attractions in port aransas Archives - Sand Castle Resort Condominiums

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Just like that, summer is nearly half over, and if you are like most of the nation, you aren’t ready for the carefree days to end! Fortunately, there is still one last chance to celebrate the wonder that is summer, with Labor Day Weekend offering fun, excitement, and the feel of eternal summer. And if your holiday journey is bringing you to the shores of Port Aransas, now is the perfect time to book your vacation escape, choosing the Sandcastle Condominiums holiday hideaway that fits your family best. The days are still long and warm on that first Monday in September and the adventures you will enjoy may lead to a new Port Aransas Labor Day tradition, that of visiting Port A and staying in the comfortable spaces that welcome every guest with warmth and luxury.

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The Gulf Is Calling

Everything in Port A revolves around the Gulf of Mexico, and our Sandcastle Condominiums location ensures you don’t have to miss a single second of the siren’s call of the sea! Choose the size that fits your family best (from studio all the way up to 3 bedrooms) and be sure that the one you make your own offers views of the sea, and your Labor Day getaway will be one you never forget! Wake up every morning with the sun peeking in the windows and take your coffee out to the balcony, enjoying a few quiet moments before the crazy of the day begins. On days you aren’t wanting to explore what our coastal town in Texas has to offer, spending the entire day relaxing on the beach may be the activity you love most! Pack a cooler with your favorite snacks and drinks, grab beach umbrellas, towels, and chairs (many of our condos will provide those items for guests to use during their stay) and head out to the beach you have been eyeing from your post on the balcony! Visitors can frolic in the water, renting jet skis or paddle boards from local companies, or simply lie under their colorful umbrella, ear buds playing their favorite tunes, sunscreen protecting delicate skin, and a beverage at hand. This is a holiday that encourages doing nothing, honoring all the hard work Americans do every other day of the year and if you want to day dream, read, or nap as the sun shines down on your body, no one is going to judge you!

We Love the Nightlife

The best part of the long weekend is knowing you can stay up as late as you want, and there will be no rude alarm clock forcing you to get out of bed at the crack of dawn. Port Aransas is a quiet town but we also offer a fun nightlife that will keep you entertained until the wee hours of the morning! Treasure Island, for example, located at 315 N Alister St, is open every night of the week until 2 AM, so why not go out every night of your stay, sleeping in as late as you like? Offering music, drinks, and the company of other fun-loving locals and visitors, the party is an endless one, making your getaway stand out in ways you never thought possible.

For those who prefer a quieter version of nightlife may want to spend their evenings at home, enjoying the amenities our holiday hideaways have to offer! Binge watching beach movies on state-of-the-art televisions, playing board games with the family and realizing anew just how cool your kiddos have become, and sitting out on the balcony, watching the moonlight reflected in the gulf and sipping your favorite adult beverages. These are the moments that will create memories that last a lifetime, and although there are other places on earth you could enjoy many of the same activities, the allure of Port Aransas will add an extra shine to these sparkly life events!

Celebrate with Sandcastle Condominiums

The beauty of a summer day is enhanced when you get to come home to comfort and luxury every day of your Port Aransas stay, and your Labor Day celebrations are destined to be more fun than you imagined they could be. Create the family potato salad recipe in our fully equipped kitchens, watch summer movies on state-of-the-art televisions, and dream happy dreams when you climb into our premium beds each night. There is no wrong way to celebrate Labor Day and even if your only nod to the occasion is a self-satisfied smile when you roll over in the morning and notice that even though this the normal time for waking, you can roll back over and fall right back to sleep, we applaud you on your commitment to no labor! Reserve your favorite escape today.

In every life, some rain must fall and while rain is good for the crops, trees, and landscape it can put a damper on your vacation activities! In the early days of travel, rainy days often meant being stuck in a dim and crowded hotel room, while children whined, and parents tried not to think about the vacations they used to take before they had kids. During your Port Aransas vacation, however, a rainy day is simply an opportunity to explore the indoor activities that are fun and exciting, as well as a chance to explore the amenities that come standard with our Sandcastle Condominiums’ exciting and luxurious vacation escapes. Eventually, the rain will dissipate, and the sky will turn back to its gorgeous shade of blue, but during the hours when the clouds are releasing their moisture on the land and sea below, this guide to rainy day activities to do in Port Aransas will keep you entertained until you can head outside to play once again!

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Farley Boat Works, 716 W Avenue C

As you might expect, the sea plays a big part in our life in Port Aransas and the boats you may see bobbing in the waters may quite possibly be residents at work. Farley Boat Works is what we call a living exhibit, showing the history and the process of building wood boats, and tours are given on days they are open, as well as classes that teach you how to build a boat yourself. The process is quite fascinating to watch and learn and the end results may look like works of art but trust us when we say that they are quite useful in a functional way as well. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from nine to noon, the boat works offer a unique way to while away a rainy morning!

