The Ultimate Local’s Guide to Enjoying Beach Days in Port Aransas, Texas

 

Planning your Beach Day Adventure

 

Are you ready to soak up the sun and enjoy the beaches of Port Aransas, Texas? Look no further! In this comprehensive local guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make the most out of your beach day experience. From must-visit spots to essential tips for a memorable day by the Gulf of Mexico. It is essential to plan your beach day adventure to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Here are some key factors to consider:

 

Choosing the Perfect Beach:

 

Port Aransas boasts miles of beautiful coastline, each offering its own unique charm. Whether you prefer a lively atmosphere or a secluded spot for relaxation, there’s a beach for everyone. 

1. Port Aransas Jetty and Horace Coldwell Pier: The area from the Port

   

   Aransas Jetty to the area near Horace Caldwell Pier is a perfect stretch of beach to spend the day. It is easily accessible from Cotter St to Beach Street. Both streets lead directly to the beach. It is the best area for beachcombing, watching the local surfers and offers a great view of the large cargo ships passing through the channel at the jetty. Public restrooms and showers looked in this area by IB Magee park.

2. Beach Street to Access Rd 1A: Both Beach St. and Access Rd 1A are roads that lead to the beach.  You can then drive onto the beach in your vehicle or golf cart. This area is just over 2 miles of beach access. This area uses bollards to prevent driving/parking withing 150 feet of the waterline.  This ensure a safe area without the risk of vehicle driving next to your beach sight. Kids can play freely without the worry of cars passing by. You can essentially park at the bollards and walk in with your gear. Plenty of Port-A-Potties and trash receptacles.
3. Tony Amos Beach: Tony Amos Beach is located at Access Rd 1. Just south of this area the beach bollards stop giving access to closer beach parking and driving near the water. Many people like this area as you can park your car, RV, golf cart with 150 feet of the waterline.
4. Further down the beach: The beach continues on past Tony Amos Beach for about 9 miles to Access Rd 2 and another 1.5 miles to Fish Pass. You can drive your vehicle down this area until you find your perfect spot. The crowd tends to thin the further you go. There will be clusters of people near the resort areas like Palmilla Golf Resort and Cinnamon Shore as the have their private beach accesses and near any beach access road. It is usually pretty safe to drive down without risk of getting stuck but always be mindful of soft sand and your vehicles capability. When in doubt go around or turn around. You don’t want to get your car stuck on the beach. It is not usually allowed to take a rented golf cart past a certain mile marker.

Beach Gear Essentials:

 

Don’t forget to pack the essentials for a day in the sun. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, beach towels, sun shirts, jellyfish

 gel (rare but just in case) and plenty of water are must-haves. Additionally, consider bringing along snacks, beach chairs, umbrellas, and beach toys if you’re traveling with family or friends. Shade structures are great too Consider frameless sun shelters often called sun sails as they pack up small. 

Locals don’t really like the metal pop up tents as they tend to break and get left on the beach.  Frameless shelters can be found around town for purchase or be sure to pack one before you come. Sun Sail, Shibumi and  Sun Ninja are common shade sails.

Kid must haves, according to local beach kids: skim board, boogie board, surf board, sand castle toys, big wheeled toy trucks, kite, football, soccer ball, volley ball, frisbee. Click here for family friendly activities in Port Aransas.  

Pro Tip: Book a beach concierge service like 361 Blue and have them do all the work for you and set you chairs and umbrellas and rent fat tire bikes from Big Shell Bikes for a fun way to cruise the beach.

Weather: While Port Aransas enjoys sunny weather for much of the year, it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before heading out. Be prepared for any changes in weather conditions and plan accordingly. 

 

Making the Most of your Time on the Beach

 

Once you’ve arrived at the beach, it’s time to kick back, relax, and enjoy everything it has  to offer. Here are some tips for making the most of your time on the sand:

