Location ..
Port Aransas is on the northern tip of Mustang Island, about 30 minutes from Corpus Christi, three hours from the Rio Grande Valley, three hours south of San Antonio and four hours from Houston or Austin. Take IH-37 to Corpus Christi, then U.S. Highway 181 through Portland, on to State Highway 361 to the five minute, free ferry ride. Or, IH-37 to Corpus Christi, then onto South Padre Island Drive and left onto State Highway 361 into Port Aransas. You can fly into Corpus Christi International Airport, or land your private plane at the Port Aransas Airport.
The Port Aransas Ferry System provides FREE marine transportation service seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. The ride connects Mustang Island and Port Aransas with the mainland via Aransas Pass. The number of ferry boats in service at the same time depends on demand. Each of the six large vessels are identical in construction and design. The vessels carry twenty regular passenger vehicles on each trip. Each boat can move 100 vehicles per hour. During peak hours, especially during holidays and summer months, some travelers may be required to wait their turn while the ferry makes the trip back and forth across the channel. A 24-hour radio message advisory (AM 530) provides information on ferry regulations and can be used for live broadcasts in case of emergencies. A total overall length (for combined vehicles such as a car and boat) is 55 feet. The maximum width allowed is 96 inches. A maximum of 12 feet in height is allowed. In 1995, using four of the larger vessels and one 9-vehicle vessel, a total of 1,983,706 vehicles crossed the channel. Peak months are June, July and August. However, even in January, 1995, a total of 134-thousand vehicles made the trip across the channel.
Your perfect beachfront vacation is in Port Aransas. Enjoy Port Aransas fishing, which is world-class or just relaxing along the beach side. The fishing guides know "where they're biting," and will show you a day of fun and excitement.
After enjoying your beachfront vacation and leisurely soaking up some sun, you may want to get out and about. You'll find plenty of shops and Port Aransas restaurants, so you can take your time shopping and sampling the local fare. Pick up some souvenir T-shirts. Enjoy some boiled shrimp or crab at one of our many Port Aransas restaurants. Island time is never rushed.
Other popular activities include boating excursions, sunset cruises, horseback riding along the beach, fishing from lighted piers or the ship channel jetties, the free ferry transportation to the mainland, and dance/music clubs. Just a ferry ride and short drive away is Corpus Christi with more shops and restaurants, the Texas State Aquarium and The Lexington Air Craft Carrier Museum.
Experience golf on "island time." This 71 par, 18-hole course is the newest, public, premium, daily fee course in Texas. Newport Dunes Golf Club is a one-of-a-kind Arnold Palmer signature designed course in the truest of links golf courses. Newport Dunes Golf Club is the only ocean side golf course along the Gulf of Mexico. It is also the only seaside golf course in North America designed by Arnold Palmer and his design group.
The overall 18-hole Arnold Palmer designed course plays through the natural dune setting of the Texas coast. This links course will be sure to challenge any golfer with a warm gulf breeze, deceptively arranged fairways, fast and rolling greens, deep stack walled bunkers, oversized water hazards and the thick native rough.
From every tee and along the course at Newport Dunes Golf Club, every golfer will be exhilarated by the beautiful, scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico, enchanted by the protected wildlife and mesmerized by the colorful array of the coastal natives. "The Gulf Coast Premier Golfing Experience"
Barnacle Bill’s Pierhouse & Grill,
230 North On the Beach 361-749-6200,
Dining with a view over the Gulf. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Souvenirs, bait, tackle, pole rentals.
Beach Lodge,
2016 on the beach 361-749-5713,
Beach front restaurant serving home-style breakfast, grilled
short orders, fried & steamed seafood entrees.
Bundy’s,
112 E. White Ave 749-4BUN (4286),
Breakfast/Lunch, Coffee/Espresso, cakes, bakery, smoothies,
flowers, art.
Castaways Seafood & Grill,
320 N. Alister 361-749-5394,
Family friendly restaurant & bar. Fresh fish, seafood & steak.
We cook your catch!
Coffee Waves Port Aransas,
1007 State Hwy 361 361-749-0825,
Coffee, Gelato, Paninis, Frozen Drinks, and more, Free Wi-Fi,
walk up window
Crazy Cajun Seafood Restaurant,
303 Beach Street 361-749-5069,
Seafood the Cajun Way. Baby back ribs, gumbo, jambalaya &
dirty rice. We cater to large parties!
