You came to Port A for Texas warmth, fun, sun, and the sand and water at the beach along the Texas Gulf Coast, and because you needed a break. While some travelers plan for weeks, others decide at the last minute to relax with an island visit. If you and your loved ones fall in the latter category, pack your bags and head to the cozy island town. Fill your days with a myriad of beach, water, and land activities, many that can be booked before you arrive or while you’re here. Here’s what to expect with a Last-Minute Trip to Port A.
Accommodations
When you decide to book a port a last minute trip, one of the major headaches is finding a place to stay. Hotels book up fast and have limited availability if you need one right away. You may be stuck in a less desirable location in the hotel or encounter higher prices due to booking so close to your arrival date. Skip the headaches and book direct with Sandcastle Condos. We’ll have the type or size of rental you’re looking for, no matter when you need a break.
Cost of Getting Here
Enjoying an island vacation in Port A is easy once you’re here. A big problem that comes from last-minute vacation planning you may encounter is the cost of travel. Many airlines charge higher prices the closer you book to your travel date. The extra money means you won’t have as much to put toward accommodations, dining, shopping, and experiences while you’re here.
Save a little dough when you book direct with Sandcastle Condos. You won’t have to worry about extra booking and convenience fees that come with using a vacation website. You book directly with us for the unit you need and want.
Beaches
It’s free, no need to book time or space, and you can come whenever it suits you. Once you’re there, spread out your blanket and plant your beach umbrella in the sand to lounge with a book, sunbathe, swim, help the kids build sandcastles, or take your daily walk or run on the beach. Pack a picnic basket with your favorite treats and drinks for a full day at the beach.
Surfing Lessons
The warm waters of the Gulf are the perfect environment for fun water activities. Many of the adventures in and around Port A, no matter how far in advance you’ve planned, have to do with the water. Take a lesson and learn how to catch the perfect wave on a traditional surfboard, windsurfing equipment, 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 on your own with your loved ones.
Underwater Adventures
Book a snorkeling or SCUBA diving tour and plunge under the waters of the Gulf. You’ll see a side of Port A and the surrounding Gulf of Mexico you can’t see from the inside of a tour boat!
It’s one thing to book before you leave so you can ensure everything is set and ready. Anyone who wants to rent gear to SCUBA dive on their own later needs to be certified. Snorkeling does not require special certification.
Fishing
This easy, all-ages, and year-round activity is one visitors of skill levels can enjoy anytime. Charter a tour, or to fit your last-minute schedule better, rent some gear and plan your own trip. Check out the bays and shallow waters, piers, and jetties, or ask about the best places to see what’s biting in the Fishing Capital of Texas.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush with your catch of the day, head out on a deep sea trip – you’ll hook species such as kingfish, marlin, tuna, and others who lurk in the deeper waters of the Gulf. No matter how you cast a line, make sure to secure a Texas fishing license.
Port Aransas Museum
The museum resides in a 1900s kit house donated to the Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association. There’ you’ll explore a number of permanent exhibits, as well as special rotating exhibits. No tickets or reservations are required.
The museum is located at 101 E Brundrett Ave and is open 1-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.
Farley’s Historic Boat Shop
Farley’s historic boat house and shop pays homage to the Farley family of boat builders and includes a working boat building shop. They started building tarpon fishing boats in Port A in 1914. The boat shop is open Tuesday-Friday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2p.m. They are located at 716 W Avenue C.
Glowing Kayak Tour
Sleep in on lazy vacation days and enjoy a different kind of kayak tour – under the stars! While many enjoy a serene paddle in the early morning hours, those who just can’t make the early wakeup call can enjoy a different experience. 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 also the underwater world beneath you while you paddle. Set the lights to your favorite colors and style preferences, then paddle along as your tour guide points out landmarks and fills you in on the history, flora, and fauna of the area. Tours are usually 1.5 hours long and during nighttime hours only.
It’s best to book on the company website before arriving in Port A, but you may be able to book once you’ve arrived.
Red Dragon Pirate Cruise
If your last minute vacation to Port A includes kids or kids-at-heart, book a cruise and sail for the high seas like the pirates of old! Cruise the waters of the Lydia Ann Channel and experience wildlife watching, sword fighting, treasure hunting, cannon fire, and plenty of pirate fun aboard!
Enjoy soft drinks and snacks, as well as beer, wine, pina coladas, rum, tequila, and whiskey-based drinks for the adult pirates to enjoy. Don’t forget to pack your camera! Book online before boarding, but you can book as late as the day of your intended voyage if space is available.
