Are you a fiend for fall? The fresh Texas weather and lively seaside festivals draw crowds to the gulf just as the seasons turn, and you don’t want to miss it. Book your trip to Port Aransas and explore the shores of Texas with all five of your fall-loving senses.
What to Do in Port Aransas, TX in the Fall
Smell The Ocean Air and Taste the Local Food
Mornings in Port Aransas start with the sweet, heavenly breezes coming off the water and strong cup of coffee. If you’re an early riser and love seafood, you’ll be well-suited for a morning trip out in the bay where you can catch your own fresh trout, redfish, and tuna for a feast later in the day. If you’re a late sleeper, you can catch a whiff of the surf smorgasbord by visiting one or several of the laid-back bistros in the Port Aransas area. The aroma of steamed crab, fried mussels, and sautéed shrimp is enough to lure you into one of the local seaside eateries. Although Port Aransas is known for its irresistible seafood, it caters to the visiting herbivores as well. Vegetarians can hop over to Corpus Christi on October 9th for VegFest, a plant-based food festival that features local vendors, music, and veggie cooking demonstrations. At the other end of the spectrum is the local barbecue scene. If you are a committed carnivore, you must make time for MacDaddy’s Family Kitchen for a casual night out.
Feel the Sand and See the Art
Fall in Port Aransas means one thing to locals: SandFest. SandFest is the largest festival of the year in Port Aransas and it draws crowds upwards of 10,000 people each season. SandFest features sand sculptors from all over the country. If you love feeling Texas beach sand between your fingers and toes, you can sign up for the amateur sand sculpting contest at SandFest… or just play around in the sandpit while the professionals make magic. For more information visit the official SandFest website. For another tactile sensory experience, catch the Wooden Boat Festival from October 29th – 31st. This festival takes place every year and features handcrafted Farley boats, sail boats, and kayaks. Everyone in the family can enjoy this seaside festival. Tour the nautical market and row down the harbor before grabbing some food from one of the local festival vendors. The pièce de résistance is the Family Boat Build Contest: a competition in which families build boats in two days and launch them to test their seaworthiness.
Listen
Perhaps the subtlest experience you’ll have in Port Aransas is the quiet sound of the tide in the evening. After the crowds retire and the sun goes down, the natural music of a tranquil Port Aransas will lull you to sleep in a comfortable and luxurious beachfront Sandpiper condominium. Book your fall experience soon!
The new beach amenities at Sandpiper Condominiums will give you more than one reason to book your late summer vacation
If you’re just now peeling your eyes away from that work-from-home computer screen, you’ll catch the tail end of summer. The season of fun has certainly flown by, and with it your plans for that epic summer vacation. But don’t despair because it’s always sunny in Port Aransas.
Amenities to Enjoy for Your Sandpiper Port Aransas Getaway
Checking In to Your Port Aransas Condo
Upon arrival at Sandpiper Condominiums, our 24-hour guest services team will greet you in our newly renovated lobby, complete with three spacious seating areas and two 50-inch + televisions. If your early morning check-in leaves you drowsy and peckish, hit the 24-hour coffee bar and grab a snack from the vending machine. But don’t fill up on candy, your condominium is equipped with a full kitchen, and there are several restaurants and bars just a short drive away. Plug in your electric car at our Tesla and Juice Box charging stations before hitting the local dives to check out the live music scene.
Work and Play in PA
If your work has followed you from home to paradise, take a silent retreat to our library where you can tie up loose ends. You can take your last-minute zoom calls in our professional meeting area before hitting the exercise room.
Sandpiper’s new beach facilities leave nothing to be desired. If you’re looking for a resort-style experience, take in the tropical landscaping from the new sun deck. You can lounge by the heated pool or slip into the hot tub on a cool night. Take a stroll down our new boardwalk to the beach, and don’t forget your complimentary beach towels. We also offer daily umbrella and lounger rentals (single and double) from 9AM to 5:30PM. If you’ve come to Port Aransas for that famous Texas trout, you’ll be pleased to find our new fish-cleaning house right near the beach.
Travelling with friends? Challenge them to a game of volleyball or Ultimate Frisbee. We offer many complimentary beach games that are sure to drum up your competitive spirit. If a game of cornhole in the sand hasn’t sated your appetite, enjoy our private tennis courts and basketball hoop. We also have shuffleboard, pool, and ping-pong tables in addition to a selection of board games available to all Sandpiper guests.