Balinese Wellness Spa and Yoga Retreat, 121 Cut-Off Road

What better way to fill a few rainy hours than by spoiling yourself at the Balinese Wellness Spa and Yoga Retreat? Offering a variety of services including massages, skin care, and even waxing, you can relax in peaceful harmony, soaking up the attention as the rain falls to the ground outside. If you do nothing else during a gray day in Port A, their Balinese Signature Massage lasts about 2 hours and includes a salt scrub exfoliation, a Dead Sea Masque, and finishes off the treatment with the massage style of your choice; the hot stone massage is our favorite, but feel free to try something else!

The University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Drive

If you do not want to venture to fall from the sea but still want to stay dry, the aquarium and interactive exhibits found at the UTAMS Institute will satisfy your every wish! Learn about what could really be considered the final frontier as more than 80 percent of our world’s oceans remain unexplored. Children and adults will love the interactive exhibits and the aquariums filled with sea life never fails to awe and impress.

Island Wine, 1726 TX-361 Suite A

Offering live music, excellent wines, and an effective way to escape the rainy day or night, Island Wine is the hub of all that is fun indoors during your Port Aransas escape. Also featuring karaoke nights, you may find yourself staying long after the rain has stopped because you are just having so much fun! A small gift shop provides gifts to buy for family members back home who are not getting a chance to enjoy the Texas adventures you are, so you can do a good deed while having the time of your life!

A Walk on the Beach

As our beloved grandmothers used to tell us when we were getting on their nerves, a little rain never hurt anyone, and a romantic walk through the raindrops on a gray and stormy day can be the highlight of your Port Aransas vacation. The smell of rain, the sounds of the surf, and the opportunity to have the beach to yourself will bring moments of fun and wonder that you will never forget!

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Dry and Cozy at Home with Sandcastle Condominiums

A rainy day is nature’s way of telling us to slow down and is the perfect time to stay in and explore the amenities found in our Sandcastle Condominiums. Watch the rain fall into the sea from your oceanfront balcony, stay dry and cozy under the cover of the roof, play board games while gathered around the dining table with your family, and take a nap, lulled into a peaceful sleep by the sound of the rainfall. Every moment inside your rainy-day sanctuary will be one that will fill your heart with joy and put your soul at peace! Reserve your favorite today!

There is a magic attached to the movies, something that goes beyond the pictures and the story on the screen. It is the taste of popcorn drenched in butter, that first sip of icy cold soda, even the fun of being in a large room with dozens of other people waiting for the show to begin. Recliners have taken the place of the fold-down seats that were once commonplace and many theaters have begun to serve alcoholic beverages and pub grub, making the experience as comfortable as it would be if you were watching the movie from home. And when you add a trip to the movies to your vacation itinerary during your Port Aransas escape, you can even go in the middle of the week and have your pick of seats, ensuring you get the one that looks straight on, not too close and not too far away! This guide to the best places to go to the movies during your upcoming trip to Port Aransas will allow you to watch the newest releases in a Port Aransas movie theater while staying as comfortable as you will be in your Sandcastle Condominium’s magical escapes!

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Movies Inc. 1277 Hwy 35 Bypass in Aransas Pass

It is not just the wonders on the screen that will excite you in this local theater! Designed to resemble an airplane hangar, the theme continues in the décor which offers airplane pictures, parts, and a full-sized airplane without wings! The skies are the limit in this charming theater where the latest movies are being shown on the big screen. Do not be surprised, however, if your littles find themselves more interested in the shell of the plane parked in the lobby! (Just do not ask us what type of plane, though. Unfortunately, our knowledge leans towards providing comfortable and inviting vacation condominiums, not deciphering the types of planes hanging around independent theater lobbies!)

North Shore Cinema 8, 251 Buddy Ganem Drive in Portland

Transporting visitors back to their first dates, events that took place in buildings like this, the North Shore Cinema in nearby Portland may not offer planes in their lobby, but they do offer the whole movie-watching experience! Grab your favorite candy, popcorn, and soda at the concession stand, follow the path of the brightly patterned carpet to the screen where your movie of choice is about to begin, and grab a hold of the hand of your favorite movie-watching date! When the lights go dark and the movie brightens up the screen, your life will change forever!

