The Top Things To Do in Port Aransas | Area Guide by Sandcastle Condominiums

logo ×

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

THINGS TO DO IN PORT ARANSAS

Art Museum of South Texas

Those travelers who are heading to Port Aransas to enjoy an inspired getaway and have a passion for the arts will certainly want to add a stop at the Art Museum of South Texas to their itinerary. This one-of-a-kind locale is loved by those who are looking for creative inspiration as well as a chance to admire a versatile body of work in a space that’s welcoming, spacious, and colorful. Reasonable admission costs and a wide range of displays and exhibits to check out make this a family-friendly stop that everyone in your traveling crew can appreciate! Whether you plan on dropping by for a little while or spending an afternoon exploring, it’s a place that just might be the highlight of your day.

Museum Mission

The Art Museum of South Texas is more than simply a gallery. It’s an artistic venue with a broader mission to both operate educational facilities and host displays for the general public. The museum’s overarching goal is to advance knowledge, appreciation, and awareness of the visual arts that extends to residents of South Texas and visitors alike. It’s a place to explore new mediums, color combinations, and artistic endeavors in equal measure.

Beyond the Exhibits

A trip to the Art Museum of South Texas is a chance for visitors to enjoy a unique, interactive experience as well. Beyond the traditional exhibit halls and displays, the museum also hosts an artcade interactive space on the first floor where families can have hands-on fun with activities including painting, drawing, animation, and more. The museum also houses a digital studio within this creation station which offers a touchscreen experience complete with photo scanners and printers. After visitors have had a chance to enjoy browsing the museum and making the most of interactive fun, they can head over to the gift shop and pick up a souvenir to commemorate their visit. The gift shop is stocked with everything from books and jewelry to posters and trinkets for little ones as well. If all of the museum fun has left you with an appetite to attend to, making time for a stop at Elizabeth’s is a must. This on-site café provides guests with great harbor views and a savory menu to match. All day specialties include seasonal flatbreads, homemade hummus, burrata, and lemon rosemary cake, just to name a few.

HOURS

  • Mon: Closed
  • Tue-Sat: 10am - 5pm
  • Sun: 1pm - 5pm

ADMISSION

  • Members FREE
  • Adults $8
  • Seniors $6
  • Military $6
  • Students $4
  • TAMUCC Students FREE
  • Under 12 FREE

ADDRESS

  • Street: 1902 N Shoreline Blvd.
  • City: Corpus Christi
  • State: TX
  • Zip: 78401

CONTACT

Book Today

When you’re ready to enjoy an amazing Port Aransas adventure, the team at Sandcastle Resort Condominiums has the accommodations you need to top off your trip in style. Get in touch today to learn more and to book your next visit!
Show details

B-Shuttle (Route 94 Port Aransas)

Getting from place to place when you’re heading to Port Aransas doesn’t have to be a hassle. Especially when travelers have the B-Shuttle route 94 Port Aransas option at their disposal! When your travel plans include moving between Port Aransas and destinations like Corpus Christi, Arkansas Pass or Ingleside, these express bus services are endlessly convenient. The fare is also refreshingly affordable giving riders every reason to leave the car behind and opt for public transportation which is quick, convenient, and great for the environment too!

The Many Benefits of B-Shuttle Services and Route 94

Those who choose to utilize route 94 through B-Shuttle to reach and depart Port Aransas will find their travel time is cut down with every ride. Options to pick and choose stops make the experience that much more inviting as well. Getting between longer distance destinations in this area was never easier and currently, route 94 and its complementary routes are scheduled to run between May 27th and Sunday, October 2, 2022. Taking route 94 also offers guests a chance to pass the time utilizing the free onboard Wi-Fi options. This makes travel much more comfortable than having to drive the route independently.

Route Logistics and Pricing

Route 94 runs Monday through Sunday and the regular adult far is .75 for a single-direction trip. Premium service fares that include express lines are available for $1.25. B-Line fares begin at $1.25 per adult ticket as well. As an added convenience to passengers, bus tickets can be purchased online in advance with options to pick and choose between day passes, 7-day passes, 31-day passes and commuter trip passes depending on needs and passenger preference. There is a reduced fare available for senior citizens as well as students. Children 5 and under can ride free with an accompanied adult.  Some of the major points of interest along route 94 include Robert’s Point Marina, UT Marine Science Institute, the Port Aransas Civic Center, and the Horace Caldwell Pier. This shuttle also makes stops at the Mustang Airport.