With temperatures averaging above 80 degrees through September, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the Texas sun before the cold moves in. Port Aransas is the perfect place to catch the waves and hold on to summer.
Explore Sandpiper Vacation Rentals and book your getaway today.
The Port Aransas Ferry
Even though there are different ways to get to Port Aransas and Mustang Island, we recommend travelers take advantage of the easy way to get there and ‘go by sea’ by taking the free ferry offered on a daily basis. The Port Aransas Ferry System is operated by the Texas Department of Transportation and provides FREE transportation service seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. The short ride connects Mustang Island and Port Aransas with the mainland via Aransas Pass at the north end of the island on Texas 361. The ferries can accommodate everything from pedestrians and cars to large motorhomes.
Getting to Port Aransas on the Ferry
Go by sea…it’s easy!
How To Get To and From the Port Aransas ferry
From Aransas Pass, drivers will take State Highway 361 where they will run into the ferry just past Gulf Copper Harbor Island, in the 100 block of the highway. The ferry rides across the channel getting passengers to Mustang Island in less than 10 minutes. It will drop passengers off at 619 W. Cotter Ave., in Port Aransas. Drivers can also re-enter the ferry from the Port Aransas location, which will take them back to Aransas Pass.
How it Works
No reservations are needed for the Port Aransas Ferry. Drivers can join the up to 20 passenger vehicles for the free quarter-mile ride offering between two and six ferries shuttling back and forth. During peak hours and during holidays and summer months, travelers may experience some wait time. Peak months are June, July and August, however, some winter months can be busy with an influx of “Winter” residents.
Motorists and passengers can get out of their vehicles and stand on the ferry deck, but children should be accompanied at all times. Dogs are allowed on the ferry but may not exit vehicles and be on the deck, except for seeing-eye dogs. Pedestrians who walk up with a dog on a short leash may stand at the back of the ferry away from other passengers.
A Unique Experience
While on the ferry, many passengers see dolphins jump out in front of the large ships coming in and out of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. Port Aransas is a must-visit when you want the full Coastal Bend experience.
For additional information on the Port Aransas Ferry or special needs, please call (361) 749-2850. For information on up to date wait times and webcams, please click below:
Visitors can find Port Aransas between Mustang Island and the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. This quaint town offers beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife. Mustang Island is a driving beach where you’ll find cars, trucks, and golf carts taking in the sights and sounds. Find the perfect rental for your Port Aransas vacation at Sandpiper Condos from luxury 1 bedroom condos to three bedroom family friendly units. Explore Sandpiper Condo Rentals to find your home away from home on Mustang Island!
Sandpiper Condominiums is committed to ensuring the health and well-being of all our guests. We remain diligent in monitoring Coronavirus cases and following guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the World Health Organization and local, regional, and state authorities. Enjoy your family vacation knowing we are prioritizing your safety and get to planning your Port Aransas fun without worry.
Here are our favorite picks for a day of Coronavirus friendly activity in Port Aransas.
Soft sandy shores
Head to the shores and feel the soft white sand of Mustang Island between your toes. With over 5 miles of beaches, there is plenty of space to go for a jog, take a stroll together, set up a picnic, challenge each other to a sand castle competition, or take a snooze under the sun. Stay safe while enjoying the great outdoors and remaining physically distanced from others.
On the water
The water activities on Mustang Island are nearly endless! Rent a jet ski and thrill the kiddos, hop on a kayak and float a top the waves, charter or boat or be your own captain for a fishing adventure, or even try your hand at surfing. Horace Caldwell Fishing Pier is a short drive from Sandpiper Condos and is a beautiful spot to make new memories together. Just your family and the water, a perfect Coronavirus friendly activity in Port Aransas.
Explore the parks
The parks on and around Mustang Island provide opportunities to catch the local wildlife. Visitors at Roberts Point Park often see dolphins, pelicans and sea turtles. Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center is home to many bird species including Egrets, Cranes, and Herons. Alligators can even be spotted from the quaint boardwalks and a viewing tower offers panoramic views. Take in the landscape and check out the resident wildlife safely with your family.
Safety tips for when you’re in public or around others
- Stay home if you aren’t feeling well or exhibiting any symptoms of Coronavirus.
- Keep at least 6 feet away from others outside of your household.
