The Fishing Capital Of Texas Is A Salty-Sweet Gulf Coast Escape With Pristine Beaches And Endless Family Fun

Mention "Texas" and images of cowboys wrangling longhorn steers at one of America's largest ranches might be first on your mind. But if you are looking for an affordable beach escape for the whole family, head a little further south to the Texas coast, where swimsuits and golf carts are the dress code of the day. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, also known as the Gulf of America, Port Aransas is tucked away on the north end of Mustang Island, where the width is just 2 miles. It's around 40 minutes away by car from Corpus Christi, right off the coast (which has an international airport for out-of-state visitors).

In peak tourist season, the population of "Port A," as the locals fondly refer to it, swells from approximately 3,100 permanent residents to as many as 60,000 visitors at a time, transforming the sleepy coastal town into a sun-soaked memory-making haven. While major hotel chains do have a small presence here, the majority of Port A vacationers take advantage of pet-inclusive condos and house rentals that can also accommodate larger groups for a relaxed break just steps from the ocean. Numerous established companies can help streamline the rental experience and find accommodations that fit specific needs and requirements.

The Texas shoreline stretches for a solid 367 miles along the Gulf, most of which is made up of accessible beachfront. Port Aransas is blessed with 18 miles of sand, earning a coveted spot on TripAdvisor's 2022 "Traveler's Choice – Best of the Best" list of the top 25 beaches in America. From early April through mid-July, portions of these white sand beaches are reserved for sea turtles returning to nest. The populations are primarily Kemp's ridley, green, and loggerhead sea turtles, which come ashore at night to lay their eggs. Visitors should avoid disturbing the turtles and report any nesting to the authorities. But if you have the chance to witness this magical event, it's an excellent chance to teach your family about sea turtle conservation efforts and see the results firsthand.

Beyond the beaches, the rich waters of the Gulf are teeming with big game, such as marlin, sailfish, tuna, and king mackerel. The community of Port A has long supported the local fishing industry. This commitment and attention to responsible fishing practices, as well as the protection of marine ecosystems, helped the city earn the recent title of Fishing Capital of Texas. "This designation celebrates a community that truly lives and breathes fishing and honors its proud legacy along the Texas coast," said State Senator Adam Hinojosa (via KIII News). The port area is filled with experienced charter boats for hire with prices varying based on season and trip length, starting as low as $68 per person for a 4-hour trip. Multi-day options are also available.

The whole family can enjoy sunny days hunting for shells, building sand castles, or splashing in the waves. However, if you're looking for more structured activities, Port A delivers on this front, with opportunities both on and off the water. Take an adventure cruise to spot wild dolphins and seabirds on a catamaran designed for stability, which limits the likelihood of seasickness. If you'd rather have a bird's eye view of the water, consider parasailing, where you'll get effortlessly lifted into the air above a boat from a seated parachute. Finish out your day with other thrilling water sports by renting a kayak, paddleboard, or jet ski. Just be sure to wear this type of sunscreen on every beach day and bring all the must-haves from the ultimate beach packing list.

When you're ready to spend time back on land, learn more about the area's history at the Port Aransas Museum, run by the Preservation Association. Be sure to download its self-guided Eight Wonders of Port Aransas walking tour, highlighting some of the most notable structures remaining on the island. Get hands-on with history at the Farley Boat Works, where you can participate in boat-building and learn from generations of skilled shipwrights. To support the art community, the Port Aransas Art Center was established in 1997. Today, it offers exhibitions and classes out of its 4,000 square foot facility for students and budding artists of all ages. Finish out your evening at a local theatre, where you can catch a family-friendly performance almost every night of the summer for a nominal charge.