Contact Information:

ADDRESS

  • City: Port Aransas
  • State: TX
  • Zip: 78373

CONTACT

  • Telephone: (361) 289-5881

Book Your Port Aransas Accommodations Today

No matter when you arrive in Port Aransas in the name of a great vacation, having impeccable accommodations to top it all off in style makes it that much better! That’s where the team at Sandcastle Resort Condominiums comes in. Our collection of incredible property options in this area is designed to inspire travelers of all types. Get in touch today to learn more and to start planning your next adventure this way!
Show details

Balinese Wellness Spa & Yoga Retreat

A trip to Port Aransas is sure to be an inspiring choice for travelers from near and far. However, those looking to take their getaway to the next revitalizing level will find options to do so at the Balinese Wellness Spa & Yoga Retreat while they’re in town. This one-of-a-kind stop is the perfect place to pamper yourself whether you’re looking forward to freshening the skin, enjoying a massage, or centering through a class and retreat-style experience on the property’s beautiful yoga deck. No matter what you’re hoping to achieve, you’ll leave looking and feeling your best with every visit!

Supporting Comprehensive Personal Health & Wellness

A visit to the Balinese Wellness Spa is a chance for guests to make the most of everything from world-class spa services and yoga sessions to massages and access to skincare products that are top-of-the-line too. Helpful on-site staff can assist guests in putting together a package of services that suits their personalized health and wellness needs and goals. The Balinese Wellness Spa only uses organic products, giving an eco-friendly edge to all of their services. The spa is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm and appointments are highly recommended. Those who are interested in a yoga class will find they’re hosted Tuesday through Saturday from 9:15 am until 10:15 am on the Yoga Deck.

Spa Services

Many visitors drop by the Balinese Wellness Spa to make the most of massage services. Guests who opt to utilize this route will find they have access to options ranging from herbal Thai ball massage and signature massage services as well as Swedish massage, deep tissue, and hot stone services too. The spa also offers a variety of skincare services on-site which include microdermabrasion, facials, oxygen rejuvenation, Dermaplane, eye treatments, and red light therapy just to name a few. Waxing sessions can also be booked here with options to focus on brows, lips, legs, arms, or the bikini area upon request.

Visit Chapel on the Dunes

Once you’re feeling refreshed, make sure to stop by and visit the Chapel on the Dunes before you go. This charming chapel overlook the Gulf of Mexico hosts the title of the oldest consecrated church on the island and sits just next to the spa. It was built in 1937 and tours are available upon request.

Spa Contact Information:

ADDRESS

  • Street: 121 Cutoff Road
  • City: Port Aransas
  • State: TX
  • Zip: 78373

CONTACT

  • Telephone: (361) 749-0003

Book Your Stay Today

There’s never been a better time to enjoy a trip to scenic Port Aransas. Get in touch with the team at Sandcastle Resort Condominiums today to learn more about booking a stay in one of our amazing property options the next time you’re in town. We’ll handle the details while you focus on the fun ahead!
Show details

Beacon Charter Services

There are a seemingly endless number of reasons that travelers pack their bags and head to scenic Port Aransas, Texas in the name of vacation fun each year. While some come to make the most of their time on the shoreline soaking up the sun, others come to enjoy outdoor recreation at its best. Port Aransas is a prime place to enjoy everything from shopping and dining to boating, swimming, sunbathing, and exploring! It’s also an amazing place for anglers to embrace the hobby and sport they love while reeling in exciting catches year-round. Whether you’re an experienced angler looking for insight on the best places to cast a line, or you’re new to fishing and could use some expert guidance, booking an on-the-water excursion through Beacon Charter Services while you’re in town is always a good idea!

