Yes—if you're planning to park on the beach, you'll need a Port Aransas Beach Parking Permit.
Permits are:

• $12 and available at local gas stations, grocery stores, and the Visitor Center.

• Required for parking between Marker 0 and Marker 62.

• Valid through December 31 of the year purchased.

💡 Pro tip:  Parking permits can be purchased at any of these locations.

Absolutely! Golf carts are a local favorite.

✔️ You can drive on city streets and the beach (where vehicles are allowed).
❌ You can’t drive on Hwy 361 or other state highways.
🪪 You must be licensed and at least 16 years old to drive. (Rental companies may have their own age requirements)

🚙  Golf cart rental companies are plentiful—book early during peak seasons! Find a full list of rules here.

Yes—but with a few rules:

• Alcohol is allowed on the beach except during Spring Break after 6 p.m., when it's prohibited.

• Glass containers are never allowed on the beach.

🧃 Stay hydrated and always drink responsibly!

Port Aransas is the Fishing Capital of Texas. You can:

• Cast off from Horace Caldwell Pier or the jetties

• Charter a boat for deep-sea excursions

• Fish off the beach or bay

• Find a full list of fishing guides for your next trip here

🎣 Don’t forget a valid Texas fishing license, available at local stores or online here.

Yes, Port A loves furry visitors! Dogs are welcome on-leash, and it’s always a good idea to:

• Bring waste bags

• Keep pets under control coyotes and other animals inhabit the island 

• Avoid hot sand in summer afternoons

Yes! The Port Aransas Ferry is a free and scenic way to arrive by car.

⏱️ Runs 24/7 year-round
🚗 Wait times vary—expect longer lines during weekends and holidays

📲 Check real-time ferry wait updates here

A ton! Port A is a birding hotspot and a favorite for dolphin sightings.

🦩 Visit the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
🐬 Take a dolphin-watching tour
🐢 Keep your eyes out for sea turtles nesting in spring/summer

Every season offers something special:

• Spring: Spring migration, Easter events 

• Summer: Peak beach fun, Concerts, Fishing Tournaments

• Fall: Beachtober, Flynn's Beach Run

• Winter: Lighted Boat Parade, Holiday Shop Around

🌊 However, this page shows all the fun events happening all the time in Port A! 

In addition to the beach, families love:

• Turtle Cove Playground

• Red Dragon Pirate Cruises

• Port Aransas Nature Preserve North & South

• Patton Center for Marine Science Education

• Shell collecting at sunrise or low tide

📸 Don't forget your camera—sunrise and sunsets here are magical!

• There are several facilities that are well-suited for tent camping. Many RV parks have safe tent sites complete with utilities and access to clean restrooms and showers.

• RV and tent camping are permitted on the beach in Port Aransas with a current beach parking permit. 

• Beach camping is limited to three nights during any three-week period.

• Camping is allowed between beach markers 0–62.

🏕️ Find all the info you need about camping in Port A here.