Port Aransas

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

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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 interior views and art as well as an individual femail

Old Town Port Aransas

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
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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
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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
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Harbor District

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

Harbor District
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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
The price is P5,357 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P5,357
P6,054 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,135 reviews)
"Had a great stay! Had a small problem with the key card reader on my door and they got it fixed super fast!! Would definitely stay here again"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

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 P5,391 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P5,391
P6,092 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
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! (1,002 reviews)
"I would have given 5 stars but a couple of things kept me from doing so. First at check-in we were told that they had a lounge, apart of their renovation, but not that is was closed Mondays and Tuesdays (the days we were there) secondly the door to the blue building had no like door hydraulic mechanism ..."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

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 P6,753 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P6,753
P7,631 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,000 reviews)
Niece Summer Wedding
"Hotel is somewhat old but overall accommodating. The staff was very friendly and helpful. They made sure we had all that was needed for our stay. We spent most of our time at the beach and not at the Hotel. We did not try the breakfast since we went elsewhere to eat. Overall, had a good ..."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

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! (513 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 Jul 5, 2025

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 Aug 18, 2024

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 Jul 14, 2025

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.

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