You came to Port A for Texas warmth, fun, sun, and the sand and water at the beach along the Gulf of Mexico. 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 for a summer in Port Aransas. You can fill your days with a myriad of beach and water activities, as well as some activities that take you inside and away from the beat of the sun.
Beaches
No island vacation should be without plenty of time on the beach. 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 take your daily walk or run on the beach. Take the fun under the water and grab a mask and snorkel to explore the underwater world.
Power Puff Fishing Tournament
The waters of Port A are ripe with opportunities to cast a line and catch the star of your next big fish story. Summer is the perfect time, and you can enter a tournament to earn bragging rights, as well as a little extra cash for Port A adventures and experiences. Ladies can strut their stuff at the Ladies Power Puff Fishing Tournament, a tournament with “guided” and “amateur” divisions, each with 1st – 3rd place trophies, as well as awards for categories like redfish with most spots. Sign up online, or at the tournament tent at Fisherman’s Wharf for the June 16-17 event.
87th Deep Sea Roundup
Come join the oldest fishing tournament on the Texas coast. The 2023 tournament takes place June 29 – July 2. Register at the Port Aransas Civic Center at 2 p.m. on the 29th or online now for the adult or junior tournament.
Other Fishing Tournaments
As the unofficial “fishing capital of Texas,” Port A no doubt has anglers flocking from all over to cast a line in the lucky waters. There are several other fishing tournaments throughout the summer, and you’ll want to check the town’s calendar of events to make plans to attend one or all of them!
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. Explore a myriad of exhibits, with special 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.
The Tarpon Inn
Constructed of surplus lumber from Civil War barracks in 1886, the inn was originally used to house workers constructing Mansfield Jetty. It became a hotel after the jetty was completed, and after a major hurricane and tidal wave in 1919, the structure was rebuilt with reinforcements against future damage. 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.
Glowing Kayak Tour
Enjoy a different kind of kayak tour! 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 you can choose, but the underwater world beneath you as well. Set the lights to your unique color and style preferences, then paddle along as your tour guide points out landmarks and fills you in on the history of the area on the 1.5-hour nighttime adventure.
Red Dragon Pirate Cruise
If your summer vacation to Port A includes kids, or kids-at-heart, book a cruise and sail the high seas like the pirates of old! Cruise the waters of the Lydia Ann Channel and enjoy dolphin watching, sword fighting, treasure hunting, cannon fire, and plenty more pirate fun aboard! Enjoy soft drinks and snacks, as well as beer, wine, pina coladas, rum, tequila, and whiskey-based drinks for the adult pirates to enjoy. Don’t forget your camera!
Summertime Fun in Port A
When you stay in a vacation rental this summer in Port Aransas provided by The Dunes, you’ll enjoy easy access to the beach and the crashing waves of the Gulf. We’re close to many other area attractions, tours, shopping, dining, and activities the area has to offer. Choose from one-bedroom units all the way up to three-bedroom units for your larger group. Prepare a delicious home-cooked meal 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. For a premium experience, choose a unit with bonuses like multiple flat screen TVs, stainless steel appliances, and more.
Contact us today to start planning your summertime retreat to Port A!