Port Aransas
Things to do & Upcoming Events
Things to do & Upcoming Events
1. 🏖️ PORT ARANSAS BEACH — 0.3–0.5 mile Miles of Gulf beach for swimming, shell hunting, fishing and relaxing. 📍 Directions
2. 🎣 PORT ARANSAS SOUTH JETTY — Approx. 2 miles Fish, walk the jetty, watch ships and look for dolphins, turtles and coastal birds.
📍 Directions
3. 🐦 LEONABELLE TURNBULL BIRDING CENTER — Approx. 1.5 miles • FREE Boardwalks and observation areas for birds, fish, wildlife and the occasional alligator. 📍 Directions
4. 🐬 ROBERTS POINT PARK — Approx. 2 miles • FREE One of our favorites for watching dolphins, ships and sunsets, plus fishing and a playground.
📍 Directions
5. 🌿 CHARLIE'S PASTURE NATURE PRESERVE — Approx. 2–3 miles • FREE More than 1,200 acres of coastal habitat, trails, boardwalks, marshes and great birding. 📍 Directions
6. ⛴️ PORT ARANSAS FERRY — Approx. 2.5 miles • FREE A Port A experience of its own—ride across the ship channel and watch for dolphins and ships. 📍 Directions
7. 🏴☠️ RED DRAGON PIRATE CRUISES — Approx. 2 miles A family pirate adventure with treasure hunting, cannon fire, sword fighting and dolphin watching. 📍 Directions
8. 🐬 SCARLET LADY DOLPHIN ADVENTURES — Approx. 2 miles Dolphin watching, sightseeing and sunset cruises for couples and families.
📍 Directions
9. ⚓ PORT ARANSAS FISHERMAN'S WHARF — Approx. 2.5 miles A longtime Port A fishing hub for offshore trips, sightseeing, the Jetty Boat and marina services. 📍 Directions
10. 🐚 SAN JOSÉ ISLAND — “ST. JO” — Boat departs approx. 2.5 miles away Take the Jetty Boat to miles of undeveloped beach for shelling, fishing and exploring. 📍 Directions to Jetty Boat
11. 🐠 PATTON CENTER FOR MARINE SCIENCE EDUCATION — Approx. 2.5 miles A family-friendly look at Gulf marine life, science and hands-on learning. 📍 Directions
12. 🐢 AMOS REHABILITATION KEEP — THE ARK — Approx. 2.5 miles Learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of sea turtles, shorebirds and other coastal wildlife. 📍 Directions
13. 🏛️ PORT ARANSAS MUSEUM — Approx. 1.5 miles • FREE Discover Port Aransas history through photographs, artifacts, films and island-life exhibits. 📍 Directions
14. ⛪ CHAPEL ON THE DUNES — Approx. 1 mile A historic chapel atop a natural dune featuring beautiful hand-painted interior murals.
📍 Directions
15. 🛶 FARLEY BOAT WORKS — Approx. 2 miles See Port Aransas' wooden boat-building tradition and craftsmanship up close.
📍 Directions
16. 🌊 MUSTANG ISLAND STATE PARK — Approx. 10 miles Natural Texas coastline for swimming, fishing, camping, birding and kayaking.
📍 Directions
17. 🏝️ PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE — Approx. 28–30 miles More than 65 miles of protected Gulf shoreline—great for wildlife, beachcombing and exploring. 📍 Directions
18. 🐬 TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM — Approx. 40 miles A great Corpus Christi day trip featuring dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, stingrays and more.
📍 Directions
19. ⚓ USS LEXINGTON MUSEUM — Approx. 40 miles Explore a real WWII-era aircraft carrier with aircraft, multiple decks and naval-history exhibits.
📍 Directions
20. 🌺 SOUTH TEXAS BOTANICAL GARDENS & NATURE CENTER — Approx. 35–40 miles Gardens, nature trails, orchids, butterflies, reptiles and wildlife. 📍 Directions