Port Aransas

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Bureau
The coastal Texas resort village of Port Aransas entices visitors with its outdoor activities as well as its interesting history and friendly atmosphere.

Port Aransas is a town on Mustang Island, a barrier island off the coast of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico. Because of its location, Port Aransas is a popular destination for outdoor activities, but the city also impresses with galleries and heritage sites.

The first inhabitants of Port Aransas were Karankawa Indians. In the early 1800s the area was frequented by pirates and buccaneers. To see and hear about the local folklore, visit Port Aransas Museum.

Walking or cycling around is easy since the town is flat and compact. Alternatively, travel on the cheap trolley that runs from Roberts Point Park and Marina to RV parks in the south.

Visit the 8-mile (13-kilometer) coastline of Port Aransas to enjoy the town’s beaches and rent equipment from one of the local shops. Beach buggies are a fun way to see the waterfront and you can explore Corpus Christi Bay on a Jet Ski or kayak. Book in for dolphin-spotting or deep-sea fishing trips departing from Fisherman’s Wharf.

View some of the 500 local bird species at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center. To see marine life, including seahorses, visit the University of Texas Marine Science Institute.

If you are traveling with children, be sure to visit Mustang Island State Park. The kids will love rolling down the large sand dunes here. Consider camping on the beach it’s a great way to see local wildlife, such as raccoons, opossums and gophers.

Find work by local artists at coastal galleries. Live music is a big part of the Port Aransas’ entertainment scene as well. Local and national bands perform every Friday and Saturday night at a local bar.

Access to the town is via the free Aransas Pass ferry crossing in the north or the John F. Kennedy Memorial Causeway in the south, connecting Mustang Island with Corpus Christi on the mainland.

Where to stay in Port Aransas

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Cinnamon Shore

Though Cinnamon Shore might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mustang Island Beach and Palmilla Beach Golf Club.

Cinnamon Shore
Port Aransas featuring art and interior views as well as an individual femail

Old Town Port Aransas

While visiting Old Town Port Aransas, you might make a stop by sights like Port Aransas Birding Center and Port Aransas Museum.

Old Town Port Aransas
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Shibui Sands

Though Shibui Sands might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Horace Caldwell Pier and Port Aransas Birding Center.

Shibui Sands
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Sand Point

Sand Point might not have many top sights, but Holiday Beach and Horace Caldwell Pier are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Sand Point
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Island Moorings

While Island Moorings isn't home to many top sights, Palmilla Beach Golf Club and Holiday Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Island Moorings
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Bella Vista

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Bella Vista and surrounding area, you can visit Mustang Island State Park and Mustang Island Beach.

Bella Vista
Island Hotel Port Aransas
Island Hotel Port Aransas
2 out of 5
2607 St Highway 361, Port Aransas, TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P2,847 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
P2,847
P3,218 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Port Aransas. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Great on the way in and out of Port Aransas. Can’t beat the price for such a neat place."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

Island Hotel Port Aransas
Seaside Boutique Hotel
Seaside Boutique Hotel
2 out of 5
841 Sandcastle Dr, Port Aransas, TX
The price is P5,204 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
P5,204
P5,881 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 6 - Nov 7
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Port Aransas. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (592 reviews)
"We loved being able to walk straight to the beach for our sunrise and sunset walks. The front desk staff is very nice and friendly."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

Seaside Boutique Hotel
Ocean's Edge Hotel, Port Aransas,TX
Ocean's Edge Hotel, Port Aransas,TX
3 out of 5
300 W Avenue G, Port Aransas, TX
The price is P3,549 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
P3,549
P4,011 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Stay at this 3-star motel in Port Aransas. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,058 reviews)
"Great off season prices, great for spur of moment trip for 2 and awesome Hot water!"

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

Ocean's Edge Hotel, Port Aransas,TX
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beachgate CondoSuites and Oceanfront Resort
Beachgate CondoSuites and Oceanfront Resort
2.5 out of 5
2000 On The Beach Drive, Port Aransas, TX
Stay at this aparthotel in Port Aransas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Port Aransas Beach and Holiday Beach are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (37 reviews)
"From arrival to departure, the staff was very friendly and helpful. I truly enjoyed my stay there. I stayed in room 433 and was pleased when I opened the door. It was clean and a cute room. I would only suggest the refrigerator and microwave be upgraded and the shower curtain replaced. Thanks for ..."

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2024

Beachgate CondoSuites and Oceanfront Resort
Port Royal Ocean Resort & Conference Center
Port Royal Ocean Resort & Conference Center
3.5 out of 5
6317 State Hwy 361, Port Aransas, TX
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Port Aransas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Mustang Island Beach and Palmilla ...
8/10 Very Good! (264 reviews)
Great family vacation
"The property is still rebuilding but it is in good condition. The pools are great and have something for everyone. Easy beach access. The condo needed some minor repairs but was spacious and easily fit our family of 5."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2024

Port Royal Ocean Resort & Conference Center
Executive Keys Condominiums on the Beach
Executive Keys Condominiums on the Beach
2 out of 5
820 Beach Access Road 1A, Port Aransas, TX
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Port Aransas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (496 reviews)
"Stayed more than once here. Great every time."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2024

Executive Keys Condominiums on the Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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