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.
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.
Vacations can often be expensive, having to purchase everything from airfare to sanctuaries and everything in between, but a Port Aransas vacation spent in comfort and style in one of our Sandcastle Condominiums rentals doesn’t have to be expensive. We like to help our guests out as much as possible, and as such, we have created this list of Port Aransas activities and events that won’t break your budget, leaving you a little extra in your pocket to buy more souvenirs or to enjoy dessert and appetizers with every meal you purchase!
A Day at the Beach
Costing absolutely nothing and providing serenity and excitement to your vacation experiences, visitors can pack snacks and beverages, utilize the beach gear provided by the unit they are renting (or bring their own!), and spend an entire day savoring, sun, sand, and surf for free! The beaches of Port A will help you make your best memories, and because this activity is free, stopping in a beachfront café for a cocktail will still ensure that your spending is minimal.
Play Pickleball
Pickleball is a sport that is taking the world by storm, the Port Aransas pickleball courts, located at 700 Clark Parkway Port, are free to use. If you haven’t reached the stage in your obsession for the sport that you carry your own gear with you everywhere you travel, you can check out gear for free as well! Simply call the Parks & Rec Office at (361) 749-4158, check out the equipment you need, and if the courts are free, you can spend a few hours playing your new favorite game. The courts are first come, first serve, so keep that in mind.
2023 Port Aransas Wooden Boat Festival, October 20- October 23 Roberts Point Park
The boating history of Port A is a long and storied one, and Port Aransas Wooden Boat Festival celebrates that heritage with a three-day festival that costs nothing to attend. Learn and watch as boats are built by families right there at the dock, let your kids participate in games, and because a festival would not be a festival without food, drink, and music, you can purchase your favorite meals from the food vendors. If you are intent on not spending anything, you are at a park, so feel free to bring a picnic lunch, and if you are willing to spend a few of your hard-earned pennies, there will be vendors selling artsy crafty things that will help you remember your adventures in our favorite coastal town!
Wetlands Education Center, 750 Channel View Drive
Education can be fun, especially when it is firmly intertwined with nature, and the Wetlands Education Center is the perfect example. Offering over three acres of marshland, visitors can stroll along the boardwalk learning about flora, fauna, and the importance of wetlands to the continuing survival of our planet. Known locally as the Windows to the Sea, even your most anti-school littles will find themselves excited about learning at this natural spot!
Visit Chapel on the Dunes, 203 11th Street
Now, we all know that the sea itself provides its own source of serenity, but if you want to kick up the tranquility a notch or two, a visit to our historic Chapel on the Dunes is the ideal way to do so. Built in the mid-30s, the small white stuccoed chapel is also called the 8th Wonder of Port Aransas and has served as the beginning of many marriages for almost 100 years. Perched atop a sand dune dotted with beautiful plants, the steps that lead to its front door are relatively simple to climb but may not be so for visitors with mobility issues. It’s free to visit, but if you decide to bring your wedding on the road to Port A, there will be a charge for the ceremony.
Some Restaurants to Enjoy
Here’s the thing: The fully equipped kitchens in our Sandcastle Condominiums escapes ensure that you can eat every meal at home and save all the money you need, but we sincerely hope you explore some of these reasonably priced restaurants! MacDaddy’s Family Kitchen, located at 118 Beach Street, offers delicious Texas barbecue with prices that won’t make your wallet cringe. Moby Dicks, 517 S Allister Street, provides sweet seafood and a whimsical environment, also with great prices, and because our tiniest travelers can be the pickiest eaters, Seafood and Spaghetti Works provides a blended menu of seafood and Italian meals, offering prices that will surprise you with their reasonableness.
Hanging Out with Sandcastle Condominiums
Our luxurious and comfortable condos are also priced well for travel, and when you incorporate days at home into your vacation schedule, you can save even more money! Binge watch movies on rainy nights, play board games around family tables in the dining room, and sit out on the balcony, letting the sea soothe your frazzled soul. Reserve your favorite vacation escape today!
