THINGS TO DO IN PORT ARANSAS

Those travelers who are heading to Port Aransas to enjoy an inspired getaway and have a passion for the arts will certainly want to add a stop at the Art Museum of South Texas to their itinerary. This one-of-a-kind locale is loved by those who are looking for creative inspiration as well as a chance to admire a versatile body of work in a space that’s welcoming, spacious, and colorful. Reasonable admission costs and a wide range of displays and exhibits to check out make this a family-friendly stop that everyone in your traveling crew can appreciate! Whether you plan on dropping by for a little while or spending an afternoon exploring, it’s a place that just might be the highlight of your day.

Museum Mission

The Art Museum of South Texas is more than simply a gallery. It’s an artistic venue with a broader mission to both operate educational facilities and host displays for the general public. The museum’s overarching goal is to advance knowledge, appreciation, and awareness of the visual arts that extends to residents of South Texas and visitors alike. It’s a place to explore new mediums, color combinations, and artistic endeavors in equal measure.

Beyond the Exhibits

A trip to the Art Museum of South Texas is a chance for visitors to enjoy a unique, interactive experience as well. Beyond the traditional exhibit halls and displays, the museum also hosts an artcade interactive space on the first floor where families can have hands-on fun with activities including painting, drawing, animation, and more. The museum also houses a digital studio within this creation station which offers a touchscreen experience complete with photo scanners and printers. After visitors have had a chance to enjoy browsing the museum and making the most of interactive fun, they can head over to the gift shop and pick up a souvenir to commemorate their visit. The gift shop is stocked with everything from books and jewelry to posters and trinkets for little ones as well. If all of the museum fun has left you with an appetite to attend to, making time for a stop at Elizabeth’s is a must. This on-site café provides guests with great harbor views and a savory menu to match. All day specialties include seasonal flatbreads, homemade hummus, burrata, and lemon rosemary cake, just to name a few.

HOURS

• Mon: Closed
• Tue-Sat: 10am - 5pm
• Sun: 1pm - 5pm

ADMISSION

• Members FREE
• Adults $8
• Seniors $6
• Military $6
• Students $4
• TAMUCC Students FREE
• Under 12 FREE

There are a seemingly endless number of reasons that travelers pack their bags and head to scenic Port Aransas, Texas in the name of vacation fun each year. While some come to make the most of their time on the shoreline soaking up the sun, others come to enjoy outdoor recreation at its best. Port Aransas is a prime place to enjoy everything from shopping and dining to boating, swimming, sunbathing, and exploring! It’s also an amazing place for anglers to embrace the hobby and sport they love while reeling in exciting catches year-round. Whether you’re an experienced angler looking for insight on the best places to cast a line, or you’re new to fishing and could use some expert guidance, booking an on-the-water excursion through Beacon Charter Services while you’re in town is always a good idea!

Fish with the Best in Port Aransas

Those who book with Beacon Charter Services will find they can easily customize their angling excursion to meet their personalized needs and wants. They’ll also love the opportunity to fish with the very best at their side! Beacon Charter Services is operated by Captain Charles Bujan who is licensed through the United States Coast Guard as well as the State of Texas. This Port Aransas native has family roots in the area dating back to the late 1800s when Mustang Island was first being established by settlers. Time on the water has long been a family trade as well with Bujan’s father, grandfather, and uncles taking to the water as boatmen and fishermen alike. As a result, Captain Bujan has both a deep respect and knowledge of the waters that surround Port Aransas ranging from the bay to the flats. He’s well-versed in the many fish species that call these waters home and is passionate about helping others get out on the water and enjoy the experience of fishing in this area as well.

What You Might Reel In

Whether you book a half-day charter or a full day of fun—year-round, those who partner with Beacon Charter Services are likely to reel in something exciting! Winter visitors will be just in time to cast a line in pursuit of trout, black drum, or redfish alike. Sheepshead are also prominent in the waters this time of year. Adventurers who are heading this way in the summer will find the waters teeming with the likes of king fish—particularly near the jetties.

