Location: Port Aransas
Top Things to do in Port Aransas
- 1. The Port Aransas Ferry System
- 2. Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
- 3. Port Aransas Beach
- 4. Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie's Pasture
- 5. The University of Texas Marine Science Institute
- 6. Mustang Island State Park
- 7. Roberts Point Park
- 8. San Jose Island
- 9. Fisherman's Wharf
- 10. Horace Caldwell Fishing Pier
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Top 10 Things to do in Port Aransas, United States
With over 18 miles of beach, first-class Gulf of Mexico fishing, golfing, shopping, coastal dining and wildlife aplenty, there’s no end to the breezy fun of Port Aransas. Located on the central flyway, Port A's estuaries, inlets and nature reserves draw hundreds of species of birds. You can kick your feet up in a luxury condo, hotel, motel, private home, cottage or a campsite under the stars, all just 30 minutes from Corpus Christi.
Restaurants in Port Aransas
1. The Port Aransas Ferry System
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 562 reviews
Reviewed By ROCtraveler30 - Fort Collins, Colorado
This is a "functional" ferry, providing transportation across the pass in lieu of a bridge. Service was free and efficient, taking at most 15 minutes from waiting time, to loading, to travel across the quarter mile channel, to unloading. While it can be fun to say that we have been on another ferry ride, it is probably the shortest one we have ever taken anywhere in the world.
2. Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 423 reviews
Reviewed By dspencer002 - Port Aransas, Texas
This short boardwalk affords an opportunity to see several species of birds. We were pleasantly surprised to also see a pair of large gators basking in the sun. During our month in Port A we went several times and the fauna was different each time. I’ll be curious to see if the area has been affected by Harvey.
I recommend a trip to this area to get a good feel for the grassy tidal flats that are common on Mustang Island.
3. Port Aransas Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Public beach on Port Aransas that is clean, has a lifeguard and has car-free locations.
Reviewed By Cory J - Omaha, Nebraska
The beach was clean, allowed parking for $12 a year. Also a great setup as they had more bathrooms than you could imagine. A must with children.
Swimming in the waves was amazing and enough room to spread out and boogie board.
A perfect way to start the day, end the evening, and spend every hour in between.
4. Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie's Pasture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By Solar-sailor - Rockport, Texas
Like most of Port A this location is closed because of Hurricane Harvey damage. There is a barrier across the road and you can not drive there - the pier is destroyed too.
FEAMA is in no hurry to repair this - there are many other places they ignore too.
5. The University of Texas Marine Science Institute
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Free admission to see tanks displaying sea horses, eels, oysters, fish and other marine life.
Reviewed By NCTraveler107 - Jacksonville, NC
Please don't miss the UT Marine Science Welcome Center. The displays are VERY educational for all ages, and the gift shop has wonderful items to take home with you that will continue to educate you and your family about the marine wildlife nearby. Also, be sure to go to the jetty. Sea turtles come to the rocks along the jetty to feed. The day we were there, juvenile sea turtles were abundant. It was thrilling to see these turtles in their natural habitat.
6. Mustang Island State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 463 reviews
State Park on Mustang Island that offers the best camping in the area.
Reviewed By txchef320 - Round Rock, Texas
We had a great time here. My son who is 5 has never seen the ocean so we took him here for the first time since it is a short driver from Round Rock. We got there around 1030, were able to grab a picnic table and a spot on the beach. The beach was clean. The breeze really helped with the humidity. Couldn't have asked for better weather. Dogs, kites, kids.....great time. Will be back.
7. Roberts Point Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By Adriana C - Highlands, Texas
We were just taking a leisurely drive while visiting Corpus Christi and found this park. We didn't realize it was a dolphin habitat, so we were pleasantly surprised when we saw a couple of them jumping in the water. I was able to get a few pics using continuous mode on the camera, but the distance was a bit much for my zoom lens. Still, got a couple good shots and felt the thrill of seeing these amazing animals nearby. As we sat on the seawall looking over the channel, we realized there was a turtle bobbing along below us. We had no idea there'd be so much sea life here. We watched a dolphin tour boat go out, as well as the Pirate Ship tour boat and wished we'd taken that one...it looked like fun! Nice area but this day there was a lot of traffic waiting for the ferry. There was also quite a bit of activity in the park; looked like a group was having an event with food and tunes, and of course hordes of children running around. We enjoyed the time we spent at this park.
8. San Jose Island
9. Fisherman's Wharf
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By Norma J - Woodward, Oklahoma
There are other choices. Woody's Sport Center was a way better experience. Another choice I'd Dolphin Dock. You can't trust these guys to keep your trip booked or book your trip correctly. They screwed up both times.
10. Horace Caldwell Fishing Pier
Overall Ratings
4 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By Doreen M - London, United Kingdom
We strolled along the pier and watched the brown pelicans fly overhead.We didn't fish off the pier, but plenty of others did.
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