Port Aransas Nature Preserve

The Port Aransas Nature Preserve encompasses 1,217 acres of undeveloped land in an area formaly know as Charlie’s Pasture, where early island residents once grazed their cattle. Features at the Nature Preserve include over three miles of hike and bike trails, a pavilion, boardwalks over aigal flats crushed granite trails on the uplands, covered seating sites and two towers overlooking wetland areas around Salt Island. The natural area’s extensive tidal flats provide feeding areas and important habitat for shorebirds and endangered and threatened species such as the piping plover. To keep the preserve unspoiled, certain environmental rules apply.