Portland, Texas
Discover the Gem City of the Gulf Coast

 

Portland's location on two bays provides excellent fishing, boating, sailing, swimming, water skiing and kite surfing. Ten square miles of Texas coastal city is located seven miles from downtown Corpus Christi, fronting the Corpus Christi and Nueces Bay, and is accessible by two major highways- US Highway 181 and State Highway 35.

Nearby the Indian Point Fishing Park and Pier is a 333-acre public park known as Sunset Lake. This park provides an ecologically rich wetland and saltwater lake, lined by a 2 mile hike and bike trail. The lake and its marshlands act as a nesting ground for several migratory birds. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy birding, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming and sailing here and can be visited by exiting Moore Avenue.

Fred Jones Sanctuary is a hidden treasure on the outskirts of Portland. This botanically rich protected area is a hot-spot for birders looking for warblers, vireos, orioles and other songbirds during migration. The native vegetation is an island amidst cultivated fields and acts like a magnet to draw in migratory birds. Spring and fall are excellent times to visit however; many species inhabit the native brush and trees along the creek year-round. To visit the sanctuary, travel west on FM 893 out of Portland for approximately 6 miles and then turn left on County Road 69E for approximately one-half mile.

Golfing is another local Portland favorite and enjoyed by many visitors at NorthShore Country Club. This golf course offers a spectacular 18 hole, 176 acre golf course. Players leave the course talking about four stunning holes set against the backdrop of the Corpus Christi downtown skyline and bay.

Visit the Portland Community Center, a state-of-the-art facility that offers a variety of options to visitors including a walking and jogging track, racquetball courts, weight room and exercise facility, volleyball and basketball. The Community Center also offers rental space for social events, conventions, family reunions and meetings. The new community center is located on 2000 Billy G. Webb off of Buddy Ganem Drive.

A new skate park is located just behind the Portland Community Center. This 13,534 square-foot skate-boarder's paradise offers a 6 foot kidney-shaped bowl, an eight foot vertical ramp, grind pad, flat bank rail and a double spine ramp. Rental equipment is available and several fee options are available for annual membership.

Violet Andrews Park, the newest of Portland's parks, is approximately ten acres overlooking Corpus Christi Bay and has been developed for the preservation of native wildlife. The two observation decks and the quarter mile hike/bike trail provide prime opportunities for viewing the coastal bend shoreline from Ingleside to Corpus Christi.

The narrow sand beach stretching along the water's edge is an absolute favorite for kite surfers from across the country. Ten species of shorebirds, many ducks, gulls and pelicans have been sighted in the area, many more species being noted during migration. A parking lot and a children's play area are located at the Elm Street side of the park. A wind surf park, pavilion, showers and additional parking are found at the Wildcat Drive side of the park.

The Aquatic Center in Portland is open year-round and consists of a 25 yard by 25 meter competition pool complete with a diving area plus a zero depth to 4 foot recreation pool. The recreation pool includes several water toys age appropriate for toddlers to teenagers.

The Indian Point Fishing Park and Pier is a top choice of area anglers and draws fishermen and bird waters from around the world. The pier and park received its name from the Indians who camped on the sandy spot to do their fishing. Pioneers used Indian Point as well as a means of marking the beginning of the Reef Road that snaked its way across Nueces Bay. By the following series of shallow oyster reefs, wagons and buggies could be driven across the bay at low tide.