You came to Port A for Texas warmth, fun, and the sand and water at the beach along the Gulf of Mexico. An island vacation is all about the beach, and Port A and Mustang Island have a number of beaches where you can kick back and relax or experience some island-only activities. Here’s our Port A Beach guide to guarantee you’ll have the most fun for your trip:
Port Aransas Beach
It’s the main beach on the island, and it’s just steps away from your rental at The Dunes. The six-mile stretch of white sand beach is the place to be. Try your hand at parasailing, bookie boarding, jet skiing, and other adventures. You can also choose to enjoy a lazy day on the sand: sunbathe, plant an umbrella and read a good book, or enjoy a beach picnic. If you’re here in April, it’s the location of the annual Texas Sandfest. A special permit will allow you to drive on the sand with a car or golf cart.
I.B. Magee Beach Park
The beach is located near the University of Texas Marine Science Institute and the Horace Caldwell Pier. The area is ADA accessible, pet friendly, and offers a myriad of activities. It’s also close to the variety of shops and restaurants that dot Port A’s Main Street.
You can skip the primitive camping sites and RV hookups, but you’ll have access to coin-operated showers, a dog park, picnic tables, hiking trails, and more. It’s also the home of the annual sea turtle release after the nesting period.
Mustang Island State Park
The area is a five-mile tract of sandy beach perfect for your next beach activity. Busy yourself with hiking and biking trails, birding, fishing, paddling trails, and more.
Take advantage of amenities like showers/restrooms, a dog park, park store, picnic area, and first-come, first-serve free access to beach wheelchairs. The park is open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily and has an entry fee of $5/adult, while children 12 and under are free.
Horace Caldwell Pier
The beach around the pier is also the closest strip of beach to The Dunes! The community is located just steps away from the pier and has its own private access to the beach. You can choose to spend some time on the pier (there’s a $2/person cash-only charge for non-fishing guests), or simply enjoy the water and beach around it. Pack a picnic, or head to the bait and snack shop on the pier for some refreshments. The area around the pier is great for fishing and surfing.
San Jose Island
Most of the island is a privately-owned island, save for a small strip of beach. Take the ferry to the island, and enjoy activities on the beach like fishing, beach combing, and shelling.
Tony Amos City Beach
The beach is named after the researcher who has likely done the most research on the beach environment of Port A and strives to protect area marine wildlife – he’s been covering the area from Beach Access Road 1 to Access Road 2 since 1978! The flat sand beach is a great place to enjoy the water and all its activities – including fishing and swimming, along with lazing away the day on the sand.
North Padre Island National Seashore
The seashore encompasses over 65 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline near Port A. It protects one of the last intact coastal prairie habitats in the United States. Make the trip to the area to enjoy fishing, birding, swimming, beach combing, or explore by driving down the beach in a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Holiday Beach
Take a holiday from the crowds. The beach is one of Port A’s least crowded, even though it’s located about a mile south of Port Aransas Beach. Play in the water or on the sand or enjoy a beach picnic or a lazy day in the sun.
Beach and Water Safety
Before you spend the day on the sand or in the water, make sure everyone is safe. That includes having plenty to eat and drink, using sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, and other items to provide shade, and being safe in the water. Young children and beginning swimmers should always wear a life jacket. Be aware of the meaning of warning flags and plan your day accordingly. For extra safety, make your ‘camp’ for the day near one of the many lifeguard towers.
Your Island Headquarters for Beach Fun
When you stay in a vacation rental in Port A provided by The Dunes during your next vacation, you’ll enjoy easy access to the beach and the crashing waves of the Gulf. Our private boardwalk leads right down to the Port A beach!
We’re also close to many other area attractions, tours, shopping, dining, and activities the area has to offer. We offer one-bedroom units all the way up to three bedrooms for your larger group. 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 pool for a dip without the sand and salt.
Contact us today!