10 Best Things to Do in Port Aransas

Port Aransas Beach is a pristine, 6-mile-long sandy beach area on the Gulf of Mexico with warm water that's perfect for swimming, boogie boarding, and surfing. If you are here to relax, the beautiful, sandy beach is a grand spot to enjoy a good read or sit back in the sun and watch the locals surf.

You can also take in the sights with a drive down the beach on the 2-lane roadway marked between the dunes and wooden post markers. A beach permit can be purchased from City Hall that will allow you to end your day with a rustling beach fire.

Mustang Island State Park’s 5 miles of coastline provide the perfect place to relax and enjoy this barrier island. To get to the state park from Corpus Christi, you can drive across the causeway bridge. If you are arriving from the north, a free ferry will take you to the island. Once at the beach, you can relax in the sun or take a dip in the inviting water.

With a short walk, you can access trails for hiking or mountain biking. To make the most of your stay, you may enjoy staying overnight and stargazing at the park’s primitive campsites. The park will often reach capacity in the spring and summer months, so reservations are highly recommended.

The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Centre features a 700-foot boardwalk over the wetland marsh as well as a native pollinator garden and large trees near the entrance. You can find the centre located just down the street from Port Aransas Community Park.

As you stroll down the boardwalk, you will spot numerous species of birds, turtles, and possibly even the 2 resident alligators. On Wednesdays at 9 am, you can join birding experts for a guided tour. They will have binoculars available to loan if needed.

Roberts Point Park is a 50-acre waterfront park with plenty of activities available for enjoying a fun and relaxing day. You can find this park on the shore of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. Near the pavilion, you can enjoy a friendly game of horseshoes, bocce, basketball, or sand volleyball.

Children can run, climb, and have fun at the playground. From the landscaped patio at the tip of the park or the observation tower, you can enjoy watching local boats drift down the channel. You may even get lucky and spy a dolphin. Don’t forget to check local schedules, as many events are hosted at this waterfront park.

The Horace Caldwell Fishing Pier provides a great spot to fish in the Gulf of Mexico. The pier can be found at I.B. Magee Beach Park on Mustang Island. The waters have a multitude of fish species and provide a fishing experience similar to what you would find on a charter boat 10-15 miles out to sea, but without the hassle or cost.

Poles and tackle can be found at the store located on the pier. If you’ve caught fresh seafood, you can enjoy lunch or dinner at Keepers Bar and Grill, where they will prepare your catch for you.

The Third Coast Theatre is the place to enjoy a night out while experiencing top live music performances. Located in the Seashell Village Resort, this 160-seat theatre has a wide array of music genres for you to enjoy. Its small size creates an intimate atmosphere where you are always close to the action.

You can bring your own drink to sip on while you sit back and listen to amazing performances. While tickets go on sale 1 to 2 months in advance, seating is first-come, first-served, so be sure to arrive early.

The Port Aransas Community Theatre has a goal of enriching the cultural life of its area through its diverse show offerings. You can find the theatre located off Highway 361 in Port Aransas. Shows are available on select weekends, and the current schedule is available on their website.

Shows have included plays featuring local actors, such as the "Little Shop of Horrors," "Disney’s Frozen Jr.," and "Shrek the Musical," as well as seasonal events such as their Haunted Drive Thru and Raffle.

Skydive South Texas on Mustang Island is an adventure operator that offers the thrill of a lifetime while taking in a stunning aerial view of the island from above. Check-in and training are located in the first hangar at the Mustang Beach Airport in Corpus Christi.

With only 15-45 minutes of preparation, you will be ready for your first tandem skydive. Once you’ve reached your jump site, you will free fall for 30-50 seconds while strapped to your instructor. After you land on Mustang Island, you will be free to enjoy everything that this popular island destination has to offer.