Looking for the best things to do in Port Aransas? I’ve got you covered whether you’re into fishing, outdoor adventure, wildlife viewing, history, or simply relaxing on the beach.
Texas isn’t all about cowboys and country music. The state has almost 400 miles of pristine coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, waiting for you to get your beach on!
Port Aransas is continuously identified as one of the best beach destinations in Texas, but this small town has more to offer than just sandy shores.
With stellar fishing opportunities and several state parks, preserves, beaches, and parks in the Port Aransas area, you’ll love every moment here.
Note: In December 2025 I updated this post with more things to do and moved my list of day trips from Port Aransas to a separate article.
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Best Fishing in Port Aransas
Port Aransas has long been referred to as the fishing capital of Texas by residents and fishing aficionados. Now it’s totally official. In May 2025 Port Aransas was officially recognized as the Fishing Capital of Texas when the Texas Governor signed a resolution designating the coastal city with the new title.
You have several choices for fishing spots in Port Aransas, from offshore to pier fishing, so you can find just the right place.
There are a few things you need to know before you go fishing in Texas:
- You do need a fishing license in Texas.
- Find the current bag and length limits for Texas saltwater fishing from Texas Parks & Wildlife.
- Federal fishing seasons are adjusted annually based on the catch data and fish population assessments. Check the NOAA Gulf Regulations.
- You can get the weekly fishing report for Port Aransas from Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Offshore Fishing
Port Aransas was named the fishing capital of Texas so of course offshore fishing one of the best things to do in Aransas.
Charter a boat and head out to sea to see what you can find at the end of your line.
New to offshore fishing? Take a half-day fishing charter around the bay and fish for flounder, redfish, and trout.
Looking for a bigger catch? Several Port Aransas deep-sea fishing charters get you out to the open sea for a chance to catch snapper, sailfish, tuna, marlin, or wahoo, depending on the season.
Expert captains can take you to all the fishing hotspots and know exactly what time of the year you can expect which fish.
Deep sea fishing boats in Port A
Pier Fishing
The three top places for pier fishing in Port Aransas are:
- Horace Caldwell Fishing Pier
- South Jetty
- Roberts Point Park Pier
If the thought of deep-sea fishing gets you green around the gills, opt for a relaxing day of fishing on the pier.
Pier fishing is perfect if you’re not keen on boating. It’s also something fun to do with the kids.
Horace Caldwell Fishing Pier is a mammoth concrete structure that stretches 1,200 feet (366 meters) into the gulf. It allows you to catch some deep-sea fish right from the pier, as you are far from the break.
Horace Caldwell fishing pier is a premium fishing spot in Port A
South Jetty is another popular spot for fishing without a boat in Port Aransas. You can park for free at the day use area right on the beach next to South Jetty.
Roberts Point Park Pier is another spot for pier fishing in Port A, and the park is a perfect place for a family outing. With room for the kids to roam and have fun at the playground, covered picnic tables, an observation tower, and restrooms.
Had a good catch? There are several restaurants that will cook your fish for you.
That’s right, take your freshly cleaned catch over to FINS Grill and Icehouse, and they will cook your catch for a memorable sea-to-table dining experience in Port A.
Fishing on South Jetty with the pelicans
Beaches in Port Aransas
Port Aransas is one of the most popular beach towns in Texas. In fact, it’s on Southern Living’s 2025 list of 50 Best Beach Towns in the South.
Did you know that you can camp on the beach in Port Aransas?!
Camping and RV camping are permitted on the beaches of Port Aransas, but there is a 3-night limit during any 3-week period. There is no extra fee for camping; the beach parking permit is all you need.
You can also take your furbabies with you; dogs are allowed on all the beaches in Port Aransas.
Port Aransas beaches are dog friendly
Beach Parking Permit
During peak season in Port Aransas (June to September), I recommend buying a beach parking permit upon arrival. There is limited free parking on the beach from South Jetty to Horace Caldwell Pier (between mile markers 52 and 58).
With a beach parking permit, you can park on beaches between mile markers 0 to 62, from Port Aransas to Corpus Christi. Read my list of Corpus Christi beaches, which includes a map and information about which beaches have free parking.
You can buy the annual beach parking pass for $12 at several locations, including convenience stores, Ace Hardware, Port Aransas City Hall, Chamber of Commerce, Corpus Christi Visitor Information Center, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, and Corpus Christi City Hall to name a few.
Port Aransas Beach
Port Aransas Beach has over six miles of pristine beach with soft sand and clear blue water on the Gulf of Mexico. There’s a reason Port A is one of the top weekend getaways in Texas.