Fish with the Best in Port Aransas

Those who book with Beacon Charter Services will find they can easily customize their angling excursion to meet their personalized needs and wants. They’ll also love the opportunity to fish with the very best at their side! Beacon Charter Services is operated by Captain Charles Bujan who is licensed through the United States Coast Guard as well as the State of Texas. This Port Aransas native has family roots in the area dating back to the late 1800s when Mustang Island was first being established by settlers. Time on the water has long been a family trade as well with Bujan’s father, grandfather, and uncles taking to the water as boatmen and fishermen alike. As a result, Captain Bujan has both a deep respect and knowledge of the waters that surround Port Aransas ranging from the bay to the flats. He’s well-versed in the many fish species that call these waters home and is passionate about helping others get out on the water and enjoy the experience of fishing in this area as well.

What You Might Reel In

Whether you book a half-day charter or a full day of fun—year-round, those who partner with Beacon Charter Services are likely to reel in something exciting! Winter visitors will be just in time to cast a line in pursuit of trout, black drum, or redfish alike. Sheepshead are also prominent in the waters this time of year. Adventurers who are heading this way in the summer will find the waters teeming with the likes of king fish—particularly near the jetties.

Charter Service Contact Information:

ADDRESS

  • City: Port Aransas
  • State: TX
  • Zip: 78373

CONTACT

Book Your Port Aransas Adventure Today!

There’s never been a better time to enjoy a journey to Port Aransas. Reach out to Sandcastle Resort Condominiums today to learn more about booking a stay through us the next time you’re in town.
Show details

Bernie’s Beach House

Bernie's Beach house is the go to place in Port Aransas for an evening out. 5 full service bars await you when you select Bernies as your party destination. Love to dance? Bernies is the your choice for an evening of dancing. Enjoy daily drink specials, nightly entertainment and partying til close. See you there!

ADDRESS

  • Street: 730 Trout St.
  • City: Port Aransas
  • State: TX
  • Zip: 78373

CONTACT

  • Telephone: (361) 749-4440
Show details

Big Shell Bike Shop

Est. 2010. Bicycles for riders of all ages & skill levels. The only way to Experience Port. A. Try it!

ADDRESS

  • Street: 403 N. Alister St.
  • City: Port Aransas
  • State: TX
  • Zip: 78373

CONTACT

Two of the most fun ways to get around Port A are beach buggy golf cart, and bicycle. Both go where a rental vehicle can’t, but bikes are even better for the tighter nooks and crannies for Port A. If you’re hoping to keep your bike rental experience “contact free,” They offer online booking as well as “scan-&-ride.” Just scan the QR code on the bike, put in your information, and pedal off to another great Port A adventure.

Hours:

Open daily 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Contactless Locations:

Aside from the main store, there are three other contactless rental locations: Port A Beer Hut @ 905 Hwy 361 The 3rd Coast Shack @ 626 Cut-Off Rd Executive Keys Condominiums @ 800 Access Rd 1-A

Types of Bikes:

They offer two types of bike, a Port A Beach Cruiser or a Baja Cruz Fat Bike. Keep in mind the bike you want may not be available at every contactless location. They offer men’s, women’s, and children’s bikes.

Rates:

No matter what your Port A bike rental needs may be, Big Shell Bike Shop has you covered. You can rent for a half day, full, day, or a single overnight. For longer stays, you can reserve a bike for up to a week. Get your bike delivered to your accommodations for just $20 per bike or save the delivery fees and pick up your bike in person. Ask about helmets and other safety gear, as well as extras like trailers, extra baskets, and other accessories you may have on your own bike at home.
Show details

Bill Buster Sportfishing

With a nickname like “Fishing Capital of Texas,” Port Aransas has many locations, from piers to jetties and out into the depths of the Gulf of Mexico, where you can cast a line in search of your next big catch. Bill Buster’s Sportfishing, located in the Port Aransas City Marina at Dock #8, has just what you need to sail the high seas on a Port A deep sea fishing excursion of a lifetime. The marina is located at 301 J C Barr Blvd in Port A, and you can visit the website or call 361-749-5223 to start planning your Port Aransas sportfishing excursion. Don’t forget to secure a Texas saltwater fishing license before departure!

Types of Fish

Being one of Port A’s go-to charter companies for deep sea excursions, you can anticipate snagging tarpon, kingfish, tuna, marlin, sailfish, kingfish, mahi mahi, amberjack, wahoo, and many others. Let the captain know what you’re looking for and they can pilot the boat to popular locations for those species.