1. 1. Swimming and Water Activities: Take a refreshing dip in the Gulf of Mexico’s warm waters or try your hand at exciting water activities such as surfing, boogie boards, and paddleboarding. Don’t forget to adhere to any safety guidelines and watch out for any warning flags indicating water conditions. Green Flag means the water conditions or calm and to swim with care. Yellow Flag means calm to moderate and swim with care. Red Flag means heavy surf conditions and dangerous currents and advise to stay within waist-deep water. (I personally tell me kids not to go past their waist in the water) Purple flag means the presence of venomous marine life like jellyfish and man-o-war. 
   2. Beachcombing and Shelling: Port Aransas beaches are known for their abundance of seashells, making them a paradise for beachcombers and collectors. Take a leisurely stroll along the shore and keep an eye out for unique shells to add to your collection. A prized piece would be starfish and sandollars. Be sure to through the live starfish and sandollars back into the water. The live ones are usually darker in color.
   3. Picknicks and Beach Games: Plan for a beach picnic with your favorite snacks and beverages and enjoy a delicious meal with a stunning ocean view. Additionally, bring along beach games such as volleyball, frisbee, or beach bocce for some friendly competition with family and friends. In my years of beach experience I have found that hotdogs, premade tacos, lunch meat/cheese tortilla rollups, chips, granola bars and plenty of water and drinks. 
   4. Driving on the Beach:  You can drive on the beach in Port Aransas in your vehicle or rent a golf cart. Port Aransas is a golf cart friendly community. Just be sure you have your beach parking pass on the windshield and follow normal driving rules. Remember the beach is considered a city road and all driving rules still apply.
   5. Keep our Beach Clean: Be sure to secure your trash and to dispose of it in the designated trash receptacles. We have lots of Sealife like seagulls, pelicans, sea turtles and more that call our beaches home. Lets keep them safe by picking up our trash. At the beach entry points there are blue boxes that contain yellow beach trash bags to use. Be kind and clean your area.
   6. Beach Dunes: The beach dunes are there to protect the city of Port Aransas from storm surges and high tides. The beach dunes can seem like a fun area to play and to great vantage point to snap a picture but be mindful as this area is called home by many animal life including coyotes and rattlesnakes.
   7. Handicap Accessible: Most areas of the beach is wheel chair accessible. However it could be difficult should the sand be too soft. The City of Port Aransas has Mobile Chair available to rent. It is a wheel chair with large beach worthy tires and floats to gain wheelchair access to the water! Click here to more info on the Mobi Chair and details on how to rent it. 

Safety Tips for a Fun and Relaxing Beach Day

 

While enjoying your time on the beach, it’s essential to prioritize safety to ensure a fun and relaxing experience for everyone. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Stay Hydrated: The sun and salty air can quickly lead to dehydration, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. 
2. Apply Sunscreen: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen regularly, especially if you plan on spending extended periods in the sun. Sun shirts available in most stores are a great added sun protection barrier. You can even swim in them.
3. Respect Wildlife: Port Aransas is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds and sea turtles. Be respectful of their habitat and avoid disturbing or feeding them. It is advised to fill any holes dug during your beach play so sea turtles do not fall and get stuck. 
4. Be Aware of Rip Currents: Pay attention to any warning flags and be cautious of rip currents, especially if you plan on swimming in the ocean. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current’s pull. More info on Rip Currents.

 

What time of Day to visit the Beach in Port Aransas

 

1. 

   Sunrise: Grab your coffee and cruise down to the beach in the morning. The air is calm and beach is quite before the days beach goers arrive. Watch the sun peak over the water in the distance painting the sky with the morning’s colors. This is also the best time for beachcombing as the tide is low and the day is new and treasures have yet to be found.

2. Morning: Morning is the best time to pick your spot for the day before it starts getting crowded. In the summer the morning is a great beach time before the day gets hot.
3. Midday/Afternoon: Midday/afternoon is the most popular time of day to be at the beach in Port Aransas. The beach is bustling with activity. Volleyball games, surfing, kite flying, BBQing, kids playing and so so much more. Its fun to cruise your golf cart up and down the beach see all the fun things and make a new friend or two.
4. Evening: Plan for dinner and a bonfire on the beach is one of my favorite things to do with friends and family. Everyone gathers around the fire for a relaxing evening and chatting about the days adventures. Be sure to bring glow sticks for the

   

   kiddos, they think its fun and I have piece of mind being able to easily see them once it gets dark.  Flashlights make for fun evening beachcombing as well. Use the flashlight to discover shells and to help spot ghost crabs. Ghost crabs burrow in the sand and are nocturnal . They are about 1.5″- 2″ in size. We like to make a game out of catching the ghost crabs. Just be sure not to hurt them and to release them as they keep our beaches free of pesky bugs like sand fleas. Bonfires must be 50 feet away from the dunes and no bigger than 3 feet in diameter. Also be sure to put the fire completely out and cover the hole. You can use a sand toy bucket and get water from the beach to put the fire out. You can also hire Rolling Tide Beach Boils and Bonfires to take care of the fire for you. ~Beach Bonfire must haves: wood to burn, chairs, shovel, lighter/fluid, glow sticks, flashlights, sand toys & smores/drinks.

