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!
