You came to Port A for Texas warmth, fun, sun, and the sand and water at the beach along the Gulf of Mexico this 4th of July. While the heat is turned up a bit compared to the rest of the year, there are many reasons to pack your bags and head to the island off the Texas Gulf Coast. You can fill your days with a myriad of beach and water activities, many with a patriotic can’t-miss flair, as well as some Port A 4th of July activities that take you inside and away from the beat of the sun.
Roberts Point Park
In addition to having a great view of the Lydia Ann Lighthouse, the park will also host a hoppin’ 4th of July celebration. Starting at 4 p.m. on the 4th, stop by for free popcorn, snow cones, games, and activities. Enjoy live music by the Dunebillies and their Timeline Tribute to the 80s from 4:30-6 p.m. Awesome fireworks display lights up the sky starting at 9 p.m., and the whole event ends at 10 p.m.
87th Deep Sea Roundup
Come join the oldest fishing tournament on the Texas coast. The 2023 tournament takes place June 29 – July 2, just in time to add it to your slate of 4th of July holiday activities. Register at the Port Aransas Civic Center at 2 p.m. on the 29th or online now for the adult or junior tournament.
Port A 4th of July Fireworks Cruises
Set sail on the waters surrounding Port A for a 4th of July cruise to remember. Various charter tour companies that offer trips like snorkeling, dolphin or wildlife watching, or fishing charters also offer a spectacular way to the view area’s 4th of July fireworks. Contact your charter company of choice for details and booking and ask about bringing your own food or drinks for a 4th of July picnic under the stars and fireworks.
Beaches
No island vacation should be without plenty of beach time! Spread out your blanket and plant your beach umbrella to lounge on the sand with a book, sunbathe, swim, help the kids build sandcastles, or get your daily exercise on the beach. Take fun under the water and grab a mask and snorkel to explore the underwater world.
Glowing Kayak Tour
Enjoy a different kind of kayak tour when you board a 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 available to you but also the underwater world beneath you. Set the lights to your unique color and style preferences, then paddle along as your tour guide points out landmarks and gills you in on the history of the area on the 1.5-hour nighttime-only adventure.
Port Aransas Museum & Farley’s Historic Boat Shop
The museum resides in a 1900s kit house donated to the Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association. Comb through a myriad of permanent and rotating exhibits. Farley’s historic boat house and shop pays homage to the Farley family of boat builders that started building tarpon fishing boats in Port A in 1914! The museum depicts the evolution of the business, from its various locations around Port A to its closing in 1973. The current location was opened in 2011 and houses the museum as well as a working boat-building facility.
Red Dragon Pirate Cruise
If your Port A 4th of July vacation includes kids, or you’re a kid at heart, book a cruise and sail the high seas like the pirates of old! Cruise the waters of the Lydia Ann Channel and take in activities like dolphin watching, sword fighting, treasure hunting, cannon fire, and plenty of pirate fun aboard! Enjoy savory or sweet snacks, and sip on soft drinks, as well as beer, wine, pina coladas, rum, tequila, and whiskey-based drinks for the adult pirates to enjoy. Don’t forget your camera!
The Tarpon Inn
Constructed of surplus lumber from Civil War barracks in 1886, the inn originally housed workers constructing Mansfield Jetty and became a hotel after the jetty was completed. After a major hurricane and tidal wave in 1919, the structure was rebuilt with reinforcements against future damage and since then, it has been used as a headquarters for the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and several military units, and has housed area residents during disasters. In 1979, the inn was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as becoming a Texas Historic Landmark. The inn boasts a restaurant, 24 active guest rooms, and event space.
Celebrate the 4th in Port A
When you stay in a vacation rental in Port A provided by The Dunes, you’ll enjoy easy access to the beach and the crashing waves of the Gulf. Choose from one-bedroom units all the way up to three-bedroom units for your larger group. Prepare a delicious home-cooked meal or ingredients for a 4th of July cookout in the fully equipped kitchen. Retreat to a private bedroom or 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 pool.
Contact us today to start planning your 4th of July in Port Aransas adventure!