Port Aransas Travel Resources

Port Aransas is a fishing, beach, and resort village off the Texas coast with a colorful history and a stunning landscape. Situated on 8 miles of the 18-mile long Mustang Island, Port Aransas was once called Wild Horse Island for the horses brought over by the Spaniards in the 1800s. The Karankawa Indians were the island’s first occupants, living a nomadic lifestyle and thriving on the abundant natural resources. Today, Port Aransas has a rich oral tradition with many tales of hidden pirate treasure and adventures of buccaneers. While only about 3,500 people live in Port Aransas year-round, eco-tourism and the island’s subtropical climate draw visitors during the summertime, sometimes expanding the population to 60,000 or more. It’s no mystery why: Port Aransas boasts live music and entertainment every night, deep-sea fishing adventures, gorgeous beaches, and eclectic boutiques. During your stay, charter a boat and have a local eatery cook up your catch. You can camp out on the beach or Jet Ski in the Gulf of Mexico. Visit one of the island’s protected areas for incredible bird watching, or shop for original art at one of the coastal galleries. Stay in a vacation rental and relax for a few days at the beach, discovering all the wonderful island cuisine and exploring the landscape by bike or beach buggy. Then be sure to check out the island’s historical markers and cemetery, as well as the famous Lydia Ann lighthouse. You’ll feel the dramatic history of Port Aransas all around you, and maybe even find that hidden treasure.