BEACH

Find Your Stretch of Sand.

Smell the salt and sunscreen. Feel the warm sand between your toes. Breathe a little deeper. You have arrived.
In Port A, the warm Gulf waters and soft Texas sand fulfill the longing that is soul deep. The internal drive that brings you back year after year is satisfied when you set foot on the 18 soothing miles of uninterrupted public shoreline, open for street-legal vehicles and all things beachy. This is where the warmth of the sunrise can fill the soul. Make your way to Port A.

Beach Day Activities

With such a gorgeous beach, the options for beach day activities are truly endless. Grab a surf or boogie board and ride the waves, or test your balance on a stand-up paddle board.

A man in a swimsuit kneels on the sand next to a child wearing sun gear and a hat. They pack sand in a blue bucket and build a sandcastle.

A local favorite pastime is to walk the beach in search of shells, sea glass, and other treasures that wash ashore. Grab your lucky fishing pole and cast your line into the water while you fish right off the beach. If you catch a winner, you can take it to a local restaurant to cook for dinner. There are also tons of great beach games that are fun for the whole family. Play a game of spike ball, bocce ball, or set up for a round of Kubb. However you choose to spend your beach day, it's bound to be a good one in Port A.

Can I Drive on the Port A Beach?

Port Aransas has one of the few beaches in Texas that you are allowed to drive on. This makes it easy to bring all your items down to the beach for a beach day, fishing, or surfing. Hit the beach in your golf cart or your car and explore all the beautiful Port A coastline has to offer. Don't forget…

A man and woman in swimsuits are seen sitting in a red Jeep from the Jeep's window view

Let your dog dig in the sand or jump through the waves as you give them their best day ever. They will smell and see all new sights, or maybe just some of their favorite ones. Your dog deserves some fun—but be sure to keep the on a leash while on the beach. This ensures safety and fun for everyone!

Area Beaches

Mustang Island State Park

Mustang Island State Park (link to Mustang Island State Park page) is a five mile stretch of sandy beach along Mustang Island’s coastline, giving visitors the experience of a state park without traveling far from amenities in Port Aransas and Corpus Christi.

Entrance and additional fees apply
Electric and primitive campsites
Showers/restrooms
Fishing
Birding
Mustang Island Paddle Park Trail
Ranger programs
Pet-friendly park

Mustang Island

Mustang Island boasts 18 miles of beautiful, largely undisturbed Texas coastline. Visitors can drive right up to the water and barbecue, play horseshoes, camp out, or just enjoy the cool ocean breeze.

No entrance fees
Beach parking permit required
Fishing
Primitive camping
Use Access Roads 1, 1A, 2, and 3 to access the beach.
All Wheel Drive may be necessary depending on sand conditions.

San José Island

Add a mini island getaway to your day and hitch a ride to the privately-owned San Jose Island. It’s a brief boat ride from Port A, but you’ll feel like you’re a world away. St. Jo’s, as the locals call it, is largely uninhabited and undisturbed, with miles of quiet open beach to explore. Pack a picnic and bring a basket for your seashell collection!

To visit San Jose, hop on a passenger ferry boat at Fisherman’s Wharf Jetty boat service is limited, so plan ahead.
Be sure to bring food, water, and any other provisions you may need, as there are no public facilities or stores on the island.
Remember to bring a trash bag and don’t leave any of your trash behind.

I.B. Magee Beach & Horace Caldwell Pier

Located just on the other side of the rolling sand dunes that stretch along the small town of Port A is I.B. Magee Beach. Rent a golf cart, cruise the beach in your vehicle, or take a stroll on the sand. Wherever you are on the island, I.B. Magee Beach is no more than five minutes away. Located down from the jetty is the 1,200-foot-long Horace Caldwell Pier, where you can walk out over the Gulf of Mexico and throw a line in the water or get a bite to eat at the grill.*

Horace Caldwell Pier entrance fees: $3/person, $4/pole (3 rod limit per person), $1/person for military and seniors 65+, free for children four and under.
No fee to park
No tent camping
Pets must be leashed
There is an RV park, but only self-contained RVs are allowed until public facilities are repaired.

*Grill is currently closed but will reopen June 2021.

Padre Island National Seashore

This scenic national park, found at the end of Park Road 22 on North Padre Island, is a nature enthusiast’s paradise. The site for camping among the coastal wildlife and catching hatchling releases, visitors of the 70-mile-long Padre Island National Seashore have the chance to experience the coastline in its most natural state.

Entrance and additional fees apply
Kemp’s Ridley turtle hatchling releases
Watersport rentals
Primitive and semi-primitive camping
Showers/restrooms
Fishing
Birding
Parking lot

Awards

Port Aransas has been chosen for several great awards over the years highlighting its lovely beach and town. It is a top vacation destination and the perfect place to escape the stress of everyday life and hop on island time, where you can relax and unwind.

Have your doubts? Let the experts convince you.

South's Best Beach Towns 2022 (Southern Living)
Top 25 Beaches in the United States 2022 (TripAdvisor)
Top U.S. Family Beach 2019 (FVC)

Portal to Port A

webcam view of the beach in port aransas

Beach Cam: Sea Gull Condominiums

This Port Aransas surf cam at Sea Gull Condominiums has a northeastern view of the beach and surf. The cam is located at 6649 Seacomber Dr., and can be used to watch waves roll in as cars and people pass. This surf cam also provides current…

Beach Cam: Sandollar Sity

The webcam at Sandollar Sity, located at 3038 On the Beach Dr., boasts a stunning eastward view of the beach. Watching this webcam will instantly transport you to the zen of the calming seaside waves.

The Whooping Crane Festival is February 20–23, 2025

Restaurant Week

This is their island, and these are their Salty Stories

BEACH

Find Your Stretch of Sand.

Beach Day Activities