Discover PORT ARANSAS, TEXAS – 10 ESSENTIAL Things to Do!

Looking for the best things to do in Port Aransas?
From sky-high thrills and wild dolphin encounters to laid-back beach days and pirate cruises, this guide covers the top 10 Port Aransas things to do that make it one of the most exciting coastal towns in Texas.

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⏱️ Timestamps – Best Things to Do in Port Aransas

00:00 Discover Port Aransas Texas – 10 Essential Things to Do!
00:18 Chute ‘Em Up Parasailing – Port A from 300 feet up
01:14 Red Dragon Pirate Cruise – Family fun on the high seas
02:24 Palmilla Beach Golf Club – Scenic coastal golf with ocean views
03:04 Dolphin Watching on the Scarlet Lady – Up-close with wild dolphins
03:57 Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center – Wild gators and rare birds
05:23 Skydive South Texas – Freefall over the Gulf of Mexico
06:15 Horace Caldwell Pier – Iconic fishing spot and sunset views
07:00 Mustang Island State Park – Quiet, wide-open beach escape
07:50 Fisherman’s Wharf & Deep Sea Fishing – Catching big ones offshore
09:08 Port Aransas Beach – The crown jewel of Mustang Island

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Greetings!
Port Aransas is packed with adventure, personality, and some of the most surprising 
activities you’ll find on the Texas coast. Be sure to stay till the very end, 
as we’ve included two fun facts at unexpected moments in this video.
One of them involves wheels, sand, and a traffic jam you’ve never seen before.
Let’s get started. For a view of Port Aransas you won’t get 
anywhere else, head to Chute ‘Em Up Parasailing. This experience takes you up to 
300 feet in the air for a smooth, panoramic ride over the Gulf of Mexico.
You launch right from the back of the boat and slowly rise into the sky, attached to a 
parachute that opens as the boat picks up speed. Once you’re up there, the noise fades 
away and the views are incredible. You can see the entire shoreline, the jetties, 
the marina, and even pods of dolphins in the water below if you’re lucky.
The ride lasts about 10 minutes, but the full experience, including 
the boat tour, takes about an hour. It’s peaceful, it’s scenic, and 
surprisingly calm, especially for something that looks extreme from the ground.
You can ride solo, tandem, or even triple depending on weight and weather conditions.
The crew keeps things light and fun while making safety a priority from start to finish.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to see Port A from above, this is it.
And yes, they’ll even dip your feet in the water before bringing you back in.
The Red Dragon Pirate Cruise is one of the most entertaining ways to get 
out on the water in Port Aransas. The ship is a full-sized replica of 
a pirate vessel, complete with sails, cannons, and a crew in full costume.
The cruise leaves from Fisherman’s Wharf. Onboard, you can expect 
sword fights, treasure hunts, water gun battles, and comedy performances.
It’s interactive, loud, and packed with surprises that keep the energy up from start to finish.
For parents and adults tagging along, there’s a full-service bar, so it’s 
easy to relax while the chaos unfolds. The crew is great at getting everyone 
involved, and the show feels just as much like theater as it does a boat ride.
As the ship sails past dolphins and scenic shorelines, the entire experience becomes 
part performance, part sightseeing. It’s also one of the best places 
to grab memorable vacation photos, especially during the sunset cruises.
You don’t need to be a pirate fan to enjoy it. Just bring a sense of humor 
and be ready to laugh. If you’re enjoying the video so 
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Thanks, I really appreciate your support! The Palmilla Beach Golf Club brings a coastal 
twist to the traditional golf experience. This isn’t your typical 
course surrounded by trees. Here, the fairways are open, the sea 
breeze changes your shots, and you get views of the Gulf from several holes.
It’s a links-style course, designed to challenge your accuracy more than your power.
Even if you’re not a serious golfer, the layout is friendly enough for casual players to enjoy.
The course is well-maintained, and the greens roll true.
Golf carts come equipped with GPS, which helps if you’re not familiar with the layout.
There’s also a nine-hole option called “The Loop,” perfect for those who want a quicker round.
Palmilla is ideal for anyone looking to mix golf with a true beach town atmosphere.
If seeing dolphins up close is on your list, the Scarlet Lady Dolphin Adventure is 
one of the best ways to make it happen. This custom-built catamaran was launched 
in 2015 and was designed specifically for smooth cruising through the Lydia Ann Channel.
At just under 50 feet long, it comfortably carries up to 48 passengers with open-air seating, 
plenty of shade, and space to move around. Because of its catamaran design, the ride stays 
steady, even for those prone to motion sickness. As the boat moves along the channel, dolphins 
often swim right alongside it, riding the wake or popping up close enough for great photos.
The crew keeps a lookout and points out dolphins as they appear, giving everyone a chance 
to see them in their natural habitat. There’s also a full bar onboard, and the 
piña coladas are a favorite among regulars. You can enjoy a drink while scanning the 
water for movement or snapping pictures with the barrier islands in the background.
It’s a fun way to spend an hour and a half on the water with a few surprises along the way.
The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center is one of the most peaceful and 
unique spots in Port Aransas. It’s located just off Ross Avenue, 
but once you’re on the boardwalk, it feels like a completely different world.
The walkway stretches out over marshland, giving you front-row views of native birds, 
fish, and sometimes even an alligator or two. The observation tower gives you 
a wider look at the wetlands and is a great place to take pictures.
You’ll spot roseate spoonbills, herons, egrets, and ducks throughout the year, with 
even more variety during migration seasons. There are signs posted along the path that 
help identify the species you’re seeing. The experience is slow-paced and 
perfect for anyone looking to unwind from the busier parts of town.
It’s also wheelchair-accessible, so anyone can enjoy the walk.
