As pretty much the entire world prepares to say farewell to the harsh weather of winter, chances are you are already planning a spring fling to somewhere warmer than your own wintry home town and if your journey involves a trip to Port Aransas, we can promise spring will have sprung by the time you arrive. Offering balmy temperatures that can reach the low 80s, sunny days that will add color to your pale cheeks, and a variety of fun to be had outside, your visit will put the spring back in your step. And because warm days (but not too warm!) and sunny skies entice everyone to drop what they are doing and come out and play, we at Sandcastle Condominiums can almost guarantee that our guests will even want to take their meals out under the big blue Texas sky! This guide to the Best Places For A Springtime Picnic In Port Aransas, TX will ensure that every minute of your Port Aransas vacation will be ones you never forget!
Roberts Point Park, 301 JC Barr Boulevard
The sun is shining, the temperature is a perfect 75 degrees, and your cooler is packed with all your favorite picnic foods, but until now, you did not realize that Roberts Point Park is the perfect place to hold your al fresco feast! Located on the waterfront and giving picnickers views of huge cargo ships going about their cargo-ing business, there is also a playground on which sits equipment built to look like a pirate ship, making this park the absolute best picnic spot in all of Port Aransas.
Joan and Scott Holt Paradise Pond
Located behind Restaurant San Juan at 410 Cut-off Road, picnickers will find their paradise at Joan and Scott Holt Paradise Pond. A boardwalk made of wood leads visitors along a trail that provides peeks of local wildlife, vegetation, and of course, the pond itself and while there are no provided picnic tables, there are a couple of benches along the path. Pack your picnic and sit side by side watching people, animals, and the beauty of the Port Aransas landscape as you enjoy your favorite foods.
Wetland Park, 1112 TX-361
Popular with bird watchers, Wetland Park provides another boardwalk area to enjoy exploring nature, hiking, and of course, a happy picnic under the shelter of a wood gazebo overlooking the water. Wheelchair accessible, this park is another naturally beautiful part of Port Aransas guaranteed to make picnickers wish they never had to leave.
Port Aransas Beach
The beach is what drew you to our coastal town and the beach is where you will probably spend a large portion of your time, so why not increase your toes in the sand time with a picnic dinner at sunset? Perfect for a romantic evening out with your favorite traveling partner, the sounds of the waves crashing against the beach, the sight of the sun setting over the horizon in a fantastic ball of fiery color, and the taste of your favorite dishes combine together to create an experience you will never forget. When the last crumb has been devoured, the final sip has been savored, and the sky turns that velvety black that never ceases to amaze, a moonlit stroll along shore’s edge promises to be all the dessert this perfect picnic needs.
Venture Further Out & Explore
Mustang Island offers a beautiful spot for a picnic as you explore all there is to do on its 18 mile expanse, punctuated with a picnic! Named after the wild mustangs that used to roam freely on this barrier island, there are picnic tables for comfortable picnicking or you can just claim your stake on a piece of the beach and spread out your feast and prepare to be lulled into a pleasant state of atrophy. There are times in our lives when hustle and bustle is necessary, but during your picnic on Mustang Island hustle is never the answer! Relax and recharge, perhaps keeping an eye out for local birds without leaving your place in the sand!
Book a Stay and Enjoy the Best Places For A Springtime Picnic In Port Aransas, TX
Our Sandcastle Condominiums seasonal sanctuaries are designed to be an integral part of your vacation experience, so why not stay home, and play or picnic? You won’t have to go far for a refill on your wine when the refrigerator is just steps away and the views of the sea found on the balconies of many of our vacation escapes are destined to wow! Most balconies come with comfortable seating, perfect for picnic enjoyment, but if you really want to go old school with your culinary adventures, toss a blanket on the floor of the balcony, turn on some soft music and prepare to enjoy the perfect picnic in the perfect spot!
When it comes to amazing vacation destinations to enjoy, travelers from near and far are sure to find something that inspires the mind and imagination in Port Aransas, Texas. This captivating city on Mustang Island sits just off the coast of Texas and is adored for its stunning beaches, amazing waterways and natural landmars that make for amazing moments of exploration and discovery. Complete with incredible wildlife, sensational shopping options and of course, the flavorful eateries to match, there’s truly something for everyone who comes this way with a little spare time set aside in the name of fun and adventure. Here is our Ultimate Guide to Winter and Spring in Port Aransas, Texas.
