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Visiting Port Aransas Over Easter Weekend

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed family holiday, Port Aransas has something for everyone during an Easter weekend getaway. With its warm climate, stunning beaches and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s easy to see why families flock to Port Aransas every year. Start planning your Easter getaway to Port Aransas with these popular family activities in mind:

Easter fun with the family

Head to nearby Corpus Christi for an Easter Festival that is sure to delight the whole family. This free event includes an egg hunt, face painting, inflatable bounce houses and more. Families who enjoy being active will want to check out the Easter Weekend 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk in Corpus Christi. The route runs along Ocean Drive and is suited to walkers and runners of all ages. 

Go out on Easter Sunday

Enjoy a holiday meal at a number of local Port Aransas restaurants. At Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill or Black Marlin Bar & Grill, you will find delicious fresh seafood and excellent brunch options. After your meal, head to Port A Creamery for an excellent ice cream dessert. Local churches offer Easter services throughout the day as well.

Spend a day at the beach

There’s nothing like spending a beautiful day at the beach soaking up some sun and taking in the stunning ocean views. Port Aransas Beach is 6 miles long and wide enough to not feel crowded, with gentle waves perfect for swimming and boogie boarding. Further south of Port Aransas, Mustang Island State Park is also a great option for families to hang out on the beach, with lots of opportunities to find unique seashells.

Take a sandcastle building lesson

Port Aransas is well known for its wide beaches with sand texture perfect for building sandcastles. In fact, the annual Texas Sandfest features sand sculptors from around the world who build elaborate structures along Port Aransas Beach. The whole family can learn how to build the best sandcastle building techniques from a local pro Mark Sandrum.

Explore the town

Learn all about the rich history and culture of Port Aransas through interactive exhibits, displays and educational programs at the Port Aransas Museum. Head into downtown to find boutiques and art galleries focused on local makers for a chance to find a special souvenir of Port Aransas.

Take a boat ride

Enjoy breathtaking coastal views from the deck of a cruise boat as you sail around the many bays and inlets of Port Aransas. Families will love the excitement of a pirate ship cruise or the always popular dolphin watching tours.

Go fishing with the family

Whether you’re looking for fishing or sightseeing, Horace Caldwell Pier offers a perfect spot to go pier fishing on Easter weekend, with rental equipment and bait available for purchase. There are also many charter companies offering fishing excursions for deep sea or bay anglers, with kid-friendly instruction offered.

Explore nature

The Port Aransas Nature Preserve has boardwalk trails winding through a serene wetland environment right in town, and is the perfect spot for bird watching. Head to Mustang Island State Park for a lovely coastal environment, with popular activities like kayaking, swimming, geocaching and bird watching. April is an ideal time to spot rare bird species migrating through Port Aransas, so be sure to bring your binoculars. 

Get out on the water

Mustang Island State Park has over 20 miles of paddling trails where kayakers can encounter local birds and wildlife. Stand up paddleboards are perfect for exploring the bays and inlets of the island, and can be rented at Boardhouse Surf Shop. Great surfing spots are also found along the entire stretch of Mustang Island, and family-friendly surfing lessons can be found at Texas Surf Camps.

Take a family horseback ride

To see the island from a different perspective, book a horseback ride with Horses on the Beach. Guides will lead riders along the beach and through the surf in this unique experience. This is a great group activity for kids 8 years and older, with rides available during the day and at sunset.

Sandpiper beachfront condo rentals

No matter how you choose to spend your Easter weekend in Port Aransas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this charming town. So book your Port A vacation rental today and get ready for an unforgettable holiday getaway!

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Top Reasons to Visit Port Aransas for Spring Break

Port Aransas, Texas is a great spring break destination for people of all ages. With beautiful beaches and nature parks to explore, a diverse range of fun activities, and interesting restaurants and nightlife, this island town offers something for everyone.

Spring break in Port Aransas is one of the most popular times for tourists to visit, so visitors should expect more traffic and crowds than at other times of the year. A little more patience might be needed, but the fun spring break atmosphere in Port Aransas is tough to beat, and Sandpiper Condominiums is an excellent home base for this time of year!

Check out the activities and events happening in Port Aransas over spring break, and get ready to make some memories!

