Things to Do in Port Aransas and Mustang Island

Traditions Anchor in Port Aransas

Turn your next vacation into an island getaway on the True Texas Coast. You can make it happen in Port Aransas, where the island state of mind exists year-round. Throw on your shades, put on your favorite playlist, and take in all of the fun a true beachside town has to offer. Enjoy the sunrise fishing from the jetty, break away for a calm morning on a paddle board, or get your heart pumping with a ride on a jet ski. It’s easy to see why families have anchored their favorite traditions in Port Aransas for generations. With something to offer everyone, isn’t it time you make your way to Port A?

The True Texas Coast

With 18 miles of uninterrupted beachline, Port Aransas has the perfect spot waiting for you to soak up the sun, build a sandcastle, catch some waves, or cast a few lines into the surf. Whatever you seek, you can find it on the beach in Port A the best part? You won’t have to stress about condensing all of your beach gear and supplies into as few bags as possible or worry about hauling everything down to the sand from the parking lot. In Port Aransas, you can drive and park right on the beach. Your next beach vacation couldn’t be easier when it’s on the True Texas Coast.

Your Island Escape

Just north of Mustang Island lies San José Island, an undeveloped 21-mile barrier island with public-access beaches. These pristine beaches serve up excellent swimming and some of the best beachcombing around. You’ll also find excellent fishing at the north jetty, as well as hundreds of species of birds (including Roseate Spoonbills and Reddish Egrets) crowding the skies. Bring some food, water, and a few other supplies, and you’ll be able to enjoy a full day in this pristine paradise.

Your Trophy Fish Awaits

Take full advantage of your time in “The Fishing Capital of Texas” and charter a boat for the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re coming to test your angling skills against a monster Bluefin Tuna, Marlin, or Dorado, book a deep-sea fishing excursion and come home with a story you’ll tell for decades. Looking for something closer to shore? Charter fishing boats will take guests out to fish in the bay, allowing groups the opportunity to get in some serious fishing while not taking up too much of the day’s schedule.

Not sure if your sealegs are ready? There are plenty of places to cast a line from shore, making it easy to sneak out before the rest of your crew wakes up or take the whole family along with you. You can try your luck at catching a Black Drum, Flounder, Redfish, and Trout in the bay and waterways surrounding Mustang Island.

Stay The Port A Way

Going to the beach is everyone’s dream, but sometimes actually getting to the beach is complicated. Not when you stay in Port Aransas! Imagine finishing your morning cup of coffee, putting on your swimsuit, and being on the beach in minutes. So ditch the commute and get a taste of the island life by staying in one of Port A’s eclectic seaside neighborhoods.

While all vehicles are welcome to drive on the beach, there’s something special about cruising the island in a beach-ready golf cart. These customized golf carts come loaded with sand-ready tires, extra rows of seating, and Bluetooth speakers ready for your beach tunes. So let the SUV or truck stay sand-free in the driveway, and make the commute to the beach a memory you’ll actually want to relive year after year.

Better Beach Grub

You’ve bought a new swimsuit, made the trip to the Texas coast, found the perfect beach playlist, loaded up the cooler with your favorite beach drinks, and you’re really going to cap that all off with eating…a cold, soggy ham sandwich you packed hours ago?

Port Aransas is filled with restaurants serving up the freshest seafood in the state, unique island flavors, and classics the whole family will love. Pull in a decent catch while fishing? Several restaurants will cook whatever you hooked and serve it up in a variety of dishes. You can’t get more local than that!

Want to grab a drink? Port Aransas is filled with amazing bars, covered palapas, and patios serving up unique island drinks, ice-cold pints, and wine lists ready to pair with any dish. Branch out from your regular order with an island-ready tiki drink or a margarita from one of the annual Port Aransas Margarita Madness tournament contenders!

Perfect Time To Start

Have you been wanting to try paddle boarding, kayaking, or surfing? Have the kids been begging you to jet ski? Make your next vacation one to remember and head into one of the friendly equipment rental shops to experience the water in a whole new way. Looking to stay on dry land? Rent a bike to enjoy the miles of bike paths stretching through beach dunes alongside birding outlooks and ocean vistas.

Make Your Way To Port A

Whether you’re looking to fill a vacation rental with the whole family or escape for a much-needed break with a loved one, it’s time to make your way to Port A. Wouldn’t your family calendar look so much better with “island getaway” circled on it? Check out VisitPortAransas.com to start planning your trip to paradise.