Winter Seasonal Highlights
Even when the temperatures drop in Port Aransas, winter travelers will find there’s a long list of options for fun that you won’t want to miss. Pair that with the fact you’ll have fewer crowds to contend with and you might find that you prefer a winter getaway this direction year after year. The arts and culture scene is alive and well in Port Aransas when the winter season rolls around, giving visitors plenty to see, do, and enjoy no matter what their travel interests may be. For all of its small-town island charm, Port Aransas boasts a big arts scene that’s ideal for exploring when you’re here in the winter and inclined to indulge your own artistic passions. Take an afternoon to drop by the Port Aransas Art Center and enjoy viewing the work of local artists or even sign up for an art class if you have the time. The art center hosts First Friday showings year-round, making for an exciting way to inspire your creative senses while you’re in town.
If you’re more of a theatergoer, a performance or two enjoyed in the winter season at the Port Aransas Community Theater is always worth your while. Shows here are put on by talented locals who are sure to impress! When the show is over, make sure to make time for a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate if you’re visiting with the little ones in tow. Coffee Waves Port Aransas, Barefoot Beans, and Island Café are all great choices to get your post-show caffeine kick.
For those who are passionate about history and longing to learn more about what makes Port Aransas so special, a trip to Farley Boat Works during a winter getaway is a good idea. Adding this stop to your winter activities in Texas is a chance to step into a space that was started in 1915 and credited with producing the first sport fishing boat specific to Tarpon. Farley Boat Works was revamped in 2011 and is considered part of the greater Port Aransas Museum. Here, visitors are given time to really dig into the heritage of boat building and its role in Port Aransas’s story and economy. There’s a vibrant passion behind this industry that comes through at Farley Boat Works, where visitors can see boats being built in real time or put their own skills to the test on-site.
Find Time for Shopping
A winter getaway to Port Aransas is a great time to make the most of historical and cultural stops, but it’s also a prime time to shop! If you’re the type of traveler that loves to search for everything from apparel to one-of-a-kind souvenirs, you’re sure to be pleased with the variety available in Port Aransas. Shopping in Port Aransas revolves heavily around a welcoming village atmosphere where shoppers can easily widow show or pop between boutique storefronts depending on what they’re looking for. Unique women’s apparel and accessories can be found at Balinese Boutique on Cut Off Road while Bella Bella Boutique on Avenue G is a great place to pick up a sophisticated island hat or two. Chilla’s Storage & Gift Shop at 2119 State Highway 361 carries a variety of hand-crafted gifts to browse while Diamond Island on Beach Street is a one-stop-shop for all things art and island-inspired décor.
Indulge Your Dining Inclinations This Winter
If falling temperatures keep you indoors, making the most of the many delicious dining options across Port Aransas is sure to keep you inspired. Here, visitors can find everything from casual stops to fine dining establishments in abundance. The Black Marlin Bar & Grill is a great place to pair a passion for steak and seafood while Cancun Mexican Restaurant brings south of the border flavor right to your table. Irie’s Island Food is the best option when you’re looking to make the most of local fare while Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria is the perfect choice for families with travelers of all ages to please. No matter where you land in Port Aransas for a meal this winter, your tastebuds are sure to thank you.
Winter Events to Consider
Port Aransas is known and loved for its year-round events and festivals and winter travelers will find this season is no exception to the rule. If you find yourself here towards the end of November, plan on attending the annual Holiday Maret hosted at the Port Aransas Civic Center. It’s a great place to pick up holiday gifts ranging from paintings and ceramics to photography and beyond. The fun of Port Aransas in December begins with the Christmas Tree Lighting at the Port Aransas Community Center while the community park hosts holiday drive-in movies throughout the month as well! From the lighted boat parade to the annual winter Whopping Crane Festival, visitors will find that no matter when they arrive, the winter fun is always in full swing.