Hit the Beach

The 6-mile stretch of Port Aransas Beach is waiting for you. Find a parking spot early and set up your umbrella and beach chair for a fun day on the sand. Port Aransas sand is well-suited for building sandcastles and the wide beach has plenty of space to spread out. Hit up the local shops for extra beach gear or Fly It Port A on the Northern end of Mustang Island for any beach toys you might need. 

Get Out on the Water

There are so many ways to have fun on the water in Port Aransas. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard at Island Surf Rental and explore the calm waters of the bay or one of the island’s nature areas. For a faster paced activity, rent a skim board or surfboard at Boardhouse Surf Shop and ride the waves. Surfing lessons are offered for individuals and groups at Texas Surf Camps, and Port A H2O offers kitesurfing lessons as well.

Go Fishing

Port Aransas is known for excellent fishing, where opportunities for in-shore and deep sea fishing abound. Anglers can set up for pier fishing at the Horace Caldwell Pier, Roberts Point Park or Mustang Island State Park. Those interested in bay fishing or deep sea fishing will find several charter companies offering different packages.

Visit the Nature Center

The Port Aransas Nature Preserve includes a wetland environment with boardwalk trails and plenty of opportunities for birdwatching. There is a guided nature walk offered a few times a week and yoga classes are also held monthly. This is a nice way to mix up the beach time and get a new perspective on the island.

Explore Mustang Island State Park

There are endless activities at Mustang Island State Park, just south of Port Aransas. Fishing, surfing, swimming and birdwatching are popular options for outdoor recreation in this coastal park. The Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail also offers over 20 miles of waterway trails where kayakers can get close to local birds, and access some of the best fishing areas on the Texas coast. 

Go Golfing

Take your group to Palmilla Beach golf course in Port Aransas for nine holes at one of the most scenic golf courses in the Gulf. For more course options, head to Oso Beach or Lozano Golf Center in Corpus Christi, which both offer 18 holes in a beautiful setting.

Take a Boat Tour

Enjoy the gorgeous scenery of Port Aransas on a boat cruise. Take your group on a dolphin watching tour or a sunset cruise. Or have some swashbuckling fun on a pirate ship with Red Dragon Pirate Cruises. 

See the Island on Horseback

Enjoy the unique experience of riding a horse on the beach with local company Horses on the Beach. A great group activity for ages 8 and up, rides are offered during the day or at sunset along the beach on Mustang Island – truly magical!

Explore Port Aransas

If it’s a rainy day, or you’re looking to get out of the sun, don’t miss the Port Aransas Museum to learn about the city’s history and culture, which also offers family-friendly seasonal programs and activities. The Port Aransas Art Center has art exhibits featuring local artists or themes, and offers a variety of art classes that are perfect for a group activity. During the month of March, rock out at the Port Aransas Community Theatre with tribute shows to KISS and AC/DC.

Explore Nearby Towns

For a day trip with some indoor activities, head to Corpus Christi to the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History or the Texas State Aquarium for interactive exhibits and close encounters with marine wildlife. Corpus Christi also hosts family-friendly events, such as the Carden International Circus Spectacular on March 12 and “Touch-a-Truck” service vehicle exhibition on March 25. For the foodies in the family, drive an hour north of Port Aransas for the Fulton Oysterfest on March 2-5, or the Rockport Crawfish Cook-Off on March 17-18.

Sandpiper Condominiums in Port Aransas, TX is the perfect place for couples, groups and families to have an amazing spring break vacation. Book your Port Aransas vacation rental today and come explore everything this charming coastal town has to offer!

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Plan a Romantic Getaway to Port Aransas

Port Aransas, along the scenic Texas coast, is the perfect place for a couple to find romance. This charming destination offers a wide variety of romantic activities for couples to enjoy, from scenic beach walks to sunset cruises. Delight your sweetheart with some of the activities below and make your romantic getaway to Port Aransas truly special!

Enjoy the Beach

Port Aransas has 18 miles of sandy beach along the coast of Mustang Island, perfect for a romantic stroll as the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico. Pack a picnic and enjoy a romantic dinner on the beach as you watch the colors of the sky change. Marvel at the spectacular views while you relax on the beach, and keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the waves.

Go Fishing

Port Aransas is known for excellent fishing opportunities, and couples can enjoy a relaxing day casting a line together. Charter a fishing trip with Dolphin Docks or Fisherman’s Wharf, which both offer deep-sea and inshore fishing trips. Anglers can also find pier and dock fishing spots around Roberts Point Park and Horace Caldwell Pier, as well as surf fishing spots at any beach on the island. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to catch redfish, flounder, trout, and more.

