Port Aransas is a beautiful beachside vacation destination in Texas. Known for its great beaches, natural wildlife, and friendly town atmosphere, Port Aransas is a great place for a getaway for anyone looking to relax and unwind. Although you can likely expect lovely warm and sunny weather in Port Aransas year-round, occasionally you’ll experience a rainy day or two here. However, a bit of rain doesn’t mean that your vacation is ruined! Take the opportunity to explore the town of Port Aransas and pass the time until the clouds clear and the beaches open again. Keep reading to find out our top picks for rainy day activities in Port Aransas!
Port Aransas Museum & Farley Boat Works
It is easy to be disappointed when you’re rained out during your beach vacation, but the silver lining is that it offers you plenty of opportunity to explore the town of Port Aransas! One of the top sites in town is the Port Aransas Museum and Farley Boat Works. These two destinations are less than a mile apart and both offer great insights into the rich history of the Port Aransas area. At the Port Aransas Museum, you’ll find the interesting artifacts such as The Fourth Order Fresnel lens that graced the top of the Lydia Ann Lighthouse from 1878 to 1952, the bell from the train that brought the rocks to build the jetties, and vintage films of Port Aransas from the 1920s and 30s. Farley Boat Works was originally established in 1915 and recently re-established in 2011. This fully functioning boat shop is a living exhibit of boats from past, present, and even future as new boats are continually being built here. The Port Aransas Museum is open Thursdays-Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm and offers free admission, although donations are kindly encouraged. Farley Boat Works is open Tuesdays-Thursdays from 8am-12pm and 1pm-3pm and Satrudays and Sundays from 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm. Admission to Farley Boat Works is also free! Both of these attractions are a great way to spend a rainy afternoon and take in some local history in Port Aransas.
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute
Many people choose to visit Port Aransas due to its abundance of natural wildlife on both the shores and the land. On a rainy day when you can’t enjoy these in the wild, why not head to the University of Texas Marine Science Institute and learn more? The Marine Science Institute has long been a fun destination in Port Aransas for both tourists and locals alike but has been closed for several years following damage from Hurricane Harvey. Recently renovated and newly opened, the Marine Science Institute is open for visitors Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10am-4pm. Admission here is free, and the Institute is full of exhibits that showcase the natural habitats found around the Port Aransas area and features interactive exhibits that are sure to delight family members of all ages. Outside of the institute is a great photo op with the sculpture “Interdependency” from local sculptor Kent Ullberg. This sculpture, from a distance, appears to be a straightforward depiction of a fish leaping out of the water. However, as you get closer, you’ll find details of other ocean creatures within the sculpture that highlight the connectedness of the coasts and the oceans. This sculpture is a great visual reminder that drives home the message of everything you’ll learn from your visit to the Marine Science Institute. Any ocean lover will be delighted by an afternoon spent here!
Port Aransas and Mustang Island Chamber of Commerce
On a rainy day in Port Aransas, learn more about where to spend your time by making a stop at the local Chamber of Commerce. Open Mondays-Fridays from 8:30am-4:30pm, this is a great place to visit to learn more about fun activities, sites, and destinations in the area and get some great facts and stories from the staff here. Not only can you find out about great local destinations, but also find out about great dining spots in the area and learn the best places to rent equipment and hit the water once the sun comes out again. Whether it’s your first time in Port Aransas or you’ve visited several times before, the Chamber of Commerce is a great stop in town to find out all the news in Port Aransas!
A visit to Port Aransas is usually filled with lots of sun, surf, and fishing, but don’t let a rainy day spoil all the fun. You can still enjoy a great day vacationing in Port Aransas, even when the weather isn’t cooperating. Learn more about the local history and the wildlife here during your rainy day in Port Aransas! For a great beachside Texan vacation, book your trip to Port Aransas today!