Vacation Rentals in Port Aransas

Memorable vacations aren't just about warm beaches and surfing – good meals spice up the experience. Head to the casual Beach & Station Street Grill set in a colorful, wooden bungalow and enjoy a meal of broiled flounder, shrimp, and burgers perfectly complemented with key lime pie as dessert. To sample the best salads on the island, visit Irie's Island Food.

For pasta and seafood prepared with a Mexican twist, stop at cozy, family-run Shells. Make sure to try the farfalle with shrimp. If you love Italian cuisine, order the seafood platter at Venetian Hot Plate – you'll want to make reservations, though, as the eatery is quite popular. Stop at Barefoot Beans and enjoy tasty treats and an ice-cold nitro brew. You'll love the patio's swing seating.

Port Aransas and Mustang Island profit from a subtropical humid climate and have similar weather to other major centers along the Gulf Coast. This climate allows the town to maintain consistently warm-to-hot conditions for most of the year. The climate is ideal for visitors hoping to experience the best of the sun and sand. Be sure to bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water with you for a day out on the beach!

A trip to Port Aransas won’t be complete without parasailing. From the docks, take a custom parasail boat and venture out into the Lydia Ann Channel. The boat takes parasailers to heights of up to 300 feet high over the water, offering breathtaking views.

You could also escape deep into the waters and try your luck at fishing for speckled trout, redfish, sheep-head, drum, or flounder. Guides can lead you the area's angling hot spots. See dolphins and other marine wildlife along the Gulf Coast, and marvel at the panoramic views of the horizon.

Adventure and activities abound from the doorstep of your Port Aransas vacation home. The coast offers fun for the whole family, both in and out of the water.

The expansive, sandy shores of Port Aransas Beach are perhaps the highlight of a vacation in this part of Texas. You can relish beautiful sunrises and sunsets here, as well as enjoying the warm waters and admiring large ships as they head out to sea. The beach also has a long pier where vacationers can go fishing, buy local treats, and enjoy some of southern Texas’s best shopping options. After a long day at the beach, you will be satisfied in returning home to the comfort of your Port Aransas vacation rental.

Coming from the mainland, visitors will love the ferry ride to Mustang Island. The ride is functional but also acts as an attraction in itself, as passengers can typically spot dolphins chasing after the ship in its wake and birds flying alongside the deck. For even better views of the local marine wildlife, numerous boat tour companies depart from the main port and travel up and down the island's coastline.

Another way of enjoying the wildlife of the region is to take the short journey from your Port Aransas condo rental to the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center and feast your eyes on many remarkable bird species. This pleasant location is great for walking, with signs along the way to help you identify different animals that you spot.

If you're visiting Port Aransas in the early spring then you're in for a real treat when the Texas Sand Fest comes to town. This festival is a celebration of coastal living and does it bigger and better than anywhere else (in typical Texas style!). The festival predominantly consists of sand sculpture building competitions and attracts some of the world’s finest sand artists to the shores of Port Aransas. Visitors of all ages will be impressed by the detail and scale of the incredible sand creations which line Port Aransas Beach for the duration of the festival.

In addition, the festival brings with it all of the typical games, drinks and great food associated with the South. This is a great festival to enjoy with the whole family and attracts visitors from across the state and beyond.

Book Port Aransas vacation rentals early to profit from the best deals and locations during your stay!

1. Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie's Pasture

Nature lovers will be delighted at the range of wildlife in the pasture including birds, and even the occasional alligator. The terrain is varied and includes an observation boardwalk.

2. The University of Texas Marine Science Institute

This renowned research center is an excellent place to see aquariums and displays such as whale bones. The friendly researchers are always happy to answer questions.

3. Mustang Island State Park

The park features a great beach for bathing, and there’s even a dedicated paddling trail here. The ranger programs include bird watching and stargazing.

4. Port Aransas Beach

The town’s main beach is excellent for swimming, surfing, sunbathing and walks. There’s a driving trail for those who want to see more of the coastline.

5. Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center

This is another fantastic dedicated wildlife area with information on the various local birds. There’s also a boardwalk here and a viewing tower with a telescope.