Joy can be found in the most unusual of places. It can be the small moments when your toddler smiles into your eyes and says he wants to marry you when he grows up so he never has to leave you. It can be the large moments when you marry your best friend or when you finally graduate from college after working for many years. Or it can be a combination of both large and small, something a winter vacation in Port Aransas and a stay with Sandcastle Condominiums can provide. Wake up early to watch the world come alive with your toes buried in the sand of our beaches. Discover new ways to enjoy a Christmas parade while watching a procession of decorated boats skim across the water. And savor the serenity of the sea as you relax in the comforts, style, and simple luxuries our seaside sanctuaries offer, feeling the peace deep in your soul and remembering all the reasons you work so hard to provide a good life for your family. All of these moments could happen in many other places in the world, but the joy found in an escape to Port Aransas in the winter will never be matched!
Sand Between Your Toes and Salty Breezes Kissing Your Cheeks
While the people in your hometown may venture out wrapped to the eyeballs in their warmest clothing, shoveling snow and gingerly walking on icy sidewalks, you may not even need a jacket until after the sun sets! Winters in Port Aransas offer sunny days that encourage long walks on the beach, holding hands with your favorite traveling companion, and quiet moments letting the salt air provide that magical therapy that reminds you life brings joy in the simplest of ways. The winter temps may discourage frolicking in the waves, unless, of course, you are a surfer squeezing your body into a wetsuit and discovering that winter really IS the best time to catch a wave!
Holiday Adventures
Maybe this is the year you have chosen to rediscover the spirit of the holidays by leaving behind the chores, expenses, and stresses of your traditional celebrations and exploring all the ways the holiday can bring you peace in Port Aransas! The Lighted Boat Parade, held on December 9th at Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf, certainly redefines the traditional Christmas parade, offering a procession of festively lighted boats that will make you ooh and ahh as they pass. Follow the family friendly adventure up with an adult adventure at Bernie’s Beach House, drinking like a pirate, dancing like a mermaid, and patting yourself on the back for choosing happiness over responsibilities this year!
Because Christmas isn’t the only holiday that happens over the winter, your New Year’s Eve celebration will shine bright, whether you choose to stay at home and watch the big crystal ball fall over Times Square on state-of-the-art televisions in our Sandcastle Condominiums holiday hideaways, or you want to venture outside and see what the town provides in way of celebrations! We love a good party in Port A, and our NYE 2024 Countdown on Port Aransas Beach promises to be a memorable one, involving fireworks, live entertainment, and delicious dining options that will help you usher in the new year in a tasty fashion!
Winter Explorations
The normal sightseeing attractions can be enjoyed as well, including visits to Mustang Island, where travelers can expect to find a glorious selection of seashells and sea glass, offering a free substitute to the normal souvenirs travelers often shop for. Also known as prime bird watching spot, there are over 400 different species that can be spotted on the island, so load up your favorite app to your phone, grab your favorite binoculars, and prepare for a ferry ride to wonderful! Hiking is a popular sport in the cooler days (summers CAN be brutal when away from the water!) and the Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture is a joyful and peaceful spot to explore. For our late winter visitors, the Whooping Crane Festival has been a local tradition since 1996. Held in February (22nd through the 25th) this festival celebrates the return of our Port A Whooping Cranes with tours, naturalists, and photography workshops that will help you take the best pictures of these beautiful creatures! (And more details will be available as we grow closer to the event.)
Choose Sandcastle Condominiums and Find Your Joy
However you spend the daylight hours of your winter escape to Port A, coming home to Sandcastle Condominiums each evening will add a softer excitement to your travels. Watch the sun set over the sea from your balcony every evening, gather round large tables with your family playing games and devouring meals, and dream happy dreams in the most comfortable beds in the state! Reserve your favorite escape today!
As we enter yet another season of our lives, the brr months (September, October, November, and December!) you may be feeling a mite chilly as you realize that the coldest days are just around the corner. Some parts of the world are already dipping their toes in the first drifts of newly fallen snow and the dread that accompanies an entire winter filled with the cold white snow is overfilling the souls of those who live there! In Port Aransas, however, the winter months are just a cooler continuation of the summer months with temperatures rarely dropping below the fifties. The sun shines often, the daily highs of the mid-sixties convince us to get out and play often, and although the Gulf waters can get a little too cold for swimming, we still find ourselves walking along the shore’s edge most days, drinking in the peace and tranquility the waters provide! If this sounds like paradise to you and you have reached the time in your life when the only salt you need during the winter is the salt on the rim of your margarita glass at happy hour, maybe now is the time you should start considering flocking to Port A and becoming a Texas snowbird for the winter!