Port Aransas is a wonderfully laid-back town, and it’s no surprise as to why. The gorgeous Gulf beaches and abundant fishing opportunities make for a slow paced, relaxing environment that creates the perfect vacation spot. When you aren’t out on the beach, fishing, boating, or wildlife watching, though, there’s still plenty more for you to do. The Port Aransas community has plenty of different stores with all kinds of themes that make for the perfect places to find that gift you’ve been looking for, or even a souvenir to commemorate your trip. While you’re in town, here is a Port Aransas Shoppers’ Guide that covers some places you might consider visiting.
Fly It!
If you’re looking for something to add to your time at the beach, why not stop by Fly It! and pick up a kite? This is an especially great stop if you’re bringing the kids along with you, as you can bring them along to find their favorite kite to run down the beach with. There are more than just kites, too. You can even find flags, windsocks, and yard decorations to bring home with you, all while supporting a local business.
Island Wine
This is a great stop on multiple levels because you can stop in and pick up local and regional wines that you won’t find anywhere else, and there’s also a bar on site if you want to stay in for a bit and have a couple drinks. They offer casual dining in the form of appetizers and charcuterie boards, and there’s often live music for you to enjoy with your new favorite wine.
Bella Bella Boutique
If you’re looking to pick up some unique fashion while you’re in town, there are definitely plenty of boutiques for you to choose from, and Bella Bella is definitely one of the can’t miss stops. Owner Christina Bell is a long-time resident of Port Aransas and has gone to great lengths to find bold fashion choices that women of all sizes can enjoy in this inclusive space. There’s a ton here, including clothes, jewelry, shoes, hats, and plenty more, so come and see for yourself.
Chilla’s Storage and Gift Shop
Though they sell climate-controlled boat and RV storage, you’ll find that Chilla’s also makes for a great spot if you’re looking for the perfect souvenir to help commemorate your Port Aransas visit. There is a tone of nautical themed metal wall art here, making for the perfect piece to hang at home. There’s also plenty of colorful pottery, signs, plates, jewelry, and more, so stop by and find something uniquely Port Aransas.
Gratitude
Covered top to bottom and wall to wall, this is a fun gift shop to stop by if you’re looking for a souvenir but you might not be sure exactly what you’re looking for. There’s an eclectic selection here that you’ll just have to see for yourself, and if there’s something you can’t bring back with you, they even offer shipping.
Shannon Lafayette Photography
Whether you’re just looking to capture a family vacation or you’re having a special gathering out in Port Aransas for something like a wedding or birthday, you can easily schedule a photoshoot on the beach through this company. If you want to make your Port Aransas trip official with a professional photoshoot on the beach, this is the place to contact.
Lone Star Taste
Texas is a big place with all kinds of different kinds of treats, and you’ll be able to find many of them at Lone Star Taste exclusively out in Port Aransas. Sauces, dips, preserves, jerky, specialty sodas, and countless other different snacks are waiting for you here, and if you want to stock up on some of your favorites before you head back home, many of these goods stay fresh for a long time.
Mirage Beach Wear
You’re in town and right next to some of the best beaches in the state, so of course there’s going to be a swimwear store. Whether you forgot to pack your beach clothes, or maybe you just want something fresh and new, you’ll find new beach fashion for men, women, and children alike. They also have their own line of souvenirs, and equipment for surfing and skateboarding.
Coastal Closet
Coastal Closet is a great boutique shop to visit if you’re looking for a carefully curated selection of name brand clothing for just about anyone, and that’s not all, either. This store also has plenty of furniture and interior decorations for you to choose from if you’re looking to bring something home with you to help liven up your house with something that reminds you of the beach life.
Theres Plenty More to the Port Aransas Shoppers’ Guide
This is just a small selection of some of the best stores in Port Aransas stay. While you’re in town seeing what everyone has to offer, you might even find another store off the beaten path that speaks to you. Come by and visit us, and hopefully you’ll find that perfect piece of Port Aransas to bring back home with you.
