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While you’re out enjoying your Port Aransas beach vacation, you’ll want to spend time at local attractions and enjoying the many activities the area has to offer. With all the fun and activity, you’re bound to hear your stomach rumble. Satisfy your hunger while taking your taste buds on a trip through Port A while you explore the town with these Port Aransas dining destinations.

Coffee Waves

Start your morning off right or grab a pick-me-up just about any time while you’re out enjoying a Port Aransas day. Every pot of their coffee starts with Nordaggio’s or Driftwood Coffee Co. roasters products, both of which specialize in small batch, specialty coffee. Choose from espresso drinks including macchiato, cappuccino, lattes, and more. Opt for any of a variety of blended drinks, from caffeinated blends like the CW frap in mocha, vanilla, or caramel. For something with less buzz, try decaffeinated Chai frap or fruit smoothies.

If you’re not in the mood for coffee, choose from various teas, hot chocolate, Mexican cocoa, or “London Fog.” Balance it all out with something to eat. Options include Boar’s Head baked goods or sandwiches, or desserts – including your choice of nearly 20 different flavors of gelato.

Hours are 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily at 1007 State Highway 361, in Port A. Call them at 361-749-0825 to find out if your favorites are available.

Crazy Cajun Seafood

Enjoy the mouthwatering tastes of BBQ and authentic Cajun dishes, right in Port A. Order the baby back ribs smothered with BBQ sauce and. Complete the meal with traditional sides like corn on the cob and new potatoes. Satisfy your hunger “by the pound” and order shrimp, snow crab, crawfish (when in season), or smoked sausage by the ½ pound or full pound – please note all seafood is priced at the current market rate.

Chow down on Cajun delights like gumbo with your choice of chicken, sausage, shrimp, or other seafood, or go for the red beans and rice. There are authentic rice dishes to choose from, as well as shrimp Creole, alongside their own “Crazy Cajun” spin on shrimp cocktail. If you just can’t decide, The Hungry Cajun dish combines just about everything on the menu, so you don’t have to choose.

They’re located at 303 East Beach Street in Port A. Hours are Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday 12-11 p.m., and Sunday 12-10 p.m. To place a to-go order, call 361-749-5069. There’s also live music to enjoy with the meal on Fridays and Saturdays!

Fins Grille & Icehouse

Kick off your meal off with starters like homemade seafood gumbo, crispy calamari, nachos, mozzarella sticks, and more. Take your taste buds to the Caribbean with their salad of the same name. It’s bursting with pineapple, craisins, goat cheese, and a variety of other fresh, local ingredients. Choose from an array of sandwiches including Po Boys and crab cake sliders or go for fish or shrimp tacos. Devour their famous burgers with tastes like mushroom Swiss, BBQ, and more.

If you can’t decide, take the advice of the staff. Choose from crab-stuffed fish, garlic fish, grilled Gulf fish, and more. Opt for “surf and turf,” or stay firmly on land with a grilled chicken breast.

Start your taste journey at 420 W Cotter Avenue Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., or Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Call in an order for pick up at 361-749-8646, or order online.

Irie’s Island Bakery

Enjoy morning classics like a cinnamon roll or try their unique “Cruffin” – a unique blend of a croissant and muffin in one. There are traditional croissants as well, along with pies, cakes, cupcakes, fruit tarts, homemade breads, and more. Come back a little later in the day for quick meal options like soups, salads, sandwiches, and a variety of specialty items.

Pick up your favorite bakery delights at 200 W. Avenue G in Port A. Call 361-749-6161 to see if your favorites are in stock or to place a special order. Stop by Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Lisa Bella’s Bistro & Java Bar

Prime your appetite and start out with some lighter fare like Texas Chevre – a blend of creamy goat cheese, fig, rosemary, and honey served with crostinis, or go for their fresh-baked garlic break with Parmesan reggiano. Try the soup of the day, or “Mermaid Soup.” It features a lobster coconut broth, shrimp, curry spices, and “secrets” only known to the staff that prepares it.

Select from an array of salads and pastas, or head straight for a main course. Seafood delights include sea scallops, wild jumbo Gulf shrimp, or seafood enchiladas. Enjoy a little surf and turf with their mixed grill – a six-ounce filet of beef tenderloin, grilled jumbo shrimp, a “duet of sauces,” golden Yukon mashed potatoes, and deliciously tender asparagus.
For dessert, satisfy your sweet tooth with “Hallelujah Chocolate Cake,” carrot ginger cake, or mouthwatering crème brûlée. Round out the meal with a featured cocktail, or the El Cafe Expres: a blend of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Kahlua coffee liqueur, and a shot of espresso served chilled and up.

They’re located at 5009 TX-361 in Port A. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 5:30-9 p.m. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Call 361-749-4222 for more information or to make reservations.

MacDaddy’s Family Kitchen

If you’re looking to add delicious BBQ to your ultimate Port A dining itinerary, make sure to stop in. Select starters including peel & eat shrimp, BBQ nachos, pulled pork, loaded sweet potato fries, and others. Create a BBQ plate with your choice of meats including sliced brisket, pork spare ribs, smoked char-grilled chicken, pulled pork, and more. Ask them to fire up the fryer for fried chicken or shrimp, or even a fried version of the catch of the day. Fill up with a ¼ pound specialty burger, cooked to your specifications.

If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, choose from their many seafood dishes. Items like lemon pepper, blackened, or Parmesan-crusted fish, and more are ready to satisfy any hunger. Finish the meal with a dessert like the cobbler flavor of the day, soft serve ice cream, pecan pie, or a Mexi-Cola or root beer float made with Mexi-Cola or root beer and soft service ice cream.

Find them at 118 Beach Street in Port A. Hours are Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Call 361-749-2271 or visit their website to make a to-go order.

Roosevelt’s at The Tarpon Inn

Whether it’s a special occasion or you’d like to sample the finer tastes of Port A, the fine dining atmosphere is a great place for your next evening meal. Start out with appetizers like jumbo lump crab cakes, Roosevelt’s signature bread, coconut shrimp, and more. Choose from a variety of salads with dressings. Enjoy various pastas or stick to a diet with vegetarian selections like their vegetarian grill, pean seared red snapper, or Parmesan crusted flounder. There are a variety of steak, lamb, poultry, and seafood entrees to choose from, too. Enjoy the Dijon encrusted rack of lamb, 14 oz ribeye or petit filet, grilled mahi-mahi, or even breast of duck. There are a variety of sauces, sides, and extras to make your dish as unique as your taste buds. Share a decadent dessert. Opt for delicious bites like crème brûlée, white chocolate bread pudding, chocolate mousse, or vanilla ice cream with caramel and strawberry drizzle.

Look for them open daily 5-9 p.m. at 224 E Cotter in Port A, behind the historic Tarpon Inn. Call 361-749-1540 or head to their website to make reservations.

Port Aransas Dining at the San Juan Restaurant

Enjoy your favorite south of the border dishes without leaving Port A. Breakfast selections feature a variety of egg dishes: ranchero-style, Mexican-style, or even cactus and eggs! Keep it simple with oatmeal and toast, fill up with pancakes, eggs, and meat, or spice it up with a Mexican omelette.

