Don't let the rain stop you from having a great day
Rain in Port Aransas doesn't have to put your vacation on hold. While the beach may be the main attraction, Port A offers plenty of indoor adventures, unique shopping, local history, family-friendly activities, and delicious dining options. Whether you're waiting out a quick shower or spending the day indoors, here are some favorite rainy-day activities around town.
Curl up at Coffee Waves
Waking up to rain can be a bummer, so turn your morning right around by heading to Coffee Waves and buying a new beach read from Sea Shelves by the Seashore. There, you can curl up on a leather couch or cozy armchair and enjoy the coastal ambiance. Might we suggest ordering a “Hug in a Mug?” The combo of coconut and chai will instantly brighten any rainy day. They have everything from tasty breakfast treats to smoothies and the perfect relaxing environment to unwind and feel at ease.
Farley Boat Works is an extension of the Port Aransas Museum (another great rainy-day option) and a bastion of the town’s history. You can simply sit and enjoy the clamoring and clanging of unique boats being built by expert hands, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take part by signing up for a boat-building class! This is a fun adventure, unlike anything you may have experienced before.
Farley Boat Works is a living exhibit. The sounds of the boat shop can be heard as soon as you enter the building. Visit them to see the shop in action, and watch boats being built.
Stay Cozy Indoors with Puzzles and Games
Did you forget your board games at home and are now stuck wishing you had a deck of cards or your favorite puzzle? Not to worry! A quick jaunt out to Jackfish Cart Rentals will provide you with dozens of kid-friendly, island-themed games that are perfect for playing at your stay and then using on the road or plane trip back home! More of the puzzle type? Fly It! Kite Shop has an array of puzzles in unique shapes and sizes for all ages, while The Islander carries puzzles just for children to help keep them busy while you relax! Pro tip: pick up a puzzle on the first day of your trip and work on it each evening of your stay until it's complete!
Indulge your creative side on the next rainy day in Port A! Pop by Fire It! Ceramics and create your very own one-of-a-kind ceramic piece. All you have to do is choose your ceramic, choose your colors, and paint; they take care of the rest, and your piece will be ready for pickup within one to three days. If you won't be able to wait to pick up your piece, you can still always stop by the Port Aransas Art Center and purchase an art kit for your little one. These art kits come with all supplies included to create a fun ocean-inspired art piece. Whatever calls your creative side, there is an answer waiting in Port A.
Head out and support locals on a rainy day! There are tons of amazing shops in Port Aransas that offer a variety of different items. Bring some sunshine to the rain and get a new shirt, swimsuit, or fishing pole. Looking for fishing gear you can use for years to come? Island Tackle of Port Aransas is the perfect stop for you. Grab some new line that you've been looking for, or maybe some bait for your next fishing trip. Island Tackle knows just what you need when it comes to fishing. They have bait and tackle for fishing the surf, jetty, pier, parks, or from a boat. They offer rod and reel rental and repair, and even ghost shrimp pumps. You'll find everything you need to catch the big one-whether you are a seasoned pro or a novice angler. Browse coastal-inspired fashion, accessories, gifts, and home décor at Coastal Closet, a favorite boutique offering stylish island apparel and one-of-a-kind finds. You'll also discover plenty of other locally owned shops throughout town, making it easy to spend an afternoon finding the perfect souvenir or vacation outfit while staying dry.
Interested in learning more about the Port Aransas ecosystem and the local marine life? Check out the Patton Center for Marine Science Education, featuring eight large aquaria and engaging interactive displays for an immersive experience. The center provides the opportunity for people of all ages to have a unique experience that helps them learn about the local marine life and the research that the University Marine Science Institute conducts, as well as its Mission-Aransas Reserve program. The Patton Center is free of charge for its guests and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some of the amazing programs included during the day are keeper chats, where you can hear firsthand from the animal's caretakers, and the fun fish-feeding demonstrations.
Port Aransas offers some amazing restaurants that you can't find anywhere else. Don't let the rain stop you from trying them all! For breakfast, try the 1886 Bar. New to Port A, this restaurant offers an elevated twist on a familiar menu. Grab a cappuccino or mimosa and choose from breakfast items like smoked salmon on avocado toast, ribeye and eggs, or a Nutella croissant. Time for lunch? BlueWater Cowboy has what you need. Their wide menu has a little bit of everything under the sun. Appetizers like tuna tostadas or southwest eggs are sure to please. For your meal, they have everything from gourmet sushi rolls that you can only find in Port A to delicious lobster pasta and juicy ribeye steak. When dinner time rolls around, you might want to try the local favorite Venetian Hot Plate. This Port A treasure is a little slice of Italy hidden on the island. With amazing Italian dishes such as their Tortellini Linda, a three cheese tortellini tossed with gorgonzola cheese sauce and toasted walnuts, or their Scaloppine Carciofi, a veal scaloppine in a creamy artichoke sauce with tomato and mushrooms served with haricot vert and roasted red potatoes. Whatever you choose to eat, you're sure to enjoy all the tastes of Port Aransas. Click here for a full list of restaurants on the island.
Rainy weather may change your beach plans, but it doesn't have to put a damper on your Port Aransas getaway. From exploring local history and art galleries to shopping, dining, and family-friendly activities, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the island no matter the forecast. So grab an umbrella, embrace the slower pace, and discover a different side of Port A, you might just find a new favorite vacation memory waiting indoors.