When most people think of Thanksgiving, they think of family meals and the coming of the colder seasons. While this is true, there’s plenty of other ways to enjoy the holiday without having to worry about the cold. Over in Port Aransas, the weather is nice during all seasons, and what would otherwise be a frigid winter elsewhere instead becomes gorgeous ocean air with a slight chill in the air. It makes for a perfect vacation destination for anyone looking to shake it up a little bit during the holidays. If you head out this way, you’ll be able to get out and walk one of the gorgeous local beaches and still have plenty of spare time for that full Thanksgiving dinner with friends and family.
Of course, there’s plenty more to do during the season than just the Thanksgiving feast. Port Aransas has a wide variety of different activities for you to take part in to help liven up your vacation. While you’re enjoying your stay, here are a few things you might consider doing:
Annual Holiday Shop Around
If you find yourself with time to spare during your stay, why not get ahead of the holiday shopping by beating the rush with this local shopping event? It can be exhausting dealing with the Black Friday crowds, and honestly any of the crowds leading all the way up to Christmas Eve, but if you’re planning on being in the area during November 19th – 21st, you’ll have plenty of chances to scoop up that perfect local treasure that is sure to make for a unique gift for someone you care about.
While you’re enjoying the wide variety of different shops and vendors that are bringing their goods to the table this year, there will be plenty of other treats waiting for you. Take a break from the shopping whenever you like and stop in to any of the conveniently located local restaurants to sample some of the local fare, and whenever you’ve had your fill, the discounts will still be there waiting for you. Maybe you’ll also be able to find that perfect local food item to bring back to your vacation home as an accompaniment for your upcoming Thanksgiving feast.
See the Beaches During Off Season
As much as we all love the beach, it can get really crowded during the peak seasons. Sure, summer makes for a great time to head down to the beach and let the cool breeze and gorgeous waters beat the heat, but that fresh air and gorgeous atmosphere is there for your enjoyment all year round. When you’re visiting a place like Port Aransas, you simply can’t miss out on a chance to visit the beaches, and if you’d like to head into the water, still probably won’t need to worry about it being too cold for comfort. Even in November, the water temperatures average at a comfortable 72 degrees, so don’t be afraid to jump in!
Book a Trip on a Local Cruise or Tour
Port Aransas has plenty of different companies that offer all kinds of specialized cruises for you to get out into the water and see the picturesque scenery from a unique perspective. This is a great way for people who want to see the sights without going for a swim to see everything the area has to offer, and it’s also an ideal choice for anyone who loves watching the wildlife. On some of these cruises, you’ll be able to get up close to dolphins and water fowl in their natural habitats, and it all makes for great photo opportunities.
Cruises are also a great way to throw a party for you and your friends. Many of the local tours happen during different times of the day, from morning to sunset, and snacks and refreshments are often offered up for customers. If the mood strikes, and you really want to throw a party to remember, get in touch with one of the companies and you’ll be able to book your own private party aboard their spacious vessels, really making it a Thanksgiving celebration for the ages.
Prep Your Ideal Thanksgiving Dinner
Our vacation homes are fully furnished with complete kitchen suites, meaning you and your family can put together a professional Thanksgiving dinner from the comfort of your new home away from home. All of the appliances you need to make small snacks and full feasts are ready and waiting for you to utilize, along with a load of utensils and cookware so you don’t have to worry about bringing anything but the food. Cook up a Thanksgiving dinner your way, and don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful weather while you beat the winter chill.
Port Aransas Awaits
When you book with Sandcastle Condominiums, we’re confident that you’ll be matched with the perfect rental for your holiday getaway. We’re committed to finding a property of the right size and with the right amenities to help you have a vacation you and your family will remember for years to come. Hopefully, after you see how beautiful our city is, you’ll want to come back and stay with us again! Get in touch with us now to set up your Thanksgiving escape.