For lunch or dinner, come for a variety of gorditas, tortas, and soft tacos. Try a “plate” featuring taco salad, chicken fried steak, fajitas, and others. Wrap up the meal with the sweet taste of fried ice cream or a sopapilla bread!
Stop by 410 South Cut Off Road or call 361-749-6521 from 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily for delicious food any meal of the day.

Seafood & Spaghetti Works

Start out the meal with delicious seafood including calamari, crab cakes, and mussels, or keep your feet and your taste buds firmly on land with truffle fries, pizza sliders, and more. Enjoy seafood dishes like giant grilled shrimp, fried fish, oysters, and combo platters featuring your favorites. Choose from classic Italian dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine Alfredo, shrimp with angel hair, and a myriad of other choices.

Order up a specialty pizza or create your own from a list of delicious toppings. If you’re not in the mood for seafood or pasta, try their tacos, sandwiches, chicken and steak dishes, and even burgers. Cap the meal with a sweet selection like bread pudding, fudge cake, key lime cheesecake, Butterfinger cheesecake, and others.

Daily hours are 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. at 910 Hwy 361 in Port A. Call 361-749-5666 to ask about take out.

Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill

When you hear your stomach rumble, stop in for a delicious lunch or dinner full of seafood delight. Begin your saltwater taste bud journey and choose starters like crab cakes, poke nachos, or Boudin balls. Lighter fare includes “handhelds” like seafood Po Boys bursting with shrimp, fish, or oysters, or grab a cheeseburger, or a salad of blackened shrimp or grilled chicken.

Choose from a variety of poke bowls, or consider shrimp & grits, redfish Pontchartrain, or the charbroiled catch of the day. Landlovers can dig into steaks, chicken, beef tenderloin, or a variety of pastas.

Hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (brunch) and 3-9 p.m. (lunch and dinner). They are closed on Wednesdays. Find them at 429 N. Alister Street in Port A.

Trout Street Bar & Grill

Choose from a variety of seafood appetizers, salads, and soups to get your lunch or dinner off to a good start. Fill up with entrees including fresh snapper, redfish, or the catch of the day – fresh from Port A’s docks, a ribeye steak, and more. Satisfy your sweet tooth and wrap up the meal with bananas foster pie, carrot cake, a chocolate brownie with ice cream, or an of their other sweet selections.

Stop in at 104 W. Cotter Avenue in Port A. Hours are 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily. For those interested in the ‘dock and dine’ experience, the restaurant has one slip at the Trout Street Yacht Basin available daily on a first-come/first-serve basis. Call 361-749-2739 for more information.

Venetian Hot Plate

Enjoy a tour of Italy without leaving Port A. Start with antipasti like garlic bread, seafood appetizers, and a variety of salads. Choose beef tenderloin medallions, veal scaloppine, duck, pan-searched chicken breast for land lovers. There are various seafood dishes, too. Pastas include spaghetti, linguine, tortellini, lasagna, and fettucine tossed with things add-ons like shrimp, diver scallops, cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken breast and others. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Tahitian vanilla crème brûlée, flourless death by chocolate cake, traditional Italian tiramisu, or Tahitian vanilla bean gelato.

You can’t miss the eye-catching orange building at 232 Beach Avenue in Port A. Hours are Tuesday-Thursday 5-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5-10 p.m., and closed on Sunday and Monday. Call 361-749-7617 for reservations.

An Ultimate Dining Experience & An Ultimate Port A Stay

When you stay in a vacation rental in Port A provided by Sandcastle Condos, you’ll enjoy easy access to the beach and the crashing waves of the Gulf, many activities, attractions, shopping – and delicious local dining options. Experience ultimate Port A accommodations and an ultimate Port A dining experience when you book a vacation rental provided by Sandcastle Condos. We offer one-bedroom units for a solo or sweetheart retreat, all the way up to three bedrooms to treat more loved ones to the delicious local flavors of Port A.

Prepare your own version of something you tasted at your new favorite restaurant, or another favorite meal in the fully equipped kitchen. After the meal, spread out in an open living space for a movie or to relax. Enjoy the view from the private balcony or patio or spend some time around the beachfront community pool.

Contact us today!

No matter when or why you need a break, add a little island sand, sun, fun, water, and adventure. While there are a number of things to do and see that will surely pack your schedule, there are some must-see and do activities and attractions you’ll want to add. You won’t want to miss some of our favorites, so you can get the full Port A experience you came to enjoy. Check out our insider’s Port Aransas travel guide below!

Beaches

You can spend every day of your island retreat on the beach. Keep up on your exercise routine with a refreshing run or walk on the beach or slip into your bathing suit and pack up your gear to head out for a day on the sand or playing in the water. Spread out your blanket, plant your beach umbrella, and lounge with a book, or step out into the sun for a little sunbathing. Swim in the waves of the Gulf, or help the kids build sandcastles before taking a sunset walk on the beach.

Dining

Port A has an array of dining options, from breakfast to dinner. Find breakfast at Coffee Waves, San Juan Restaurant, or Irie’s Island Bakery, to name a few. Try unique and delicious flavors like Cajun at Crazy Cajun Seafood, or BBQ at MacDaddy’s Family Kitchen. For something a little more upscale, visit Italy at Venetian Hot Plate, or cozy up for a special meal at Roosevelt’s at the Tarpon Inn. Just about every restaurant has seafood selections, but you’ll find some of the best at establishments like Fins Grille & Icehouse, Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill, and Trout Street Bar & Grill. You can find more information on these restaurants and others in the dining section of the Sandcastle Condos website.

Glowing Kayak Tour

If you’re not an early riser like many other kayakers, consider taking the peaceful paddle in the evening and nighttime hours. Enjoy a guided kayak tour in special clear kayaks decked out in water safe LED lights! Lights come in several colors and patterns, and you can choose your own colors and sequences. With the clear vessel, you’ll see the lights dancing, as well as the sea life swimming beneath your boat. Tours are 1.5 hours and always in the evening.

Marine Life Tours

You’ll definitely want to make time to get out and tour the waters of Port A and the Gulf of Mexico. Choose a charter tour that takes you out in search of sea life including dolphins, whales, and more. Make sure to bring your camera to catch glimpses of the majestic animals, as well as the breathtaking views of the Gulf and surrounding Port A landmarks from a different perspective. Daytime and sunset tours are available from many companies, and some may allow you to bring your own snacks and beverages.

Red Dragon Pirate Cruise

Take to the seas like the pirates of a bygone era. Everyone in the group, no matter how old, will have a swashbuckling good time when you sail the high seas. Cruise the waters of the Lydia Ann Channel and enjoy activities dolphin watching, sword fighting, treasure hunting, cannon fire, and plenty of pirate mischief!

Make sure to bring your camera to capture all the memories and pirate fun. If that’s enough to get you on board, you’ll enjoy soft drinks and snacks. Plus, adult pirates over 21 can indulge in beer, wine, pina coladas, rum, tequila, and whiskey-based drinks.