Marine Life Tours
Last-minute doesn’t have to mean unplanned, leaving you out of many must-do Port A activities that require reservations. Choose a charter tour that takes you out in search of dolphins, whales, and other sea life in the Gulf of Mexico around Port A.
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. Daytime and sunset tours are available from many companies, and some allow you to bring your own snacks and drinks.
USS Lexington
If your last-minute trip happens during the summer months, make sure to make a stop at the famed vessel a part of your plans. Texas has played a large part in the country’s military history, with much of its Gulf Coast shoreline serving as some of the country’s first defenses. For nearly 50 years, the USS Lexington was a part of those defenses. The ship is currently docked in Corpus Christi Bay, just across the ship channel from downtown Corpus Christi. Originally named the USS Cabot and commissioned in 1943. At its decommissioning in 1991, it was the oldest working carrier in the U.S. Navy fleet.
Tour the ship, including the flight deck where you can get an up-close look at 20 aircraft, anti-aircraft guns, and more. Visit the Pearl Harbor Exhibit and Joe Jessel 3D Mega Theater for a multi-media, 4D experience of a realistic battle. Before you leave, board the flight simulator where you can pilot and F-18. The ship is only open for tours Memorial Day – Labor Day. Hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily.
Shopping
Make sure to hit the many shops and boutiques around Port A to find everything you’re looking for – from a souvenir for yourself to remember the trip to the perfect gift for a loved one who couldn’t come along. If a trip to the grocery store to stock up on essentials is on the list, a number of grocery and convenience stores in Port A are close to your rental.
Dining
There are a number of cafes, bars, and restaurants throughout Port A, serving up a variety of dining options. From fresh seafood caught right near the docks of Port A to delicious Italian and other fare, you’ll find something to hit the spot.
Sightseeing
In addition to the Port Aransas Museum and Farley’s Historic Boat Shop, there are other interesting destinations to include in your visit. Add places like Chapel on the Dunes and the Mexican War Fort to your sightseeing itinerary. Catch a glimpse at the Lydia Ann Lighthouse, as it is not accessible by road but can be seen in a cruise past it by boat or from Roberts Point Park.
Golf
For the golfers of the group, they’ll want to check out the premier course in Port A. Originally designed by Arnold Palmer, the course at Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Community is a 12-hole course that includes nine holes of regular play as well as a three-hole short course known as “The Loop”.
Don’t worry about packing your golf attire, you’re invited to ‘come as you are’ – there’s no dress code! They just want you to have fun. Play the course in 9, 12, 18, or 21-hole rounds. Every booking includes a complimentary golf cart and one hour of range time prior to your tee time. If your clubs didn’t make the last-minute packing list, there are rentals available at the pro shop.
Jet Skis
Strike out for thrills and an adrenaline rush on a jet ski and slice through the waters of the Gulf at top speed during your last-minute trip. There are several companies that offer jet ski tours, and also rent jet skis for more fast-paced water excitement on your own.
Make sure to ask about rates as well as age restrictions for passengers and drivers. Participants born on or after September 1, 1993 will need to acquire a Texas boater safety certificate to pilot a jet ski themselves, whether or not you’re part of a tour group.
Jetty Boat
The boat runs daily between Fisherman’s Wharf and the base of the North Jetty on San Jose Island. The boat is the only way to access the North Jetty along with the beautiful, uninhabited shores of San Jose Island for fishing, birding, beachcombing, swimming, and other water activities you’ll want to enjoy on your last minute vacation.
Parks
If outdoor activities are on the top of your last minute vacation To Do List, there are several state and local parks in the Port A area you’ll want to check out. Land activities include picnicking, sand volleyball, basketball, and more. Many are just steps from the water, so you can schedule some beach time while you’re at it.
Last Minute Accommodations That Don’t Feel Last-Minute
When you stay in a vacation rental in Port A provided by Sandcastle Condos during your last-minute stay, you’ll enjoy easy access to all the island fun. You’re close to everything you want to see and do, including the beach and the crashing waves of the Gulf, and its many activities. We’re also close to other area attractions, tours, shopping, dining, and activities the area has to offer.
Choose from efficiency style units for your solo or sweetheart last-minute retreat, all the way up to three-bedroom units for your larger group getaway. Make use of the fully equipped kitchen to prepare delicious home-cooked meals, retreat to a private bedroom, or spread out in an open living space for a movie or activity with loved ones. Enjoy the view from a private balcony or patio or spend some time near the pool – there’s no end to the fun.
Contact us today!