Port Aransas Bucket List

Port A Bucket List Logo shape of Texas with a Palm tree

Do Nature

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Port Aransas

Do Nature

Where to Connect with Nature In Port Aransas Texas

Do Nature Self Guided Nature Tour – Car, Cart or Bike around town on our Self-Guided Nature Tour. Our Map of Port Aransas has the key to find the best hiking trails and best places to spot our local wildlife. 

Save our Beach – In many places along the beach, you will find free yellow beach bags. They are there to promote clean beaches.  The yellow bags are provided by the City of Port Aransas and the blue boxes on the beach are kept stocked by Keep Port Aransas Beautiful volunteers.

Beachcombing – Beachcombing is when you scour the beach looking for treasures! The best time to go beachcombing is after a storm and after high tide. You can find starfish, sandollars, and shells galore! Be sure to bring the yellow beach garbage bag to pick up any trash that washes up as well. 

“Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Port Aransas, Texas! Explore pristine beaches, lush marshlands, and scenic nature trails that showcase the area’s diverse ecosystem. From birdwatching to beachcombing, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures to enjoy. Discover the enchanting wildlife of Mustang Island State Park, embark on a thrilling eco-tour through the coastal waters, or simply unwind amidst the soothing sounds of the Gulf breeze. Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast or simply seeking tranquility in nature, Port Aransas offers endless opportunities to reconnect with the great outdoors. Plan your nature-filled escape today and experience the magic of this coastal haven!” – Port A Bucket List

Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center: The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center showcases our vast variety of bird life. Be on the lookout for Boots, our resident 14-foot alligator!! There is a free weekly program called Birding on the Boardwalk every Wednesday at 9am. 

Charlie’s Pasture:  Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture is a bike/walking trail from the Community Park through the pasture and ending at the ship channel. The Nature Preserve offers a free Nature Walk the 3rd Saturday of everymonth at 8am. The tour meets at the Entrance at 2650 Hwy 361.  Registration required at porta.recdesk.com

Free Nature Preserve Yoga at the pavilion at the end of Port St. in Charlie’s Pasture every Tuesday at 12:30 p.m.  

Joan & Scott Holt Paradise Pond, is another nature preserve site.  Paradise Pond is a wooded freshwater pond. The entrance is the driveway in between Shark Reef Motel and San Juan Restaurant.  

Roberts Point Park: Roberts Point Park is a great place to spend the day. Lots of picnic tables, play areas, and even fishing! It is buzzing with activities.  The Port Aransas Park and Rec department hosts free Concerts on the 2nd Friday of each month from March through October. Check out or Calendar for events. 

Jetties my favorite place to go and enjoy the beach while watching the ships come in. All of the beach views with a lot less sand. You’re very likely to see playful families of dolphins as well as sea turtles & many large birds.

Go Fishing: Port Aransas is the fishing capitol of South Texas! Here is more info on the local fishing scene.   

Nurture your nature lover UT Marine Science Institute is a free and educational place where your kids are sure to learn a few things about marine life and habitats. Home of the ARK (Amos Rehabilitation Keep) where you can reserve a guided turtle tour 

 

Lydia Ann Lighthouse – Historic Lydia Ann Lighthouse is a must see! You can only see it via a water tour. Most dolphin and sightseeing tours will take you to view the lighthouse.  Entry to the lighthouse is not permitted. History of the Lydia Ann Lighthouse.

Dolphin/Sea Turtle Watching- The jetty is the perfect place to find families of dolphins or even sea turtles! Enjoy strolling down the giant jetty stones & spotting the most beautiful marine life.

Bird Watching – Did you know there are hundreds of species of birds that migrate to Port Aransas every year?

Uncover the avian wonders of Port Aransas, Texas, a premier destination for birdwatching enthusiasts! With its diverse habitats ranging from coastal marshes to expansive beaches, Port Aransas attracts a plethora of bird species year-round. Spot majestic migratory birds, colorful shorebirds, and elusive rarities as you explore the area’s renowned birding hotspots. From the vibrant Port Aransas Nature Preserve to the tranquil wetlands of Charlie’s Pasture, each outing promises exciting sightings and unforgettable moments in nature. Plan your birdwatching excursion and discover why Port Aransas is a paradise for both novice and seasoned birders alike!

One of the oldest Live Oak Tree In Texas: This Live Oak tree, known as The Big Tree, held the title for largest Oak Tree in Texas from 1969-2003. To this majestic tree you take a ferry boat from Port Aransas across the channel to Goose Island State Park. This old Texas oak tree is amazing!

Save Our Beach Grab a yellow bag and help the community by picking up trash along the beach and dunes. Yellow bags are located at the beach entrances of ….. And can be found at IGA and Coastal Eds Golf Carts.

Keep Her Wild – Port Aransas Conservancy’s, or PAC’s goal is “to foster a balance of conservation and economically sustainable uses for Port Aransas and its surrounding neighborhood and waterways while recognizing that our community and economy is dependent on tourism and fisheries within a healthy barer island coastal ecosystem.” Check out there website for more info on your can help keep Port Aransas Wild.

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I can't wait to go to Port Aransas and see... dolphins, sea turtles, jellyfish, roseate spoonbills, great blue herons

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