A visit to Port Aransas is sure to involve beach days, barbecues, and all the comforts of home when you choose The Dunes for your vacation accommodations, but did you know there are some things to do that you may not quite expect? Yes, we are a coastal village on a barrier island, one that isn’t all that large in the grand scheme of things, and you may have thought you had done all the research needed to enjoy a happy and exciting Texas trip of a lifetime, but we think there are some things that may not have made your list. This guide to five unexpected things to do in Port Aransas will give you even more to look forward to as you are crossing off the days you have left until your trip.
Say “I Do” in a Historic Chapel
There are many beautiful places in the world to get married, but the Chapel on the Dunes, located at 203 S 11th Street, offers a fantasy wedding experience come true. This small chapel perched high on the dunes of Port Aransas isn’t one that will handle big weddings, but a destination wedding is rarely large and ostentatious. Instead, your wedding attended by only the people who mean the world to you will offer a charm and style that feels real and forever. And as you walk up the sandy path to the little white structure, surrounded by sea oats and the sound of waves crashing against the beach, you will know that there is nowhere else you want to start your new life. Inside, hand-painted murals add happy to an occasion that should never be solemn, and we haven’t done serious studies on the matter, but we believe that more marriages that begin at the Chapel on the Dunes last for the long haul.
Take a Road Trip to Naval History in Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is located just about 40 miles away from Port Aransas, offering even more unexpected adventures, including the opportunity to explore a WWII aircraft carrier. The USS Lexington Museum, 2914 N Shoreline Boulevard, is a genuine aircraft carrier turned museum, offering a peek into what our sailors might have experienced during the wars. Specifically built for WWII in 1942, this beautiful warrior served longer than any other Essex class ship, protecting our country for almost 50 years before being decommissioned in 1991. Today, visitors can experience special events that include holiday celebrations, paranormal investigations, and overnight camping adventures, as well as offering 20 aircraft, a flight simulator, escape rooms, and a cool Pearl Harbor exhibit that is both powerful and moving. Ticket prices range between $14.95 and $20.95, with military members receiving a significant discount.
You Won’t Need a Bigger Boat
If you are wondering what one of the most famous lines in movie history (“We’re going to need a bigger boat.”) has to do with unexpected activities in Port Aransas, well, we’re taking you on a shark fishing expedition next! You may have expected a fishing trip or three during your adventures in Port A, but we can pretty much guess that you never expected to have Jaws on the other end of your line. There are multiple charter companies that take anglers out to where the sharks like to swim, including Reel Thrillz Coastal Adventures and Just Doin’ It Shark Charters, taking fisher people to where the big fish are biting the most. Summer visitors will have the chance to catch bull sharks, black tip sharks, tiger sharks, and mako sharks, the latter of which are in season all year round.
Speaking of Boats, You can Learn to Build One!
As you might expect, we have a strong maritime history here in Port Aransas, and Farley Boat Works, located at 716 W Avenue C, has been a respected boat builder in the area since 1915, building boats the traditional way, no assembly lines in sight. Today, they still build boats and often offer classes that allow visitors the chance to build their own boats, and even if you never end up building one, we can promise you will come away with a better appreciation for the work that has been done over the centuries!
The Unexpected Comforts of The Dunes
In today’s vacation rental world, making money is often more important than the guest’s comforts, but that is not and never will be the way we at The Dunes think. We take pride in providing escapes that are serene, peaceful, luxurious, and so comfortable you may find yourself enjoying the best night’s sleep of your life. Reserve your favorite retreat today and discover all the way we will surprise you with everything wonderful on your Texas trip of a lifetime!