Go Horseback Riding

Take a horseback ride along the beach for a truly unique and special experience. Horses on the Beach offers rides at all times of day and will match riders to a horse of their skill level. Splash through the waves on horseback at sunset for an unforgettable romantic adventure in Port Aranasa. 

Visit a Nature Preserve

On Mustang Island, visitors have no shortage of places to escape into the beautiful natural environment. The centrally-located Port Aransas Nature Preserve offers trails winding through a peaceful wetland. South of Port Aransas, Mustang Island State Park offers miles of sandy beaches and hiking trails, where couples can observe diverse wildlife and appreciate the serene beauty while watching dolphins in their natural habitat.

Go Birdwatching

For couples who love to birdwatch, a visit to the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center is a must-do activity. Take a romantic hike on one of the many trails and enjoy the serenity of the expansive wetlands environment. This nature preserve is home to over 300 species of birds, including the beloved whooping cranes that migrate through the area in winter. Dedicated birdwatchers will love the annual Whooping Crane Festival in February, and the center also offers walking tours for those new to the hobby.

Get Out on the Water

For couples looking for a more adventurous activity, Port Aransas offers a variety of water sports, such as kayaking, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Rent a kayak or paddleboard at Island Surf Rental and explore the waterways around town. This is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area at a leisurely pace. For those looking for a faster-paced activity, surfing in Port Aransas is an exciting experience. Local surfing conditions tend to be perfect for beginners to learn, with rental shops and instructors offering a variety of classes. Riding the waves with your significant other is a thrilling way to connect and spend time with one another.

Spot Some Dolphins

A dolphin-watching tour is another exciting and romantic activity in the area. Port Aransas is home to a large population of dolphins and couples can take a tour to see these magnificent creatures up close. Popular charter companies like Fisherman’s Wharf and The Scarlet Lady offer cruises to the best spots to see dolphins, while educating passengers about the beautiful scenery and wildlife along the way.

Renew Your Vows

Married couples or longtime partners can find any number of romantic spots around Port Aransas and Mustang Island to express their love to their significant other. Those who want to renew vows or re-dedicate themselves as a couple in a more traditional setting will enjoy the Chapel on the Dunes. As the oldest consecrated church on the island, this cozy chapel with ocean views can be reserved for weddings, vow renewals, and other ceremonies in an intimate and unique setting.

Enjoy a Romantic Dinner

Port Aransas is home to a variety of great restaurants. For fresh local seafood in a cozy, laid-back environment, try the family-run Shell’s Seafood and Pasta or enjoy the waterfront patio at Fins Grill & Icehouse. For more of an upscale seafood experience, head to Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill or Black Marlin Seaside Grill. Other romantic dining options in Port Aransas include Roosevelt’s and Lisabella’s Bistro.

Cruise into the Sunset

For a truly romantic experience, couples can book a sunset cruise. Many local companies like Captain Kirk’s Tiki Cruises and Neptune’s Charters offer sunset cruises with snacks, drinks, or dinner – and Red Dragon Pirate Cruises provides swashbuckling live entertainment as well. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico as the sun sets and embrace the tranquility of the water as the sky changes colors – the perfect way to end a romantic day in Port Aransas.

With a peaceful, charming atmosphere and no shortage of things to do, Port Aransas is a romantic destination for couples looking to spend time together. Book your beachfront vacation rental with Sandpiper Condominiums today and start planning your romantic getaway to Port Aransas!

 

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Start the New Year in Port Aransas

Winter in Port Aransas, Texas is full of fun activities that you can enjoy with family and friends. From beach walks to wildlife watching, there are plenty of things to do in Port Aransas over the New Year and throughout the winter season.

Kick off your new year with the fireworks display over the water at Roberts Point Park. Many local restaurants are open with special New Year’s menus and festivities. On January 1st, join other brave souls for an early morning Polar Plunge at the Horace Caldwell Pier.

Get Outdoors

Although January is the coldest month in Port Aransas, with temperatures that range from an average high of 63°F to an average low of 43°F, it is still mild enough to enjoy the outdoors. The cooler temperatures also mean fewer crowds, so winter can be the perfect time to have the island to yourself.