Charter Service Contact Information:

Bernie's Beach house is the go to place in Port Aransas for an evening out. 5 full service bars await you when you select Bernies as your party destination. Love to dance? Bernies is the your choice for an evening of dancing. Enjoy daily drink specials, nightly entertainment and partying til close. See you there!

Est. 2010. Bicycles for riders of all ages & skill levels. The only way to Experience Port. A. Try it!

With a nickname like “Fishing Capital of Texas,” Port Aransas has many locations, from piers to jetties and out into the depths of the Gulf of Mexico, where you can cast a line in search of your next big catch. Bill Buster’s Sportfishing, located in the Port Aransas City Marina at Dock #8, has just what you need to sail the high seas on a Port A deep sea fishing excursion of a lifetime. The marina is located at 301 J C Barr Blvd in Port A, and you can visit the website or call 361-749-5223 to start planning your Port Aransas sportfishing excursion. Don’t forget to secure a Texas saltwater fishing license before departure!

Types of Fish

Being one of Port A’s go-to charter companies for deep sea excursions, you can anticipate snagging tarpon, kingfish, tuna, marlin, sailfish, kingfish, mahi mahi, amberjack, wahoo, and many others. Let the captain know what you’re looking for and they can pilot the boat to popular locations for those species.

Boats & Excursions

You’ll depart on one of the three USCG-documented vessels. Climb aboard the 31’ “Reel Fisher,” the 35’ “Alyse Allyn,” or the 38’ “Bill Busters V,” to set sail for an exciting time. Each vessel is available for 6, 8, 10, or 12-hour excursions. The single flat rate for each excursion covers a group of 1-6 anglers.

What’s Included

Your reservation includes all the bait, tackle, and ice for your catches. Boats are fully equipped for your adventure, including safety gear like life vests. They can also arrange for fish cleaning and prep back at the dock.

What to Bring for Sport fishing in Port Aransas, Texas

First, you’ll want to secure your Texas saltwater fishing license. Next, you’ll pack whatever you need for a fun time on the water. Fill a cooler with drinks and snacks (no glass, please), dress for the weather, and make sure to include sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sun lotion. Don’t forget your smartphone or camera to capture all the memories – including proof of your big catches!

Visit the Fishing Capital of Texas

When you stay in a vacation rental in Port A provided by Sandcastle Condos, you’ll enjoy easy access to the beach and the crashing waves of the Gulf, as well as many area attractions, shopping, dining, and activities like deep sea fishing the area, has to offer. We offer efficiency-style units for your solo fishing excursion, all the way up to four-bedroom units to share a Port Aransas sportfishing experience with all your fishing buddies. Prepare the catch of the day, or any other meal you please, 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 in the pool or on the sundeck. Contact us today to book your stay in Port A and make sport fishing in Port Aransas, Texas memories to last a lifetime!

  When it comes to variety, the Black Marlin Bar & Grill has it in spades. Located inside the Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Club, the Black Marlin features coastal cuisine, live music and the best views of the Gulf in Texas. There simply isn’t a bad seat in the house. Whether you're relaxing indoors at the clubhouse, dining alfresco on the patio overlooking the grand lawn or enjoying a cocktail on the third story elevated bar, the Black Marlin is in a class all its own. Situated on the island’s only golf course, Chef Kaharim Becerra has turned a casual clubhouse into a culinary hotspot. House favorites include mahi-mahi grilled tacos, pan seared gulf snapper & shrimp as well as the beef tenderloin sliders. The Black Marlin Bar & Grill is a destination all its own. Enjoy a custom cocktail or a cold cerveza while taking in incredible beach views. Swing by any Saturday night this summer and take in the live music featured in the Black Marlin Summer Concert Series. Just as The Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Club is the ONLY resort on the Texas Coast offering residents Beach. Bay. Golf.; the Black Marlin Bar & Grill is the ONLY destination on the island that marries chef-driven cuisine, an elevated bar and live music. Stop by and get hooked. Hours of Operation:

• Brunch: 10am-2pm Sun
• Breakfast: 7–10am Daily
• Lunch: 11am–3pm Sun-Thur, 11am-9pm Fri-Sat
• Dinner: 5–9pm Fri-Sat
• Happy Hour: 3-5pm Daily
• Elevated Bar: Fri-Sat 3–8pm