Story and photos by Julie Suman (unless otherwise indicated)
Welcome to Port A, Playground on the Texas Coast
Affectionately known by locals as Port A, this laid back community welcomes out of town guests with an abundance of activities. From birding to boogie boarding to jetting around town in a golf cart, there is fun available for all ages.
Located on Mustang Island, an 18 mile long barrier island, Port A is within a three to four hours drive from Houston and San Antonio. This town of approximately 4,000 residents offers wide, walkable sandy beaches fanned by tropical breezes. Port A is a round year destination with plenty of surprises. And it’s also a destination for “Winter Texans”—a secret definition for Northerners that trek to Port Aransas to live out the winter months.
Beach Fun in Port Aransas
The Gulf of Mexico slowly rolls onto the flat beaches that line Mustang Island where the sunrises are peaceful and plentiful. The shallow depths near the shore make this a great family destination. And the consistent swells near the jetties and piers lend some action for the surfing crowd.
A unique feature in Port A is that vehicles are permitted direct access to the beach. Pull right in, set up your beach chair and just hang out for the day. Break out your kite and take advantage of the gulf breezes. Or head down to the 1,200-foot-long Horace Caldwell Pier at IG Magee Beach for a little fishing.
Golf Carts on the Beach
Since the beaches are readily accessible by vehicles, Port A is a golf cart lover’s dream. Here, golf carts sporting flags and banners of all shapes and sizes jet around town as well as up and down the beach. Access to a golf cart provides fun transportation to and from the beach. There are well over twelve locations to rent a golf cart during your stay.
Nature Preserves in Port Aransas
Among the five nature preserves in Port A, Charlie’s Pasture is one of the most visited. The nature preserve highlights coastal prairie habitat. Designed with 3 miles of hiking and biking trails, the nature preserve provides the opportunity to get active or enjoy a picnic at one the pavilions and picnic tables. Of note, current rehabilitation efforts are ongoing to repair damage to the facility due to effects of Hurricane Harvey.
For those wanting to learn more about aquatic life, the city has multiple locations with dolphin tours. In addition, the Animal Rehabilitation Keep (ARK), which focuses on protecting and rehabilitating birds, sea turtles and tortoises, provides educational tours.
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
As Port A is located along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, birding enthusiasts will appreciate the both local and migratory species. The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center allows visitors to stroll through raised boardwalks and gardens filled with native plants that attract all things with wings. Here, butterflies float about colorful blooms. An observation tower provides wide open views as well as the chance to spot the resident alligator.
Northern shovelers, loggerhead shrikes, great blue herons, and the Port Aransas city bird, the Roseate Spoonbill all flock to this region. The winter months bring the American white pelican, redhead ducks, whooping cranes and many more. Held each February, the Whooping Crane Festival, celebrates the migration of this endangered species with presentations, guided boat tours and photography opportunities.
Local Artisans in Port Aransas
Port A may be a small town, but there are not shortage of boutiques and shopping. Everything from beach gear to coastal furnishings to beach themed Christmas ornaments are available. There are also a number of artisans featuring locally made wares such as the artwork and pottery at Potters on Cotter, which is also a working potter studio.
Texas Sandfest and other Festivals
In addition to the Whooping Crane Festival in February, Port A has a number of events throughout the year. Each July, the town hosts a family friendly fishing tournament, the Deep Sea Roundup. The fall brings a series of festivals such as Texas Superchef and Port Aransas Live Music Fest. The three day long Texas Sandfest, the largest native-sand sculpture competition in the USA, is now scheduled for April 2021.
Eat at the Beach
No trip to the beach would be complete without great seafood choices, ice cream, snow cones and pizza joints. A local favorite is Moby Dick’s seafood. Port A Pizzeria will deliver your pie directly to the beach. And for a rejuvenating cup of java, head to Coffee Waves.
Stay at the Beach in Port Aransas
Port A is more than a weekend destination and has plenty of places to stay. Beach rentals that can house multiple generations line the streets and often come with their own golf cart. Beach home and condo rentals provide the ideal spot to chill on your own porch, listen to the palms and sip a cocktail. And for those that enjoy the camper life, there are multiple RV parks and the ability to camp or park your RV right on the beach with a beach permit.