You can drive right up to the water and park on the beach with a beach parking permit. During busy season lifeguards on duty are a welcome sign for families with young kids.
The Port Aransas Beach is filled with treasures after stormy weather and has even made headlines for the puzzling appearance of dozens of Portuguese Man O’ War!
You never know what you might find on this long sandy beach; treasure hunting is one of the coolest things to do in Aransas.
Beachcombing, parasailing, and fishing are popular activities at Port Aransas beach
I.B. Magee Beach
Located near Horace Caldwell Pier, the I.B. Magee Beach Park is open year-round and offers a perfect playground for a day at the beach.
For free parking (day use only) in Port Aransas, you don’t need a beach parking pass at IB Magee Beach Park, from the jetty parking lot up to the fishing pier; beyond the pier, you do need a parking pass.
Port Aransas beach seashells
Tony Amos City Beach
Another option in Port Aransas is Tony Amos City Beach over by Palmilla Beach Golf Club. This beautiful white sand beach has showers and changing rooms available.
The beach is named in honor of naturalist Tony Amos, who was an avid conservationist and University of Texas Marine Science Institute research fellow. He was passionate about marine life and helped to inspire others to take an interest in protecting and preserving the natural marine habitat.
You’ll definitely want to have a beach parking permit before visiting Tony Amos City Beach because I saw a sign at the beach stating there is a fine of $500 for those with no parking permit!
RV camping on the beach in Port A
St Jos (San Jose) Island
You can see this uninhabited island from across the water in Port Aransas. Spend a morning or afternoon beachcombing on St Jos and enjoy a picnic on the beach.
St Jos Island (also known as San Jose Island) has a long stretch of white sandy beach with excellent beachcombing, especially after stormy weather on the gulf.
For $20 per person ($10 for children ages 6 – 12) Jetty Boat provides roundtrip ferry service to St Jos Island from Fisherman’s Wharf in Port Aransas.
TIP: Bring everything you need for the trip to St Jos because there is nothing but the sandy beach on St Jos—no cafes, no shops, no washrooms. Bring your own water, snacks, and any beach gear you might need, like sunglasses, a hat, blanket, etc.
Hop on the very short ferry ride from Port A to St Jos Beach for the best beachcombing
Best Birdwatching in Port Aransas
Birdwatching is one of the best things to do in Aransas, as it sits right on the largest migratory path in Texas. Remember to bring binoculars and your best camera for birdwatching in Port A.
As of August 14, 2025, there are 677 species of birds in Texas, according to the Texas Bird Records Committee (TBRC) of the Texas Ornithological Society. While I didn’t find a definitive number of species for Port Aransas, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge reports a whopping 405 documented species at its location.
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center is the number one place for birdwatching in Port Aransas. Thousands of birds pass through here, and many more call it their permanent home.
Recently a new resident has joined the birding center waters. I was thrilled to see the brilliant coral pink of an American Flamingo when I visited Port Aransas in December! This flamingo has been hanging around for a couple of years now, after being blown off course from Florida during a hurricane.
Stroll down the 700-foot boardwalk or take a seat at the shaded watchtower to admire the marvelous flocks of birds.
Spring migration is an outstanding time to visit, but any time of year is a great time to visit the birding center.
The large marsh used to be home to Boots the alligator, but he was absent on my last trip to Port A in December 2025. I was told by locals that he frequents other places now, so he is still around.
American Flamingo hanging out with American White Pelicans
The lone American Flamingo of Port Aransas
Port Aransas Nature Preserve and Charlie’s Pasture
The Port Aransas Nature Preserve and Charlie’s Pasture is a stunningly diverse nature preserve and features uplands, sand flats, marshes, wooded mottes, and shoreline.
The area is teeming with birds and a variety of plant species, and nature lovers simply adore a tranquil stroll along the paved walkway.
The pavilion is a popular gathering spot for the community, with free nature walks and yoga sessions on offer.
Walk the trail at Charlie’s Pasture and bring your binoculars for bird viewing
Joan and Scott Holt Paradise Pond
Behind the Restaurant San Juan, the Paradise Pond is a freshwater wetland with a seasonal pond and marsh area that makes for a perfect birding spot.
Take the boardwalk to the viewing area and watch for warblers, buntings, and other migrating birds at this little outdoor gem in Port A.
Best time to visit is during spring migration.
A Great Kiskadee at the Paradise Pond
Museums in Port Aransas
The museums in Port Aransas offer everything from art and history to boat building and marine science.
Port Aransas Museum
To get a better understanding of this coastal village, head to the Port Aransas Museum to see where it all began.
The tiny museum lives in an unassuming two-story house but inside is an abundance of historic treasures.
