Sometimes you need a getaway for just a few days. Whether it’s to get away from the repetition of every day, or just to recharge for a bit before heading into a new week, a weekend trip to Port Aransas is often just what the doctor ordered. With such a short timeline, you may not be straying far from home, but it will give you the chance to experience your home state as a tourist would. There are plenty of things to do and see that will keep you as busy or as relaxed as you like.
Browse Below for a Weekend Trip to Port Aransas Vacation Rental!
Beaches
No matter how far you come from or how long you stay, an island vacation should always include time at the beach. Pack up your beach gear and head out for a day on the sand or play time in the water. Spread out your blanket and plant your beach umbrella to lounge on the sand with a book or step out into the sun for some sunbathing. Swim in the waves of the Gulf, help the kids build sandcastles, or take your daily walk or run on the beach.
Fishing
It’s an easy activity that people of all ages and skill levels 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 and strike out on your own. Check out the bays and shallow waters, piers, and jetties, or ask a full-time resident about the best places 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.
Surf Camp
Get the adrenaline pumping while you learn a new skill when you learn to surf on your weekend trip to Port Aransas. You can try windsurfing or traditional surfing along the Port Aransas coast. You’ll learn from professional instructors during private lessons that will give you the skills to rent your own board and surf the waves on your own.
Undersea Adventures
There are several companies that help you take water sports adventure in Port Aransas below the waves. Book a snorkeling or SCUBA diving tour during your weekend retreat and plunge under the water to see a side of Port Aransas and the Gulf of Mexico you won’t see from inside a tour boat. Make sure to get SCUBA certified before attempting any dives on your own.
Jet Skis
For more adrenaline-pumping fun on your weekend retreat, rent a jet ski and slice through the waters of the Gulf at top speed. There are several companies that rent jet skis for plenty of fast-paced water excitement. Contact your company of choice and ask about rates as well as age restrictions for passengers and drivers. You may need to obtain a Texas boating certificate before piloting a craft on your own.
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 also the underwater world beneath you. Set the lights to your preference for a 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
If your weekend vacation to Port Aransas includes the young, or young at heart, book a cruise to 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 fun! Bring your camera to capture all the memories. Enjoy soft drinks and snacks, as well as beer, wine, pina coladas, rum, tequila, and whiskey-based drinks adult pirates enjoy.
Lydia Ann Lighthouse
The Lydia Ann Lighthouse was built in 1857. It’s also known as the Aransas Pass Light Station and is not accessible by road. Take a cruise past it in your own vessel, charter a tour that goes past, or get a good view of it from nearby Roberts Point Park.
Horace Caldwell Fishing Pier
The 1,240-foot elevated pier is located on Port Aransas Beach Road and is just a short walk from your accommodations. The pier is open year-round, 24 hours a day. There is a per-rod access fee no matter when you come. Do your fishing during the day and should you run out of bait, tackle, snacks, or drinks, just head over to the on-site shop. If you like getting an early start or sneaking out at night, the pier is lighted. Once you’re done fishing, trade the rods for a surf board and surf the waves.
San Jose Island
The private, uninhabited island is a refreshing break from the bustling tourism of other locales. The island’s storied history includes the military settlement in 1845 that lasted through the end of the American Civil War. After the war, the only town was abandoned, and the island turned into a hunting and fishing resort. The island was bought by oilman Sid W. Richardson in the 1930s and turned into his own private island. Visitors can roam the beach and enjoy water activities but are not permitted past the beach.
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute
University science centers aren’t all about teaching their own enrolled students. The institute offers public programs including tours or wetlands and their rehabilitation facilities. A public lecture series every January-March teaches visitors about biodiversity and health of the estuary, sounds and behaviors of marine life, and much more. Depending on how far you’re coming from, you can bring your students for a field trip, or schedule a teacher workshop for your staff.
Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf
Stock up on everything you need for a productive fishing excursion in Port Aransas. Services at the wharf include fish cleaning, fuel, bait, tackle, provisions, and more. You can catch the Jetty Boat to San Jose Island for a visit, charter a fishing excursion, or even a sunset dolphin watch cruise. Refuel or celebrate a productive day with a bite to eat at Grumbles Seafood Co. with locally sourced seafood caught fresh from the Gulf!
Roberts Point Park
There are many parks scattered around Port Aransas, and any one is full of fun outdoor activities. The park is great for water activities like swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and more, as well as land activities including walking, jogging, or cycling the trails. Enjoy a local festival or live performance in the large pavilion, or head to the picnic pavilion with easy access to shuffleboard, boccie, basketball, sand volleyball, and so much more. Once you’ve done all that, climb the tower that overlooks the ship channel for glimpses of dolphins and other marine life. If your visit comes between March and October, plan on attending a free public concert on the 2nd Friday of the month at the Patsy Jones Amphitheater.
Weekend Trip to 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 Port Aransas weekend rentals 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 weekend retreat to Port Aransas!