Boating

Pile your whole group into one vessel together for a good time on the water. Rent a boat from one of the many rental companies in Port A and strike out on a water adventure. Set sail for a favorite fishing destination, drop anchor and go for a swim, or hook up for water sports like tubing, skiing, wakeboarding, and more. Anyone born after September 1, 1993 must acquire a Texas boating license before taking the helm of any vessel over 15 hp.

Fishing

Cast a line and see what’s biting off the shores of Port A. If it’s a casual activity for you, it may be a fun and slower paced way to keep close to the sand and water of the Gulf. Cast a lazy line from Horace Caldwell Fishing Pier and wait for a bite, or head down to Fisherman’s Wharf where you can charter a boat that will take you to the best fishing spots around Port A – or out into the wild waves of the Gulf. Many of the companies there offer half-day six-hour charters, as well as full days or multiple days at sea. Make sure all the anglers in the group secure the appropriate Texas fishing license, if necessary, before heading out.

Jet Skis

It’s easy to laze away the day at the beach without a care. But if you ever feel the need for speed, have an adrenaline-pumping good time when you rent a jet ski and slice through the waters of the Gulf around Port A at top speed. Many of the companies that rent fishing boats and pleasure boats also rent jet skis for plenty of fast-paced water excitement.
If you don’t know where to go, charter a jet ski excursion or tour of the area. The tours will also help you get comfortable with the craft or see some of the best places around the island. Anyone born after September 1, 1993 must acquire a Texas boating license before taking the helm of any vessel over 15 hp.

Port Aransas Travel Guide to Shopping

You can pick up a souvenir at many of the attractions and adventures you’ll experience in Port A. You may also want to do some shopping. While there are stores where you can score essentials like sunscreen and groceries, you may want to pick up something special. Stop by places like Coquina Dance Jewelry, The Islander, and others. Pick up something sweet at Winton’s Island Candy and take it back to your accommodation to enjoy.

Surf Camp

An island vacation to Port A is the perfect place to learn how to catch the perfect wave on a traditional surfboard, windsurfing, or both. Professional instructors will take you from a land-based introduction to the board all the way up to catching your first wave and riding it back to shore. Many companies also rent gear outside of the lesson, meaning when you’re comfortable with your new skills, you can enjoy the activity with just you and your friends.

Aransas Pass, C.S.A.

It’s a must-see to put on your Port A sightseeing list. While much of the area’s history can be seen in the form of beautiful and historic structures, just getting to Port A is a historic mark. Get a picture at the official Aransas Pass historic marker. The marker details facts, including that the pass is a natural inlet to Aransas Bay separating San Jose and Mustang Islands. It details other historical facts about the area, too, including its various uses during the Civil War.

Chapel on the Dunes

The historic 1930s church was built by the family of Aline Carter, a former Texas poet laureate. Inside, take in the alter and tile work are based on drawings designed by Carter herself. The church no longer holds regular religious services, but you can tour the church building and grounds during tours organized by the Port Aransas Museum. The property is the perfect place to host special events, including weddings.

Farley’s Historic Boat Shop

The company remains the premier boat builder in Port A, specializing in tarpon fishing boats. The first tarpon fishing boats built by bothers Barney and Fred Farley established Farley and Son Boat Works in 1914. That first boat was launched off the shores of Port A in 1915. The business eventually included Fred’s three sons, and expanded to include offerings including speed boats, cabin boats, and corporate vessels. The “living exhibit” – the company continues to build boats there – can be visited at 716 W. Avenue C on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 9 a.m.-noon. The shop is closed Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday.

Lydia Ann Lighthouse

Built in 1857 after the area’s trade through Aransas Pass began booming, the lighthouse is also called the Aransas Pass Light Station. The structure is not accessible by any road. History buffs wanting a glimpse of it will need to take a cruise past it in your own vessel, or on a tour, or get a view of it from nearby Roberts Point Park.

Mexican War Fort

General Zachary Taylor placed artillery on Mustang Island in 1845. At the time, the area was recorded as Mustang Island Fort. The artillery was meant to prevent enemy forces from coming through Aransas Pass to attempt to neutralize the San Jose Island supply depot. The fort was again utilized throughout the Civil War, as war supplies continued to be transported via Aransas Pass.

Port Aransas Museum

Learn what shaped the town into what it has become today through a number of temporary and permanent exhibits. You’ll learn how the area went from its roots as a Karankawa Indian land to the cozy town of today. The 1900s “kit house” that hosts the museum is located at 400 N. Alister. It is open for tours given by local volunteers Thursday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated.

The Tarpon Inn

Constructed of surplus lumber from Civil War barracks in 1886, the historic inn was originally used to house workers creating Mansfield Jetty. After the jetty was complete, the building became a hotel. A major hurricane and tidal wave in 1919 led to the structure being rebuilt with added reinforcements against future damage. Since then, it has been used as a headquarters for the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and several military units, as well as to shelter area residents during disasters. In 1979, the inn was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and also became a Texas Historic Landmark. The inn currently boasts a restaurant, 24 active guest rooms, and space for special events.

WWII Coastal Defenses at Aransas Pass

Another picture-worthy historic marker on the island marks the World War II Coastal Defenses. The U.S. officially entered the war in 1941 after the December attack on Pearl Harbor, prompting the war department to create the Southern Defense Command (SDC) as part of the war department’s national defense system. It spanned the southern U.S. coastline from North Carolina to Brownsville, Texas – including the Port Aransas area. The Port Aransas base hosted a temporary field artillery battery for the 2nd Infantry Division, featuring 105 MM Howitzers.

Beach Carts

Keep the rental car in its parking spot at your accommodations and skip the paved roads. While they are great for getting from Point A to Point B, you can’t get the whole island vibe from inside a car. Lose the confinements of an enclosed vehicle and turn off the paved road and rent a beach cart.

The golf carts are approved to drive on both the sand and the paved roads. They’re a fun and unique way to get where you’re going and continue the island beach experience while you move from place to place. Carts seat four to six people, and are equipped with windshields, rear view mirrors, blinkers, headlights, and more.

Undersea Adventures

Experience the world below the waves when you book a snorkeling or SCUBA diving tour of the water surrounding Port A. Plunge down to see a side of Port A and the Gulf of Mexico you may not easily see from inside a tour boat. Ask about age restrictions before booking, and make sure to get SCUBA certified before you attempt a dive on your own.

Get the Inside Experience of Port A

Another way to get the full “insider” experience of Port A is to live like a local When you stay in a vacation rental in Port Aransas provided by Sandcastle Condos, you’ll enjoy easy access to the beach and the crashing waves of the Gulf, as well as local shopping, dining, tours, and attractions so you don’t have to miss a moment of fun. You’ll also experience the comforts and conveniences of your own home. We offer efficiency units for your solo or sweetheart stay all the way up to three bedrooms for a larger group.

Prepare a delicious home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen. Afterward, spread out in an open living space for a movie or to relax. Enjoy the view from the private balcony or patio or spend some time near the pool or on the sun deck.

Contact us today!

Vacations are filled with fun, excitement, and fantastic food, especially as travelers can taste the flavors of the region visited, enjoying new dishes that may end up being brought to their own tables once the good times have concluded. We at Sandcastle Condominiums have added many foreign dishes to our personal menus and every bite we take instantly transports us back to those golden days of adventure. Today, we invite our guests to explore a taste of the town, checking out the Port Aransas restaurants that represent the best of the area, guiding every traveler to the restaurants that we personally could not imagine NOT existing in our lives.

