When you first began to plan your visit to Port Aransas, you probably had a list of at most three or four things that you knew you wanted to do, including spending a day on the beach, fishing from the jetties, eating fresh seafood, and relaxing comfortably in our Sandcastle Condominiums Port A escapes. And you will do those things—what’s the point in visiting this part of Texas if you’re not going to do them?—but when you chose our condos for your vacation accommodations, you also chose to benefit from the extent of our knowledge and are about to learn about some other things you can do while you’re here. Our guide to five unexpected things to do in Port Aransas will ensure that you leave here with the realization that yes, you were able to accomplish everything you ever dreamed about and more than you dreamed possible!
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Just Doin’ It Shark Fishing Charters, On the Beach Drive
Yes, you may have expected to charter a fishing excursion during your Texas trip of a lifetime, but did you know that shark fishing is popular in the area and mako sharks are in high season all year round? The captains of Just Doin’ It Shark Fishing Charters know this very well, and they also know the places where the sharks bite the most (on your line, not on your body!). Mako sharks aren’t the only shark you may be fishing for, however, as bull sharks, tiger sharks, and black tip sharks are in season in the summer months, and the possibilities for what you can catch are virtually limitless.
Belt Sander Races at The Gaff, 323 Beach Street
Belt sander races are a unique way to kill a couple of hours of your day while in Port A, and the ones offered at The Gaff are sure to make your visit a memorable one. The Gaff, a pirate-themed bar, is known as the birthplace of Texas belt sander racing, and their races are held on the second and fourth Saturday of the month, so if the thought of attending one interests you, make sure to plan your trip for one of those days. If you can’t manage to make it for one of the events, however, The Gaff is still a fun place to hang out, drink beer, and devour their very delicious pizzas!
Get Married at the Chapel on the Dunes, 203 S 11th Street
Your wedding day should be one you remember forever, filled with love, happiness, and family, and with destination weddings becoming so popular in today’s world, getting married in Port Aransas probably shouldn’t be considered all that unusual. Getting married at the Chapel on the Dunes, however, will add an element of history, a touch of added charm, and perhaps the best start to the rest of your life that you could imagine. This church, built somewhere between 1937 and 1939, is perched high atop a sand dune that overlooks the Gulf and presents a romantic picture before you even enter its doors. Shaded by a mature palm tree and surrounded by sea oats and wildflowers (during wildflower season), the climb to the top of the dune could be reminiscent of the wedding scene in the movie Mama Mia, but when you step inside the little white chapel, the colorful murals and blue pews will make you forget about anything but the fact that you are getting ready to say I do to the person that makes your soul whole.
Texas Sandfest, April, On the Beach
Although you have missed your chance to explore this year’s Texas Sandfest, it is held in April every year, it is worth planning a return visit in April just for the purpose of attending. The three-day festival is a competition for the best sand sculptors in the world while also offering classes in sand sculpting, children’s activities, live music, and an amateur sand sculpture contest as well, in case you think your sculpting skills are worth jumping into the competition. Seeing the sculptures that are created will stun you into silence, and even we at Sandcastle Condominiums are always shocked, no matter how many times we attend. The creations are that good!
Quieting the Noises in Your Brain
When you walked in the door for the first time, did you notice something unexpected, something that made the muscles in your shoulders loosen and your pulse begin to slow? The quiet serenity of our Texas retreats leave an indelible impression on the souls of our guests, making them feel calm and comfortable as all the loud noises that have been taking up space in your brain for so very long are suddenly quiet and at peace. Reserve your favorite Sandcastle Condominium sanctuary today!
