Outside Corpus Christi Is Texas' Charming Gulf Coast Town With Fresh Seafood, Wildlife, And A Fishing Pier

The Coastal Bend Region of the Texas Gulf Coast has a blend of bays, beaches, wildlife, and quaint coastal communities. One such town is Fulton, which is just about 30 minutes outside of Corpus Christi – the region's largest city. This charming Gulf Coast town only has a population of around 1,500 people. However, it has everything one could hope for in a coastal vacation destination, including fresh seafood, a rich history, world-class fishing, ample accommodations, waterfront views, nature and wildlife viewing, and easy access to incredible beaches.

Although it was established along the shores of Aransas Bay over 150 years ago, Fulton is often confused with its sister city, Rockport. This confusion is understandable because the two cities are conjoined in many ways. In fact, Rockport, which was actually established a year later than Fulton, now surrounds the city of Fulton on three sides. Even the historic Fulton Mansion, which was the homestead of George Fulton, the town's founder, now sits just across the city limits of Rockport. Adding to the confusion, the two towns market themselves as one through the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce. However, they are indeed separate cities, and Fulton has plenty to offer visitors as a standalone destination or as a jumping-off point to explore the entire area.

A visit to Fulton often begins with a stroll along the waterfront at Fulton Harbor. Seeing the various boats riding the tides in their slips, as well as watching the waters of Aransas Bay beyond, is a great way to immerse yourself in the coastal ambiance. This is also a great vantage point from which to view the sunrise over the bay each morning. Just across the street, The Inn at Fulton Harbor is a great place to stay for those wanting waterfront views.

Enjoying fresh seafood is at the top of the list for many who visit Fulton. To that end, there is arguably no fresher seafood along the Gulf Coast than at Alby's Seafood. For over four decades, Alby's has been the go-to spot for fresh-caught seafood. Their seafood market is open to the public seven days a week, offering fresh fish, shrimp, crab, and oysters. Additionally, Alby's Kitchen, which is located right next to the seafood market, serves up a variety of po-boys and seafood baskets utilizing the same fresh fish, shrimp, and oysters.

Just across the street from Alby's, Pier 77 is known for fresh seafood and huge portions. Owned and operated by a local family with roots in the fishing industry, Pier 77 is always busy, so don't be surprised if there's a queue. This popular spot does not accept reservations. It is also cash only and BYOB. Those looking for a bit more of an upscale dining experience should try Charlotte Plummer's. Featuring panoramic views of Fulton Harbor and a trove of seafood platters, Charlotte Plummer's has long been a favorite dining destination for those visiting the Coastal Bend.

Of course, there's no better way to get fresh seafood than catching it yourself. Anglers have several options for wetting a line when visiting Fulton, starting with the 1,200-foot-long Fulton Fishing Pier. The pier extends out into Aransas Bay and affords anglers the opportunity to catch a variety of saltwater gamefish, including black drum, redfish (red drum), and speckled trout (spotted seatrout). The pier is located in the park next to Fulton Harbor and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the harbor, boating anglers can launch their vessel from the Fulton Beach Boat Ramp.

Visitors are also able to take advantage of various bird and wildlife watching opportunities, both in Fulton and throughout the surrounding area. See, Fulton is part of the Aransas Loop of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. Of the nearly two dozen sites on the Aransas Loop, one is in Fulton, and several others are just outside the city limits. The Linda S. Castro Nature Sanctuary is a 4.5-acre preserve located on the north end of town, near Aransas County Airport. Although it is relatively small, the Castro Nature Sanctuary encompasses three different types of habitat: an ephemeral pond, coastal prairie, and live oak motte. As a result, visitors are able to encounter a wide array of bird species and other wildlife. The park also features a wildlife viewing station and gazebo.

From Fulton Harbor, visitors can also catch boat tours for sunsets, dolphin watches, and birding tours. One of the more unique experiences wildlife watching visitors can have is a whooping crane tour offered by Rockport Birding and Kayak Adventures. Departing from Fulton Harbor, three-hour trip allows visitors to view not only endangered whooping cranes, but also dozens of other bird species. These tours are available during the winter months, when the endangered whooping cranes are spending time in Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, the quiet Texas wildlife refuge just up the bay from Fulton. 

For those looking to take a trip to Fulton, getting there is a snap. It is just over 30 miles straight up Highway 35 from Corpus Christi. The Sparkling City by the Sea is also where Fulton's closest commercial airport, Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP), is located. And although Fulton doesn't have a beach of its own, it is less than 10 minutes from Rockport Beach, Texas' first Blue Wave Beach.