You Need: Quality Time

You’re in luck–quality time happens pretty naturally in Port Aransas. 

Leave the hustle and bustle and set aside distractions. You need quality time with those you love most. Curate new family memories with dolphins in the background, the scent of sunscreen in the air, shells in your pockets, and probably some sand between your toes. Get away where you can simply relax together with an island backdrop. Check out this custom itinerary built with quality time in mind and see why traditions anchor here in Port Aransas.
 

Set The Mood

You've loaded up the kids into the car, and you're finally on the way to your beach vacation! What should you play on this roadtrip? This custom "Quality Time" playlist, of course! These tunes will be loved by all generations of beach-lovers.

Morning

Start the morning by doing what everyone wants to do as soon as they arrive in Port Aransas...hit the beach! Make your life easier and call up Port Aransas Local Co. or 361 Blue to book a row of chairs and umbrellas for your brood. You can even add on a beach game or two, like cornhole or beach volleyball. All you have to do is load everyone into the golf cart and show up to your spot!

Since you're already on the beach, make the most of your time with an activity that is fun for all ages—sandcastle building! Mark Landrum, Port Aransas Sandcastle Guy, will guide your group through stacking, carving, and generally making the most epic sandcastle of all!

Afternoon

Make your way to FINS Grill & Icehouse for a delicious meal and family-friendly atmosphere right on the water! Sit on the deck under the palapa overhang and soak in the island life!

All aboard, mateys! After lunch, Red Dragon Pirate Cruises will set sail and take you and yours on a swashbuckling pirate adventure! There will be sword-fighting, treasure hunting, dolphin watching, and more—all the ingredients for a perfect Port A escapade! The Red Dragon excursion is an absolute delight for both the entertainment and the stunning views of the Port Aransas bays.

If you got a bit too much sun in the morning, you can spend the afternoon indoors at the Patton Center for Marine Science Education at UTMSI. Eight large aquaria and engaging interactive displays provide opportunities for people of all ages to learn about the local marine life! You can also indulge your creative side by taking everyone to Fire It! Ceramics, a paint-your-own pottery spot. Here, you can while away the afternoon painting anything from a small unicorn figuring to a large surf-inspired wall hanging!

No vacation is complete without a souvenir or two. Go shopping at Hazel Grace Boutique to find mommy-and-me outfits and accessories that turn the "adorable" scale up a few notches! Coastal Closet is another boutique option that carries upscale items that everyone from kids to adults will enjoy! An afternoon spent in local boutiques is one you'll remember even when you return home!

Evening

Traditions anchor in Port Aransas, and there's no place that's more obvious than at Seafood & Spaghetti Works. This family-friendly restaurant has been around for over 40 years, and there's no story they love hearing more than, "My parents brought me here, and now I'm here with my kids!" Seafood & Spaghetti Works has everything from delectable seafood dishes to classic pizzas!

After dinner, head over to Bron's Backyard for an evening of live music. Pick up a snowcone for the kids and a margarita for you, and enjoy the island vibes in one of the many swings while the little ones play with yard games. It's a relaxing way to end a day of sand and sun!

Places To Stay

Family-friendly accommodations abound in Port Aransas! Resorts like Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Community, Cinnamon Shore, and Sunflower Beach Resort are communities built for families, with large beach houses and on-site pools, activities, and dining options. Your kids will love them, your parents will love them, and so will you! These are the places you want to spend quality time.