Boats & Excursions

You’ll depart on one of the three USCG-documented vessels. Climb aboard the 31’ “Reel Fisher,” the 35’ “Alyse Allyn,” or the 38’ “Bill Busters V,” to set sail for an exciting time. Each vessel is available for 6, 8, 10, or 12-hour excursions. The single flat rate for each excursion covers a group of 1-6 anglers.

What’s Included

Your reservation includes all the bait, tackle, and ice for your catches. Boats are fully equipped for your adventure, including safety gear like life vests. They can also arrange for fish cleaning and prep back at the dock.

What to Bring for Sport fishing in Port Aransas, Texas

First, you’ll want to secure your Texas saltwater fishing license. Next, you’ll pack whatever you need for a fun time on the water. Fill a cooler with drinks and snacks (no glass, please), dress for the weather, and make sure to include sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sun lotion. Don’t forget your smartphone or camera to capture all the memories – including proof of your big catches!

Visit the Fishing Capital of Texas

When you stay in a vacation rental in Port A provided by Sandcastle Condos, you’ll enjoy easy access to the beach and the crashing waves of the Gulf, as well as many area attractions, shopping, dining, and activities like deep sea fishing the area, has to offer. We offer efficiency-style units for your solo fishing excursion, all the way up to four-bedroom units to share a Port Aransas sportfishing experience with all your fishing buddies. Prepare the catch of the day, or any other meal you please, in the fully equipped kitchen. Afterward, spread out in an open living space for a movie or to relax. Enjoy the view from the private balcony or patio or spend some time in the pool or on the sundeck. Contact us today to book your stay in Port A and make sport fishing in Port Aransas, Texas memories to last a lifetime!

ADDRESS

  • Street: 136 W Cotter Ave
  • City: Port Aransas
  • State: TX
  • Zip: 78373

CONTACT

Show details

Black Marlin Bar & Grill

  When it comes to variety, the Black Marlin Bar & Grill has it in spades. Located inside the Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Club, the Black Marlin features coastal cuisine, live music and the best views of the Gulf in Texas. There simply isn’t a bad seat in the house. Whether you're relaxing indoors at the clubhouse, dining alfresco on the patio overlooking the grand lawn or enjoying a cocktail on the third story elevated bar, the Black Marlin is in a class all its own. Situated on the island’s only golf course, Chef Kaharim Becerra has turned a casual clubhouse into a culinary hotspot. House favorites include mahi-mahi grilled tacos, pan seared gulf snapper & shrimp as well as the beef tenderloin sliders. The Black Marlin Bar & Grill is a destination all its own. Enjoy a custom cocktail or a cold cerveza while taking in incredible beach views. Swing by any Saturday night this summer and take in the live music featured in the Black Marlin Summer Concert Series. Just as The Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Club is the ONLY resort on the Texas Coast offering residents Beach. Bay. Golf.; the Black Marlin Bar & Grill is the ONLY destination on the island that marries chef-driven cuisine, an elevated bar and live music. Stop by and get hooked. Hours of Operation:
  • Brunch: 10am-2pm Sun
  • Breakfast: 7–10am Daily
  • Lunch: 11am–3pm Sun-Thur, 11am-9pm Fri-Sat
  • Dinner: 5–9pm Fri-Sat
  • Happy Hour: 3-5pm Daily
  • Elevated Bar: Fri-Sat 3–8pm

ADDRESS

  • Street: 258 Snapdragon
  • City: Port Aransas
  • State: TX
  • Zip: 78373

CONTACT

Show details

Blue Water Cowboy Saloon & Mercantile

For a unique drinking and dining experience, check out the Bluewater Cowboy!  Featuring amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico from the 3rd story, a souvenir shop and bar, this is a great spot for anyone looking to have a wonderful time.

ADDRESS

  • Street: 229 Beach Street
  • City: Port Aransas
  • State: TX
  • Zip: 78373

CONTACT

Show details

Bo Jon’s Surf and Gifts

Drop in this shop to find all kinds of your new favorite beachwear, games and souvenirs. Tula Blue jewelry is featured here.

ADDRESS

  • Street: 204 E Avenue G
  • City: Port Aransas
  • State: TX
  • Zip: 78373

CONTACT

  • Telephone: (361) 749-3133
Show details