Port Aransas, TX

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Bureau
Photo provided by Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Bureau
Photo provided by Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Bureau
Photo provided by Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Bureau
Photo provided by Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Bureau

The coastal Texas resort village of Port Aransas entices visitors with its outdoor activities as well as its interesting history and friendly atmosphere.

Port Aransas is a town on Mustang Island, a barrier island off the coast of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico. Because of its location, Port Aransas is a popular destination for outdoor activities, but the city also impresses with galleries and heritage sites.

The first inhabitants of Port Aransas were Karankawa Indians. In the early 1800s the area was frequented by pirates and buccaneers. To see and hear about the local folklore, visit Port Aransas Museum.

Walking or cycling around is easy since the town is flat and compact. Alternatively, travel on the cheap trolley that runs from Roberts Point Park and Marina to RV parks in the south.

Visit the 8-mile (13-kilometer) coastline of Port Aransas to enjoy the town’s beaches and rent equipment from one of the local shops. Beach buggies are a fun way to see the waterfront and you can explore Corpus Christi Bay on a Jet Ski or kayak. Book in for dolphin-spotting or deep-sea fishing trips departing from Fisherman’s Wharf.

View some of the 500 local bird species at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center. To see marine life, including seahorses, visit the University of Texas Marine Science Institute.

If you are traveling with children, be sure to visit Mustang Island State Park. The kids will love rolling down the large sand dunes here. Consider camping on the beach it’s a great way to see local wildlife, such as raccoons, opossums and gophers.

Find work by local artists at coastal galleries. Live music is a big part of the Port Aransas’ entertainment scene as well. Local and national bands perform every Friday and Saturday night at a local bar.

Access to the town is via the free Aransas Pass ferry crossing in the north or the John F. Kennedy Memorial Causeway in the south, connecting Mustang Island with Corpus Christi on the mainland.

Where to stay in Port Aransas

Default Image

Cinnamon Shore

Though Cinnamon Shore might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mustang Island Beach and Palmilla Beach Golf Club.

Cinnamon Shore
Port Aransas featuring art and interior views as well as an individual femail

Old Town Port Aransas

4.5/5(153 area reviews)

While visiting Old Town Port Aransas, you might make a stop by sights like Port Aransas Birding Center and Port Aransas Museum.

Old Town Port Aransas
Default Image

Shibui Sands

Though Shibui Sands might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like IB Magee Beach Park and Horace Caldwell Pier.

Shibui Sands
Default Image

Sand Point

Sand Point might not have many top sights, but Holiday Beach and Horace Caldwell Pier are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Sand Point
Very successful fishing trip! #BeachBound

Harbor District

While visiting Harbor District, you might make a stop by sights like Roberts Point Park and Fisherman's Wharf.

Harbor District
Default Image

Island Moorings

While Island Moorings isn't home to many top sights, Palmilla Beach Golf Club and Holiday Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Island Moorings
Ocean's Edge Hotel, Port Aransas,TX

Ocean's Edge Hotel, Port Aransas,TX

3 out of 5
300 W Avenue G, Port Aransas, TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,006 per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
NT$3,006
NT$3,397 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in Port Aransas. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,131 reviews)
"I would definitely stay again but to me the price was a little high for 2 days. The hotel was pet friendly which is extremely important to me."

Reviewed on 2025/7/21

Ocean's Edge Hotel, Port Aransas,TX
The Place Hotel

The Place Hotel

2.5 out of 5
445 W Cotter Avenue, Port Aransas, TX
The price is NT$3,643 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
NT$3,643
NT$4,117 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Port Aransas. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,013 reviews)
"I booked a room at The Place hotel which appeared to be undergoing renovation and/or a name change to Hotel Lydia. Aside from the check-in/front desk area being very hard to find (I nearly walked around the entire bldg to find it), with just a small unassuming taped up sign on the door, which I assume ..."

Reviewed on 2025/7/21

The Place Hotel
Island Hotel Port Aransas

Island Hotel Port Aransas

2 out of 5
2607 St Highway 361, Port Aransas, TX
The price is NT$3,670 per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
NT$3,670
NT$4,147 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Port Aransas. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
Convenient and friendly
"The staff was very friendly and accommodating. It’s an older property but kept up with. Rooms were clean and the AC worked great!! Pool was well maintained and the kids used it daily. Property is conveniently located to the beach and various locations within Port Aransas. Only downside, parking lot ..."

Reviewed on 2025/7/23

Island Hotel Port Aransas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Executive Keys Condominiums on the Beach

Executive Keys Condominiums on the Beach

2 out of 5
820 Beach Access Road 1A, Port Aransas, TX
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Port Aransas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (511 reviews)
"Property very clean. Decorating had been done well, a few pieces of furniture outdated. My disappointment was the washing machine was broken in the unit, no dryer. We were counting on laundry facility in the unit. They did have a property laundry mat, but that isn’t why people come to a beach ..."

Reviewed on 2025/7/5

Executive Keys Condominiums on the Beach
Port Royal Ocean Resort & Conference Center

Port Royal Ocean Resort & Conference Center

3.5 out of 5
6317 State Hwy 361, Port Aransas, TX
Stay at this 3.5-star beach condo in Port Aransas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Mustang Island Beach and Palmilla ...
8/10 Very Good! (267 reviews)
Great family vacation
"The property is still rebuilding but it is in good condition. The pools are great and have something for everyone. Easy beach access. The condo needed some minor repairs but was spacious and easily fit our family of 5."

Reviewed on 2024/8/18

Port Royal Ocean Resort & Conference Center
Beachgate CondoSuites and Oceanfront Resort

Beachgate CondoSuites and Oceanfront Resort

2.5 out of 5
2000 On The Beach Drive, Port Aransas, TX
Stay at this aparthotel in Port Aransas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Port Aransas Beach and Holiday Beach are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (48 reviews)
"It is a very nice place. The only negative is the lack of parking."

Reviewed on 2025/7/14

Beachgate CondoSuites and Oceanfront Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Port Aransas