Watch video footage and interviews from decades past and admire the vast collections of photographs and documents the museum has collected.
There are also a few artifacts and revolving exhibits that bring the town’s history to life.
At Port Aransas Museum learn about the local history
Farley Boat Works
Learn about traditional wooden boat building with a tour of the historic Farley Boat Works. I took the tour in December and enjoyed learning a few things about the Farley boats and the Port A Skiff.
My tour guide was Frankie, a twenty-something with over a decade of boatbuilding experience. Frankie is passionate about building boats and the history of Farley boats, and he will answer all your questions about boatbuilding.
Do you want to build your own boat? Farley Boat Works will teach you how to do it. You provide the supplies, and they provide the know-how for free. Sweet!
- Address: 716 W Avenue C, Port Aransas
- Hours: Tuesday Thursday Saturday 9 am – 12 pm
- Tours are FREE, donations welcome
Learn about handmade wooden boats at Farley Boat Works
Patton Center for Marine Science Education
This marine science education center is fun for the whole family with hands-on interactive exhibits. The indoor site features several aquaria with fish, crabs, and other sea creatures, as well as informative displays that make learning fun.
Additionally, the Wetlands Education Center is an outdoor space where you can learn about the local coastal habitats. Free public guided tours are offered every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 am. Meet in front of the Patton Center at the tarpon statue.
Patton Center in Port Aransas has hands-on exhibits
Port Aransas Art Center
Port Aransas Art Center is more than an art gallery with wonderful paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry, and gift items.
The art center offers art classes for all ages, monthly exhibits, and other activities to bring together artists and art patrons.
I highly recommend you stop by for First Friday at the Art Center on the first Friday of every month, starting at 5:30 pm. Enjoy live music and refreshments along with all the amazing art and artists in attendance.
- Address: 104 N. Alister Street, Port Aransas
- Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm
More Things to Do In Port A
There’s so much more to do in Port Aransas, including dolphin watching, a pirate ship tour, golfing, sunset walks, visiting the Chapel on the Dunes, and more!
Roberts Point Park
The Roberts Point Park is the best place in Aransas for a family picnic or a chillaxing day next to the sea.
Meander along the boardwalk and try and spot some dolphins or sea turtles. Or bring your gear and do some fishing from the pier.
Head up to the Keeler Observation Deck for the best views. The tower is two stories high and gives the perfect vantage points for photography or using your binoculars. Also, there are gigantic ships frequenting the gulf that are quite a sight to behold.
Roberts Point Park in Port Aransas
Port Aransas City Marina
Across the peninsula from Roberts Point Park, you’ll find the Port Aransas City Marina, where you can have a look at all the pretty boats.
Offshore fishing boats in Port Aransas
Port Aransas harbor
Dolphin Watching
You can sign up for this private sunset dolphin watching tour or simply go where the dolphins hang out and see them at your leisure. The best places to see dolphins in Port Aransas are along South Jetty and at Roberts Point Park.
I’ve noticed that a great time to see dolphins in Port A is about an hour before and up until sunset at South Jetty or Roberts Point Park. I’ve seen them during the day as well, but every time I’ve gone around sunset, I’ve seen several dolphins. I’ve yet to get a good picture of one though!
Walk the South Jetty
One of my favorite things to do in Port Aransas is to walk South Jetty to the end and back. South Jetty is a popular place in Port Aransas for several reasons:
- Fishing is excellent
- Dolphin watching is great
- You’re likely to see pelicans
- Walking on the giant stones is fun!
That’s me walking the South Jetty
Sunset Beach Walk
There’s no better way to bid farewell to the day than a walk on the beach at sunset in Port Aransas.
Port Aransas sunset on the beach
Chapel on the Dunes
The Port Aransas Museum offers Chapel on the Dunes tours on the first and third Saturday of each month.
Although the chapel is locked between tours, you can still walk up to the chapel and have a look in the windows to see the beautiful artwork inside the chapel.
The Chapel on the Dunes address is 203 S 11th Street, Port Aransas.
Look for the designated parking lot with a few spots and then look to the right of the parking area to find the trail marker. It’s a small sign near the ground, and it marks the start of a narrow trail between two private properties. Please stay on the marked path.
Chapel of the Dunes
Art work inside Chapel of the Dunes
Rent a Kayak or SUP
Renting a watercraft is one of the top things to do in Port Aransas if you are an adventure lover.
In the warmer months, the beaches are dotted with rentals of kayaks and SUPs, and you can rent them for a full day or get lessons.
Besides paddling from the beach you can also enjoy the Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail, which is the first of its kind in the Lone Star State.
There are four trails from 1.25 miles to a mammoth 6.8 miles, each winding through scenic mangroves and seagrass flats.