Are you in search of a fantastic beach destination to enjoy your 4th of July weekend? Then look no further than the seaside city of Port Aransas, Texas! Here you’ll find warm and inviting Gulf waters, beautiful sandy shores, and an inviting town atmosphere that will make you feel like you are in your home away from home. For the 4th of July holiday weekend especially, Port Aransas is filled with fun activities that are sure to keep you entertained all weekend long. From arts and crafts to live music and fireworks shows, the perfect 4th of July weekend awaits you in beautiful Port Aransas!
Independence Day Fireworks
The cornerstone of any successful 4th of July weekend has to be attending a fantastic fireworks show. Luckily, Port Aransas has you covered with their Independence Day Fireworks Display. Celebrate America’s birthday with a breathtaking 30-minute fireworks spectacular lighting up the skies. Located in Robert Joints Park, this event is free for all to attend. However, as this a must-see event in Port Aransas, plan to arrive early to get parking and a good view. The show begins promptly at 9:30pm. Enjoy the view from the shores or consider renting a boat and enjoying the show from the Gulf. Either way, you are sure to be wowed by the fireworks show here!
Rockport Art Fest
Although a fireworks show is the bread and butter of a 4th of July weekend, the fun and entertainment doesn’t stop there in Port Aransas. To enjoy the holiday weekend like a local, consider heading to nearby Rockport at attend the Rockport Art Fest. Founded in 1969 as a way to raise funds for the local arts, it has grown into a full-blown local institution in Texas, with over 120 artists participating to show their works to over 10,000 annual attendees. In addition to great art shown by local artist, you can also enjoy live music, great food, a live auction, and plenty of activities for kids. The event will be held on July 3rd from 10am to 6pm and July 4th from 10am to 5pm. Consider purchasing a VIP ticket for $15 that allows you entry to both days of the fest beginning at 9am. If you want less of a commitment, a one-day pass is only $10. Attend one of the most popular events in the Port Aransas area and support the local arts scene by spending some time at the Rockport Art Fest!
Palmilla Beach Summer Concert Series
For country music lovers, there is no better event in Port Aransas than the Palmilla Beach Summer Concert Series! This is the 8th annual event and is quickly becoming a must-do for locals and visitors alike for 4th of July weekend. Spend Saturday evening enjoying live country music, Texas style, in an intimate environment. The event will be held at the Palm Plaza, adjacent to the Black Marlin at Palmilla Beach Resort. Enjoy dinner at Black Marlin and then head to the lawn for great live music. General admission tickets are $30; you can also reserve a table for 8 for $500. Those who choose general admission are encouraged to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs. This year, the Rankin Twins performance begins at 7pm sharp to be followed by Sunny Sweeney at 9pm. If you love county music, then the Palmilla Beach Summer Concert Series is a can’t miss event during your 4th of July vacation in Port Aransas!
Live Music at The Back Porch
If you want to spend your 4th of July weekend in Port Aransas, then you definitely want to make time to head to local bar and venue The Back Porch. The atmosphere here is relaxed and a little rough around the edges but is definitely friendly and charming. Feel like you are sitting in your own back porch, if your home was on the beach, at this great outdoor venue. Enjoy live music here nearly every night of the week, and the weekend of 4th of July is no exception. This year, enjoy a show from local Texas country artist, Zach Walther. The Back Porch combines all of the things that make a vacation in Port Aransas great – a welcoming atmosphere, great Gulf views, drinks served cold, and awesome live music. What could be better?
4th of July is the perfect weekend to plan a getaway to somewhere new, and there are few places better to choose for your next vacation than Port Aransas, Texas. The beautiful beaches and sandy shores are waiting to welcome you! In addition to great year-round activities, there are plenty of fun things to do during the 4th of July weekend. Make the most of your summer holiday vacation by spending it in Port Aransas!
If you’re visiting for a weekend or maybe even a month in Port Aransas during the Fall, Winter and Spring season you are guaranteed ultimate relaxation! Most people avoid our beaches in these off-season months but some would rather avoid the crowds. There are many things to do in Port Aransas during these times of year and we know some secrets that keep others coming! Depending on the weather, Port Aransas can be a cold beach town and seemingly desolate.
