Port Aransas, Texas
LIFE MOVES AT A SLOWER PACE HERE. YOU'RE ON ISLAND TIME.
We love Port Aransas, and we’re so excited to welcome you. Friendly reminders and helpful tips to help you enjoy your time visiting our island home safely and responsibly. Learn how to do things the “Port A Way” so together we can help Port Aransas maintain its charm and beauty for generations to come!
Patton Center For Marine Science Education
Patton Center for Marine Science Education features eight large aquaria and engaging interactive displays.
Patton Center for Marine Science Education features eight large aquaria and engaging interactive displays.
Learn MorePort Aransas Museum
Learn more about Port Aransas and all the things that make this island such a special place at the Port Aransas Museum.
Learn more about Port Aransas and all the things that make this island such a special place at the Port Aransas Museum.
Learn MorePort Aransas Fishing
Port Aransas is known to casual and serious anglers alike as the “Fishing Capital of Texas”.
Port Aransas is known to casual and serious anglers alike as the “Fishing Capital of Texas”.
Learn MoreFerry Landing
As you board the ferry to Port A, your easiest mode of transportation also becomes the portal to your vacation destination.
As you board the ferry to Port A, your easiest mode of transportation also becomes the portal to your vacation destination.
Learn MoreFarley Boat Works
Learn about these handmade boats that are being lifted by the rising tide of craftsmen, enthusiasts, and historians.
Learn about these handmade boats that are being lifted by the rising tide of craftsmen, enthusiasts, and historians.
Learn MoreChapel on the Dunes
Known locally as the Chapel on the Dunes this historical church is one of the Eight Wonders of Port Aransas.
Known locally as the Chapel on the Dunes this historical church is one of the Eight Wonders of Port Aransas.
Learn MoreLydia Ann Lighthouse
The Lydia Ann Lighthouse is one of the most famous local landmarks and is one of the 8 Wonders of Port Aransas.
The Lydia Ann Lighthouse is one of the most famous local landmarks and is one of the 8 Wonders of Port Aransas.
Learn MoreSouth Jetty
The south jetty is one of the 8 Wonders of Port Aransas and marks the Corpus Christi Ship Channel.
The south jetty is one of the 8 Wonders of Port Aransas and marks the Corpus Christi Ship Channel.
Learn MoreSan José Island
San José Island is historically a ranch. Today you can enjoy a beach day and shelling on this little island.
San José Island is historically a ranch. Today you can enjoy a beach day and shelling on this little island.
Learn MoreBeach Carts
The beaches are drivable! You can rent a cart from any number of quality vendors, and off you go to explore the beach.
The beaches are drivable! You can rent a cart from any number of quality vendors, and off you go to explore the beach.
Learn MoreBoat Cruises
Whether you want to watch dolphins play in a wake or kick back and enjoy the sunset, nothing compares to a trip on the water!
Whether you want to watch dolphins play in a wake or kick back and enjoy the sunset, nothing compares to a trip on the water!
Learn MoreLeonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
Enjoy a close-up look at life in a wetland, panoramic views of the marsh, and a birder’s idea of paradise.
Enjoy a close-up look at life in a wetland, panoramic views of the marsh, and a birder’s idea of paradise.
Learn MorePort Aransas Art Center
Surround yourself with the captured beauty of Port Aransas, and become part of the island’s vibrant artist community.
Surround yourself with the captured beauty of Port Aransas, and become part of the island’s vibrant artist community.
Learn MorePort Aransas Community Theatre
Port Aransas Community Theatre puts on a range of shows from comedies to poignant productions and tribute band concerts.
Port Aransas Community Theatre puts on a range of shows from comedies to poignant productions and tribute band concerts.
