With the sizzling temperatures of summer waning and the crowds dwindling away, fall is a great time to visit coastal Texas. Port Aransas is known for its waterways, white sand beaches, wildlife, and is a great coastal Texas destination on which to set your sights this fall. Whether you prefer the added entertainment of fall festivities or the serenity of a day fishing or exploring nature, you can experience it all in Port Aransas. Our favorite fall activities in Port Aransas will get you started on planning the perfect seasonal getaway!
Fishing
With prime access to Corpus Christi Bay, Aransas Bay, Redfish Bay, Port Aransas boasts top-notch inshore fishing grounds. As a gateway to the Gulf of Mexico, a host of other opportunities await on the deep sea. Whether you embark on a boat charter or enjoy a day of DIY fishing nearshore, you’re sure to land some great catches when fishing in Port Aransas.
Texas’ official saltwater fish, the redfish, are so plentiful in the Port Aransas area that there is an entire bay named after them. Available year-round, you’re sure to snag a redfish on your fall fishing trip to Port Aransas. If you plan for a deep-sea charter, prized catches such as mahi, mahi tuna, and marlin are all potential catches during fall months. Dolphin Dock and Deep-Sea Headquarters are two renowned fishing charters in Port Aransas that will get you out on the water with all the permits and gear you’ll need. If you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground and fish from the shore, be sure to check out these top fishing spots in Port Aransas. Horace Caldwell Pier, Fish Pass Jetty, Aransas Causeway, and South Jetty are a few of the top spots in Port Aransas for nearshore and surf fishing.
Birdwatching
Port Aransas’s location and terrain make it an ideal place for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. While people flock to Port Aransas for the white sand beaches and stunning ocean views, resident and migrating birds appreciate the Gulf beaches, salt marshes, and wetlands that make up this area’s terrain. The entire fall season coincides with migration season, with many birds stopping to winter in Port Aransas and some others using it as a stopping point before continuing on to Central or South America.
Get a bird’s eye view from the observation platform at Wetland Park, where you’ll spot an abundance of waterfowl and shorebirds. Gulls, terns, pelicans, and shorebirds can often be seen at the I.B. Magee Jr. Beach Park and the south jetty. An especially good site for spotting migrating species is the Joan and Scott Holt Paradise Pond Birding Center. Home to the only natural permanent freshwater wetland and pond on Mustang Island and featuring a picturesque boardwalk, you’ll want to take your time as you identify over 100 species of migrating birds. For those who would prefer the expertise of a guide, consider meeting at the 1,200-acre Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture for a guided bird walk. Though areas of the park continue to recover from hurricane damage, birding tours are still held on Saturday mornings at 8am from the Port Aransas Community Park. The tidal flats here are feeding areas and habitats for endangered and threatened species. Whether you’re an avid birder or you simply appreciate some peaceful time enjoying nature, be sure to check out these top birding sites in Port Aransas this fall!
Fall Festivals
One of the biggest events held each year in Port Aransas is Texas SandFest, this year it has been moved to October. A well-loved event by locals and visitors alike, this 3-day event draws visitors from around the world. Featuring renowned sand sculptors and amateurs alike, this fun event provides plenty for the whole family to see. The beach is filled with sand sculptures unlike any you’ve probably seen before, featuring exquisite details and unique themes. A separate Masters’ Gallery is where the true masterpieces can be found, as sculptors work to mold tons of sand into breathtaking works of art. In addition to admiring the many sand sculptures and monitoring their progress over the 3-day event, you’ll also enjoy live music, food, kids’ activities, and vendors offering arts & crafts, apparel, jewelry, furniture, and souvenirs, among other items.
Held at the end of October, the Wooden Boat Festival is another fall favorite in Port Aransas. This event features handcrafted kayaks, paddleboards, skiffs, sailing boats, and historic Farley boats – a perfectly fitting festival for this coastal town. Admire the handcrafted vessels, learn more about boating and boat building, and bring the kids along to create their own model boats!
Experience all the best that Port Aransas has to offer this fall! Still in search of Port Aransas accommodations? Browse the listings offered through us at Sandcastle Resort Condominiums here!
