Hit The Road

Get hooked on Port Aransas, the fishing capital of Texas

Affectionately known as "Port A," Port Aransas is a coastal gem located on Mustang Island along Texas' Gulf Coast. With its 18 miles of uninterrupted shoreline, this beach-side town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and a laid-back island lifestyle that beckons travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

A glimpse into its rich history
The story of Port Aransas is as captivating as its sunsets. The island's origins trace back approximately 4,500 years, when it began as submerged sand bars. The first known inhabitants were the Karankawa Indians, a nomadic tribe encountered by Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca in 1528.

With its quick access to deep waters, sheltered inlets, and naturally occurring sandbars along the coast, Port Aransas evolved into a thriving fishing town, earning its title as the Fishing Capital of Texas. In the early 1900s, Farley Boat Works was established to build vessels sturdy enough to handle the Gulf’s choppy waters — an innovation that helped elevate the town’s reputation as a premier fishing destination.

Its growing notoriety even attracted President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who visited in the 1930s to fish for tarpon, further solidifying Port A's national prominence. Adding to its colorful history, local lore tells of the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte and his crew frequenting the area in the 1820s, infusing the island’s past with a touch of maritime mystery.

Embracing the island life
Port Aransas offers an array of activities that cater to visitors of all ages, making it an ideal destination for family vacations, romantic getaways, or solo retreats.

Beach activities: The pristine beaches are perfect for sandcastle building, seashell collecting, sunbathing, and surfing. The gentle waves also make it an excellent spot for kayaking and jet-skiing.
Fishing: Dubbed the "Fishing Capital of Texas," Port Aransas offers world-class fishing opportunities, from deep-sea excursions to bay and pier fishing.
Birding: Nature enthusiasts will find paradise in the island's birding spots. The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center and the Port Aransas Nature Preserve provide habitats for a diverse array of bird species, making it a haven for bird watchers.
Golf cart cruising: One of the unique charms of Port A is the prevalence of golf carts as a primary mode of transportation. Renting a golf cart offers a leisurely way to explore the island, with the salty breeze and scenic views enhancing the experience.
Culinary delights: The island's eclectic culinary scene ranges from fresh coastal cuisine to international fare. Many restaurants offer "cook your catch" services, where you can enjoy your day's catch prepared to your liking. Dining on the water, with stunning sunset views, adds to the dreamy experience.
Arts and culture: The vibrant arts community, inspired by the island's natural beauty and culture, showcases local talent in various galleries and studios

Women on beach with surfboard Port Aransas Photo courtesy of Visit Port Aransas

Photo courtesy of Visit Port Aransas

Find relaxation on the water.

Must-visit attractions

Patton Center for Marine Science Education: This center features interactive exhibits and educational programs that provide insights into marine life and conservation efforts.
Chapel on the Dunes: As the oldest consecrated church on the island, this quaint chapel offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the island's spiritual heritage.
Lydia Ann Lighthouse: A visit to this historic lighthouse, constructed in 1857, provides not only a step back in time but also breathtaking views of the surrounding waters.
Farley Boat Works: Explore the rich maritime history of Port Aransas and even participate in boat-building workshops to experience the craft firsthand.

Where to stay
Accommodation options in Port Aransas are as diverse as its activities. Whether you're seeking a luxurious beachfront resort, a cozy beach cottage, or a family-friendly vacation rental, there's something to suit every preference and budget.

Notable resorts include Cinnamon Shore and Palmilla Beach, both offering upscale amenities and direct beach access. For a more intimate experience, consider renting a beach house or cottage, many of which are managed by local property management companies.

Come visit
Port Aransas offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, history, and culture. Whether you're casting a line into the Gulf waters, building sandcastles with family, exploring historical sites, or savoring fresh seafood while watching the sunset, Port A invites you to create lasting memories and become part of its enduring story.

Learn more here and follow Port Aransas on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

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LATE CHECKOUT

These 2 haunted Texas hotels promise a spirited overnight stay

The Emily Morgan Hotel/ Facebook

The Emily Morgan is steps away from the Alamo.

If you hear something knocking during a vacation in San Antonio, it might not be housekeeping. Two of the city's downtown landmark hotels — the Gunter and the Emily Morgan — have been named among the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 25 most haunted hotels in the U.S.

Each year, the nonprofit’s Historic Hotels of America program recognizes iconic properties where things are said to go bump in the night. It’s a playful way to highlight the organization’s work to preserve the nation’s diverse historic buildings and neighborhoods, whether one believes in the supernatural or not. The San Antonio pair were the only Texas properties to earn the hair-raising honors.

“The list invites heritage and cultural travelers to discover historic hotels where lore and legends make for memorable stays,” explained the trust in a release. “For believers and skeptics alike, these one-of-a-kind hotels preserve tales of guests who never want to leave and staff who never stopped helping.”

The Emily Morgan returned to the list after a year’s reprieve (maybe someone forgot this year’s blessing). The trust noted that the 102-year-old building is considered one of North America’s most active paranormal sites, owing to its original use as a medical building. Carved grotesques on the facade writhe from tooth pain and stomachaches. Inside, spectral nurses are said to be still providing care.

“On the fourteenth floor, guests have reported a hospital-like smell and, on rare occasions, visions of a hospital scene rather than their guestroom when they open the door from the hallway,” wrote Historic Hotels. “On the twelfth floor, guests have reported bathroom doors opening and closing on their own, lights flashing, and apparitions of nurses pushing rickety gurneys down the corridor before vanishing.”

Gunter Hotel Not pictured: Gunter's resident shadowy figure.Photo by Daniel Kelleghan Photography

Although medical manifestations are unsettling enough, the other San Antonio hotel on the list has a more gruesome claim to fame. Built in 1909, the Gunter Hotel boasts a room that is only slightly less notorious than The Shining’s Room 237. Room 636 was the site of one of Alamo City’s most famous murders.

In 1965, a housekeeper found ex-con Walter Emerick standing beside a blood-soaked bed. Police found empty wine bottles, bloody footprints, strands of blonde hair, and women’s clothing, but never found the body. Emerick left a psychic stain all over downtown, booking it to the St. Anthony’s room 536 (he reportedly asked to stay in 636 again), where he offed himself before arrest. The Gunter never quite recovered from his brief stay.

“Since the 1960s, guests and staff have reported unsettling phenomena, including unexplained cold spots, flickering lights, and faint whispers or footsteps when no one is present,” said Historic Hotels. “Some claim to have seen a shadowy figure lingering near the doorway or caught the faint scent of cigar smoke despite the hotel’s smoking prohibition.”

Still, the dark specters have not kept the Gunter from receiving another honor this year. Historic Hotels recently named it the Best City Center Historic Hotel, given to the property that “best celebrates its history in the guest experience and provides exceptional customer hospitality and service.”

Both of San Antonio’s haunted hotels have largely embraced their eerie reputations. The Emily Morgan proudly touts its mysterious occurrences on one of its webpages. The Gunter glosses over some of the more grisly details of room 636 on its own page, and assures guests the room has since been remodeled.

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Hit The Road

Get hooked on Port Aransas, the fishing capital of Texas

LATE CHECKOUT

These 2 haunted Texas hotels promise a spirited overnight stay

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