National Make a Difference Day

National Make A Difference Day is an excellent reminder that each of us can make a difference in the world with even the simplest of actions—and even while we're on island time. Read below for a few ways you can make a difference in Port Aransas and help protect the island’s coastal charm and natural beauty for generations to come.

Help Keep The Beach Clean

Nothing beats a walk along the beaches of Mustang Island, enjoying the salty sea breeze and warm Texas sunshine. Admittedly, seashells are not the only objects that wash up on these shores. You can make a difference for your fellow beachgoers and the abundant wildlife that call Port Aransas home by picking up any litter that may have washed in with the tide. Free litter bags are available in the blue stands you’ll find along the beach (pictured below) and at the Welcome Center. These yellow bags are provided by Keep Port Aransas Beautiful and the City of Port Aransas for use on your next stroll along the shore. If you’re lucky, you may even happen upon a message in a bottle. You never know what you might find on these 18 miles of wide, sandy beaches.

Volunteer For A Good Cause

There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer your time to great causes in Port Aransas. Organizations like Keep Port Aransas Beautiful host beach cleanups throughout the year. The Mission-Aransas Reserve’s Nurdle Patrol program is another great way to clean up the beach while providing crucial data to help track down sources of microplastics in the Gulf of Mexico.

If you’re fortunate enough to spend a few months or more in Port Aransas, you can even help care for injured marine birds and turtles at the Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK). The ARK rehabilitates marine turtles and marine birds from the coastal zone of Mustang Island and San Jose Island. The job is rewarding, but tough. If you love coastal critters and don’t mind cleaning cages, doing laundry, and cutting up fish then the ARK is the place for you.

Minimize Your Impact

Even simple, nearly effortless actions can make a difference while you’re in Port Aransas. Avoid single-use plastics, bring reusable containers with you, and properly dispose of waste to reduce your impact on the island's beautiful beaches and estuaries. Garbage bins are located every 250 feet along Port Aransas beaches for your convenience.

During peak bird migration seasons (spring and fall), millions of birds travel through Port Aransas. You can help them reach their destination safely by turning out unnecessary outdoor lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Plus, turning out the lights helps you see just how big and bright the stars over Texas truly are. Click here to learn more about how you can make a difference for beautiful migratory birds from Lights Out, Texas!

Smile, You’re On Island Time

A friendly smile can make all the difference in someone’s day, and there are more than enough reasons to smile in Port Aransas. While Port A prides itself on our Texas charm and island hospitality, please remember that businesses across the country, including many wonderful local shops and restaurants, are facing unprecedented staffing shortages. Pack your patience, plan ahead, make reservations when possible, tip your server, and remember to smile—you’re on a beautiful island, after all!

Respect Our Island Home

We love Port Aransas, and we’re so excited to welcome you. We’ve put together some 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!