- Wear a face covering that follows CDC guidelines and covers both your nose and mouth.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and keep sanitizer on-hand for times you cannot wash your hands.
Between the sand, the waves, and the wildlife – your family is sure to have a vacation full of Coronavirus friendly activity in Port Aransas.
Explore Sandpiper Vacation Rentals and start safely planning your family fun.
Extend Your Stay This Winter in Port Aransas with our Special Monthly Rates
Each winter, Sandpiper offers Monthly Rates in January and February. If you are looking for a slightly longer escape, but cannot stay an entire month, Sandpiper has tailored our rates to fit your needs. Sandpiper is now offering discounted weekly rates in January and February. For reservations Two weeks or longer we have even deeper discounted rates. Be the envy of your next video conference meeting. While everyone else is using creative beach themed backgrounds during video conferences, you could be showing off the endless stretch of our gorgeous coastal waters in yours. Telecommuting never looked so good!
Click here to view our selection of vacation rentals.
Fine Print: Offer valid on new reservations with January and February 2021 dates. Offer valid on participating rentals only. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer has no cash value. Offer valid for reservations longer than 7 days and shorter than 28 days. All other reservation policies apply.
How we’re keeping your vacation rental safe at Sandpiper Condominiums
Planning a getaway with quality family time is important to you. So is your family’s health.
The Sandpiper Condominiums is first and foremost committed to ensure the health and well-being of all our owners, staff and registered guests. We remain diligent in monitoring the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and following guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the World Health Organization and local, regional, and state authorities.
Here’s how we’re going above and beyond to keep you and your loved ones safe in your beachside vacation rental:
Arrival
To avoid physical contact, prepayment for your stay will be required and check-in will be done digitally with an e-signature. Our Front Desk team will not touch your credit card or photo ID and your key cards will be picked up and returned without physical contact. We will handle reservation inquiries via phone call rather than in person and have Zoom capability for any face to face communication that may be required.
Your rental unit
Our housekeeping team has robust cleaning and sanitization protocols to clean each rental in-between guests. Decorative pillows and bed skirts have been removed to minimize surfaces while comforters have been replaced with washable blankets. In addition to thorough cleaning of surfaces, all fabric surfaces are being sanitized with Microban or Lysol between guests. All physical in-room information booklets have been removed and replaced with a digital mobile app.
Common areas
Lounge by the pool with peace of mind. We have limited pool area capacity to 30 guests at a time with a maximum of 4 guests in the hot tub. Pool furniture and tables will be sanitized daily and arranged to comply with physical distancing. Guests will be provided sanitizing wipes for any furniture they use in the area. Pool area restrooms will be sanitized multiple times throughout the day.
Want to get a workout in? Our fitness room is for use by appointment only, booked via phone call to the front desk. The appointment schedule will be posted on the fitness room door and no more than 2 people per registered unit may use the fitness room at a time. Use of the fitness room is at the guest’s own risk and a sanitization station with instructions is provided.
Play a game all together and take advantage of our self serve sanitizing station to clean your games before and after use. Hit the beach to soak up the sun using our community beach chairs, loungers, and umbrellas. A self serve sanitizing station is provided for before and after use.
Common area restrooms will be cleaned and sanitized multiple times throughout the day. Elevators currently have a maximum capacity of 4 guests at a time and staff members will not accompany guests or owners in the elevator. Our coffee bar will remain closed for the time-being.
Our team
All team members at Sandpiper Condominiums will have a temperature check before beginning a shift and will wear proper masks and gloves while following our policy for routine hand washing and sanitization. We are here to safely provide the relaxation and luxury you can expect from Sandpiper.
Resources
We are committed to keeping your vacation rentals safe. Visit our COVID-19 blog to stay tuned to the latest updates on staying safe and healthy on Mustang Island.
Relax on the shores of Mustang Island, Texas and enjoy beautiful views along the coast. Book your vacation rental with us, knowing your safety is our top priority.
The rollercoaster ride of 2020 has changed the way many people operate day-to-day. We know you’re itching to get outside of the house safely. Ditch work from home and work from the beach instead. Visit Port Aransas to feel the fresh air on your face, sand in between your toes, and make up for the missed family vacations. Make this vacation a “flexcation”.
Here are our top reasons to trade in “work from home” for “work from the beach” in a Sandpiper Port Aransas Vacation Rental.
