Learn more about Port Aransas and what shaped the town into what it is today. The Port Aransas Museum boasts a number of temporary and permanent exhibits, with a featured exhibit changing regularly. The museum is located at 400 N. Alister and is open Thursday-Saturday from 1-5 p.m., with tours given by local volunteers. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Farley’s Historic Boat Shop is the premier boat builder in Port Aransas, specializing in tarpon fishing boats. The “living exhibit” can be visited at 716 W. Avenue C on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 9 a.m.-noon. It is closed Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday. Come check out the Port Aransas Museum & Farley’s Historic Boat Shop today!
Port Aransas Museum 1900s Kit House
Walk through Port Aransas history at the museum. The owners of an early-1900s kit house offered to sell the property to the Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association where it stood, but the cost of the land prohibited the sale. The owners agreed to give the house to the PAPHA to move to another location, which is where the kit house sits today.
Port Aransas Museum Exhibits
The museum is home to permanent and rotating themed exhibits. Previous exhibits include The Tarpon Era, featuring the activities and events of the town between the 1880s through late 1950s, when tarpon fishing was the main activity, as well as a history of sport fishing in Port Aransas, and how the channel was “tamed” for use.
Early Boats
The boats were made right on the waterfront of Port Aransas. Boats accommodated two anglers in stern-facing seats. Open cockpits on the 16’ to 28’ vessels allowed anglers to catch the fish without obstruction. In the 1920s, they introduced a line of speed boats.
Evolution of Boats
As Farley boats became popular, they expanded their offerings to house boats – boats with a cabin meant for safe storage of fishing gear. Corporate boats featured advanced designs created for companies looking to wow guests on a VIP fishing trip. When tarpon fishing came to end in the 50s, the final line created was a group of offshore cruisers that allowed anglers to hunt for wahoo and ling in the deeper water.
Farley’s Historic Boat Building Shop
The Farley boat-building venture started right on the waterfront, and the first Farley boat was launched in 1915, but when a hurricane devastated the waterfront, the company moved further inland, near the Tarpon Inn. As the business grew, they moved to White Avenue before closing in 1973. The museum and active boat-building facilities were re-established in 2011 at the Avenue C location of today.
A Piece of Port Aransas History
When you stay in a vacation rental in Port Aransas provided by The Dunes, you’ll enjoy easy access to the beach and the crashing waves of the Gulf. We’re also close to many other area attractions like the Port Aransas Museum & Farley’s Historic Boat Shop, shopping, dining, and activities the area has to offer. We offer one-bedroom units all the way up to three bedrooms to fit your needs. Prepare a delicious home-cooked meal 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 near the community pool. For a premium experience, choose a unit with bonuses like multiple flat screen TVs, stainless steel appliances, and more.
Whether you are planning a longer stay or a last minute vacation in Port Aransas, we can help! Contact us today to start planning your retreat to Port Aransas!