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. 

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!