Learn MorePort A Stories
Winter Texans in Port Aransas
- 2 min read
Welcome to Port Aransas, your home away from home for the winter! Winter Texans flock to Port Aransas in the off-season to enjoy less crowds and warmer weather. Port A is the perfect home away from home and strives to make all its…
Port Aransas Turkey Trot
- 4 min read
Welcome to Turkey Trot 2024 Port A runners would bet their bottom (sand)dollar that you’ve never been to a Turkey Trot as awesome as the island's very own Port A Turkey Trot—a family friendly Tot Trot, 2K, 5K…
Thanksgiving on the Island
- 2 min read
Take Thanksgiving To The Coast Best Meal of The Year Have you enjoyed your Thanksgiving meal while a sea breeze floats in through the patio doors? There are tons of great restaurants offering delicious meals for your Thanksgiving…
Fall Fix
- 3 min read
Get all your fall favorites in Port Aransas! Port Aransas may be a beach town, but we welcome fall with open arms. From cozy sweaters to beach-side bonfires, fall on the island is a special time. If you are looking to get your…
Port Aransas Turkey Trot
- 4 min read
Welcome to Turkey Trot 2024 Port A runners would bet their bottom (sand)dollar that you’ve never been to a Turkey Trot as awesome as the island's very own Port A Turkey Trot—a family friendly Tot Trot, 2K, 5K…
Thanksgiving on the Island
- 2 min read
Take Thanksgiving To The Coast Best Meal of The Year Have you enjoyed your Thanksgiving meal while a sea breeze floats in through the patio doors? There are tons of great restaurants offering delicious meals for your Thanksgiving…
Halloween Happenings
- 6 min read
Spooky season is officially here! Port Aransas offers some great activities for the whole family. Whether you are looking for a real scare, some laughs, or a little Halloween magic, there is something waiting for everyone in Port…
Beachtober
- 4 min read
Fall into fun on the island! Fall in Port Aransas means warm water, shorter wait times, and miles of wide open beaches. This season is a tried-and-true visitor favorite time of the year, when generations of Texans take loved ones…
Have the Best Beach Day Ever
- 3 min read
Make the most of your time at the beach! When you head down to the Port Aransas Beach, you want to make the most of your time away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. Having the perfect beach day is number one on…
Beach Must-Haves For a Summer in Port Aransas
- 1 min read
These Items Will Elevate Your Beach Days! When you hit the beach for a full day in the sun, it's important to be prepared so you can get the most out of your beach day. Knowing what to take to the beach can sometimes be…
Be a Good Beach Neighbor
- 3 min read
Respect the island and its beachgoers The beach is a place for everyone to enjoy! The Port Aransas beach is a relaxing place where everyone should be able to unwind to the sounds of the ocean waves crashing on the shore and feel…
Taking Care of Port Aransas Beaches
- 4 min read
National Clean Beaches Week National Clean Beaches Week is fast approaching, so here are 5 tips on how you can show the Port Aransas beach some TLC in honor of the week! Keep Your Trash Out of the Sand It's no coincidence…
Port Aransas Turkey Trot
- 4 min read
Welcome to Turkey Trot 2024 Port A runners would bet their bottom (sand)dollar that you’ve never been to a Turkey Trot as awesome as the island's very own Port A Turkey Trot—a family friendly Tot Trot, 2K, 5K…
Thanksgiving on the Island
- 2 min read
Take Thanksgiving To The Coast Best Meal of The Year Have you enjoyed your Thanksgiving meal while a sea breeze floats in through the patio doors? There are tons of great restaurants offering delicious meals for your Thanksgiving…
Bollard Buddies
- 3 min read
Port Aransas has been yarn-bombed! When you drive down the Port Aransas beach, you might find a welcome surprise made of yarn. The little bundles of joy that sit atop the bollards on the beach are called Bollard Buddies. These fun…
Island Science Day
- 2 min read
Presented by the University of Texas Marine Science Institute Saturday, October 12, 2024 Explore the natural wonder of Port Aransas at Island Science Day, brought to you by the University of Texas Marine Science Institute! At this…
Things To Do
You'll have no shortage of good times and are sure to discover why this island is ranked one of the top 25 best beaches in the U.S. and as one of the South's best beach towns.
Port Aransas Beaches
Mustang Island
Explore the unique beach community voted one of the top 10 beaches in TexasMustang 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.
San Jose Island
A Forgotten Island TreasureSan José Island, known affectionately as St. Jo's, is privately owned. Historically a ranch, today the island is managed principally for wildlife. Access is permitted only on public land, meaning that…
I.B. Magee Beach
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…
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…
Port A Featured Events
Holiday Shop Around
- Dec 13, 2024 - Dec 15, 2024
Whooping Crane Festival
- Port Aransas Tourism Bureau & Chamber of Commerce
- Feb 20, 2025 - Feb 23, 2025
Texas Sand Fest 2025
- Texas SandFest
- Apr 25, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
Visit A Certified Music Community
Port Aransas has been granted the designation of "Music Friendly Community" by the Texas Music Office. The Music Friendly Community program seeks to foster music industry development in Texas cities and communities that are serious about attracting and developing local music industry growth.
Salty Stories
The island town of Port Aransas has a personality all its own. Meet some of the people who continue to make Port Aransas more than a beach destination. This is their island, and these are their Salty Stories.