You came to Port Aransas for Texas warmth, fun, and the sand and water at the beach along the Gulf of Mexico. There are also plenty of fun things to do and see, and several must-see sights you don’t want to miss. Make sure to add in plenty of Port Aransas Texas arts and culture activities, as the island is bursting with history, culture, art, and more to keep you busy and experiencing everything Port A has to offer. Make sure the daily starting and ending point of your day is a vacation rental provided by Sandcastle Condos.
Day 1: Port Aransas Museum
Start by learning about some of the history and cultural events that shaped the city. This means the museum will be one of the first stops you make to learn more about the history, art, and culture of Port A. You’ll learn what shaped the town into what it has become today through a number of temporary and permanent exhibits featuring everything from Native American influences to the tarpon fishing industry, and more. The 1900s “kit house” that hosts the museum sits 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.
Day 2: Farley’s Historic Boat Shop
A big part of Port A’s history and culture is fishing, and specifically tarpon fishing. Farley Boat Works remains the premier boat builder in Port Aransas, specializing in tarpon fishing boats. The first tarpon fishing boats built by bothers Barney and Fred Farley were built in 1910, and the business was moved to Port Aransas in 1914 and grew to include Fred’s three sons. The business expanded to include 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. It is closed on Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday.
Day 3: 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 its beginning in 1995, the center has grown to include educational programs and events for all ages. You can even take classes in ceramics, drawing, mixed media, photography, painting, and more. You can check their website for a full calendar of classes and events that may fit into your arts and culture journey of Port A schedule. They are located at 104 N. Alister Street in Port A.
Day 4: Port Aransas Community Theater
While you may want to visit a movie theater to catch the latest installment of your favorite movie franchise, or another offering featuring your favorite actors, 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.
Day 5: Live Music
Throughout the year, the Port Aransas/Mustang Island Tourism Bureau & Chamber of Commerce hosts an array of live music acts. These events don’t necessarily have to be scheduled on Day 5 of your trip, but they are definitely something to add to the itinerary. 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.
Day 6: Lydia Ann Lighthouse
Part of the area’s history and culture as a sea town, it’s a fitting stop on a tour of Port A’s arts and culture scene. The Lydia Ann Lighthouse was built in 1857. Also called the Aransas Pass Light Station, the lighthouse is not accessible by any road. Take a cruise past it during a charter tour, rent your own vessel and pass by, or get a good view of it from nearby Roberts Point Park.
Day 7: Chapel on the Dunes
Considered part of the town’s history and culture, the historic 1930s church was built by the Carter family, the family of former Texas poet laureate Aline Carter. The church no longer holds services, but locals and visitors can tour the church building and grounds during tours organized by the Port Aransas Museum. If you’ve chosen Port Aransas for your destination wedding, the church offers event services.
Port Aransas Texas Arts and Culture Journey
When you stay in a vacation rental in Port A provided by Sandcastle Condos during your arts and culture journey through Port A, you’ll enjoy easy access to the beach and the crashing waves of the Gulf. We’re also close to many other area attractions, tours, shopping, dining, and the arts and culture activities you came to enjoy. Choose from an efficiency-style unit, all the way up to a four-bedroom unit for your larger group. Prepare a delicious home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen, then spread out in an open living space for a movie or to relax. Enjoy the view from your private balcony or patio or spend some time near the community pool. For a premium experience, choose a unit with bonuses like multiple flat screen TVs, stainless steel appliances, and more.
Contact us today to start planning your arts and culture journey to Port A!
