

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.
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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 more about Port Aransas and all the things that make this island such a special place at the Port Aransas Museum.
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Port 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”.
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Ferry 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.
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Farley 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.
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Chapel 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.
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Lydia 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.
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South 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.
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San 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.
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Beach 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.
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Boat 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!
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Leonabelle 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.
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Port 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.
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Port 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
What You Need to Know About Texas SandFest
- 4 min read
April 25–27, 2025 Are you ready to hit the beach for the most anticipated festival of the year, Texas SandFest? You’re not alone! You’ll be one of many who come for the sculptures, then stay for the vibrant…
Burns, Bites, & Stings
- 2 min read
5 Essentials for Your Beach Day First Aid Kit Beach days in Port A are the best! A perfect beach day is all about soaking up the sun, splashing in the waves, and making memories that smell like sunscreen and sea salt. But before…
Why Port Aransas Should Be Your Top Texas Beach Destination
- 7 min read
Texas' Best Beach Destination Port Aransas is the top beach destination in Texas, offering the best of both worlds with relaxation and adventure at your fingertips. Located on Mustang Island along the gorgeous Gulf Coast…
A Pet-Friendly Day in Port A
- 4 min read
Vacation is Better with (Furry) Friends Any dog owner can attest that there’s a unique bond that forms between humans and their furry friends. There’s a reason dogs are known as man’s best friend! Wanting to…
What You Need to Know About Texas SandFest
- 4 min read
April 25–27, 2025 Are you ready to hit the beach for the most anticipated festival of the year, Texas SandFest? You’re not alone! You’ll be one of many who come for the sculptures, then stay for the vibrant…
Easter on the Island
- 1 min read
Hop on the Island-Style Easter Fun Spending time with family on the holidays is always a special time. When you find a place the whole family enjoys, you know that you have hit the jackpot! Port Aransas is the perfect place for…
Valentine's Day Gift Guide
- 3 min read
Find the perfect gift for someone special! Valentine's Day is all about showing and sharing your love for those you care about most in your life. Port Aransas has tons of great shops that have an abundance of cute, fun, and…
Coastal Holiday Recipes
- 5 min read
Bring the Texas Coast to your holiday table! The holidays are the perfect time to see family, vacation, and eat delicious food. Trying new recipes for the holidays can be fun and exciting for the whole family. On the Texas coast…
Burns, Bites, & Stings
- 2 min read
5 Essentials for Your Beach Day First Aid Kit Beach days in Port A are the best! A perfect beach day is all about soaking up the sun, splashing in the waves, and making memories that smell like sunscreen and sea salt. But before…
Safety in the Surf
- 4 min read
Beach Safety: It’s No Joke Every day grows warmer and the waves get more and more inviting. It’s just about time to dive into summer, but before you do that, take a few minutes to acquaint yourself with some basic…
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…
Why Port Aransas Should Be Your Top Texas Beach Destination
- 7 min read
Texas' Best Beach Destination Port Aransas is the top beach destination in Texas, offering the best of both worlds with relaxation and adventure at your fingertips. Located on Mustang Island along the gorgeous Gulf Coast…
A Pet-Friendly Day in Port A
- 4 min read
Vacation is Better with (Furry) Friends Any dog owner can attest that there’s a unique bond that forms between humans and their furry friends. There’s a reason dogs are known as man’s best friend! Wanting to…
Easter on the Island
- 1 min read
Hop on the Island-Style Easter Fun Spending time with family on the holidays is always a special time. When you find a place the whole family enjoys, you know that you have hit the jackpot! Port Aransas is the perfect place for…
The Piers of Port Aransas
- 3 min read
You don't have to leave the shore to reel in a keeper! Port Aransas is known as the “Fishing Capital of Texas,” but that doesn't mean you need a boat to join in on the fun. Several piers offer access to…
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
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.