Enjoy the peaceful beauty of Port Aransas during winter months with a walk along the beach, taking in the sights and sounds of the shoreline. Explore the nature trails and miles of unspoiled beaches in Mustang Island State Park south of Port Aransas, where there are opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and bird watching. Visit the Port Aransas Nature Preserve to explore the wetland environment with a guided nature walk or take a yoga class in the peaceful natural setting.

Port Aransas is known for its excellent fishing spots. With mackerel, trout, tuna, and mahi-mahi up for grabs, winter is an ideal time to cast your line. For pier fishing, set up a spot on the Horace Caldwell Pier, Roberts Point Park or Mustang Island State Park. Those interested in bay fishing or deep sea fishing will find several charter companies offering different packages.

Enjoy the stunning coastal scenery of Port Aransas by taking a boat cruise. Some of the most popular cruises include dolphin watching, sunset cruises, and deep-sea fishing trips. To enjoy the scenery from land, visit Horses on the Beach for a relaxing horseback ride along the beach at sunset. Or tee off at Palmilla Beach golf course and enjoy the mild winter temperatures while taking in the picturesque views of the Gulf Coast.

As a major birding destination, Port Aransas offers plenty of opportunities for keen-eyed birdwatchers to spot interesting species including brown pelicans and snow geese. Mustang Island State Park and Port Aransas Nature Preserve offer acres of shoreline and wetland to admire a variety of bird species. Come for the Whooping Crane Festival in late February, a birdwatcher’s dream event, with speakers, birding tours, and boat tours for four days.

Immerse Yourself in Coastal Texas Museums and Art

Don’t miss the Port Aransas Museum to learn about the city’s history and culture. The museum houses hundreds of artifacts from the area’s earliest known inhabitants to its more recent history. This interactive museum also offers seasonal programs and activities for both adults and children throughout winter.

The Port Aransas Art Center has year-round art exhibits, usually connected to local artists or themes. The facility also offers classes for everything from ceramics and painting to photography. There are Sip and Shop events every weekend, monthly workshops and Family Art Days.

For a fun day trip, make the hour drive to Corpus Christi, where a variety of activities await. The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History has a large collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits covering the history of southern Texas. Get up close and personal with marine wildlife at the Texas State Aquarium, which features animals and plants from the jungle to the Arctic. Music lovers will enjoy the Selena Museum, a showcase of memorabilia from the singer’s life.

No matter what time of year it is, Port Aransas offers something for everyone. Book a luxury Mustang Island condo rental through Sandpiper this winter and enjoy all that this coastal area has to offer!

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Holidays in Port Aransas

Christmas and New Year’s is a magical time of year, and Port Aransas is the place to be for the holidays! Enjoy the holiday season in Port Aransas with lots of unique festivities, and create fun memories and traditions with your family.

Get into the holiday spirit with a parade. Enjoy the festively decorated boats and holiday music of the Annual Lighted Boat Parade as they cruise through the Marina. A great view can be found at Roberts Point Park. Or bring your lawn chair and your holiday spirit to the Christmas Golf Cart Parade. Starting at Port-A-Pizzeria and ending at the Community Center with hot cocoa and cookies, the extravagantly decorated vehicles and costumes will bring a smile to your face.

Farley Boat Lighting Contest & Tour. Scattered throughout the town of Port Aransas, there are small, boat-shaped planters at homes and businesses, which are uniquely decorated by the owners. In December, the Port Aransas Garden Club hosts a Christmas decorating contest for these planters. Visitors and locals are encouraged to find these planters and cast their votes for the best one at polls located around town.

Visit the Sand Santa. The Port Aransas Community Center at the corner of Oakes and Alister hosts a Santa sand sculpture every day in December. This Santa doesn’t read letters, but he’s great for a photo op!

Port Aransas Community Tree Lighting. Head to Port Aransas Community Park for a festive event with live music, crafts and snacks, wrapping up with the lighting of the Holiday Tree.

Spend a day shopping in Port Aransas for unique holiday gifts. Visit one of the many independent boutiques that offer handmade items, jewelry, clothing, and more. Browse the Port Aransas Art Center with a glass of wine during their Sip & Shop every weekend in December.

Bring the family to the Sugar Plum Social. Held at the Civic Center, the Sugar Plum Social is fun for everyone, with holiday snacks and games. This is an indoor event, so festivities will go on regardless of weather.

