Things to Do in Port Aransas

Port Aransas sits at the northern tip of Mustang Island, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. It's a small town with a lot going on: fishing piers, dolphin tours, a working ferry, and enough beach to lose a whole afternoon on.

On the water
The fishing here is serious. Charter boats leave from Fisherman's Wharf most mornings for offshore trips targeting red snapper, kingfish, and mahi. If you'd rather stay close to shore, the Bob Hall Pier and the jetties are free and productive year-round. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are easy to find along the main strip.

Dolphin watching
Several tour operators run 90-minute dolphin tours through the bay and the ship channel. The bottlenose dolphins that live here are used to boats and tend to put on a show. Morning departures usually have calmer water.

The Port Aransas Ferry
Free, runs 24 hours, and worth doing at least once. The crossing takes about ten minutes and gives you a good look at the channel traffic. Pelicans ride the railings the whole way across.

The beach
Mustang Island State Park is a few miles south and far quieter than the town beach. Drive-on access is available with a permit. Bring a cooler, a kite, and a few hours.

Art and culture
The Port Aransas Art Center hosts rotating shows by local and regional artists. The Community Theatre runs productions most of the year. Neither will take more than an hour, but both are worth a stop if you're in town for a few days.

Skydiving
If you want to see the island from above, Port Aransas Skydiving offers tandem jumps with views of the Gulf and the bay on the way down. No experience needed.