Vacation! We bet even just reading the word made you smile—work hard, play hard, right? Definitely. Getting the whole fam on board for a single destination is no simple task, though. That’s exactly why when we discovered Port Aransas, a beach town in Texas, we knew we had to spill the tea. This sunny spot has something for everyone—and we can prove it! Keep reading to learn why Port A will be not only your new happy place but the whole gang’s top spot for memory-making fun, no matter what they’re into.
Adrenaline-Seekers
Surf Lessons
Whether it's one of those things you've always wanted to try or you want to work on your skills, take a surf lesson on the beach! Texas Surf Camps have been teaching kids and adults of all ages for 16 years!
Parasailing
Experience some of the best views of Port Aransas while floating up to 500 feet from state-of-the-art parasail boats ‘Chute 'Em Up' & 'Hang 'Em High.' You can make your reservation here.
Pirate Cruise
Looking for some adventure at sea? Look no further than the Red Dragon Pirate Cruises! There's exciting cannon fire, dolphin watching, sword fighting and treasure hunting, all on an oh-so-real (and really fun!) pirate ship on the water—ARGHHH!
The experiences your kids have here will become the stuff of future nostalgia—plan your trip today!
Nature-Lovers
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
Enjoy birdwatching as you walk down the boardwalk. You'll stroll right over the wetlands, where kids can get a close-up look at birds, alligators and fish. Bonus: These boards are stroller-friendly! The end of the boardwalk boasts a beautiful trail that leads you through a field of wildflowers around the edge of the salt marsh.
Joan & Scott Holt Paradise Pond
This is a two-acre habitat and a stop on the spring migratory route for smaller warblers and other songbirds, while many feathered friends call the pond home all year long. Because even kids need to take a load off, enjoy their sitting area at the entrance for watching butterflies, dragonflies and birds and take in the lovely sights and sounds.
Foodies
Port A Has it All!
You must try the award-winning shrimp and grits at Black Marlin Bar & Grill for foodie bragging rights. They also boast mouth-watering steaks and, of course, a kids menu with all their faves.
Like your meal with a view? Mosey on down to the BlueWater Cowboy. It has beautiful views of the gulf so that you can soak in your new surroundings, plus enjoy drool-worthy crab cakes and a full kids menu.
Pizza connoisseur? You have to check out Dylan's Coal Oven Pizzeria. This place is the real deal with the only coal-burning oven in town. Even the pickiest of eaters will not be able to resist these hot n' fresh pies.
Beachcombers
Hit the Beach!
A beach day (or five) is a must in Port A! With 18 miles of beaches, you don't even need to wake up at the crack of dawn to grab a prime spot. The water is clear, the sand is soft and squishable, and the sun is shining—did you know rainy days are rare in Port A? It's a beach lover's dream!
Bron's Beach Carts and Backyard
Have a blast near the beach with Bron's Beach Carts and Backyard! Kids can sip on snow cones and slushies while you enjoy an adult beverage. Have a great time playing yard games like cornhole, hula hoop, giant Jenga, ping pong and test your skills on all types of video games. Relax under the giant umbrellas or on the patio deck while listening to live music.
Learn How to Build an Epic Sandcastle
Build a better sandcastle! Famous local, "the Port Aransas Sandcastle Guy," has been sand-sculpting since Memorial Day 1999. Sign up for a lesson to score some take-a-way tricks of the trade that will build castles and memories—not to mention some unique photo ops!
—Jamie Aderski
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