Get into the spirit with a boat cruise. Take in views of Port Aransas from the deck of a pirate ship with Red Dragon Pirate Cruises. Take a sunset cruise for the best view of the island’s holiday lights from the water. Open Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Catch a holiday show. Join the Port Aransas Community Theatre for a holiday show throughout December.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks. Watch the fireworks show over the water starting at nightfall. The best views are found at Robert’s Point Park or from a boat.

Get out into nature. Take a guided nature walk through the Port Aransas Nature Preserve on Tuesdays with a local bird-watching expert. Or take a beachwalk to learn about the beach ecosystem with an expert tour guide on the fourth Friday of the month. 

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Thanksgiving in Port Aransas – Gratitude on the Coast

Thanksgiving is a fabulous time of year for friendship, family and counting blessings. Everyone has so much to be thankful for and why not be thankful at the beach?! Mustang Island is the best place to bring your family for a fun and sandy filled holiday. Whether you are cooking for the family or wanting to dine out, Port Aransas has it all. There are plenty of HEB grocery stores for you to find items in your recipe list that you might have forgotten and plenty of places to choose from if you’re looking for a delicious prepared feast.

It’s the perfect time to share that gratitude with your loved ones during a relaxing holiday in Port Aransas! Whether you are cooking for the whole family or looking to be served a delicious meal, Thanksgiving in Port Aransas is sure to delight everyone.

For a going out for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, head to Virginia’s On the Bay or Trout Street Bar & Grill for your turkey and mashed potatoes. If you are craving a less traditional meal, check out Cancun Mexican Restaurant or Jay’s Spaghetti and Seafood Works.

After dinner, watch the game with the ocean as your backdrop, or burn off the turkey with a walk along the beach. Or if you are feeling adventurous, learn how to surf!

Reserve your unit today for a fun-filled Thanksgiving in Port Aransas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Surfing Port Aransas – Hang Ten in Texas

You might not think of Texas beaches for surfing, but the tropical weather and currents of the Gulf of Mexico create great conditions to ride the waves year-round. Port Aransas beaches are popular spots for both beginner and experienced surfers to get their feet wet. Grab your board and venture down the 6-mile stretch of Mustang Beach to find your perfect wave!

Port Aransas Surfing Conditions

While strong southeastern winds can create swells throughout the year, surfing conditions will vary by season. Late summer and fall can bring larger, more inconsistent waves due to increased storm activity. Winter ushers in powerful groundswells as cold fronts sweep in.

Late spring through summer (April to September) are typically the sweet spot for surfing Port Aransas. Consistent waves and warm temperatures create the perfect environment for beginners and families to learn how to surf and have fun.

No matter which season brings you to Port Aransas, you can always check out conditions before you head out on the Sandpiper Condominiums Surf Cam.

Surfing Lessons and Rentals

Whether it’s your first time or you need a refresher, check out Texas Surf Camps for private or group lessons. Run by professional surfer Morgan Faulkner, this established surf camp has been offering lessons for over 18 years. Daily and weekly camps are available for ages 6 and up. You could also test your balance in a stand-up paddleboard yoga class!

Rent a surfboard at Island Surf Rentals or Boardhouse Surf Shop and head down the road to Mustang beach. Both shops offer rentals of many types of boards for half or full days.

Where to Surf

Beginners can feel confident heading out at I.B. Magee Beach Park, at the edge of downtown Port Aransas. Stick close to the Horace B. Caldwell Pier, where you can find consistent waves of 3 to 5 feet. You will be in good company – this is a very popular spot for both locals and visitors!

If you want a less crowded spot, look to the north. San Jose (St. Joe) Island has some great surfing spots right over the channel. Take the passenger ferry from Port Aransas and ride the clean walls north of the jetty.

Head south to Mustang Beach State Park for a day of catching waves. The surf break at the Fish Pass Jetties is known as one of the best in Texas, and the relaxed vibe of this spot will make for a great day in the water. Park fees are $5 per adult, and free for children under 12.

Drive 10 minutes south of Mustang Beach State Park to Packery Channel (also known as J.P. Luby Beach), a classic Texas surf break offering consistent waves that are great for all levels. The beach can become a bit crowded during Spring Break, but the waves are never too packed.

Sandpiper Condominiums is the perfect home base for your surfing adventure in Port Aransas. Book your Sandpiper Vacation Rental today!

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