artifacts. The Museum’s purpose is to offer a variety of experiences to children and adults by collecting, preserving, and interpreting items of historical interest for educational purposes; to recount Texas maritime history through artifacts, documents, and other materials of unique or historical value; and to exhibit items to further the public interest, knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of such material and related historical background. The Museum’s collections and exhibits are based on four central themes: History and Technology of offshore petroleum production and transportation History and Development of Texas seaports, maritime communities and maritime commerce along the Gulf of Mexico Exploration and Settlement history of the Texas Gulf Coast beginning with the Spanish and French The Texas seafood and fishing industry
Reviewed By familyfuntime - Beaumont Texas
Perfect location. We combined the annual art festival with a couple hours lounging on Rockport Beach followed by lunch and a tour of this very nice nautical museum. Perfect addition to a fun day.
6. Rockport Art Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By Rona L - Houston
As part of the Watercolor Society paint out we met on the porch of the art center and spread out in the area to paint. My husband and I later toured the center and saw two excellent exhibits. They were also having a family day activity which was fun for kids and adults alike. a good place to visit.
7. Bay Education Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By Chris M - Temple, Texas
This is a FREE ADMISSION center and presentation, a great place to stop in when you need a break from the Texas heat and the sandy beach. Highly recommended!
The Center is located right outside the entrance to the Rockport Beach Park. It's a small center, but with a lot of good information. There are some interactive exhibits for kids, as well as lots of information for all ages. Info covers animal life, environmental concerns, and other topics involving Aransas Bay and beyond.
The highlight is the Science on a Sphere exhibit. Twice daily, there is a presentation using projections on a round "floating" sphere. Presentations cover many different subjects involving the world. It is highly interactive, giving you insights into how weather (among other things) works in the world. We were there for the presentation on hurricanes. The docent was well-versed on the material and willing to stay after to answer questions and show other features of the sphere. The presentation included lots of video images, photos, etc., but the most informational part was seeing how currents and hurricane paths interact--most appropriate for the use of the sphere.
If you don't make the "Science on a Sphere" presentation, you would probably spend between 20 to 30 minutes. With the presentation, you're at a little over an hour. Definitely worth it.
8. Winery on the Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By Jo Jody H
A comfortable place to try a new wine before dinner. You can get several reserve cheeses, Artisan salami, and crackers to nibble on while trying your new wine. Several nice soft sofas or tables and chairs help welcome a visiting environment. It gets a little noisy but doesn't seem to bother the patrons.
9. Tule Creek Hike & Bike Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By M J - Austin, Texas
My husband and I have vacationed in Rockport a few times. We are always looking for a new place to visit there. We found the Tule Creek Hike & Bike Trail on Tripadvisor. We liked the trail 2 mile round trip. We walked 1 mile in and 1 mile back. It is very wide trail and concrete with a center stripe. Midweek during the afternoon, we met 2 other hikers and 2 bikers. The trail starts in a wooded area, goes behind the swimming pool, then runs along a creek then behind some houses. There is a water fountain at the pool. There are no restrooms along the trail. We did not see many birds and no other wildlife. The trail head was not the easiest place to find. The easiest way to locate this trail is to turn off Hwy 35 next to the Walmart on the north side at the traffic light. That is a short road, only a block long. The trail starts at the end of the road. There is plenty of parking. The road also turns into the Walmart. You might need bug spray and suntan lotion.
10. Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By M J - Austin, Texas
My husband and I have vacationed in Rockport a few times. We are always looking for a new place to visit there. We found the Memorial Park on TripAdvisor. There is a baseball park and playscape at the entrance. After driving through the first half of the park, we crossed over a low water crossing and into an area with trails. Rockport had just experienced some flooding and most of the trails were underwater but we enjoyed the trails that were passable. There is a large fenced area for small dogs to run free and another large fenced area for large dogs. There was a short pier at a medium sized pond. We stood at the end and watched lots of birds and turtles. On my next trip, maybe the entire trail will be open. You might need bug spray and suntan lotion.
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