New views
You’ve been at home for months now and are looking to switch up the monotony of the same old view. Your commute now includes swinging by the kitchen en-route to your desk. Who says you have to work and learn from the same old space? Hit the beach with the family when you wrap up that last video call of the day. Dip your toes in the water on a lunch break. Don’t forget about fishing or birding with the kiddos too. All of this can be steps away from your desk in your new work from home office in a Sandpiper Vacation Rental.
Quality Time
When you change up your environment, you’re changing your priorities too. With the beautiful beaches of Port Aransas so close, you’ll be even more at ease about closing down your work station for the day to spend quality time with your family. Swapping work from home for work from the beach gives you the family time you want and need, without missing out on Monday through Friday obligations. Make new memories together as you stroll by the water, soak up the sun, enjoy the views, and tackle that to-do list. Get the best of both worlds with a “flexication” at Sandpiper Condominiums.
Features & Amenities
Over the last two years, our property has undergone a complete renovation. We are pleased to provide you brand new, state-of-the-art facilities and a better-than-ever, luxurious resort-style property for your next Port Aransas “flexcation”. Our new resort-style pool area offers a heated pool, hot tub, lounge chairs, and tropical landscaping to complete your vacation vibe. Take the boardwalk to the beach where you can find beach chairs and canopy service. When you’ve wrapped up the day’s project, show everyone who’s the family champion on the shuffleboard floor or ping-pong and pool tables.
Your fully equipped Sandpiper Vacation Rental provides you with a safe, clean, spacious home with enough space and fun for everyone. Add family time and fun to your to-do list!
Explore Sandpiper Vacation Rentals and find a home away from home for your “flexcation”.
Recovery from Hurricane Harvey has been a long tough road for many. Here at Sandpiper we are focusing on the positives and as always plan to put our best foot forward. Take a look for yourself, but we think you will definitely like what you see!
Employees and Owners alike have been working endlessly to get our building back in shape and more beautiful than ever, this is all clearly seen once you walk through the front doors at Sandpiper. At first glance you’re sure to notice the gleaming new light fixtures, brand new furniture and a fresh take on design and decor all around. We have proven that we are resilient through tough times and we can’t wait to show off all the hard work that has been applied to reach this golden standard we hold ourselves to at Sandpiper Condominiums.
Below are a few photos of some of the finished rental units we have at Sandpiper. We can’t wait for you come stay with us and personally enjoy it all!
Stay tuned as Sandpiper will continue to bring new units online.
Unit # 201, 3 Bedroom/2.5 Bathroom/Sleeps 8
Unit # 908, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom/Sleeps 6
Unit # 1003, 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom/Sleeps 6
Unit # 101, 3 Bedroom/2.5 Bathroom/Sleeps 8
To view more of these specific units just click on the photo and you will be directed to view more information. There’s also plenty more options where these came from! We would love to have you stay with us at Sandpiper and prove exactly why we’re the best condominiums on the island. Come and see for yourself!
Port Aransas has always been home to many wonderful restaurants filled with unique coastal flavor and fresh, island spins on classic dishes. Port Aransas definitely has a satisfying array of dining options; you can dine in flip-flops and swimsuits or put on your best attire for an upscale, fine dining experience. From gulf view, waterfront restaurants to exclusive gems hidden in chic cottages you would least expect, the food is undoubtedly an experience all its own in Port Aransas.
We have had many new additions to our dining scene in Port Aransas, for instance, Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill; a stylish, family friendly restaurant serving delectable specials like Black Garlic Scallops, Thai Shrimp, Poke Nachos and of course prime Steaks! Tortuga’s is located on the corner of Alister and West Oaks. Another local favorite is Irie’s Island Food, opened back in 2013. Irie’s is a down to earth eatery with an eclectic assortment of fresh food, including a variety of tacos and rice plates. Homemade tortillas, 13 different sauces
There is always something for everyone to be found in the mix of the Port Aransas dining scene. You are sure to find your new all time favorite meal, dessert and even restaurant when visiting the island.
Sandpiper Condominiums wanted to make sure it opened up it’s doors “in style” after Hurricane Harvey. It was a lot of work but we think it was worth it. Our beautiful lobby and decor is still a work in progress adding additional amenities for our owners and our guests. Sandpiper has maintained the same goal, be the best high rise condominium on the Island. We think you will all agree we have been successful in that area but we strive to improve daily.