Early mornings are best if you want to catch the birds when they’re most active.
It shows off a side of Port Aransas that a lot of visitors miss.
Just bring your camera and take your time. And now for the first bonus fun fact:
Every spring, Port Aransas hosts Texas SandFest, one of the largest sand 
sculpting festivals in the U.S. Professional sculptors and amateurs from 
around the world compete to create massive, detailed sand art right on the beach.
You’ll see everything from giant sea creatures to full castles, built 
with nothing but sand and water. The event also features food vendors, 
live music, and activities for families. It draws big crowds, so it’s 
a good idea to plan ahead. And remember, the sculptures only last until the 
tide comes in, so don’t wait too long to visit. If you’re up for a serious 
adrenaline rush, Skydive South Texas takes adventure to another level.
Located right on the edge of Mustang Island Airport, this experience gives you 
a rare chance to free-fall over the gulf. After a short briefing and safety prep, you’ll 
board a small plane that climbs up with views of the entire coastline, including Corpus Christi 
Bay and the surrounding barrier islands. Once the door opens and you make that jump, 
it’s a heart-pounding moment you won’t forget. The freefall lasts about 40 seconds before 
the parachute opens and things slow down. That’s when the full beauty 
of the island hits you. You can see the ship channel cutting through 
the water and the thin line of Port Aransas Beach stretching across the coast.
The landing happens right on the beach, so you get the thrill and the 
photo-worthy finish all in one. This isn’t your average vacation activity.
It’s for anyone who wants to turn their trip into something unforgettable and feel a kind of freedom 
you just can’t get standing on the ground. Horace Caldwell Pier is one of the 
most iconic landmarks in Port Aransas. Stretching over twelve hundred feet into 
the Gulf, it’s a favorite spot for fishing, photography, and catching the ocean breeze.
It’s easy to access right off the main beach, and there’s no need for a boat or guide 
to enjoy a solid day of fishing here. You can rent rods and gear from the shop at 
the base of the pier, or just bring your own. People catch everything from pompano to 
redfish and even the occasional shark. But even if you’re not fishing, 
the pier is still worth walking. The views from the end are wide open, and 
it’s one of the best places in town to watch surfers take on the waves near the shore.
Sunrise and sunset both offer amazing lighting. And the ocean breeze keeps things 
comfortable, even on hot days. It’s a simple experience, but that’s 
what makes it so memorable. Mustang Island State Park gives you a chance 
to enjoy the coastline without the crowds. It’s located just south of Port 
Aransas and offers five miles of undeveloped shoreline where you can 
swim, fish, paddle, or just relax. The beach here feels quieter and more 
natural compared to the ones in town. There’s plenty of space to set up for the 
day, and you can even drive onto the sand if you have a beach permit.
Camping is also available, with sites for both tents and RVs.
That means you can wake up just steps from the Gulf and have the beach all 
to yourself in the early morning. For those into kayaking, the park is 
part of the Texas Paddling Trail system. You can explore calm bays and 
see coastal wildlife up close. Birdwatchers love it too, especially 
during spring and fall migrations. If you’re looking to slow things down and enjoy 
the natural side of the island, this is the spot. It’s open, peaceful, and lets you connect 
with the water in a different way. Fisherman’s Wharf is the launch point for some 
of the best offshore fishing trips in the state. Located in the heart of Port Aransas, 
it’s a full-service marina with everything you need to head into deeper water.
From the docks, you can book a half-day, full-day, or even overnight charter 
targeting red snapper, kingfish, mahi-mahi, or tuna depending on the season.
The guides here know the Gulf well and take care of everything from baiting 
your hook to cleaning your catch. You don’t have to be experienced 
to have a good time. Just show up ready to fish, 
and they’ll handle the rest. For those who prefer to stay on land, the 
marina itself is still worth visiting. You can watch boats come in with their 
catch, grab a bite at the nearby restaurants, or browse through the local shops.
There’s always something happening here. It’s one of the most active and 
exciting corners of Port Aransas. And if you do land a big one, it’ll be the 
story you tell long after the trip is over. Time for our second bonus fun fact:
In Port Aransas, golf carts aren’t just for the golf course.
They’re fully street legal and one of the most popular ways to get around town.
You’ll see them cruising down the road, parked at restaurants, and even lined 
up at the beach like regular cars. Some are tricked out with lift 
kits, lights, and sound systems. During busy weekends, it’s not unusual to see 
actual traffic jams made entirely of golf carts. It’s a laid-back, low-speed way to explore and 
honestly, once you try it, you’ll probably wish your town allowed it too.
Port Aransas Beach is the heart of the island experience.
It stretches for miles along the Gulf, offering soft sand, warm water, and a laid-back atmosphere 
that brings people back year after year. This is where locals and visitors come to swim, 
sunbathe, fish, or just hang out by the water. You can drive right onto the sand with a beach 
permit, which makes setting up for the day easy. There’s room to spread out, 
even on busy weekends. If you’re into surfing or boogie 
boarding, the waves near Horace Caldwell Pier are usually reliable.
Early mornings are perfect for walking the shoreline, collecting shells, or 
just listening to the sound of the surf. Evenings bring some of the best 
sunsets on the Texas coast. It’s also one of the few places where bonfires 
are allowed in designated areas, giving you a chance to enjoy the beach well after dark.
No trip to Port Aransas feels complete without at least one full day spent here.
It’s simple, it’s beautiful, and it’s the one place that truly captures 
the spirit of this island town. That wraps up the best things 
to do in Port Aransas! Which one is at the top of your list?
Drop a comment below and let us know! And before you go, hit that subscribe 
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