The Exotic Joys of a Snowbird
The snowbird can only fly with the aid of engines and first-class beverage service and that is ok! The important part of being a snowbird is never having to shovel snow and wearing your shorts in January. When you choose Sandcastle Condominiums for your winter nest, being able to sit out on the balcony toasting the sunset with your favorite beverage is the third part of the equation! Spend your days searching for sea glass and seashells on Mustang Island and your nights reveling in the comforts our condominiums provide! Sleep in late every day, there is no schedule you must follow, and stay up late into the night, reading, watching state-of-the-art television, and posting a few pics to your favorite social websites, ensuring that your friends and family back home in the arctic wasteland of your hometown are suitably envious! Fully equipped kitchens allow guests to save money by not being forced to dine out at every meal, but if you find yourself a regular at Lelo’s Island Bar playing Bocce Ball and bean bags most nights, no one is going to hate you for it! Located at 212 Beach Street and serving up the juiciest burgers in town, accompanied by refreshing beverages and a laidback ambiance that depicts the perfection of beach life to a tee, Lelo is offers a beautiful winter escape!
Beach Time?
To be perfectly honest, the later you get in the winter months the chillier the water gets and unless you like to swim in a wetsuit or have thick northern blood that protects your body from the cold, you will not want to spend your days swimming in the Gulf. With that being said, the early months of winter are still good months to swim in and there is never a tough time to walk along the shore’s edge, letting the chilly waters wash over your sandy toes! Sunset walks make us the happiest, but many of our travelers are morning people who live for the sunrise, and we applaud you for your ability to be awake while the sky is lightening, and the sun is spreading fiery color across the horizon. Sunny days make the beach a gathering spot for other happy snowbirds, perched on their own colorful beach chairs with coolers of beverages and snacks nearby. The friendly nature of snowbirds and Texas residents ensures that you will find a group that will become your own if you want, but no one judges those who prefer to keep to themselves. Texas fought for the right to be happy and independent and if you prefer the solo life, Port Aransas is the most beautiful place to experience the lifestyle you seek!
More to Do
In your hometown, winter is when you cocoon inside your house with a fire going and wearing your favorite Snuggly, but in Port Aransas, there is always something to do outside! From deep sea fishing trips to fishing on the bay, and bird-watching expeditions to hikes along scenic trails, when the sun peeks in your windows every morning of your stay, you will not be able to resist the call of nature. Also offering museums, art galleries, and shops in which your credit card will be given a great workout, there is so much to do during your winter escape to Port Aransas, that you may look forward to returning home at the end of the season, just to get a little break! Reserve your favorite Sandcastle Condominiums seasonal sanctuary today!
Sometimes escaping the winter cold can help you find a new enjoyment for the holiday season. Depending on where you live, the Winter snow and cold can make it tough to go outside and enjoy the season, but like many Gulf coast locations, Port Aransas stays nice and temperate all year. You’ll have access to all of the beaches during your visit, and on many December days it’s still warm enough to go for a swim if you’re feeling up to it. Even better is that you’ll still be able to enjoy some peace and quiet since you’ll be in town before peak season officially hits, and there are some local events that capture the spirit of Christmas in Port Aransas that you’ll want to participate in while you’re here.
Santa Meet and Greet with Red Dragon Pirate Cruises
This beachside event will be a great opportunity to have some fun at the beach and give the kids a chance to get their yearly photo with Santa. Experience the beachy Winter wonderland while you drink hot cocoa and enjoy some tasty baked goods, and you can even bring the family pet along if you’ve brought them with you for your Christmas vacation. Even better is that there’s no entry fee for the event itself, so everybody is welcome to attend. If you are planning on getting a photo with the big man himself, be sure you have your own camera on hand, since they won’t have their own photographer on site.
Enchanted Holiday Forest at Robert’s Point Park
The Port Aransas Parks & Rec Department is putting on a community driven event that allows individuals, families, businesses, non-profits, and everyone else to put together a tree of their own for display. Even if you’re just planning on passing through, you’re sure to enjoy the creative displays put on by everyone involved, and you’ll get to see what the Port Aransas community is about, because this year’s theme is “My Favorite Things.”
Live Music All Month
Throughout the entire month of December, you’ll have opportunities to catch multiple musicians doing their thing. Some of the shows will happen at concert venues, and others will happen at your new favorite local bar or restaurant. If you’re looking for a great way to fill out your night with new entertainment, keep an eye out for show times.
Holiday Drive-In Movies at Port Aransas Community Park
Christmas movies are a seasonal mainstay, and if you make it out to the drive-in event, you’ll be able to see two Christmas classics back-to-back. Reserve your registration for this event on December 17th to secure your spot and enjoy Rudolph and A Christmas Story from the comfort of your own car with free popcorn.
See Seasonal Wildlife
Birdwatching is a common activity around Port Aransas, with many different species passing through the area during different seasons. Since the weather is bound to be gorgeous, why not head out and see all of the migratory birds coming into town at one of the preserves? If you’re experienced, you’ll have an easy time finding the birds making their home nearby, and if you’re new to birding there are plenty of guided tours that can help you get into it.