Book a Port Aransas Beach View Rental Here!

Coffee Waves Port Aransas, 1007 TX-361

Sometimes the best way to test the flavors of the area you are visiting is to stop in the coffee shops with the most crowded parking lots. Coffee is tricky beverage, always creating a scent that sets our taste buds a quivering, while not always tasting as good as it smells, but at Coffee Waves, their small batch beans are truly special and the cozy menu they have set up to accompany the nectar of the gods never hits a wrong note. Offering breakfast sandwiches, pastries, bagels, and muffins Coffee Waves may be the one restaurant that gets your repeat business every day of your stay.

Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill, 429 Alister Street

Alister Street is known as a shopping haven, offering a beautiful selection of cozy boutiques and after a long morning shopping, there is nothing that revives flagging energy levels as quickly as a seafood lunch at Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill. Offering an elevated dining experience, it is also a fantastic spot for quiet dinners with your favorite traveling partner. The lunch menu features a long list of seafood dishes, but also offers burgers, steaks, and salads, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will find something they like.

La Playa Mexican Grille, 222 Beach Street #5312

Only open for dinner, La Playa Mexican Grille is closed on Sundays and Mondays, but if you have traveled far for this Texas trip of a lifetime, this will be your reward. Starting out your meal with guacamole made tableside is always a good idea and the seafood-centric Mexican meals will definitely become your newest obsession. This local hot spot has been a Port A tradition for hungry diners for over 20 years and its expansive menu is a blend of traditional Mexican cuisine and Tex Mex specialties that hold a special place in our heart.

Virginia’s on the Bay, 815 Trout Street

Views of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway add a beautiful sparkle to the meals you will enjoy at Virginia’s on the Bay. Serving an extensive seafood menu (as you might expect!) every bite will be the one that you know is better than anything you have ever tasted before. Plan a sunset meal and sit dockside while you sit on the patio overlooking the docks, offering a romantic experience that can be repeated with every sunset. If you rent a boat while in Port Aransas, you can dock your boat in the harbor and head into the restaurant for a fabulous dinner, going back out to sea at the end of your meal.

Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria, 128 Market Street Suite D

We have it on great authority that pizza is the international language everyone understands and when you stop in Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria, you will develop an even greater understanding. Their pizzas, made with homemade crust and a secret sauce will ignite a passion for pie that will never be quenched. Also serving sandwiches, pasta, and chocolate chip cannolis that will turn you against all over desert foods, this family friendly restaurant serves beer, wine, and cocktails so parents can really enjoy their pizzas as well.

Lisabellas Bistro & Bar, 5009 TX-361

Families and couples love a meal at Lisabellas, offering live music and a chef driven menu that never fails to satisfy. The large yard that surrounds the restaurant offers tables for dining, cornhole games for playing, and giggling children running mild in the grass. Lisabellas is the perfect special occasion restaurant, especially for travelers with children who aren’t always as well-behaved as we like, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the meal without fear of being judged.

The Kitchen of your Sandcastles Condominiums Vacation Hideaways

We do realize that our kitchens aren’t restaurants and guests will still need to do the work to have a meal, but high end appliances and a cheerful vibe does help to bring some joy back to your cooking experiences. Skip the dining room table, bringing your meal out to the chairs that line the balcony and enjoy your own sea-views for a lot lower cost, watching the sun fall into the Gulf on another perfect day in paradise. Reserve your favorite escape today!

You had the best intentions when you booked your Valentine’s Day Texas getaway to Port Aransas and your stay in our Sandcastle Condominiums holiday hideaways, but as February 14th draws ever closer, you may be getting a bit nervous over what you can do while you are here. Fortunately, your ace in the hole, our staff at Sandcastle, understands your possible predicament and we have prepared this guide to the top 5 events and activities you can enjoy during your romantic Texas trip of a lifetime, ensuring this trip will earn you the title of Gift Giver Supreme.

Breakfast in Bed

Even as you are willing to forge ahead and try new things, the classic traditions can still make an appearance on your Valentine’s Day, including breakfast in bed. Fully equipped kitchens make it easy to create a simple meal. Donuts from the Donut Palace, located at 604 N Allister Street, can also be a great substitute for your own cooking and doesn’t require much effort and if you really want to make her smile, don’t forget the Mimosas!

Sweets for your Sweetheart

Valentine’s Day just wouldn’t be the same without a little sugar and Winton’s Candy shop has been the traditional stop for Valentine’s of all ages and may be appreciated even more if you are sharing the Valentine love with your tiniest of travelers. Standing strong against the tides of time and hurricanes, Winton’s offers all the sweets you love and some new ones as well, ones that may end up being your newest obsession, even as you purchase a traditional heart shaped box of chocolate for your favorite traveling partner.

Hands Down, You Both will Love This New Experience

A couple’s massage offers another opportunity to spoil your Valentine and Balinese Wellness Spa, located at 121 Cut-Off RD, may be where you want to look first. Offering a wide range of services in a beautiful and relaxing facility your cares will float away as the most talented hands in the state do magical things with your aches and pains.

Sunset Walk on the Beach

While it may be too cold for swimming and frolicking in the surf, a sunset walk along the shore’s edge is sure to get the romantic sparks started, especially as you hold hands and share secrets and dreams during your stroll. A Texas sunset is a sight that will change your life forever, making you believe in bigger and better things and as the sky turns to fire and the waves of the gulf are washing over your toes and ankles, this Valentine’s Day will surely top all others. Even better, once the sun has fallen into the sea, and the dark sky starts to twinkle with the light of a billion stars, the waves crashing against sandy shores, the clear skies, and salt air breezes will make this night shine bright.

A Meal to Remember

Ending your romantic day in Port Aransas with a Valentine’s dinner at Lisabellas Bistro & Bar, promises to finish the celebration on a high note. Located at 5009 TX-361 and offering a special Valentines meal on February 14th, their menu is a sophisticated blend of locally sourced seafood, pasta dishes, and juicy meats that any carnivore will love. Even as Lisabellas offers a large outdoor grassy yard dotted with cornhole games and picnic tables, perhaps you favorite part of the evening will be the perusal of the dessert menu, so be sure to save room. Their homemade Hallelujah Chocolate Cake will have you seeing angels in the rafters, it is that good.

Book a Romantic Studio Vacation Rental Here!

Find Your Joy

Coming in at the top of the lineup, your best moments may be the ones you spend exploring the romantic charms of our Sandcastle Condominiums holiday havens. Maybe this will be the holiday you choose to remain at home, exploring luxury amenities as the sea provides a backdrop of magic for every activity. Watching Hallmark movies on state-of-the-art televisions, working together to create a meal you will never forget. Open a bottle of wine and raise a toast to the sun setting over the sea from the comfort of your balcony perch, letting the serenity of the turquoise waters wash over your soul as your soulmate sits beside you. Maybe you will spend some of your romantic day soaking in the community hot tub or maybe you will enjoy snuggling in bed, reminiscing about the early days of your relationship. However you spend these precious moments, spending them with us will bring you joy. Reserve your favorite love nest today.