Fins Grill & Icehouse,
420 W. Cotter 361-749-8646,
Newest waterfront w/deck seating, best burgers & seafood.
Daily chef specials, serving lunch & dinner. Kid Friendly!
Kody’s,
2034 Hwy 361 361-749-8226,
Great food in a casual family atmosphere with 18 holes of
miniature golf.
La Playa Mexican Grille,
222 Beach Street 361-749-0022,
Island-Mex, seafood, fajitas, beer, wine & over 70 tequilas!
Daily fish specials.
Lisabella’s,
224 E. Cotter 361-749-4222,
Celebrating Coastal Cuisine. Casual but elegant ambiance.
Dinner only. Monday-Saturday.
Little Joe’s Smoke’n Grill,
200 W. Ave G 361-749-2333,
Texas BBQ, steaks, seafood & salad bar; scratch cook’n at
it’s best.
Roosevelt’s Fine Dinning,
200 (A) E. Cotter 361-749-1540,
Roosevelt’s Fine Dinning, Open Wed through Sat from 5p
to 10 p and Sunday Brunch 10a to 1p.
Seafood & Spaghetti Works,
710 Alister 361-749-5666,
Italian, seafood, steaks & pizza. Soup & salad bar w/entrée.
Full bar w/Mega Plasma TV. Outside patio. Lunch & Dinner.
Shell’s Pasta & Seafood,
522 E. Ave G 361-749-7621,
Coastal Bistro. Pasta, salads, sandwiches, USDA Prime
Beef, seafood & veal. Lunch & dinner specials.
Thaiphoon of Texas,
315 S. Alister 361-749-0882,
Authentic Thai, Sushi, and Chinese cuisine. Take out/free
delivery.
The Donut Palace,
210 N. Alister 361-749-2110,
Donuts & Croissants & other pastries made fresh daily.
Trout Street Bar & Grill,
104 W. Cotter 361-749-7800,
Key West atmosphere overlooking marina. Fresh seafood,
steaks, full bar & banquet facilities.
Venetian Hotplate,
232 Beach Street 361-749-7617,
Italian flavored, coastal influenced cuisine. Seafood, veal,
prime cuts, pastas & wine at cellar temps.
Virginia’s on the Bay,
815 Trout Street 361-749-4088,
Waterfront dining, seafood, steaks & burgers. Awesome
sunset view. Banquet facilities.
West of Key West & Atlantis Yacht Club,
2100 E. Hwy.361 Aransas Pass 361-758-7700
Wild Horse Saloon & Grill,
212 Beach St 361-749-0105,
Comfortable bar & grill serving moderately famous burgers
and phillys, grill open late. Full Bar.
Winton’s Candies,
600 S. Alister 361-749-4773,
Come in for our World Famous, Hand Made Carmel!
Corpus Christi Sailing Center, 200 S. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, Texas 78401. 361-881-8503 [Visit Our Website] . Sailing school and charters, dinner cruises.
Handsome Sailor Yacht Charters, 2353 Murphy Rd., Aransas Pass, Texas 78336, 361-749-7128 [Visit Our Website]. Fishing, Sailing, Scuba Diving and Sightseeing, All charters are on Capt. Tom's ship, the S/V ISLA. This large ocean going Catamaran is 38' long and 18' wide and licensed to carry 1 to 20 passengers. It sleeps 15; overnight charters are available. It is equipped with a 55 hp engine along with the ability to go under sail when the wind is up.
Special South Texas Coastal Zone ECO-CHARTER This charter is for Birders, Dolphin Lovers, and Shelling Enthusiast. Capt. Tom takes this charter to Porpoise Point to see dolphins in their habitat. Then, sail into the shallow waters of East Corpus Christi Bay to a shell reef to observe different types of birds and to go combing the beach for seashells. Enjoy the Texas Coast's wildlife up close.
Jetty Boat, 114 W. Cotter, Port Aransas, Texas. 361-749-5252 [Visit Our Website]. Ride the Jetty Boat to St. Jo Island. Beachcombing, Fishing, Shelling & Surfing. Stay as long as you like...A few hours or all day!! Leaves from Woody's Sports Center in Port Aransas.
Kohootz Etc., P.O. Box 860, 361-779-3188, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, 361-779-3552 [Visit Our Website]. Dolphin Encounters aboard the Kohootz.
Out To Sea Adventures, 514 Southern Street, Corpus Christi, Texas 78404, 361-688-9071 [Visit Our Website]. Offering Dolphin Watch tours, Sunset Cruises, sport-fishing,spear-fishing, and diving aboard 36 ft. Sport Fisherman.