However, for those who do take the time to travel here during these seasons know how beautiful Port Aransas can be! If you’re looking for something to do during these “off-season” months here are the top 10 things to do in Port Aransas. Each destination has an attached URL for more information.
South Texas Birding
There are several places located around town that you can take your binoculars and cameras for a refreshing nature scene. The most popular is the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center and Charlie’s Pasture. These two locations are remote from the town and offer nature at its quietest and best. Besides these two places, the jetty on the Port Aransas beach that faces the Corpus Christi Ship Channel offers views of not only birds but awesome ships! There are some places on HWY 361 that have entrances off to the bayside. Most of these places require a 4WD vehicle but there are some paved or caliche roads that are maintained by the state.
http://www.cityofportaransas.org/leonabelle_turnbull_birding_center.cfm Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center Website, including directions and other information.
http://www.cityofportaransas.org/nature_preserve.cfm Charlie’s Pasture Website, including directions and visitor information.
Fisherman’s Wharf Tours/Fishing Cruises
Enjoy a guided Whooping Crane Cruise or a chartered fishing tour aboard the Fisherman’s Wharf infamous Skat Cat and Wharf Cat vessels.
http://wharfcat.com/winter.htm This is the link for the scheduled events of this year’s 2016 season!
The Red Dragon Pirate Cruises
This cruise is not just for kids! Adults will love the Pirate show that is put on and will be entertained by the games the kids do play, plus drinks are served on board. Winter cruises are until January 29. Click the link above to see the schedule or call for more information!
Beach Combing
There’s not a website for this because it’s plain and simple! Port Aransas is known for the many shells that wash up on shore from the Gulf of Mexico. From Port Aransas to the Fish Pass Jetties and further south, shells are scattered all over. You can do this anytime of the day and see very interesting shells and animals! The Padre Island National Seashore is further south but always has starfish washed on shore and large shells. Take the time to walk the beaches even if you are wrapped up in sweaters and scarves!
Port Aransas Art Museum
The Art Museum offers many classes throughout the seasons to all levels of artists. If you’re here for a month check it out! You may find you have skills you didn’t even know about.
http://www.portaransasartcenter.org/classes-events/ Click here to the schedule of classes and the information for each one! Some do require supplies but down at the beach, your inner creativeness seems to awaken and your inspiration for art is thriving!
Port Aransas Community Theatre
The PACT is a group of local individuals with a love for the performing arts. Each play is very well practiced and performed, so well that you WILL enjoy it with your company!
http://www.portaransascommunitytheatre.com/ Click here to find show times and ticket information!
Whooping Crane Festival
The Whooping Crane Festival is put on by conservationists of Port Aransas and the Chamber of Commerce/Tourist Bureau. This event is Feb 25-28 of this year with only a $20 registration fee. If you’re a birder, you definitely want to come out and see our official “Snow Birds.”
Texas Sandfest
Each year people from all over the world venture to Port Aransas to see the impressive professional sand sculptures that are created on our beach! There are many contestants and extremely creative sculptures! You won’t believe these artists are only using sand and maybe a little glue to make these beautiful and detailed sand creations.
www.texassandfest.org This year’s dates are April 29-May 1st.
Fire it! Ceramics
Love painting and art? Fire it! Ceramics has pieces already formed where you can select your piece and paint it! You don’t get to work the clay at this place but let your inner creator break free as you design the pot, plate, or cup of your imagination!
http://www.fireitceramics.com/index.html
Golfing
Play a round of golf on a professional Arnold Palmer designed golf course! La Palmilla is just off of HWY 361 with gorgeous greens and fairways. The scenery lets you know that you’re still at the beach while you Tee off!
Fun and Exciting Things to Do in Port Aransas
Before planning your itinerary and thinking about what things to do in Port Aransas, don’t forget to check out our amazing condominiums and book your stay!