When you need a break, make sure it’s full of island sand, water, sun, and fun. Zero in on the Texas Gulf Coast and Port A and load your vacation schedule with plenty of beach and island fun. There are a variety of things to do, places to go, rest, relaxation, and more to make your trip just what you hope it will be. There are many other reasons to book your next vacation in Port A, and we’d like to share some of them with you. See you on a Port Aransas vacation soon!
1: Relaxation
The Beach
An island vacation is most often a beach vacation, too. You can spend all of your trip lounging on the sand with a book or sunbathing, playing in the water, building sandcastles with the kids, or any other activity you can think of. The beach is just a short walk down our private boardwalk. Pack up your beach gear and be on the sand in just a few minutes.
Spa Day on Your Port Aransas Vacation
Get a vacation makeover in Port A. Spend the day at a spa and relax with massages, facials, body wraps or scrubs, mani/pedi treatments, and many other services. Choose your spa and your preferred services and make a package full or relaxation just for you. Select spas offer services just for them, including manicures, body treatments, and more, each created to meet his special needs.
2: Arts & Culture
Port Aransas Art Center
Enjoy the art of Port A. The center is a home for artists and art lovers to share in the creation and appreciation of art in Port A. Since it opened in 1995, the center has grown to include educational programs and events for all ages. You can even take classes in ceramics, drawing, mixed media, photography, painting, and more while you’re here. You can check their website for a full calendar of classes and events that may fit into your busy schedule of Port A fun.
Farley’s Historic Boat Shop
A big part of Port A’s history and culture is fishing, and specifically tarpon fishing. Farley Boat Works remains the premier boat builder in Port A. They continue specializing in tarpon fishing boats, the first type of boat the company built in Port A.
The first tarpon fishing boats built by bothers Barney and Fred Farley were built in 1910, and the business was moved to Port Aransas in 1914 and grew to include Fred’s three sons. The business expanded to include speed boats, cabin boats, and corporate vessels. Visit the “living exhibit” and see boat-builders in action.
3: Adventures
Undersea Adventures
Experience the water below the waves when you book a snorkeling or SCUBA diving tour of the waters off the shore of Port A. Plunge under the water to see a side of Port A and the Gulf of Mexico you may not easily see from inside a tour boat. Ask about age restrictions for each activity before booking, and make sure to get SCUBA certified before you attempt a dive without a skilled instructor.
Parasailing
Take off from the deck of their specially designed and USCG-approved parasailing boat with up to three riders in the harness to fly high above the waters of the Gulf. Keep your eyes on the water for glimpses of dolphins, turtles, manatees, stingrays, and other sea life. Rides are 10 minutes of airtime, but the whole excursion duration depends on the number of fliers. Safety gear like life jackets is provided, and fliers must be at least seven years old. If you want to capture your flight on film, book a photo package. Someone will take digital photos of you as you sail through the air and provide you with an SD card so you can print pictures of your Port Aransas vacation once you get home.
4: Tours
Glowing Kayak Tour
Many kayakers love to get out in the early morning, before the world wakes up to make waves. You yourself may have gone on a kayaking trip during the day or in the early morning before, but you can take the relaxing paddle at night, too!
Go for a kayak tour of the area in a unique, clear kayak lit up by special underwater LED lights! The clear boat allows you to see not only the multiple colors of LED light settings you can choose, but also the underwater world beneath you. Your tour guide will point out landmarks and provide an abundance of knowledge about the history, flora, and fauna of the area on the 1.5-hour nighttime cruise under the stars for a different perspective of Port A.
Sightseeing
Port A is full of sights, landmarks, and history you won’t want to miss. There’s a long list of can’t-miss places to see, and you’ll want to have your camera ready to take stunning photos. Make a list and add Lydia Ann Lighthouse, Chapel on the Dunes, Farley’s Historic Boat Shop, Port Aransas Museum, and the Tarpon Inn. History and wartime enthusiasts will want to add the Mexican War Fort – used for a variety of purposes from 1845 through the Civil War, and the WWII Coastal Defenses at Aransas Pass. The site was created to defend the coast after the Pearl Harbor attack, but never saw battle.
Red Dragon Pirate Cruise
Take a different kind of cruise through the waters of Port A. Fun for the whole family awaits when you set sail on the high seas like the pirates of old! Cruise the Lydia Ann Channel where you’ll spot dolphins and other marine life. Sharpen your sword fighting or treasure map reading skills, fire a cannon, and take part in plenty of other pirate fun! Be sure to bring your camera to capture all the pirate mischief and memories. If that’s not enough to get you aboard, there will be soft drinks and snacks, as well as beer, wine, pina coladas, rum, tequila, and whiskey-based drinks for the adult pirates in your group.