Spring Seasonal Highlights
Finding time to make the most of a trip to enjoy spring in Port Aransas is just as satisfying, particularly for those travelers with a passion for time in the great outdoors. Springs sits outside of the prime travel season of summer in Port Aransas, so it comes with fewer crowds, but warmer weather to enjoy. This means that guests can move easily between indoor and outdoor activities on an itinerary and enjoy a well-rounded experience no matter how long you have set aside in the name of fun!
If you happen to be an angler, you’ll find that fishing is a prime activity in enjoy in the Port Aransas area when you head this way in the spring. In fact, this locale is often referred to as the fishing capital of Texas! From offshore excursions to inshore fun, the many bays and channels that hug the shoreline and interior make for some versatile options when it comes to casting a line. Port Aransas has many options for booking chartered fishing experiences if you could use an expert guide to get you the best bites or you’re new to angling entirely. Hot Spot Fishing Charters, Deep Sea Headquarters and Dolphin Cock Inc. are all good starting points when you’re ready for a deep dive into the world of fishing. If your spring journey this way is going to extend into the summer at all, it’s good to note that Port Aransas hosts no less than 20 fishing tournaments this time of year!
For those that prefer to stick to land-based exploration but could use a quicker pace this spring, consider renting a bike and making the most of the many trails that call Port Aransas home. Cruising around town via bike is a great way to see the sights at your own pace, enjoy the mild temperatures and savor the sight of plants and wildlife coming to life in the spring as well. There are a variety of bike rental companies in the area that are happy to rent cruisers by the day or hour depending on guest preference. Island Surf Rentals, Tarpon Carts & Rentals, and Island Motor Bikes are just a few of the many to choose from.
Enjoy Wildlife Watching This Spring
Getting out into nature and watching wildlife is definitely a highlight of a spring getaway to Port Aransas. In fact, this destination hosts not one, but five nature preserves that are designed to make the most of hiking, biking, and exploring. Many are equipped with specific wildlife observation areas and boardwalks to make the adventure that much more convenient and specific. For those with a particular passion for birding, Port Aransas in the spring is an oasis of fun! This destination sits right in the heart of a central flyaway point for bird migration and hundreds of different species land here throughout the spring seasons. Port Aransas falls directly onto the Great Texas Birding Trail which makes grabbing your binoculars and heading out to watch winged friends that much more satisfying. Both local and migratory species are visible this time of year, so both are worth keeping eyes open for.
While you’re out on the shoreline looking for birds, it’s just as worth your while to spend some time beachcombing for seashells. A spring stop at the Amos Rehabilitation Keep is a great chance to learn more about sea turtles in this area and how locals are working hard to conserve their habitats and return injured sea turtles to the wild to allow their population to thrive well into the future.
For those that are excited to get out on the water and encounter some breathtaking wildlife sights, booking a dolphin cruise may be the way to go this spring. The team at Dolphin Adventures welcomes guests aboard the Scarlet Lady as you head out to open waters and watch dolphins play and jump in their beautiful natural habitats.
Make the Most of Night Life
As the weather warms up in the spring, so does the fun in Port Aransas. If you’re a music lover, you’ll find that Port Aransas night life features some of the most upbeat performances around! Places like The Back Porch Bar, The Gaff Bar, Salty Dog, and Coffee Waves all host live musical performances that are fun, lively, and invite the excitement to continue well beyond sunset. Grab a drink and head out with friends for a night filled with amazing vibes in Port Aransas this spring!
Events to Enjoy This Spring
Those year-round festivals are just as lively in Spring as they are nay other time of year in Port Aransas. May visitors will want to head to the Port Aransas Art Center to make the most of the annual Art Fest. Spring is also the time to enjoy stops at festivals like PalmFest in May, the Texas SandFest in April, and the Poteet Strawberry Festival held at the end of April as well. Be sure to keep your eye on the event calendar before you travel as it seems this city is always adding fun events to the lineup!
The Ultimate Guide to Winter and Spring in Port Aransas, Texas awaits You
No matter what time of year your travel plans bring you to Port Aransas, it’s a destination that promises to intrigue and inspire. When you’re looking for accommodations to match, the team at Sandcastle Resort Condominiums is here to help. Reach out today to learn more about our many vacation rental options in the area and how we can help you start planning your next exciting trip!