You’ve packed away the last of your Christmas decorations and the house is looking a little, well, desolate and plain, but that’s ok, you have plans for 2024 and they don’t involve staying at home staring at blank walls. The new year is all about what you can do for yourself, discovering all the ways to bring peace, serenity, and a little extra fun into your life, and your first resolution, travel more, is destined to be your favorite as you head to the beaches of Port Aransas! This guide to kicking off 2024 the right way, with a Texas trip to Port Aransas and a stay in our Sandcastle Condominiums New Year’s nests, will help erase the blues you may be feeling over the end of the holidays.

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Doing Nothing

The calendar pages will soon be filled with social obligations, meetings, school events, and a million other little things that are a part of real life, but when you kick off the new year in Port Aransas, we invite you to do absolutely nothing. Sleep late every day, pulling the curtains and blinds tightly closed the night before to avoid being awakened by the sun peeking in the window. Take a nap after breakfast, fall asleep on the comfy sofa before the end of the show you were watching, and sit out on the balcony at sunset, sipping mojitos and watching the sky turn into a fiery array of colors. These quiet moments will be the ones you look back on in the weeks ahead, remembering how the most delicious sense of lethargy felt oh so very right.

A Taste of Port Aransas

Now, all of this relaxation is certain to make you hungry and you will have plenty of options during your getaway to enjoy all sorts of delicious foods. There are our fully equipped kitchens, of course, cheerful spaces in which you can toss together your favorite meals, reheat leftovers from your favorite restaurants, and eat late-night snacks by the light of the light over the stove. There are also, however, a plethora of restaurants, in which delicious food will be prepared, served, and cleared away by happy wait staff. Breakfasts at Island Café, offering your favorite Southern dishes, will be the best way to start every day and dinners at Trout Street Bar & Grill will be the most perfect way to end every day! Texas is known for its food and any of the restaurants that dot the landscape of Port A are destined to be your favorite.

Angling for Fun

The summer months are best for deep sea fishing in Port Aransas, heading out to the deep waters to catch your trophy fish, but in the winter months, you don’t need to hang up your poles and pack away your tackle. On shore, fishing at the Horace Caldwell Pier, Fish Pass Jetty, and the Aransas Causeway are all popular fishing locations and in January and February, sheepshead and pompano will be the catch of the day. Fishing licenses are required and can be purchased at any sporting goods store or online at www.twpd.texas.gov.

For the Birds

Birdwatching is a popular winter activity in Port Aransas, so load your favorite app on your phone, including iBird Pro for iPhone users, which does require a monthly fee, or the Audubon Bird Guide which is free and available on both iPhones and Droids. The most popular birding spot in the area is the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, located at 1356 Ross Avenue. Offering observation points, hiking trails, and a beautiful spot to view all of the area’s wildlife, a day at the center could turn into a new hobby for you to enjoy when it is time to return to real life.

Third Coast Theater, 502 E Avenue G

Hans Christian Anderson is known for his fairy tales, but he is also the wise fellow who once proclaimed, “Where words fail, music speaks” and your Texas adventures can turn into extraordinary ones with a visit to the Third Coast Theater. This intimate venue seats 150 and hosts some of our state’s most talented singers and songwriters, leaving guests feeling as if they were being serenaded while sitting in someone’s living room. Every month offers a different performer and in January, Mark McKinney and Ray Wiley Hubbard are on its lineup.

Comfortable Adventures with Sandcastle Condominiums

Whether you are watching the sunset from the balcony with a margarita in hand, are gathered around the dining table playing board games with your family, or are watching the new season’s lineup of sitcoms on state-of-the-art televisions (who else is glad the writers and actors strike has FINALLY ended?) choosing Sandcastle Condominiums for your home sweet vacation home will be the best decision you make all year. Reserve your favorite today!

Somehow, over the years, Christmas has become a major production, filled with too much food, too many gifts, and far too little peace and joy, the exact opposite of what the holiday used to provide. And as we all start to pull back, to find ways to rekindle its magic, more and more of us are choosing to enjoy a Christmas at the Beach, with a visit to the sandy shores of Port Aransas, Texas. If that thought has held a glimmer in your mind, this guide to planning your Christmas in Port Aransas will be made even better with the first step; choosing Sandcastle Condominiums for your holiday hideaway!

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Plan to Relax

The best part of your Christmas break in our coastal village is the realization that you will be able to finally relax. There will be no need to steam clean your junk drawers at home, you won’t have to spend extra dollars on gifts for the dry cleaner who often returns your clothes with broken buttons and mystery stains, and best of all, you can sleep as late as you want every day of your stay. Our Sandcastle Condominiums vacation escapes are designed to relax and help recharge your soul, providing access to community amenities when you want to play, and all the ways to rest and revel in the beauty of your surroundings.

Plan for Stunning Sunsets (and Sunrises too!)

The water may be too cold to swim or snorkel, but with few exceptions, the sunsets over the sea will always be a sight to view. Hold hands with your favorite traveling partner as you stop in your walk along sandy beaches, staring up at the fire in the sky and feeling its beauty awaken something deep in your soul. These final moments of the day will be the ones that remind you that life is about something more than expensive gifts and too rich foods and as you feel the fiery colors recharging your personal batteries that have long been depleted, you will know that this Merry Beach-mas was the best idea you have ever come up with. The Texas sunrise is equally extraordinary, but if you sleep in, it is nice to know you have the sunset to fall back on.

Plan to Visit Santa, er, Sandy Claus

A visit to see Santa Claus is a centuries old tradition, one that can offer up in a very unique way. Every year, we invite sand artists from all over the nation to show off their talents with a Sandy Christmas display on the beach. Generally completed by Thanksgiving, each year offers a different North Pole experience, but every year promises that at least one sculpture will be of the jolly old elf himself. In 2022 he made his “appearance” on sculptured golf cart, paying homage to the Holiday Golf Cart Parade that took place earlier in the month (and will be occurring again this year on December 9th) We don’t know what 2023 will bring as of yet, but we can be certain that whatever sculptures appear on our beaches, they will help us rediscover the magic of Christmas.

Plan to Finish Your Christmas Shopping

Do you really want to cart a bunch of surprise gifts across country, only to have to cart them back again at the end of your stay? Of course you don’t and you won’t have to when you hit the shops of Port A and discover all manner of unique and wonderful gifts. Be thankful for the merch found at Gratitude known for their “grins, giggles, and gifts and don’t be surprised if you find something you can’t live without yourself in this funky shop. Connoisseur is famous for its company cat that can often be found sunning itself in the window of the colorful store known for its souvenirs and funky finds. And Loving Coastal Living Origins is chock full of coastal décor and sea themed gifts that will forever serve as a reminder of the fun times you had during your Christmas vacation in Port Aransas.

Plan to Feast

As with most holidays, the meal is the focal point of your Christmas celebration, but even as our fully equipped kitchens make it easy to create that feast yourself, you may choose to enjoy a holiday meal at local restaurants that will be open on the big day. The list for 2023 isn’t complete yet, but in past years, restaurants such as FINS Grill & Icehouse, Castaways Seafood and Grill, and our family favorite, MacDaddy’s Family Kitchen have been open for limited hours.

