If you're anything like me—and after 25 years of travel writing, I still get excited for a good beach escape—then you’ll love what Port Aransas brings to the table. Tucked away on Mustang Island, this little slice of coastal Texas is where I go when I want sun on my face, salty breezes, and the kind of laid-back charm that makes you slow down and breathe deep.

I’ve watched dolphins leap beside the boat, cast a line off the pier, and dug into some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste—all in a single weekend. You can keep it simple with a beach chair and a book, or head out on a fishing charter if that’s more your style. However you like to unwind, Port A makes it easy.

You’ll feel the island vibe the moment you roll off the ferry or cross the causeway. It’s casual, it’s cheerful, and it’s classic Texas coast—something I always find myself returning to.

Best Things to Do in Port Aransas

Explore island history and discover local stories on a quiet, educational outing.

Port Aransas Museum

Step Into Coastal History at the Port Aransas Museum

- Explore island history and discover local stories on a quiet, educational outing.

Sip artisan coffee and savor gelato during a relaxing, affordable beach town break.

Coffee Waves

Grab a Craft Brew or Chill With Gelato at Coffee Waves

- Sip artisan coffee and savor gelato during a relaxing, affordable beach town break.

Cast your line and reel in big catches on an exciting guided trip.

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Reel in the Big Catch With Hot Spot Fishing Charters

- Cast your line and reel in big catches on an exciting guided trip.

Swim, camp, or paddle and enjoy an easy, affordable coastal adventure.

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Swim, Camp, or Stroll the Sands at Mustang Island State Park

- Swim, camp, or paddle and enjoy an easy, affordable coastal adventure.

Sail with pirates and enjoy an exciting, family-friendly show on the water.

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Sail Into Swashbuckling Fun on the Red Dragon Pirate Cruises

- Sail with pirates and enjoy an exciting, family-friendly show on the water.

Watch dolphins, fish off the pier, or picnic on a relaxing weekend trip.

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Watch Dolphins or Catch the Sunset at Roberts Point Park

- Watch dolphins, fish off the pier, or picnic on a relaxing weekend trip.

Jump from 10,000 feet and enjoy an unforgettable, thrilling coastal skydiving adventure.

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Take the Leap and Soar With Skydive South Texas

- Jump from 10,000 feet and enjoy an unforgettable, thrilling coastal skydiving adventure.

Spot coastal birds and walk boardwalk trails on a peaceful, easy nature outing.

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If You Love Birdwatching, Don’t Miss the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center

- Spot coastal birds and walk boardwalk trails on a peaceful, easy nature outing.

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