Things to Do
Discover the local flavor, laid-back adventures, and can't miss events that make life in Port A so special.
Restaurants
A laid-back, tiki-style atmosphere with tropical cocktails, live music, and outdoor seating perfect for soaking up the Port Aransas vibe.
A vibrant, island-style eatery known for its fresh coastal Mexican cuisine, house-made salsas, and famously strong margaritas.
An intimate, chef-owned spot serving authentic Southern Italian cuisine with a coastal twist in a charming, tucked-away setting.
A lively, family-friendly restaurant known for its hearty portions of BBQ, comfort food, and Southern favorites that satisfy all ages.
BlueWater Cowboy Saloon & Mercantile
A modern surf-and-turf spot with rooftop views, coastal cocktails, and a diverse menu of seafood, burgers, and island-style dishes.
A no-frills Cajun seafood joint where paper-covered tables, boiled shrimp, and spicy crawfish make for a messy, deliciously fun experience.
Outdoors
Feeling wistful for sunshine on your skin and sand between your toes? Click here to bring the beach to your browser with any of the webcams, your portals to Port A.
Fishing
Whether you're casting from the pier or heading offshore with a local charter, Port Aransas is a fishing paradise with opportunities for anglers of all ages and skill levels.
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
A serene coastal sanctuary featuring a 1,250‑ft elevated boardwalk over salt and freshwater marshes, two shaded observation platforms for wildlife viewing, and one of the best spots to observe roseate spoonbills, herons, alligators, and migratory birds.
Whether you're casting from the pier or heading offshore with a local charter, Port Aransas is a fishing paradise with opportunities for anglers of all ages and skill levels.
A scenic waterfront peninsula featuring a lighted fishing pier, observation tower (perfect for dolphin watching), shaded picnic areas, and a one‑mile walking and cycling path around the harbor.
Shopping
Boardhouse Surf & Skate
A family-run surf and skateboard shop in offering rentals, retail boards, surf apparel, and expert local advice for surfers and skaters alike.
Palm Republic
A fun, colorful boutique offering locally inspired apparel, beachwear, and accessories that perfectly capture the laid-back coastal lifestyle.
The Islander
A lively Port Aransas souvenir shop packed with beachwear, custom‑printed tees, shell art, and local keepsakes—perfect for finding the ideal gift or memory of your island getaway.
3rd Coast Beach Company
Stylish surf and beachwear shop stocks top-name brands (think Salt Life, Yeti, and more) alongside beach essentials, accessories, and curated gifts
Saltwater Gypsies Fine Food & Gift Market
A charming, vintage-inspired market offering curated coastal gifts, gourmet snacks, artisan jewelry, plants, and beach-style souvenirs in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Festivals
Where master sculptors turn the beach into an open-air gallery of incredible sandcastles.
In spring, kites fill the sky with color and energy, a favorite for families and photographers alike.
The town hosts a variety of tournaments throughout the year for fishing enthusiasts.
From fishing tournaments held year-round to festivals of art, food, live music, and nature, Port Aransas is a great place to spend your weekends. Be an active participant or watch the action–either way, you will feel the excitement in the big fish being landed at a tournament or the thrill of scoring a great deal during Shop Arounds. For the full scope of what’s happening around town, see the events calendar here.