Queen's Line, Inc., 1103 Whispering Sands, (Woody's Marina), Port Aransas, Texas 78373, 361-749-4795 [Visit Our Website]. The Island Queen bay fishing, Dolphin Watch on the Duke. Fishing, Sightseeing, Boat Rides, Nature Tours, Groups Welcome. Education Resources, school trips, private charters and Dolphin Watch.
Rockport Birding & Kayak Adventures, P.O. Box 2153, Fulton Harbor, Rockport, Texas 78381, 361-727-0643 [Visit Our Website]. The serious birders tour boat, The Skimmer. Explore the shallowest waters to see the most habitat & species. Kayak trips to bird, fish and explore the most beautiful back bays and lakes.
Scat Cat, Fisherman's Wharf, 900 N. Tarpon, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, 361-749-5760 [Visit Our Website]. Deep sea fishing year-round aboard the Scat Cat, an 80' climate controlled catamaran. Memorial Day to Labor Day Sunset/Dolphin Watch Cruise.
Texas Charter Fleet & Yacht Brokers, 345 N. Alister St. F-2, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, 361-749-6345 [Visit Our Website]. We provide the finest in fishing charters, outdoor adventures and yacht sales along the Texas coast and abroad.
Scenic Boat Tour - St. Joe Island
Leaving Woody's Boat Basin, you will disembark and spend time on a deserted island. It is uninhabited and provides tourist with an awesome experience! Be sure to bring drinks and food as there are no amenities on the island, but well worth the trip. Call Woody's Boat Basin for schedule of departures and arrivals, 361-749-5252.
Wharf Cat, Fisherman's Wharf, 900 N. Tarpon, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, 361-749-5448 [Visit Our Website]. Deep sea fishing aboard the Wharf Cat, a 75' climate controlled catamaran, offering 5, 8 and 9 hour deep sea trips.
Fishing Guides and Charters
Deep Sea Headquarters, 416 W. Cotter, 361/749-5597. Three party boats with concessions are available for offshore group Port Aransas fishing or private charters for one to six anglers. Guides are available for bay fishing. Tackle and bait provided. Bring your own food and drink on private charters.
Dolphin Docks, 300 W. Cotter, 361/749-6624. Port Aransas fishing for 1 to 100 for private or company charters. Fish the Gulf or head for the bays. Bait, ice, and tackle provided. Reserve in advance.
Fisherman's Wharf, 900 N. Tarpon, 361/749-5448. Two party boats with concessions available for offshore fishing. Private bay and offshore trips available. Tackle, bait and ice provided. Reserve in advance.
Sportsplex, 847 N. Alister St., 361/749-4088. Bay and Gulf charters for one to six people. Bait, tackle and ice provided. Bring your own food and drink.
Woody's Sports Center, 114 W. Cotter, 361/749-5252. Charters for one to six people for Port Aransas fishing on the bay or Gulf fishing. Bait, tackle, ice provided. You bring food and drink.
Gabe Lozano Sr. Golf Center, 4401 Old Brownsville Road in Corpus Christi (45 minutes from Port Aransas) 361/883-3696. Enjoy 18 holes of golf, or try the "Executive 9" just a short drive from Port Aransas.
Oso Beach Municipal Golf Course, 5601 S. Alameda in Corpus Christi (35 minutes from Port Aransas) 361/991-8765. Enjoy 18 holes of golf just minutes from the beach.
Padre Island Country Club, 14353 Commodore Drive, 361/949-8006. 18 holes, Country Club facilities, Golf shop open 7 days/week.
Churches
Church of Christ, Rev. James Bruster, Minister, 205 Brundrett, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, 361-749-5498
Community Presbyterian Church, 113 S. Alister, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, 361-749-5319
First Baptist Church, Rev. Phil Green, Pastor, P.O. Box 187, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, 361-749-6479
Heartland Christian Fellowship, Rev. Albert Fuentes, Pastor, 1801 S. 11th, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, 361-749-5772
Island In The Son United Methodist Church, 15640 SH 361, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, 361-949-7583
St. Joseph Catholic Church, Msgr. Rory Deane, Pastor, 100 N. Station, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, 361-749-5825
Trinity~By~The~Sea, The Rev. Al Leveridge, Vicar, P.O. Box 346, Port Aransas, Texas 78373, 361-749-6449
Miscellaneous
Beach / Mustang Island. The miles and miles of beaches that border Mustang Island have many faces. Everyone has ideas about the "perfect" beach, and Port Aransas offers a variety that can meet everyone's expectations. Whether it's the vast beaches for sunbathing and swimming, or isolated beaches for exploring and fishing, Mustang Island has the "perfect" beach to complete your beachfront vacation.