Alamo Drafthouse, 7601 S Staples Street in Corpus Christ

For the ultimate in movie-watching experiences, however, you might want to take a little road trip to Corpus Christi and a visit to the Alamo Drafthouse! Not to be confused with the original Alamo in San Antonio, this unique theater offers alcohol and pub grub to be enjoyed by the light of the action on the screen! Sip your favorite beverage, savor your favorite burger, and become entranced with the story unfolding before you! Oh, and because less is never enough when movies are involved, leather recliners in the first row of each theater ensure that this will be the second most comfortable movie watching you have ever experienced! (We will talk about the MOST comfortable watching experience next!) Also offering seven different screens, mom and dad can be in one theater watching the latest revenge movie while the kiddos (who are old enough to be on their own!) can be watching Disney in the theater next door!

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Lights, Camera, Action!

The best movie nights do not always have to take place outside the boundaries of your Sandcastle Condominiums magical escapes; sometimes staying in on a wonderfully rainy night watching scary movies in your jammies from the comfort of one of our plush sofas can be the best movie watching experience of all! Our sanctuaries are designed to welcome and spoil and when the bad guy makes you jump, the throw pillows on our couches offer the perfect way to hide your eyes for a second or two! Order a pizza from Port A Pizzeria, bring the entire bottle of wine into the living room, and watch a movie from one of your favorite streaming services (Shutter is a great streaming service for those who love scary movies, by the way!) and lose yourself in the magic on the screen! These moments, whether spent with the love of your life or ALL the loves of your life will be the memories you take out and examine on an unbelievably dreadful day at work and will never fail to bring a smile back to your heart! Reserve your favorite Sandcastle Condominiums vacation escape today and make memories you will never forget!

We may be exaggerating a bit when we tell you there are no calories in vacation meals, but the truth of the matter is vacations are when we tend to eat more freely than we do at other times in our life. We order the appetizer at dinner, indulge in calorie-laden, frothy, and delicious tropical beverages, and do not just order dessert at dinner, we fill the counters of our vacation homes with all the treats we deny ourselves during real life! The first trip to the grocery store often ends up with a cart that could have been filled by a teenager, and that is ok! We understand your sweet tooth and your upcoming escape to Port Aransas is destined to be the sweetest escape as you visit these delicious establishments, filling the counters of your Sandcastle Condominiums with every sugary snack you can think of! This guide to the sweetest shops in Port Aransas will ensure that your sweet teeth will stand up and cheer!

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Donut Palace, 604 N Allister Street

No one wants to cook on vacation and although there will be many delicious breakfasts and brunches enjoyed out on the town during your stay, having a supply of donuts from the Donut Palace on hand can be the tastiest way to enjoy your morning meal! Boston Crème, Apple Fritters, Bear Claws, or even the simple old-fashioned glaze; the donuts found at the Donut Palace are fit for royalty and will give your every morning the sweetest start! (They also serve breakfast sandwiches if you need a little protein to counteract the sugar!)

Sugar Botany, 229 Beach Street

You know it is going to be good when the first name is sugar and Sugar Botany specializes in all the sweets we normally try to limit from our diets! Offering cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, and pies, every occasion will be a special one when you choose this sweet shop to handle your sweet tooth! Also offering chocolate-dipped strawberries, you are evening at home with Sandcastle Condominiums promises to be a romantic night you will not ever forget!

Desserted Island Ice Cream, 100 E White Avenue

Ice cream can be enjoyed any time of the year, but during these sizzling summer months nothing goes down easier than your favorite flavor of ice cream and Desserted Island Ice Cream is the only place you will want to be during your summer vacay to Port Aransas. Banana splits, warm brownie sundaes, and every flavor of milkshake just taste better when enjoyed in the bright pink confines of this sweetest shop ever! And even though a milkshake is easier to consume while walking the beaches of Port A, there is just something wonderful about a cone piled high, dripping all over your hand as the waves of the sea crash against the sand!

Port A Creamery, 210 N Alister Street

Because there can never be enough ice cream in our lives, Port A Creamery is guaranteed to offer the icy treat that can meet the challenge of the sweetest teeth in town! Offering everything ice cream, including cakes that will be the highlight of any party, your summer afternoon spent sampling the sweets at Port A Creamery is destined to be your favorite part of your Port Aransas escape! Looking for something sweet, but NOT donuts for your morning meal? Their waffles, topped with whipped cream, ice cream, and all manner of sweets are a treat you will not want to skip!

Winton’s Candies, 601 S Alister Street

1995 was an excellent year in Port Aransas, being the year when Winton’s Candies first opened the doors of its mint green building! Serving every sweet tooth in town the finest of candies, there WAS a brief interruption in service after Hurricane Harvey hit in 2017, but after 2 months of repairs, we could all once again enjoy the candies we crave! Plan to spend a lot of your vacation minutes exploring the sweets that load the shelves, especially as it can feel like a step back into time as you find candies from your youth you thought were no longer available!

