PORT ARANSAS, TEXAS

Port Aransas Preservation & Historical Association

PAPHA is dedicated to preserving this tiny fishing town. To this end, the institutions and programs are proudly supported, including the Port Aransas Museum, Farley Boat Works, the Scow Schooner Project and the future Maritime Museum. 501(c)(3) dedicated to promoting citizen participation in preserving Port Aransas’ history, environment, & ambiance.

Chapel on the Dunes

High on a sand dune overlooking the Gulf of Mexico in Port Aransas, there is a little white Chapel, the oldest functional consecrated church on the Island. Known locally as the Chapel on the Dunes, it was built between 1937 and 1938 by Aline B. Carter. This historical church is one of the Eight Wonders of Port Aransas and is the site for many small weddings, memorial services, and baptisms.

Palmilla Beach Golf

Palmilla is fun, fresh, fast play and Texas’ only True Links course (think St. Andrews with its coastal setting of dunes, wide bunkers and fast greens).

Originally designed by Arnold Palmer, Palmilla is now a 12 hole course, including 9 holes of regulation play plus The Loop, our 3 hole short course.

Everyone is welcome. There is no membership required nor is there a dress code (though we do suggest you do wear clothes!). The only ‘requirement’ is that you and your friends have a great time on our greens.

Portaparasailing

What you may not realize is what an incredible experience you are missing out on! We recommend that everyone try parasailing in Port Aransas at least once in their life.
Whether you are just visiting Port Aransas or you’ve lived here for years, you will be blown away by how beautiful the world looks from 400 feet above.

Gettin’ Salty Watersports Inc.

Take a scenic and fun trip around Mustang Island on a jet ski. Gettin’ Salty allows you to explore the beautiful coast and bay of Port Aransas and surrounding areas. You can also schedule guided fishing trips available upon request and dolphin tours.

Scarlet Lady Dolphin Cruise

The Scarlet Lady™ is one of the most exciting Dolphin Watching Adventure Tours in Port Aransas. Cruise along the waters of the Lydia Ann Channel in search of wild dolphins, flocks of sea birds, and enjoy viewing the iconic Lydia Ann Lighthouse. Tours depart out of Captain Kelly’s Deep Sea Headquarters conveniently located right next to the ferry landing in Port Aransas. Don’t miss out on one of Port Aransas’ Must-Do’s, the Scarlet Lady™ Dolphin Watching Adventure Tour, and book today!

Bron’s Beach Carts & Backyard

The original “to-go bar” in Port Aransas has expanded to include Bron’s Backyard! Fun for the entire family. Snow cones and slushies for the youngsters and adult beverages for the big kids! Have a great time playing yard games such as corn hole, hula hoop, giant Jenga, ping pong and test your skills on all types of video games. Relax under the big umbrellas or on the patio deck while listening to live music. Bron’s Backyard is a great place for large groups to gather or to host weddings and receptions.

Concert & Live Music

There is nothing quite like setting out for a night on the town flanked by live music, cold brews, and a balmy coastal breeze. Whether you’re looking for a night out with friends or a more intimate date night, in Port Aransas you will find good times and good tunes, guaranteed. This beach town has everything needed to set the mood just right–and then some–for locals and visitors alike.

Copelands, Inc

Rig diving can be quite outstanding and is a favorite among many local divers. Rigs are essentially vertical reefs, requiring little effort to cover large areas. Species abound and on any given day, you are likely to encounter almost anything. Common species include Barracuda, Bermuda Chubs, Spanish Hogfish, Lookdowns, Atlantic Spadefish, Cobia, a myriad of Snappers, Groupers, Jacks, Sharks, Angelfishes, Damselfish, Blennies, Wrasses, and so on and so forth. The list is quite long. Less frequent visitors include species such as Whale Sharks and Mantas, Rainbow Runners, Parrotfish, African Pompano, Yellowtail Snapper and Palmetto, to name a few.

Skydive South Texas, Port Aransas

Bringing the thrill of skydiving to Corpus Christi, Padre Island, Mustang Island and Port Aransas, Skydive South Texas offers views of the Coastal Bend that can’t be beat! The locally owned and operated business is Texas’ only tropical skydiving destination. The drop zone is located on Mustang Island – after your dive, you can explore the popular island destination that has something for everyone.

Port Aransas Fishing Charter

Choose The best out of 184 charter fishing deals in Port Aransas.
All you have to bring with you is a valid Texas Saltwater Fishing License, which you can purchase online, some snacks and drinks, and protection against the sun.
Everything else will be taken care of so you can enjoy your trip with the family and catch delicious fish all day long!

Texas SandFest

Texas SandFest is the largest native-sand sculpture competition in the USA. What began as a small local competition in 1997 has grown into an internationally recognized three-day family event that draws renowned sand sculptors and tens of thousands of visitors from around the world each year to Port Aransas. Texas SandFest attendees enjoy amazing sand sculptures, food, live music, kids’ activities and shopping for arts & crafts, apparel, jewelry, furniture, souvenirs and more.

Whooping Crane Festival

Each year since 1996, the Whooping Crane Festival has celebrated the annual return of the cranes to their wintering habitat at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. The Texas Coastal Bend is the only place where you can see the world’s last naturally occurring population of Whooping Cranes.