Bird Watching. If you live and breathe birds, you'll flock to Port Aransas and Mustang Island. In the heart of the number-one birding state, more birds hang out here than anywhere else in Texas. Located in the Central Flyway, the island boasts hundreds of species as permanent residents and thousands of migrating birds that consider it a perfect stop.
Maritime Museum, 1202 Navigation Circle in Rockport, 361/729-1271. Dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich maritime heritage of Texas. Discover the fascinating history for yourself! Stand on a life-sized ship's bridge or let the children board their own private vessel. Changing exhibits and interactive displays make a visit to the Museum a memorable experience. Tuesday through Saturday 10 am - 4 pm and Sunday from 1 pm - 4pm.
TOUR THE "BLUE GHOST" - The USS Lexington Museum on the Bay (Corpus Christi). Take a tour and read about "The Blue Ghost", check the Ship's Store for some fine memorabilia and gift items or make your reservations to Live Aboard for an exciting overnight stay with your scout troop or other non-profit organization. Read about the Volunteers who accomplish so much to keep Lady Lex history alive. Keep tabs on all the Upcoming Events.
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND NAT'L SEASHORE - Visitors come from all around the globe to take in the white beaches at Padre Island, the largest Barrier Island in the nation. Surfing, windsurfing, fishing, sailing and treasure hunting from sunken Spanish galleons of yore are just some of Corpus Christi’s outdoor pleasures. It is the longest remaining undeveloped barrier island in the world.
THE TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM - The Corpus Christi State Aquarium and the Lexington Aircraft Carrier are just a 30 minute drive away. Located next to the USS Lexington, the Texas State Aquarium is dedicated to fostering a better understanding and appreciation of the Gulf of Mexico. We do this by providing high quality programs through education, conservation, and wildlife rehabilitation. Fun for the whole family!
HORSEBACK RIDING ON THE BEACH! - We have horses for small children, first time riders, and experienced riders. Call 361-749-5055 for more information. We accept most Major ATM's and Credit Cards
Guided Beach Walks - The Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department sponsors free, guided beach walks on the fourth Friday of each month. Your guide will bring a selection of shells commonly found on the beach here. Then, you take a journey on foot, to find your own beach treasures. Call 361-749-4158 for more information and times.
Roberts Point Park Overlooks the Gulf of Mexico - The park is the setting for Sunset Sounds, free musical entertainment on the first Friday of the month form April through October. It overlooks the ship channel, the boats, and the dolphins! Check out the observation tower! Park is also used for many fishing tournament weigh-ins. Open 24/7; Call 361-749-4158 for info.
The Port Aransas Birding Center and the Port Aransas Wetlands park feature boardwalks and raised observation towers. Weekly guided nature tours are held every Wednesday (weather providing) at 9am, beginning at the Birding Center. Port Aransas is one of the major stops along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. Call 361-749-4158 for details.
Do you scuba dive? - Look no further! The boats at the Dolphin Docks (300 W. Cotter) take certified divers out for eight hours of diving with a divemaster. Bring your own equipment and proof of certification. Diving Classes & spear fishing is also available at Frogman's Dive Center (401 S. Alister). Dolphin Docks: 361-749-6624 Frogman's Dive Center: 361-749-3434
Galleries & Shopping
Cita - Resort Furnishings 129 N. Alister, 361/749-2711. From the eclectic to the grand.
Fishtales, 337 N. Alister, 749-4733. Beachy clothes, casual gifts and jewelery.
Gary Osborne Fine Art, Oil Paintings, Watercolors, Sculptures, Unique Furniture, Artistic Gifts. 345 N. alister, 361/749-6982.
Littleton's Landing, 2217 Hwy 361, Port Aransas. Fabulous Fashions & Great Gifts for Men and Women. Ample Parking. Numerous shops and boutiques.
Saltwater Seasons, 315 S Alister, 749-4969. Unique clothing and gifts.
Silver Fox Trading Company, 221 Beach Street, 361/749-4899. See a large collection of very unusual and different handcrafted gifts and items from near and far. Here you will find the finest handcrafted Indian jewelry silver set with turquoise, coral, lapis, sugarlite, and mother-of-pearl.