Plan to Feel at Home with Sandcastle Condominiums

Watching Christmas movies on state-of-the-art televisions, sipping eggnog as you sit on balconies overlooking the sea, and opening all the wonderful gifts you purchased during your holiday shopping expeditions in town are just a few of the ways you will feel at home with us during your stay. Reserve your favorite holiday haven today!

Joy can be found in the most unusual of places. It can be the small moments when your toddler smiles into your eyes and says he wants to marry you when he grows up so he never has to leave you. It can be the large moments when you marry your best friend or when you finally graduate from college after working for many years. Or it can be a combination of both large and small, something a winter vacation in Port Aransas and a stay with Sandcastle Condominiums can provide. Wake up early to watch the world come alive with your toes buried in the sand of our beaches. Discover new ways to enjoy a Christmas parade while watching a procession of decorated boats skim across the water. And savor the serenity of the sea as you relax in the comforts, style, and simple luxuries our seaside sanctuaries offer, feeling the peace deep in your soul and remembering all the reasons you work so hard to provide a good life for your family. All of these moments could happen in many other places in the world, but the joy found in an escape to Port Aransas in the winter will never be matched!

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Sand Between Your Toes and Salty Breezes Kissing Your Cheeks

While the people in your hometown may venture out wrapped to the eyeballs in their warmest clothing, shoveling snow and gingerly walking on icy sidewalks, you may not even need a jacket until after the sun sets! Winters in Port Aransas offer sunny days that encourage long walks on the beach, holding hands with your favorite traveling companion, and quiet moments letting the salt air provide that magical therapy that reminds you life brings joy in the simplest of ways. The winter temps may discourage frolicking in the waves, unless, of course, you are a surfer squeezing your body into a wetsuit and discovering that winter really IS the best time to catch a wave!

Holiday Adventures

Maybe this is the year you have chosen to rediscover the spirit of the holidays by leaving behind the chores, expenses, and stresses of your traditional celebrations and exploring all the ways the holiday can bring you peace in Port Aransas! The Lighted Boat Parade, held on December 9th at Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf, certainly redefines the traditional Christmas parade, offering a procession of festively lighted boats that will make you ooh and ahh as they pass. Follow the family friendly adventure up with an adult adventure at Bernie’s Beach House, drinking like a pirate, dancing like a mermaid, and patting yourself on the back for choosing happiness over responsibilities this year!

Because Christmas isn’t the only holiday that happens over the winter, your New Year’s Eve celebration will shine bright, whether you choose to stay at home and watch the big crystal ball fall over Times Square on state-of-the-art televisions in our Sandcastle Condominiums holiday hideaways, or you want to venture outside and see what the town provides in way of celebrations! We love a good party in Port A, and our NYE 2024 Countdown on Port Aransas Beach promises to be a memorable one, involving fireworks, live entertainment, and delicious dining options that will help you usher in the new year in a tasty fashion!

Winter Explorations

The normal sightseeing attractions can be enjoyed as well, including visits to Mustang Island, where travelers can expect to find a glorious selection of seashells and sea glass, offering a free substitute to the normal souvenirs travelers often shop for. Also known as prime bird watching spot, there are over 400 different species that can be spotted on the island, so load up your favorite app to your phone, grab your favorite binoculars, and prepare for a ferry ride to wonderful! Hiking is a popular sport in the cooler days (summers CAN be brutal when away from the water!) and the Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture is a joyful and peaceful spot to explore. For our late winter visitors, the Whooping Crane Festival has been a local tradition since 1996. Held in February (22nd through the 25th) this festival celebrates the return of our Port A Whooping Cranes with tours, naturalists, and photography workshops that will help you take the best pictures of these beautiful creatures! (And more details will be available as we grow closer to the event.)

Choose Sandcastle Condominiums and Find Your Joy

However you spend the daylight hours of your winter escape to Port A, coming home to Sandcastle Condominiums each evening will add a softer excitement to your travels. Watch the sun set over the sea from your balcony every evening, gather round large tables with your family playing games and devouring meals, and dream happy dreams in the most comfortable beds in the state! Reserve your favorite escape today!

Thanksgiving 2023 is going to be different for many travelers. Having tired of the chains that bind them to their homes this holiday, they have learned from recent lessons that the old traditions are not necessarily the best ones and are choosing to think of themselves and their immediate families for a change. Getting on planes and traveling to places they have never seen before, taking road trips to cabins in the woods for a long weekend of peace and quiet, and (this last is our favorite!) making their way across land to coastal towns for a BEACH-giving celebration that will add serenity to their lists of all they have to be thankful for! If your holiday journey brings you to the coastal village of Port Aransas and a stay in one of our serene and luxurious holiday hideaways, this guide to celebrating Thanksgiving in Port Aransas will ensure that this new tradition will be one that continues on into the future! (And may even have you start looking at your other holiday traditions with new ideas!)

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Port Aransas Turkey Trot, November 22 @ 10:30 a.m., 132 Palmilla Beach Road

At home, the day before Thanksgiving is often filled with last minute shopping trips, marathon baking sessions, and a flurry of constant cleaning, but in Port A, all you have to do is what you want to do! A preemptive strike at all those excess calories may be on your schedule and our annual Port Aransas Turkey Trot is the perfect way to do so, while also doing a good deed! All proceeds go to scholarship programs at one of our local schools and as you run for your health you will also be running to give school children a step up in life!

Truly a Beach-Giving

If you were thinking of how to truly make this a beach-giving, the easiest way is with a feast on the beach! Of course, a roast turkey and all the trimmings would be more than a little extra and would probably end up being seasoned with sand, but turkey sandwiches are a way to stick with traditions as you explore the serenity of the sea! The weather may be a little chilly for swimming, but can you imagine sitting out in your beach chairs, cooler at hand, toes buried in the sand and watching the sea ebb and flow as you devour thick and juicy sandwiches?

Give the tryptophan trance a boot with a post-meal stroll along sandy shores, feeling the cold waters rinse your feet and tickle your ankles and know that this really is a Thanksgiving to be thankful for! For a real treat, extend your beach-giving day into night, watching the sun sink into the waters while setting the sky on fire and when the stars begin to pop out in the midnight black, start a fire. Bonfires are permitted on the beaches of Port A, as long as the 3 X 3 X 3 rule is followed. (The fire can be no larger than 3 feet deep, 3 feet wide, and 3 feet high, so keep it small!)

Take a Break This Year

You have spent far too many Thanksgivings creating the majority of the meal, but Port A is offering a selection of restaurants that invite you to relax and let them prepare, serve, and clear away the feast that serves as the epicenter of the holiday! Restaurants such as the Port A Beach Lodge (2016 On the Beach Drive) and the Gaff (323 Beach Street) are planning on being open, with the Gaff open regular hours and the Port A Beach Lodge serving a turkey dinner with all the fixings from noon until they sell out.

