The original island life destination, Port Aransas, located on Mustang Island has 18 miles of shoreline and wide, sandy beaches—with everything you need to plan the perfect beach vacation. But this is no ordinary island. Just ask the locals and vacationers who’ve ranked it one of the best beaches in Texas!
This gulf coast island offers year-round outdoor activities, from sport fishing and parasailing to birding, dolphin watching, kayaking and the only seaside links-style golf course in Texas. Stroll through town on a rented golf cart, explore the shops, galleries and enjoy an array of restaurants, from “cook your catch” to roadside taco stands to fine dining.
You’ll find year-round festivals and events, including the annual BeachtoberFest, the Whooping Crane Festival and Texas SandFest. And with a new wave of luxurious vacation homes, cottages, hotels (or glamping!), you can find the perfect place to stay, from a family vacation to a low-key getaway.
One of the few island destinations that has something for everyone, come discover why Port Aransas and Mustang Island is a vacation favorite.
Port Aransas is welcoming anglers back to its channels, back bays and public piers starting in June to catch their favorite species -- from trout, redfish, black drum and flounder to tarpon, Spanish mackerel, shark and sheepshead.
Located on 18-mile-long Mustang Island, Port A (as it is affectionately called) is also gearing up for two signature tournaments:
- The 25th Annual Fishing Break Tournament, welcoming individuals and teams from June-22-23rd: www.annualfishingbreak.com
- The 83rd Deep Sea Roundup, a family friendly saltwater fishing tournament, claimed to be the oldest of its kind on the Gulf Coast, from July 12-15th; www.deepsearoundup.com
Fishing
Known to casual and serious anglers alike as the “Fishing Capital of Texas,” Port Aransas offers challenges and a string of rewards for everyone. Virtually every type of angler casting around for a hot spot will find their own paradise here. You can even bring your fresh catch to a local eatery and have them cook it up, just the way you like it, while you sit back and enjoy dining waterside.
Bay & Shallow Water
Bay fishing is also outstanding in the waterways surrounding Mustang Island, where limits of redfish, flounder, black drum and trout are common place.
Pier & Jetty
For those that prefer to keep their feet dry, Port Aransas has four public, lighted fishing piers and the popular south jetty for around the clock casting.
Deep Sea
Launch your boat from one of our many marinas or hire a private charter for the fishing trip of a lifetime. Tackle the deep blue waters on an offshore excursion and reel in kingfish, sailfish, marlin, tuna and more.
Fishing Tournaments
Competitive fishing is big business in this little town. ‘Port A’ hosts over 20 fishing tournaments during the summer months ranging from kids to women only and billfish to redfish tournaments.
Boating
Fishing isn’t the only way to go overboard on fun in the sun! Port A may be known as one of the best places in the country to take a dolphin tour, but they’re not the only characters you’ll see out on the water.
Water Sports
Had enough relaxation? Get some action on the water! There’s always time for kayaking, parasailing, surfing, kiteboarding, SUP, or sailing. Bring your own gear or rent from an expert.
Themed Cruises
Hop aboard one of our themed day cruises! Enjoy pirate adventures, spot and talk to the sea mammals, experience mermaids, or book a party boat and coast along the island’s shoreline.
Regattas
Our spunky little town is also a stop for many of the area’s sailboat regattas. Every Fall you can catch the Harvest Moon Regatta as sailors navigate from Galveston, Texas to Port A. The Corpus Christi Yacht Club hosts the Port A Regatta every spring, where the waterborne go from the Corpus Christi marina to our island.
Stay
Port ‘A’ offers a large variety of accommodations. Whether you prefer a cozy beach cottage, conventional motel room, luxury condominium or the privacy of your own beach house, the island offers coastal digs to fit your needs. In addition, there are numerous hotels, vacation rentals and a great selection of RV parks and campgrounds for those who prefer to sleep under the stars.
- Free of charge, Port A’s top fishing spots include:
- Aransas Causeway: Located between Aransas Pass and Port Aransas, along Texas Highway 36 with miles of accessible waterfront paralleling two channels.
- The Shrimp Boat Channel (aka Aransas Channel) is north of the east-west road and the Sailboat Channel runs along the south side.
- Numerous pull-off entrances allow vehicles to access the shore. Camping, bank-fishing, and kayak-launching are allowed along both channels.
- Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trails Park: Located near Port Aransas’s ferry landing on Texas Highway 361, anglers will find a wooden boardwalk and a paddling trails sign beside a parking lot on the road’s east side. This popular kayak launch spot also provides bank fishing along a channel flanking the highway.
- Port Aransas South Jetty: This drive-up fishing spot offers free parking along the rocks.
- Port Aransas has shown a swift recovery since Hurricane Harvey struck its shores in August 2017. Over half the island’s fishing guides are now operational, while 18 miles of beachfront are in mint condition and most hotels and restaurants are now open.
To learn why Port A is a world-class fishing destination you can also check out portaransas.org/ for more information.