Pirate Boat Cruise
You don’t have to go all the way to Tortuga or Penzance to feel like a pirate. Sail on an authentic pirate ship right in Port Aransas thanks to Red Dragon Pirate Cruise.
Actors dressed in pirate garb provide entertainment for kids on board with adventurous storytelling, face painting, and more.
If swashbuckling roleplay isn’t your vibe, you can take a seat at the bar and see if there is some rum on board during the adults-only cruise.
Spot dolphins and rays with the crew during this two-hour ocean adventure.
Red Dragon Pirate cruise ship
Parasailing & Paragliding
Experience the thrill of parasailing in Port Aransas! Get out on a boat and up in the air with Chute ‘Em Up Parasailing. I haven’t tried this yet, but it’s on my Port A bucket list for sure!
The reviews are impressive, and the company has a 4.9 out of 5-star rating on Google with over 800 reviews.
Golfing at Palmilla Beach
Palmilla Beach Golf Club is the perfect golfing location for a spur-of-the-moment round on the greens.
The club does not require memberships, doesn’t have a strict dress code, and offers club rentals if you don’t have your own set.
You also get access to the driving range ahead of your game, and each booking comes with a free golf cart.
Tee off with unbeatable views over the Gulf of Mexico and end your day with a drink at their popular 19th hole, REDS Patio Bar.
Souvenir Shopping
For anyone who’s passionate about beaches and coastal living, the souvenir options are abundant in Port Aransas.
One of the most unique souvenirs you can find in Port Aransas is local handcrafted artwork at the Port Aransas Art Center and at shops around town.
Are you into kite flying? You’ll want to check out Fly It Port A at 405 W Avenue G.
If you’re souvenir shopping for someone who loves fishing, then you will be in heaven! For tackle, rods, and reels check out Port A Outfitters on Cotter Ave or Fishermans Wharf on Tarpon St.
Map of Port Aransas Things to Do
Things to Do in Port Aransas FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Port Aransas and planning a trip and things to do there.
When is the best time of year to visit Port Aransas?
Summer is the peak season for visitors to Port Aransas, starting May long weekend and continuing through Labor Day long weekend in September. July and August are the hottest months.
The best time to visit Port A depends on what you want to do. Here are some guidelines for what to expect in Port A depending on your goal.
Relax with uncrowded beaches: Visit after September long weekend or before May long weekend; for the fewest crowds plan your visit on weekdays rather than weekends.
Budget travel to Port Aransas: If you plan your trip in the off-season from November through February you can get much better deals on hotels. The trade-off is that the weather is not necessarily warm and sunny. I’m not into hot weather so off-season is when I love to visit Port A!
Fishing: Seriously, the fishing is great year-round; this is the fishing capital of Texas! Remember that fishing seasons are adjusted annually but here is a rough idea of what types of fish are popular during the seasons.
- Summer: red snapper, tarpon, mahi-mahi, sailfish, sharks
- Fall: wahoo, flounder, blackfin tuna, bull redfish, king mackerel
- Winter: blackfin tuna, wahoo, trophy trout, sheepshead, black drum
- Spring: redfish, flounder, cobia, trout, king mackerel
Birdwatching: The spring and fall bird migrations are the absolute best time for birding in Port Aransas, but really, it’s phenomenal all year-round! In December I got excited about seeing an American Flamingo and two Roseate Spoonbills, but birders were more stoked about the Clapper Rail, which I also got to see.
Hottest weather: June through September brings the hottest weather and Texans head to the beach! Expect big crowds on weekends, and it’s best to book accommodations well in advance.
Party time in Port A! Visit during Spring Break but be sure to book in advance and expect higher prices for accommodations.
How many days in Port Aransas?
Two or three days in Port A is enough time to enjoy the beach and do some other activities like fishing, kayaking, birdwatching, and visiting museums. If you plan on taking day trips around Port Aransas, then add extra days; I recommend spending a week in total to see the best of Port A and the nearby attractions.
Do I need a beach parking pass for Port Aransas?
There is free day-use parking near South Jetty, so you can visit the beach without paying for a beach permit between mile markers 52 and 58. However, during peak summer season and busy weekends the free parking fills up fast, so be prepared to buy a parking permit.
Additionally, if you plan to camp on the beach, drive on the beach, or visit other beaches in the area, then you’ll need a beach parking permit.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Port A is a fun place to visit, and with this list of over 25 things to do in Port Aransas, you’ll want to keep coming back to explore more.
No matter what time of year you visit, Port Aransas is always full of fun activities to do on water and land. Port A is one of the best beach destinations in all of Texas and should be top of your list for your next trip down South.
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