Enjoy Family Dinner at Your Vacation Rental
Just because you’re out of town doesn’t mean you won’t be able to have your own lovely Christmas dinner with friends and family. Our vacation rentals come with fully equipped kitchens and have all of the modern appliances you could ask for to put together a feast that reminds you of home. Whether you’re putting together something light to keep the party going, or you want to really put together the whole feast with a Christmas turkey or ham centerpiece, you’ll have everything you need. With all of the counter space and storage, you’ll also be able to keep everything fresh so it’s ready at just the right moment.
When dinner’s ready, you’ll have plenty of options for where to dine. If you want to keep it classic and eat at the dining room table while you share in the good company, there’s seating for everyone. If you want to soak up the gorgeous breeze coming in off the coast and make the most of the weather, balcony seating is right there waiting.
Your Port Aransas Christmas Is Waiting
Enjoy all of the holiday cheer with the beach at your fingertips when you stay with Sandcastle Condominiums. We’ve put together a portfolio of gorgeous rentals for you to live in luxury, and we’re confident that you’ll fall in love with your new home away from home for Christmas. Our agents have comprehensive knowledge of our properties and are committed to answering all of your questions to pair you with the perfect place. Get in contact with us and get your Christmas vacation started!
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!
While you’re planning your vacation to Port Aransas, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to filling up your schedule. Of course, one of the obvious choices for most people is to see all of the scenic beaches the island has to offer, which is a great benefit to staying there, but the area is also loaded with opportunities for travelling golfers. With a combination of both 9- and 18-hole golf courses in Port Aransas, you could easily fill up your winter getaway by hitting the green every day. While summer is a great time of year to golf, there’s something to be said about the cool breeze coming off the coast on those winter days without the sun beating down on you. Visit us to enjoy Winter Golf in Port Aransas!
Palmilla Beach Golf Course
Originally designed by gold legend Arnold Palmer, Palmilla is a 12-hole course. Though at first it was a regulation 9-hole course, they eventually expanded it by adding “The Loop” to their property, which is a 3-hole short course. As with many of the links style golf courses, technique is more important than raw power, so be sure to brush up on your technique. Due to the temperate environment in the area, you can expect clear skies even during the winter, but make sure the breeze doesn’t throw off your game.
By booking your tee time, you’ll have access to a complimentary golf cart to navigate the course, and they also give you an hour of practice at the driving range before your tee time so you can be warmed up and ready to go. They also have clubs available for use, and if you want to relax after you finish playing, they have REDS Patio Bar open for business.
Oso Beach Golf Course
Open to the public since 1946, this 18-hole course is a must see destination for golfers from all over. Though the majority of the course plays over flat terrain, there are plenty of other hazards for players to worry about as they progress through the course. Fairways are lined by plenty of trees and bunkers, and of course you can’t forget the coastal breeze. Water hazards are common as well, especially on the back end of the course.
This course also offers plenty of different teaching options for anyone looking to improve their game. Whether you’re just getting started, or you’re a seasoned veteran, they have different types of courses available that are tailored to your needs. Kids eighteen and under have access to the junior academy, which is a great way to get them started if you’re bringing the family along with you. For everyone else, there’s the Learn to Play program if you’re a beginner, or the Game Improvement Program for those with experience. If you’re staying for an extended period of time, the clinics run over the course of several weeks, so get registered to get invested in improving your game.
Lozano Golf Center
As one of the most popular golf courses in the area, this Championship Golf Course is a great stop for anybody looking to make the rounds during their stay. Renovated relatively recently, this course has great playability and fresh turf, and is also friendly for players of all different skill levels. This is a long 18-hole course, and one of the most daunting challenges, especially for newer players, is definitely the combination of wind and water hazards. If you can manage to play around those, however, the fairways have wide landing areas and the general layout is fairly open, so don’t worry too much about making those precision shots.
This course is owned by the city of Corpus Christi, but the management company that runs the course is renowned for their professional and friendly staff, so rest assured knowing you’ll be getting high quality service when you choose to play here.
Lessons are also a feature here, as with many popular courses, so if you aren’t feeling confident about getting straight onto the course, consider booking a lesson to get some tips and tricks on how to improve your golf game. Instructors and even other players may be able to offer you some special insight on how to play your best while you’re here.
Just a Taste of What’s Available at Winter Golf in Port Aransas
This is a premium golfing destination, and because the weather is so fair all year, you almost never have to worry about winter closures, especially considering snow isn’t going to be an issue. There are plenty of other 9- and 18-hole courses in the general area, so feel free to shop around and see what works best for you. Whether you’re planning on hitting one course or as many as you can manage during your winter vacation, Sandcastle Condominiums has centrally located properties that will make it nice and easy for you to make the trip.