If you want to stay in and experience the holiday while exploring the amenities of your Sandcastle Condominiums holiday haven, Dylans Coal Oven Pizzeria (128 Market Street Suite D) and Mac Daddy’s Family Kitchen (118 Beach Street) are both offering pre-ordered dinner pick-ups featuring the traditional turkey feast and all the sides. Check with the restaurants regarding how far in advance you have to order, pick it up in the morning of the big day, and use our fully equipped kitchens to heat up all the goodies!

Celebrate with Sandcastle Condominiums

Just because you are traveling far from home does not mean you have to skip the home cooked meals, especially if you like to putter in the kitchen! Our fully equipped kitchens offer updated appliances, plenty of space to move around in, and plenty of counterspace to lay out all the delicious foods you have prepared!

Enjoy the rewards of all your hard work at large dining room tables, perhaps enjoying a piece of pumpkin pie on your balcony overlooking the gulf, and when the tryptophan nap is necessary, the sofas in our living rooms are quite comfy!

Additionally, the state-of-the-art televisions will add a clarity to the football games you are watching and make you feel as if you are standing on the sidewalks watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade promenade down the street! Reserve your favorite escape today!

You came to Port A this holiday season for Texas warmth, fun, and the sand and water at the beach along the Gulf of Mexico. There is an array of indoor and outdoor activities, as well as year-round top things to do in Port Aransas and special events for the holidays and winter season. You’ll find something that fits everyone’s vacation activity needs and style – and it’ll be just moments away from your vacation rental provided by Sandcastle Condos!

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Lighted Boat Parade

Presented by the Port Aransas/Mustang Island Tourism Bureau & Chamber of Commerce, the parade lights up the water around Port A! The annual event features boats decked out in their holiday best from bow to stern. The parade starts at Fisherman’s Wharf. You can watch from the pavilion bulkhead, along dock walkways, or get great views from local bars and restaurants with waterfront locations. The 2023 event is December 9, 6-8 p.m.

Holiday Golf Cart Parade

Watch a land-based parade, too. Starting at The Gaff on Beach Street, the golf cart parade features golf carts decked out in their holiday best, just like the boats. The event supports the Port Aransas EMS Toy Round-Up. You are asked to bring a gift to donate to the cause. Santa may be making a visit as well! The 2023 parade is December 9 as well, but no time has been set as of now.

Beaches

When planning an island vacation this winter holiday season, plan plenty of beach time. Spread out your blanket, then plant your beach umbrella to lounge on the sand with a book. Sunbathe, swim, help the kids build sandcastles, or get some exercise with a walk or run on the beach.

Parasailing

Go up, up, and away this holiday season! Take off from the deck of a specially designed and USCG-approved parasailing boat to fly high above the waters of the Gulf. Keep watch on the water from your bird’s eye view for sea life. Bring your waterproof or disposable camera to capture the memories from your perspective. Contact your company of choice for more information.

Jet Skis

When you feel “the need for speed” and adventure, an adrenaline-pumping good time can always be hand when you rent a jet ski and slice through the waters of the Gulf around Port A. Charter a jet ski excursion or tour of the area so you want to get comfortable with the craft or see some of the best places around the island for your own exploration later. Anyone born after September 1, 1993 must acquire a Texas boating license before taking the helm of any vessel over 15 hp.

Beach Carts

A beach buggy golf cart is a great way to experience the beaches of Port A. Most carts are street-legal and can get you from place to place quickly. Just make sure everyone and all your things are secure before cruising down the sand.

Boating

Rent a powerboat, canoe, or kayak from one of the many companies in the area and strike out on a water adventure. Set sail for a favorite fishing destination, drop anchor and go for a swim, or hook up for water sports that involve toys like tubes, skis, wakeboards, and more. You’ll want to make sure the captain or captains have valid Texas boating licenses, if necessary, before heading out.

Fishing

The easy, year-round activity is one visitors of all ages and skill levels can enjoy in Port A. Charter a tour, or rent some gear and strike out on your own. Check out the bays and shallow waters, piers, and jetties in the Fishing Capital of Texas. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush with your catch of the day, charter a deep sea trip in search of kingfish, marlin, tuna, and others who lurk in the deeper waters of the Gulf.

Glowing Kayak Tour

Enjoy a different kind of kayak tour – one that takes place during nighttime hours! Board a clear kayak lit up by special underwater LED lights. The clear boat allows you to see not only the multiple colors of LED light settings you can choose, but the majesty of the underwater world beneath you, too. Set the lights to your favorite color and pattern, then paddle along as your tour guide points out landmarks and fills you in on the history of the area on the 1.5-hour adventure.

Red Dragon Pirate Cruise

If your winter holiday vacation includes kids, book a cruise and sail the high seas like the pirates of old! Cruise the waters of the Lydia Ann Channel for dolphin watching, sword fighting, treasure hunting, cannon fire, and plenty of pirate fun! Enjoy soft drinks and snacks, as well as beer, wine, pina coladas, rum, tequila, and whiskey-based drinks for the adult pirates.

Underwater Adventures

Book a snorkeling or SCUBA diving tour and plunge under the water to see a side of Port A and the Gulf of Mexico you can’t see from inside a tour boat. Many companies offer SCUBA certification before the trip, so if you want to rent gear to dive later, you’ll need to be certified.

Sightseeing

Pile everyone into the car for a sightseeing tour. Exploring the area by rental car is a great way to make notes about where you want to explore further. Make sure to include places like Chapel on the Dunes, the Mexican War Fort, and the WWII Coastal Defenses – where a temporary artillery field was set up to defend the country from enemy forces during the war. Capture a glance at the Lydia Ann Lighthouse, as its not accessible by road but can be seen in a cruise past it by boat or from Roberts Point Park.

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Port Aransas Museum & Farley’s Historic Boat Shop

The museum resides in a 1900s kit house donated to the Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association. Explore a myriad of exhibits, including special rotating exhibits – meaning no two visits are likely the same! Farley’s historic boat house and shop pays homage to the Farley family of boat builders that started building tarpon fishing boats in Port A in 1914. The museum depicts the evolution of the business, from its various locations around Port A to its first closing in 1973 and eventual reopening. The current location was opened in 2011 and houses the company’s working boat-building facility.

Port Aransas Community Theater

While you may want to visit a movie theater to catch the latest holiday season film offerings, change things up with a live theater performance. The Port Aransas Community Theater, located at 2327 State Highway 361 in Port A, offers educational theater experiences for all ages, as well a variety of stage performances produced by the residents of Port A. You can check their website for more information on shows for the holiday season.

Shopping

If it’s before the man winter gift-giving holidays, you’ll want to take a pause from all the fun to get in some last-minute shopping. Search for the perfect souvenir, beachwear, or piece of Port A bling for a loved one’s holiday gift.

Live Music

Throughout the year, the Port Aransas/Mustang Island Tourism Bureau & Chamber of Commerce host an array of live music acts. These events are definitely something to add to your winter holiday itinerary in Port A. Port A’s website has a list of performers and dates so you can plan out which performances will be included during your visit. Many of the performances are located at Third Coast Theater, a 150-seat venue located at 502 E. Avenue G in Port A.

