With its white sandy beaches, outdoor activities and laid-back atmosphere, Port Aransas is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Whether you love fishing, kayaking, golfing or strolling along the beach, there are many fun things to do in this lovely coastal town. Use the itinerary below to discover some of the best activities you can enjoy during your weekend stay in Port Aransas.
Day 1
If you are coming down highway 361, take the free ferry from Aransas Pass and keep an eye out for dolphins on your way. Once you’ve made it into Port Aransas, stop for some island-inspired fare at Irie’s Island Food before settling into your vacation rental. Follow that up with an afternoon walk through the Port Aransas Nature Preserve, a wetland environment with boardwalk trails and plenty of birdwatching opportunities. If you just want to feel the salty breeze on your face, take a stroll through IB Magee Beach Park and walk along the beach or out onto the Port Aransas jetty.
Keep the laid-back vibes going at dinner and head to one of the casual spots around Port Aransas. For fun cocktails and delicious burgers, head to Lelo’s Island Bar. Or if you are craving seafood, check out Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill. Keep the party going after dinner with live music and dancing at Bernie’s Beach House.
Day 2
Today is all about the beach, all day! Get yourself fueled up with a hearty breakfast at Island Cafe, then head across the street to Family Center IGA Supermarket to stock up on some snacks and provisions for a beach picnic. If you need beach gear or toys, Fly It Port A or Bron’s Port A have you covered. There are also a number of rental companies along Avenue G where you can rent surfboards, boogie boards or golf carts – the preferred method of transportation in Port Aransas!
There are 6 miles of sand stretching down the length of Mustang Island, and you can drive right up to the spot you want to claim with plenty of room to spread out. The day is yours to relax in the sun, search for seashells and build a sandcastle (or take lessons from a local). The waves on Port Aransas Beach are great for boogie boarding and surfing, with rentals and surf lessons available for all ages.
If the weather is not good for a beach day, there are a number of indoor attractions in nearby Corpus Christi. A 30 minute drive can get you to the Texas State Aquarium, which includes interactive exhibits and educational shows featuring marine wildlife from the Gulf and beyond. The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History offers a deep dive into the region’s history and local ecology.
Enjoy fresh local seafood for dinner at Castaway’s Seafood and Grill, a laid-back spot known for their fried fish, or head to Restaurant San Juan for excellent Mexican cuisine. Cap off your evening with drinks and games at the car-themed Stingray’s Tap House.
Day 3
Take your morning coffee and wander around the local shops in downtown Port Aransas to get a start to your day. Grab a light lunch at Island Market before heading out to your afternoon activity of choice.
If you enjoy fishing, Port Aransas has some of the best fishing opportunities in Texas. From deep sea charters to surf casting, anglers have lots of options when it comes to reeling in big catches. You can even combine your fishing adventure with an offshore charter trip – nothing beats catching marlin or tuna while out on the open ocean!
Visitors who want to get out on the water but stay a bit closer to shore have some great options too. The popular dolphin watching tour is a year-round favorite, and families with kids will enjoy the high energy entertainment of Red Dragon Pirate Cruises. Those who want to get up close to local nature should rent a kayak or paddleboard and head south to Mustang Island State Park, where over 20 miles of paddling trails offer access to wildlife and great fishing.
If you would rather stay on land, check out Horses on the Beach for a beachside trail ride. Golfers will enjoy the scenic 9-hole Palmilla Beach golf course in Port Aransas or the highly rated 18-hole Oso Beach golf course in Corpus Christi.
Where to Stay
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing few days or an action-packed adventure, Port Aransas is the perfect long weekend destination. The 1-3 bedroom vacation rentals at Sandpiper Condominiums offer serene ocean views and resort-style amenities to make your stay perfect. Book your Port Aransas vacation rental and start planning your amazing weekend getaway!
