Welcome to Port A!

If it's your first time visiting Port Aransas, you may not know where to start with your trip. This blog post is here to help! From restaurants to activities, there is so much to enjoy in this coastal town. This guide will help you on your first trip to the island. 

Places to Stay

If you are looking for the perfect place to stay in Port A, you are in luck! There are tons of places on the island that are beyond amazing and will make a great getaway when you are in Port A. If you are looking for luxury and convenience, Cinnamon Shore is the place for you. Cinnamon Shore is a welcoming beach community on the Texas Gulf Coast where families nurture tradition and make new memories. On-site dining and activities are available as well as golf carts for the beach! Cinnamon Shore offers beach homes and condos with a golf cart boardwalk to the beach, as well as pools, parks, and lakes for a truly memorable vacation. If you love to golf, a great place to stay is Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Community. This luxury community offers amazing swimming pools, a boardwalk to the beach, and a golf course originally designed by Arnold Palmer. Stay in a beach bungalow, cottage, townhome, or spectacular house! If you are looking for something in town that's close to the action, Modern By The Sea is a great option. Modern by the Sea is Port A's newest and most unique coastal rental experience. These luxurious, industrial chic homes were created from shipping containers and sustainable materials. 

Activities

Port Aransas offers endless activities, and choosing the right ones for your trip can be tricky when they are all so fun. Here are a few activities to look into for your first trip to the Texas coast:

• Book a fishing charter with your group. Whether you want to try offshore or bay fishing, Port A has the best of both worlds. Fish for Tuna and Blue Marlin on an offshore expedition or catch Trout and Redfish in the bay. Book a trip offshore with Port Aransas Fisherman's Wharf, LLC, Deep Sea Headquarters, or Dolphin Dock, Inc.. For bay fishing, try Port "A" Bay Charters, LLC, Red Tag Guide Service, LLC, or Kenjo Fly Fishing Charters and reel in a keeper.
• If fishing isn't for you, try your hand at surfing. If you have never surfed before, book a lesson with Texas Surf Camps. They can help you learn the basics of surfing and get you out on the water. If you want to try on your own or already know how to surf, rent a surfboard at Island Surf Rentals or BoardHouse and hang ten.
• Walk the plank and take a cruise on the Red Dragon Pirate Cruises. Explore the high seas on this pirate-themed boat ride. The kids will love the theatrical show as you enjoy a cocktail aboard the ship. Keep an eye out for dolphins and treasure.
• Head out on an adventure when you take the Jetty Boat to explore San José Island. The Jetty Boat runs every day from Fisherman’s Wharf in Port Aransas to a private dock at the base of the North Jetty on St. Jo Island. The Jetty Boat is the only way to access the North Jetty and the deserted beaches of San Jose Island for fishing, birding, beachcombing along the empty beaches, and getting back to nature at its finest.
• Fly high in the sky and get a birds-eye view of Port Aransas when you try Chute'em Up, LLC/Port A Parasail. See the island in a whole new way as you feel the cool salty breeze on your skin. Keep an eye out for dolphins and passing boats while you see a new side of Port A. If you can't get to all these island activities, you just might have to come back for another trip on these sandy shores. 

Where to Eat

Port A is home to some of the most delicious restaurants on the Texas coast. There are so many options to try—everyone can find something they love when visiting Port A.

Breakfast

Stop by Coffee Waves and grab an iced coffee and a pastry for a light start to your day. If you like a traditional breakfast, Coach's Island Grill is a local favorite that is sure to fill you up and keep you going through the day.

Lunch

When lunch rolls around, try a coastal classic like Virginia's on the Bay, where you can enjoy fried shrimp, oysters, and so much more. Virginia's is right on the water and offers beautiful views of the Port A marina. If seafood isn't for you, get some of the best burgers around at the BierHaus. Try their signature Prickly Pear Margarita and kick back and relax.

Dinner

It can be hard to choose the perfect place for dinner, but in Port A they are all winners. Tortuga's Saltwater Grill offers a mouth-watering menu. Start with one of their amazing appetizers like the Poke Tuna Stack or Manila Clams. For a main, try the Seafood Pasta, Churrasco Steak, or the Snapper Pontchartrain. Get some of the best sushi around at BlueWater Cowboy. With one-of-a-kind rolls like the Salt Lick Roll, Sunrise Roll, and the Special Eel Roll, you are sure to find a new favorite. If sushi isn't your thing you're in luck, BlueWater has other amazing dishes from salads to pastas that will wow you with every order. 

Shopping

One thing everyone loves about the island is the shopping. Bop around town and uncover all the local shops. With stores for adults, kids, and even pets, you can find more than you bargained for when you explore the town. Find everything you need for your kiddos and more at Hazel Grace Boutique. This cute boutique has swimwear, toys, and clothing for your little ones. Headed to the beach, dinner, or looking for something to entertain your kiddo? Hazel Grace has you covered! Looking for a unique local shop with eclectic tastes and styles, Saterwater Gypsies is the place for you. With specialty food such as jams, probiotic sodas, and unique seasoning, this is a great place for a foodie to explore. Foods and spices aren't all they sell—get beautiful jewelry, candles, and soaps that you will love. This store has something new every time you stop by. For the dudes that like to shop, the Conspiratorium is the place to be. Find hunting and fishing gear, BBQ rubs, and coolers at this unique shop. If you need fishing gear for your visit to Port A, stop by Island Tackle to buy anything and everything you need. Find polarized sunglasses or a new fishing pole at Island Tackle. If you love your furry friends, get them a gift from Island Pet Company. Find healthy treat options that your pets will love or bring them home a new toy and leash. With all these amazing shops and so much more, you can shop 'till you drop in Port Aransas! 

Arts, Education & History

• If you want to check out local art, learn about the environment, or see some local history there are some great options to explore in Port A. Visit the Port Aransas Art Center for art and education, island style. The mission of the Port Aransas Art Center is to encourage, educate, and support one another through art. Toward these ends, the Art Center offers art classes for all ages, monthly art exhibits, and a wide range of activities to encourage social interaction year-round. Visit the gallery and find art, photography, pottery, jewelry, and so much more.
• If you want to get in tune with the nature that surrounds this island, the Patton Center For Marine Science Education is a must-see. The newly-renovated Patton Center for Marine Science Education features eight large aquaria and engaging interactive displays that provide opportunities for people of all ages to learn about the local marine life and the research that is conducted at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute and its Mission-Aransas Reserve program. The space is a bright and dynamic facility that teaches about the wonders of the local marine ecosystems. The Center is free of charge and will be open Tuesday–Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Center will include programs such as keeper chats and fish-feeding demonstrations.
• Discover local history and take a tour of the Chapel on the Dunes. High on a sand dune overlooking the Gulf of Mexico in Port Aransas, there is a little white Chapel, the oldest functional consecrated church on the Island. Known locally as the Chapel on the Dunes, it was built between 1937 and 1938 by Aline B. Carter. This historical church is one of the Eight Wonders of Port Aransas and is the site for many small weddings, memorial services, and baptisms.