Bourbon Street Candy Company, 5488 S Padre Island Drive # 2016 in Corpus Christi

When you are craving homemade fudge, it is only a short drive from your Sandcastle Condominiums to the sweet treats found at Bourbon Street Candy Company in nearby Corpus Christi! Offering everything from custom candy gift baskets to fruit and pretzels dipped in sweet fudge, this shop is destined to be one you visit repeatedly ensuring that your Port Aransas adventures will be of the sweetest kinds!

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There is no Sweeter Place than the Sweetest shops in Port Aransas

Whether you are snacking on brownies by the light of the stove or are devouring donuts for breakfast at our dining room tables with your family, there is no sweeter place to enjoy all the comforts of home than in our Sandcastle Condominiums escapes. Reserve your favorite today!

Those looking for a beautiful vacation destination along the Gulf of Mexico should look no further than a visit to the stunning city of Port Aransas! Located on Mustang Island, Port Aransas is known for its idyllic beaches, fish filled waterways, and tons of natural wildlife. Port Aransas is the perfect destination for anyone looking to reconnect with the water and enjoy breathtaking views. However, for first time visitors, it can be overwhelming to explore on your own. Where are the best fishing spots? Where are the best places to spot wildlife? How can you have fun? Luckily, there are many Port Aransas tours that can help guide you to the best vacation ever! Consider one of the tours we’ve listed below to make the most out of your next vacation in Port Aransas.

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C&T Bay Charters

Port Aransas is known far and wide as a fisherman’s paradise, so you will surely want to head out on the water and come home with a catch. Although you could explore the Gulf on your own, why not take advantage of expert knowledge and hire a charter? C&T Bay Charters are the top-rated fishing tour in all of Port Aransas, and their number one priority is getting you home safe, with a great catch, and a day of memories to last a lifetime. Enjoy a private guided bay fishing charter and fish for trout, redfish, black drum, and sheepshead depending on what is in season. Best of all, their tour is completely family friendly and kids under 12 fish free! Explore the Gulf and come home with an impressive catch on your tour with C&T Bay Charters.

Chute ‘Em Up Parasailing

Although you could explore Port Aransas on foot or even from the water, why not explore the city with a side of thrills with a tour from Chute ‘Em Up Parasailing! For those who are more adventurous, then Chute ‘Em Up is an experience that you can’t miss. Best of all, they are one of the top-rated tours in all of Port Aransas, and even received the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for 2020. Chute ‘Em Up offers family friendly thrills, allowing you to fly as high as 300 feet above the Gulf, although children must be at least 7 years old to fly. Even if you aren’t up for parasailing high above the water, you can still get a tour of the Gulf from the boat as an observer. They offer tours 7 days a week, every 90 minutes from 8:30am to 7pm. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views no matter what time of day you choose, but early morning flights typically see more wildlife and evening trips offer gorgeous sunset views. Make your reservation in advance for the best time slots. The whole family will love an adventure with Chute ‘Em Up!

Red Dragon Pirate Cruises

For a tour around the Gulf with a side of entertainment, look no further than a trip with Red Dragon Pirate Cruises! It is one of the top tours in Port Aransas, having received a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for 2020. Their two-hour tours take you on a pirate adventure, filled with fun, humor, and pirate activities. The professional actors on board are sure to keep you entertained throughout your cruise, with your adventure beginning even before the boat leaves the dock. If you are visiting Port Aransas with kids, then this tour is a must!

Dolphin Watch Nature Tour

One of the best parts of a vacation to Port Aransas is the beautiful wildlife that you find around the Gulf, particularly the dolphins. Observe dolphins in their natural habitat, alongside local wildlife of the shoreline and wetlands on your Dolphin Watch Nature Tour. This tour is a must for anyone passionate about learning more about the natural habitat of the Port Aransas area. Head out to sea on The Mustang, a 65-foot boat that holds up to 100 passengers and offers plenty of space to get a great view. Not only will you learn about wildlife, but you’ll also hear about the local history of the area.

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Aero Copters Tour

Last but not least, another great way to explore Port Aransas is from the skies! Enjoy amazing views of the shoreline, the wetlands, and the waters of Gulf with a helicopter ride from Aero Copters Tours. A helicopter ride may seem like a splurge, but Aero Copters offers tours starting at quite a reasonable price, from short trips up and down the coast all the way up to chartered flights that can transport you across the state of Texas. You won’t want to miss out on this unique way to explore Port Aransas!

Whether you are looking for a low-key afternoon or a full-blown adventure, there is the perfect tour waiting for you in Port Aransas!