Taking a mini vacation in the middle of a vacation is one of those quirky life adventures that everyone should experience at least once, and your upcoming vacation to Port Aransas will be the best time to see for yourself. Our town is a small one located on a barrier island, and even though it offers all the adventures you dreamed it would, taking a day trip to some of the places listed below will give you an exciting experience you will never forget. We at The Dunes have created this guide to some of our favorite day trips from Port Aransas, helping you enjoy adventures in the surrounding towns while knowing that you will still be able to come home to our Texas retreats at the end of the day!
Sightseeing in Corpus Christi
Located just 39 miles away from Port Aransas, the town of Corpus Christi is close enough you can spend the day there enjoying many different adventures. The USS Lexington Museum, 2914 N Shoreline Boulevard, is a museum that is actually a decommissioned aircraft carrier, providing a peek into life at sea, while the Selena Museum, 5410 Leopard Street, examines the cut too short life of Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla-Perez. These are just a few spots you may want to visit during your day trip to Corpus Christi. Blackbeard’s on the Beach, 3117 Surfside Boulevard, is a great place to enjoy lunch while in town, offering fresh, locally harvested seafood and a pirate theme your kids will love.
Exploring Rockport
Even closer than Corpus Christi (19 miles), the town of Rockport is known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and for being home to Goose Island State Park, in which one of the largest live oak trees in the US can be found. Big Tree, as the live oak is called, is estimated to be between 1000 and 2000 years old and has withstood the heavy winds of multiple hurricanes over the centuries. It stands 44 feet tall and has a crown spread that stretches out over 89 feet. The park itself is sure to be an integral part of your vacation experience and is popular with boaters, fishermen, and hikers, and you may want to rent a kayak and paddle around on the bay for a while. Dinner before you head back to Port Aransas can offer water views and seafood or burgers when you dine at Paradise Key, Dockside Bar & Grill, located at 165 Cove Harbor N.
Remembering the Alamo in San Antonio
This next day trip takes us a little further out while still allowing guests to visit, play, dine, and return to Port A by nightfall, bringing you to San Antonio. Located less than three hours away, you won’t have time to explore the town in great detail, but you will have enough time to visit the Alamo at 300 Alamo Plaza, offering a peek into the bravery of our Texan ancestors as they fought the Texas Revolution. The Alamo truly is an enduring part of our history and worth the extra drive. Both guided and self-guided tours are available. The tours last 30 minutes to an hour, but you could easily spend up to three hours exploring all that this attraction has to offer.
Before you hit the road again, we suggest taking time to devour a classic Tex-Mex meal at Mi Tierra Café & Panaderia, an iconic Texas restaurant and bakery. Located at 218 Produce Row and serving the best tacos in the state for over 80 years, we’ve been known to make the trip to San Antonio simply to enjoy a meal at Mi Tierra and can’t recommend it enough!
All Roads Lead to The Dunes in Port Aransas
Your favorite day trip, however, may be one that takes you to all the fun places Port Aransas has to offer! Shop for some fun new pieces for your wardrobe at Coastal Closet, 2222 TX-361, spend the day at Robert’s Point Park, picnicking, watching your kids play on the new playground, or attend Sunset Sounds, a free summer concert series that takes place at the Patsy Jones Amphitheater. (The last concert in the series takes place August 15th at 7 PM.) Experience an iconic dining experience at Lelo’s Island Bar, 212 Beach Street, or choose to devour a spicy Tex-Mex Meal at La Playa Mexican Grill, located at 222 Beach Street. Your day trip in Port Aransas will be that much more special because you know that all roads quickly lead to your retreat from The Dunes, where comfort, style, and Gulf views await. Reserve your favorite Port A escape today and discover all the ways our properties will make your vacation one you wish never had to end!
