Sometimes you need a getaway without going too far from home and a staycation in Port Aransas may be the getaway you need. There may be reasons you need to stay close, or it was just a spur of the moment decision for a change of scenery. No matter the reason you want to get away from your daily surroundings, there are plenty of things to do on a staycation in Port Aransas that aren’t too far from the place you call home.
Browse Rentals for Your Staycation in Port Aransas Below!
Marine Life
Get out and tour the waters of Port Aransas and the Gulf of Mexico. Charter a tour and head out in search of dolphins, whales, and other sea life. Make sure to bring your camera to catch glimpses of the majestic animals, as well as the breathtaking views of the Gulf. Daytime and sunset tours are available from many companies, and some allow you to bring your own snacks and drinks.
Glowing Kayak Tour
Enjoy a different spin on a 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, but also the underwater world beneath you. Set the lights to your preference for your unique color and style. Paddle along as your tour guide points out landmarks and provide a wealth of knowledge and history about the area on the 1.5-hour nighttime cruise under the stars.
Red Dragon Pirate Cruise
Part of a staycation is to experience your city or state as out-of-state tourists do. The cruise is fun for the whole family, and you can sail the high seas like the pirates of old! Cruise the waters of the Lydia Ann Channel and take part in dolphin watching, sword fighting, treasure hunting, cannon fire, and lots of pirate excitement! Bring your camera to capture all the memories and pirate fun. Enjoy soft drinks and snacks, as well as beer, wine, pina coladas, rum, tequila, and whiskey-based drinks an adult pirate loves.
Lydia Ann Lighthouse
Learn a little about local history. The Lydia Ann Lighthouse was built in 1857. Also called the Aransas Pass Light Station, the lighthouse is not accessible by road. You’ll need to take a cruise past it in your own vessel or get a good view of it from nearby Roberts Point Park.
Surf Camp
If you live in an inland location, you likely don’t get to the water much, or participate in the many fun activities it has to offer. Learn to surf on your trip to Port Aransas. You can try windsurfing or traditional surfing along the Port Aransas coast. Professional instructors provide private lessons that give you the skills to rent your own board and surf the waves on your own.
Chapel on the Dunes
A Port Aransas staycation is the perfect time to learn more about the area’s history. The historic 1930s church was built by the Carter family, which includes former Texas poet laureate Aline Carter. The church no longer holds services, but locals and visitors can tour the church building and grounds during tours organized by the Port Aransas Museum.
Beaches
No matter how far you come from or how long you stay, an island vacation should include time at the beach. Pack up your gear and head out for a day on the sand or playing in the water. Spread out your blanket and plant your beach umbrella and lounge on the sand with a book or step out into the sun for sunbathing. Swim in the waves of the Gulf, or help the kids build sandcastles before taking a sunset walk on the beach.
Fishing
It’s an easy activity that everyone of all ages can enjoy. Pack your fishing gear and head to the waters around Port Aransas, charter a tour, or rent some gear if yours didn’t make the packing list. Check out the bays and shallow waters, piers, jetties, and more to see what’s biting in the Fishing Capital of Texas. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush with your catch of the day, head out on a deep sea trip in search of kingfish, marlin, tuna, and others who lurk in deep waters.
Port Aransas Museum & Farley’s Historic Boat Shop
Step back in time in Port Aransas. The museum resides in a 1900s kit house donated to the Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association and includes a myriad of exhibits, with special rotating exhibits including the Tarpon era, sport fishing in Port Aransas, and how the people of Port Aransas “tamed” the channel for easier use. Farley’s historic boat house and shop pays homage to the Farley family of boat builders that started building tarpon fishing boats in Port Aransas in 1914. The museum depicts the evolution of the business, from its various locations around Port Aransas all the way to its closing in 1973. The current location was opened in 2011 and houses the museum as well as a working boat-building facility.
Island Wine
Enjoy some “adults only” time. Sip on wines and craft beers created right in Texas, and other American-made brews. Enjoy a wine tasting featuring a different Texas wine each week, or another event like “Wine & Yoga” and Karaoke/Open Mic night on Wednesdays and Fridays. You can even reserve a space for a special event you’re celebrating while you’re here. There are other special drinks, like “Wine-a-Rita’s” an agave wine-based margarita. Sop up the alcohol with soft pretzels, a charcuterie board, hummus plate, or a variety of dips with pita chips. The large variety of drinks is never the same, so each trip will be unique.
Nature Preserve Charlie’s Pasture
No matter where you’re coming from, take the time to learn a bit more about the ecosystem of the place you’ve decided to call “home” for a while. The preserve is a 1,217-acre area of upland, tidal flat, marsh, wooded, and estuarine habitats. Take a free guided nature walk in hopes of spotting migrating and resident shorebirds, waterfowl, songbirds, and more. Keep up with your exercise routine with a yoga class, or just come enjoy the preserve with a picnic or a solo walk around the grounds.
Sunset Cruise
Take a sunset cruise. See the colors of sunset touch the waters of Port Aransas as the day ends. There are a variety of companies to choose from, and packages depend on what you want to include in your tour. There are cruises that are family-friendly for all ages to enjoy – including some that allow you to bring your own beverages and snacks, as well as special “adults only” cruises.
Staycation in Port Aransas
When you stay in a vacation rental in Port Aransas provided by The Dunes, you’ll enjoy easy access to the beach and the crashing waves of the Gulf. 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 premium experience, choose a unit with bonuses like multiple flat screen TVs, stainless steel appliances, and more.
Contact us today to start planning your staycation in Port Aransas!