The Tarpon Inn

Constructed from surplus lumber from Civil War barracks in 1886, the inn was originally used to house workers constructing Mansfield Jetty. When the jetty was completed, the building became a hotel. After a major hurricane and tidal wave in 1919, the structure was rebuilt with reinforcements against future damage and reopened. Since then, it has been used as a headquarters for the Red Cross, Salvation Army, several military units, and has also housed area residents during disasters. In 1979, the inn was honored with a listing on the National Register of Historic Places, and also became a Texas Historic Landmark. The inn today is an operating hotel that boasts a restaurant, 24 active guest rooms, and event space.

Restaurants

Whether it’s to fuel up before heading out for a day of fun, to refuel along the way, or enjoy a delicious dinner or nightcap, there are many Port A restaurants with delicious offerings to choose from. Offerings range from authentic Italian or Mexican dishes, the freshest seafood caught from local waters, and more. You can choose to dine inside in the air conditioning or take in the beautiful Port A winter weather on an outdoor patio.

Port Aransas Art Center

The center is a home for artists and art lovers to share in the creation and appreciation of art in Port A. Since the center’s beginning in 1995, it has grown to include educational programs and events for all ages. Gather your loved ones to take classes in ceramics, drawing, mixed media, photography, painting, and more. Check their website for a full calendar of classes and events that may fit into the schedule of your ultimate holiday getaway to Port A. They are located at 104 N. Alister Street in Port A.

Winton’s Candy Company

Score some holiday sweets along with their regular offerings. Whether you’re a kid or kid at heart, a visit to Winton’s Candy Co. during your Port A winter holiday escape is a must-do. Satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth when you stop in and choose your favorite candy or try some of their caramel or creamy fudge. Bring it back to your rental to enjoy after a long day, for dessert after a home-cooked meal prepared right in your unit, or just because.

Surf Camp

The cooler winter waters of the Gulf may have some visitors shying away from in-water activities. But many of the adventures in and around Port A have to do with the water, and surfing is no exception. Learn how to catch the perfect wave on a traditional surfboard, windsurfing, or both. Professional instructors will take you from an on-land introduction to the board all the way up to catching your first wave and riding it back to shore. Many companies also rent gear outside of the lesson, so when you’re comfortable with your new skills, you can enjoy the adrenaline-pumping activity with just you and your traveling companions.

Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trails

Take a calming adventure this winter holiday in Port A. The trail was established in 1999 by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is the first paddling trail on the Texas coast. It’s located on North Harbor Island, nestled between Aransas Pass and Port A, with several launch points off State Highway 361. The area is named for the historic Lydia Ann Channel and is mostly shallow, perfect for a quiet and solitary paddle full of adventure along the coast. You’ll paddle through mangroves that line the channels and the open flats, or “lakes.” The trail is made up of a series of four loops, with the shortest at 1.25 miles and the longest at 6.8 miles. Follow the signs painted with numbers corresponding to GPS coordinates or download a map of the trails: there are several places where a trail may split to offer a different experience on each trip.

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Winter Holiday Fun in Port A

When you stay in a vacation rental this winter holiday in Port A provided by Sandcastle Condos, you’ll enjoy easy access to the beach and the crashing waves of the Gulf. We’re close to many area attractions, tours, shopping, dining, and activities the area has to offer. Choose from efficiency-style units all the way up to three-bedroom units for your larger group. Prepare a delicious home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen, retreat to a private bedroom, or spread out in an open living space and just relax. Enjoy the view from the private balcony or patio or spend some time meeting the neighbors near the community pool.

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Real life often gets in the way of our relationships, tossing obstacles in our path such as long days at work, school events, and chores, so when it comes time for date nights, we are often too tired or too busy to participate. There are many reasons a vacation is vital for your health and well being personally, but they also can make all the difference when it comes to your relationship as well, and when you plan a trip to Port Aransas and a stay in one of our romantic Sandcastle Condominiums, it can help even more! Offering quiet nights in filled with romance, exciting nights out where the only urgent thing on your list of things to do is to pay more attention to the much-loved face across the table, and of course, all the comforts of home, this guide to the most romantic things to do in Port Aransas, TX, for the perfect date night will have you booking your getaway sooner rather than later.

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A Picnic in the Park

Not all dates have to take place in the evening hours, especially as you have chosen to take an entire vacation in which to dedicate time to your favorite human, so a picnic in the park may be the perfect start to your romantic getaway for two. Roberts Point Park, 301 JC Barr Boulevard, is an ideal location for your meal, offering picnic pavilions with a water view, trails that lead young lovers alongside the water, providing the perfect opportunity to hold hands, and an observation tower that offers panoramic views of the area, perhaps leading to a very important question being asked as the sun sets over the sea!

Dinner at Lisabella’s Bistro & Bar

Romance starts with the stomach and a dinner at Lisabella’s Bistro & Bar, located at 5009 TX-361, promises to be a beautiful way to reignite the flames of your relationship! Dine on juicy steaks or sweet seafood by candlelight, sipping wine that is silky and delicious, and discover anew how funny your favorite guy can be or how your girl seems to glow in the light of a candle. No romantic meal would be complete without a taste of something sweet, and their Hallelujah Chocolate Cake will definitely be added to your list of best desserts ever; normally we recommend two spoons to share the sweet treat, but this cake is so good, you are going to want to devour an entire slice by yourself!

A Night at the Theater

Community theaters are often the backbone of small American towns and Port Aransas offers a taste of this all-American activity with the Port Aransas Community Theater, located at 2327 TX-361. Visitors are often surprised at the quality and talent found in these local performances and as you and your favorite traveling companion watch the goings on, holding hands and sharing a bucket of popcorn, your date night will reach Texas sized proportions! Generally offering shows about two weekends of every month, the performances start on Thursday nights and end on a Sunday matinee.

Sandy Shores Await

After an evening filled with activities surrounded by people, it will be nice to enjoy some one-on-one time at the beach. Walking along water’s edge as the moon casts its ethereal glow over the sand and sea, holding hands, and sharing dreams, hopes, and wishes for the future is the perfect way to end your time for two. Want to extend these romantic moments a little longer? Bonfires are permitted on Port A beaches, and we can promise that a bonfire on the beach will create a memory that you will never forget! Just remember the 3X3X3 rule: The fire can be no deeper than three feet, no wider than three feet, and the flames cannot reach higher than three feet. Be sure to totally extinguish it before you head back to your Sandcastle Condominiums sanctuary.

Our Honeymoon Hideaways

We firmly believe that honeymoons should last forever, and whether you are starting your new life as a couple, have been together for decades, or are just beginning a relationship that has promise, our honeymoon hideaways can provide the ideal spot to create deeper bonds. Your date night can take place without leaving the boundaries of your condo, and as you putter around in fully equipped kitchens, prepare a meal together, devour said meal at the dining room table, or decide to take the meal out to the balcony, where sunset and sea add romance to any experience, the moments you spend with us will bring you closer than you ever thought possible. Watch a romantic movie on state-of-the-art televisions, whisper secrets in the dark when you just aren’t ready for the night to end, and fall asleep still holding hands. Your Port Aransas date night will be one for the record books when you choose Sandcastle Condominiums. Reserve your favorite property with us today!