 

Best Times to Visit

When is the best time to visit Port Aransas with children? The best time to visit Port Aransas depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities. Spring Break and summer time are likely the busiest time due to holiday breaks and the warmer weather. Personally, October is my favorite time of year here in Port A. It is the weather sweet spot as its not too hot and not too cold and the water is still warm enough to swim.

Spring (March – May): Spring is a pleasant time to visit Port Aransas, with mild temperatures and

lower humidity compared to the summer months. Wildflowers bloom, and migratory birds pass through the area, making it a great time for nature enthusiasts. Spring break can bring increased crowds, especially during March, so plan accordingly if you prefer quieter beaches. 

~Spring Annual Festivals/Events/Long Weekends:  Spring Break, St Patty’s Day, SandFest, Mothers Day, Palm Fest, Memorial Day

Summer (June to August): Summer is peak tourist season in Port Aransas, with warm temperatures perfect for beach activities and water sports. Families with children often visit during summer vacation, so expect larger crowds, especially on weekends and holidays. Be prepared for higher accommodation rates during this time, and make reservations well in advance.

~Summer Annual Festivals/Events/Long Weekends: Juneteenth, Fathers Day, Independence Day Fireworks, Deep Sea Roundup, Texas Woman’s Anglers Tournament

Fall (September to November): This is our favorite time of year. Fall offers pleasant weather with slightly cooler temperatures compared to summer and the water is still warm, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. Crowds tend to thin out after Labor Day, allowing for a more relaxed atmosphere. Fall fishing season begins, attracting anglers to the area for excellent fishing opportunities. 

~Fall Annual Festivals/ Events/Long Weekends: Labor Day, Pirate Parade, Surf Fest, Beachtober Fest, Wooden Boat Festival, Harvest Moon Regatta, Port A Days Festival, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving

Winter (December to February): Winter in Port Aransas is mild compared to many other parts of the country, with temperatures typically ranging from the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit. While it may not be warm enough for swimming, winter is still a great time for activities like birdwatching, hiking, and exploring the area without the summer crowds. Accommodation rates are often lower during the winter months, and you may find discounts or special offers at local hotels and vacation rentals.

~Winter Annual Festivals, Events/Long Weekends: Christmas, New Years, MLK Day, Restaurant Week, Mardi Gras Parade, Presidents Day, Whooping Crane Festival

You can see our full calendar here.

Check out these popular events happening in Port A when you and your family visit:

Port Aransas Yearly Planner by Jennifer Seymour

 

 

Port A Bucket List:

Start the Ultimate Port A Bucket List! We put together the ultimate things to do list/scavenger hunt for Port Aransas. Do it as a family or individually. It may take a few trips to Port Aransas to complete all the things on the list. There is a fun scavenger for the littles as well.

Ultimate Port A Bucket List with paid ads by Jennifer Seymour

 

Map of Port Aransas

 

Port Aransas has a plethora of history and nature areas to explore. Offering nature trails, bird watching, allegator/dolphin/sea turtle sightings and more. Did you know know Franklin D Roosevelt has a signed Tarpon scale in Port Aransas? Or that we have a remnants of a WWII Gun Mounts? Check out our map for a self-guided tours through Port Aransas be sure to include a stop at the Port Aransas History Museum.

 

Always something fun happening Port Aransas:

Be sure to check out our calendar of events to stay posted on the fun things to do with kids in Port Aransas!  Port A Bucket List Calendar 

 

 

Other Things to Do in Port Aransas

 

So many things to do in Port Aransas

1. Beyond Dolphin Watching: This is a great guide on where to connect with nature in Port Aransas. Lots of information on Fishing charters, birdwatching, and nature trails. Did you know we have a resident alligator named Boots?
2. Culinary Delights: Local eateries serving fresh seafood and coastal cuisine a guide to Port Aransas restaurants. Did you know most places will cook your fishing catch?
3. Events and Festivals: Always something going on from live music, art shows, and festivals. Check out our calendar and plan your Port Aransas Escape. Did you know Port Aransas is an official live music city of Texas?
4. Ultimate Port A Bucket List: A downloadable things-to-do-and-see checklist for an immersive Port Aransas experiences!
5. Where to Eat in Port Aransas: Full guide on where to eat in Port Aransas, From family friendly, pet friendly, breakfast places and the best fish tacos.