Port Aransas may be a small island town, but it’s packed with unforgettable sights and experiences that make it truly one of a kind. Years ago, the Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association (PAPHA) introduced the “Eight Wonders of Port Aransas,” a collection of landmarks that are incredibly important to Port A’s history. If you’re looking for things to do in Port Aransas during your beach vacation, add these local landmarks to your list and dive into the area’s rich history.
The Eight Wonders of Port Aransas
- Lydia Ann Lighthouse
- Chapel on the Dunes
- The University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI)
- The Tarpon Inn
- Farley Boat Works
- The Last Farley Boat
- Port Aransas Jetties
- Port Aransas Museum
1. Lydia Ann Lighthouse
The lighthouse, formerly known as the Aransas Pass Light Station, was first constructed in 1854 to help boaters distinguish the difficult area between Aransas Pass and Corpus Christi. It is the second-oldest lighthouse on the Texas Coast. For almost 100 years, the lighthouse was manned by the United States Coast Guard. Today, the lighthouse is privately owned and can be viewed by kayak or boat.
2. Chapel on the Dunes
Chapel on the Dunes was built by Aline Carter in 1957 and sits atop one of the highest dunes in Port Aransas. On Sundays, you’d find children gathered at the chapel for the Sunday ice cream socials hosted by Carter. Carter was named Poet Laureate of Texas from 1947 and 1949 and served the community well. When you walk through the Chapel on the Dunes, you’ll notice the intricate ceiling painting completed by Texas artist John Cobb, who was inspired by Aline Carter’s memory. Free guided tours of the Chapel are available on the first and third Saturday of every month, starting at 9:15 am.
3. The University of Texas Marine Science Institute
Founded in 1941, the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) is the oldest and most significant marine research facility on the Texas coast. UTMSI oversees the Mission-Aransas Reserve and also houses the Animal Rehabilitation Keep (ARK). If you’d like to see the work of UTMSI in action, Port Aransas is home to both the Patton Center and the Wetlands Education Center. Visit the Patton Center, which features eight large aquaria and interactive displays, and learn about the local marine life, or get out in nature and stop by the Wetlands Education Center, a 3.5-acre marsh and wetland with a boardwalk to observe the migratory and resident birds that inhabit the island. Admission is free for both locations, and hours vary.
4. The Tarpon Inn
The oldest surviving structure on Mustang Island, the Tarpon Inn, originally served as a Civil War barracks. In 1886, it was converted to a hotel and has somehow survived every disaster it has encountered, from a very bad fire to Hurricane Harvey. When you walk into the hotel, you’ll find that the lobby is covered in tarpon scales, and even a special scale caught by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt himself! Take in the history and make reservations at Roosevelt’s at the Tarpon Inn for a fine-dining experience in Port Aransas.
5. Farley Boat Works
In 1910, brothers Fred and Barney Farley brought their families to the Texas coast, with Barney settling in Port Aransas and Fred in Rockport. Barney saw a need for fishing boats and shared his idea with Fred, the master woodworker in the family. Both came together in 1914 and established Farley and Son Boat Works, and produced the first Farley boat for tarpon fishing in 1915. Farley Boat Works had a successful run, building from 1915 to 1975, and made its mark on the Port Aransas maritime community. The Port Aransas Museum re-established Farley Boat Works in 2011, and you can now visit the living exhibit in person. See the shop in action and watch as they build the iconic Port A skiff.
6. The Last Farley Boat
You can still see a piece of an original Farley Boat Works piece at the back of Isla Varas RV Park (1301 Ninth Street, Port Aransas). Pay close attention, or you just might miss it! The Farleys sold the business to Steve Janovski, who intended to keep building boats. He, however, found it difficult to keep the shop running and closed the doors. James Mayfield, a local shrimper, purchased the hull of the unfinished Farley boat, but never got around to completing the boat build. Instead, he’d use the hull from the Farley Boat as the roof of his new shop, which can be seen to this day!
7. The Port Aransas Jetties
The creation of the Port Aransas Jetties took five attempts and several decades before it was successful. The jetties were built to stop the pass, which was moving at a very fast rate. The attempts took place from 1862 up until 1910, when an engineer, Pitcoin from Rockport, was successful in their build.
8. The Port Aransas Museum
Housed in a restored early-1900s kit house, the Port Aransas Museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that capture everything from the town’s fishing heritage to its resilience through hurricanes. Admission is free to the museum, but donations are accepted.
Eight Wonders, Memorable Stays: Experience Port Aransas with Sandpiper Condos
Make our oceanfront vacation rentals in Port Aransas the home base for all of your Port Aransas adventures! After exploring the eight wonders, head back to Sandpiper Condos and enjoy a resort-style pool, direct beach access, and stunning views of the water. There’s no place like Sandpiper, and we can’t wait for you to experience it!