5: Activities
Surf Camp
Learn to “Hang 10” on the crashing waves of the Gulf surrounding Port A when you take a lesson in windsurfing or traditional surfing along the Port A coast. Professional instructors offer private and group lessons that will give you the skills to grab your own board and conquer the waves on your own. They may even offer rentals outside your lesson.
Beach Carts
Keep the rental car in its parking spot and skip the paved roads. While they are both great for getting from Point A to Point B, you can’t get the whole island vibe from inside a car. Lose the confinements of an enclosed vehicle and turn off the paved road when you rent a beach cart.
The golf carts are approved to drive on the sand as well as roads. They’re a fun and unique way to get where you’re going and continue the island beach experience while you move from place to place. Carts seat four to six people, and most are equipped with blinkers, rear view mirrors, coolers, windshields, Bluetooth speakers, and roofs.
6: Fishing
Anglers will find plenty to explore during a Port A vacation. You can charter a private tour for you and your closest fishing buddies. Port A is the “Fishing Capital of Texas,” so you’re sure to reel in something.
Bay & Shallow Water
The waterways around Mustang Island and Port A are the perfect place for bay and shallow water fishing. Pack your gear or rent some and head to the calmer waters of the area for the serene fishing experience you crave. You can expect to hook redfish, flounder, black drum, snapper, and trout to bring home for lunch or dinner.
Horace Caldwell Pier
The Horace Caldwell Pier is just a 10-minute drive from your Sandcastle Resort Condos vacation rental – and it’s one of the best places in Port A to cast a line. You can fish 24/7, but there are pier attendants available during business hours (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) to help with all your needs.
Bait, tackle, and equipment are available for sale in the Keepers at the pier shop, just in case you need to restock. Admission is $3/person plus $4/pole and is cash-only with correct change appreciated. Kids under six years old are free and discounts are available for military and seniors ages 65 and older.
Jetties
Fish Pass Jetty is a little further south down the island from Horace Caldwell Pier. If you started your fishing journey at the pier, it’s an easy, short walk from there. The jetty spans Mustang Island State Park. Enjoy surf fishing or cast a line in the bay. The South Jetty is another gem where nearshore species come close to shore and inshore species enjoy the calmer water.
Deep Sea
For many, it’s the ultimate fishing experience. Charter a fishing tour or rent an appropriate vessel and brave the deeper waters of the Gulf on your own. The adrenaline and excitement of a deep sea excursion, no matter who is taking the helm, on the Gulf is one a dedicated angler won’t want to miss on a trip to Port A.
Cast a line in hopes of snagging bigger catch that swim in the deeper water, including kingfish, sailfish, marlin, tuna, and much more. Shark fishing and night fishing are also adrenaline-filled options that often take place in the deeper waters of the Gulf.
7: Shopping
You can pick up a souvenir at many of the attractions and adventures you’ll experience in Port A. You may also want to do some shopping. While there are stores where you can score essentials like sunscreen and groceries, you may want to pick up something special. Stop by places like Coquina Dance Jewelry, The Islander, and more. Pick up something sweet at Winton’s Island Candy and take it back to your accommodations to enjoy.
You may pick some up during your jam-packed schedule of activities, but wandering the shops may score you authentic, one-of-a-kind items you won’t find anywhere else.
8: Dining
There are a variety of dining options when it comes to Port A. Restaurants offer a variety of delicious dishes, like seafood, authentic Mexican, American, Italian, and more. You’re sure to find something to please the palate of everyone in your traveling group. Take advantage of our concierge services to book reservations.
9: Weather
Port A has nearly perfect weather, whenever you want to come for a visit. Come during the fall months for highs in the 70s and 80 and lows in the 60s. It makes a great winter escape, with highs in the upper 60s and 70s and low 50s. Spring temps begin to climb toward summer heat, with highs in the 70s and 80s and lows in the 60s. Come enjoy plenty of fun in the heat and sun of summer when highs peak in the mid-90s, and lows cool off to the mid-70s.
10: Accommodations with Sandcastle Condos
We think this reason should be the top of the list, but we also hope it’s the last thing on your mind as you continue to make your Port A vacation plans. A vacation rental home with Sandcastle Condos means relaxation and rejuvenation 24/7 throughout your trip. Our rentals are private homes that have the cozy, private feel of your own home.
Top Reason: Comfortable Accommodations in Port A
Begin and end every day of your seven days of Port A relaxation in a vacation condo provided by Sandcastle Resort Condominiums. We’re only steps from the beach, so you won’t be far from all the Port A fun you came to enjoy.
Enjoy the island’s many dining options or prepare your own meals and snacks in the fully equipped kitchen in your rental. Spread out in an open living space and watch a movie or TV show, or retreat to a private bedroom where you can unwind for a good night’s sleep. We offer efficiency units for a solo or sweetheart stay, all the way up to three-bedroom units so you can enjoy a Port A retreat with all your friends and family.
Contact us today!
