Gulf Coast · Beaches · Country & Small Towns
Port Aransas
Port Aransas, Texas
Family friendlyA laid-back island town reached by a free ferry, with fishing piers, golf carts and fresh Gulf seafood.
The free ferry can mean a wait on summer weekends. Rent a golf cart to get around town.
Know before you go
Plan your visit
Location: Port Aransas · About 0.5 hrs from Corpus Christi · Explore the Corpus Christi city guide →
- Best season
- April–October
- Time needed
- 2–3 days
- Cost
- $–$$
- Getting around
- Golf cart rentals are the island way to get around.
- Reservations
- Beach parking permit required.
For families: Calm surf most mornings; lifeguards at peak season.
Where to eat
Irie's Island Food
Caribbean seafood on the island.
Family friendlyShells Pasta & Seafood
Small, beloved and cozy.
Things to do nearby
Port Aransas ferry
Free ferry rides with dolphin sightings.
Family friendlyLeonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
Alligators and boardwalks.
Family friendlySeashore 40 minutes south.
Hours and details change — check before you go.
Also nearby
Gulf Coast · Beaches
Padre Island National Seashore
The longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world — dunes, shorebirds and sea turtle releases.
South Texas · Beaches
South Padre Island
Warm Gulf water, sea turtle rescue, birding boardwalks and a front-row seat to Starship launches.
South Texas · Tech & Space
Starbase & Boca Chica
SpaceX's Starship launch site on the Gulf — rockets on the pad beside wild beaches and wildlife refuges.
Parks & recreation nearby
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Tours, tastings & tickets
Book experiences in Port Aransas
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Where to stay
Places to stay near Port Aransas
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