COASTAL PARADISE
Port Aransas, Texas
Where pristine beaches meet endless Gulf Coast adventures
DISCOVER PORT ARANSAS
Your Island Escape Awaits
Welcome to Port Aransas, Texas' premier beach town and hidden gem on Mustang Island. Just 30 minutes from Corpus Christi and accessible by a scenic free ferry ride, this laid-back coastal paradise offers 18 miles of pristine Gulf beaches, world-class fishing, and authentic island vibes that will make you never want to leave.
Whether you're seeking sun-soaked beach days, thrilling water sports, fresh Gulf seafood, or peaceful coastal sunsets, Port Aransas delivers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From dolphin watching to sandcastle building, fishing charters to beachside dining, discover why locals call it "Port A" and visitors call it paradise.
18
MILES OF BEACH
300+
SUNNY DAYS/YEAR
365
FISHING SEASON
DISCOVER PORT ARANSAS
Your Island Escape Awaits
Welcome to Port Aransas, Texas' premier beach town and hidden gem on Mustang Island. Just 30 minutes from Corpus Christi and accessible by a scenic free ferry ride, this laid-back coastal paradise offers 18 miles of pristine Gulf beaches, world-class fishing, and authentic island vibes that will make you never want to leave.
Whether you're seeking sun-soaked beach days, thrilling water sports, fresh Gulf seafood, or peaceful coastal sunsets, Port Aransas delivers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From dolphin watching to sandcastle building, fishing charters to beachside dining, discover why locals call it "Port A" and visitors call it paradise.
18
MILES OF BEACH
300+
SUNNY DAYS/YEAR
365
FISHING SEASON
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Must-Visit Destinations
The best experiences Port Aransas has to offer
Beach Access
7 Minute Walk from Salty Waves
18 miles of pristine Gulf Coast beaches with soft white sand and gentle waves. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, sandcastle building, and beachcombing for shells.
Lydia Ann Lighthouse
10 Minutes from Salty Waves
Historic 1857 lighthouse offering stunning harbor views and photo opportunities. Learn about Port Aransas maritime history and enjoy scenic waterfront walks.
Fishing Pier & Charters
12 Minutes from Salty Waves
5 miles of protected beaches, nature trails, and bird watching opportunities. Pristine coastal ecosystem perfect for photography and peaceful beach walks.
Mustang Island State Park
12 Minutes from Salty Waves
5 miles of protected beaches, nature trails, and bird watching opportunities. Pristine coastal ecosystem perfect for photography and peaceful beach walks.
Marine Science Center
15 Minutes from Salty Waves
Educational exhibits featuring Gulf marine life, touch tanks, sea turtle rehabilitation, and coastal ecology. Perfect family activity rain or shine.
Dolphin Watching Tours
10 Minutes from Salty Waves
Guided boat tours to see playful dolphins in their natural habitat. Sunset cruises and nature tours also available for unforgettable Gulf experiences.
THINGS TO DO
Activities for Everyone
From beach adventures to coastal dining
Beach Activities
- Swimming & sunbathing
- Sandcastle building
- Shell collecting
- Beach volleyball
- Sunset walks
- Beach bonfires
Fishing & Water Sports
- Deep-sea fishing charters
- Pier fishing
- Kayaking
- Paddle boarding
- Jet ski rentals
- Surfing lessons
Marine Wildlife
- Dolphin watching tours
- Bird watching
- Sea turtle viewing
- Marine science center
- Nature photography
- Eco tours
Dining & Nightlife
- Fresh Gulf seafood
- Beachside restaurants
- Beach bars
- Live music venues
- Sunset dining
- Local breweries
Shopping & Arts
- Downtown boutiques
- Beach souvenir shops
- Art galleries
- Local artisan crafts
- Surf shops
- Farmers markets
Family Fun
- Mini golf
- Go-kart racing
- Playground parks
- Museum visits
- Ferry rides
- Ice cream shops
DINING
Best Restaurants
Fresh Gulf seafood and coastal cuisine
Venetian Hot Plate
Italian Seafood • Upscale
Fine dining with Gulf views featuring fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and an extensive wine list. Perfect for romantic
Shells Pasta & Seafood
Seafood • Casual
Local favorite serving fresh-caught fish, shrimp, and oysters. Famous for their crab cakes and seafood pasta in a relaxed beach atmosphere.
Trout Street Bar & Grill
American • Bar
Lively waterfront venue with live music, cold beer, and classic American fare. Great burgers, fish tacos, and the best people-watching in town.
Moby Dick's Restaurant
Seafood • Family
Family-friendly restaurant with fresh seafood platters, fried shrimp, and kids menu. Casual atmosphere with generous portions .
Coffee Waves
Cafe • Breakfast
Cozy beachside cafe serving specialty coffee, fresh pastries, and breakfast favorites. Perfect spot to start your beach day.
Shorty's Place
Beach Bar • Casual
Island institution with cold drinks, beach vibes, and live music. Famous for frozen cocktails and laid-back atmosphere steps from the sand.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Festivals & Celebrations
Year-round events celebrating coastal culture
APRIL
Sandfest April 17-19, 2026
Texas’ largest sandcastle building competition featuring master sculptors from around the world. Amazing sand art, family activities, and beach entertainment for all ages.
JULY
Deep Sea Roundup
One of the oldest and largest fishing tournaments in Texas. Multiple categories, cash prizes, and fishing festivities celebrating Port A’s fishing heritage.
SEPTEMBER
Beach-to-Bay Relay Marathon
Epic 26.2-mile relay race from Padre Island to downtown Corpus Christi. Teams of 6 runners tackle the scenic coastal course in this beloved community event.
OCTOBER
Port A Oktoberfest
German-style festival with beer, bratwurst, live music, and family fun. Celebrate fall on the beach with authentic food, games, and entertainment.
NOVEMBER
Harvest Moon Regatta
Sailing competition attracting boats from across the Gulf Coast. Spectators enjoy watching colorful sails against sunset skies from beach and harbor.
YEAR_ROUND
Weekly Beachside Events
Live music at beach bars, sunset yoga sessions, farmers markets, and art shows happen regularly throughout the year in downtown Port Aransas.