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With 18 miles of sandy beaches, a vibrant art scene, and exquisite wildlife, Port Aransas is the ideal family vacation destination with something for everyone. Located on Mustang Island and nestled in the Gulf of Mexico, it boasts pleasant weather and a unique local flair. Palm trees and hibiscus line the streets with plenty of restaurants and coffee shops tucked away near brightly colored houses. The hundreds of species of local wildlife make it a hot spot for fishing and birdwatching fans.

The town of Port Aransas (also known as Port A) is small enough to feel welcoming but large enough to include all the amenities and activities that vacationers look for. Is your family planning a trip to the coast? Here are the top 8 things to do in Port Aransas, Texas with kids.

  1. Relax on the beach Only a few hours from Austin and Houston, Port Aransas provides an authentic beach experience for Texans. Relax to the sound of the surf and feel the sand between your toes. Remember to bring a shovel and pail to build a sandcastle. At certain times of the year there can be a lot of seaweed in the water so make sure you note the seaweed levels and plan accordingly.
  2. Rent a beach cart. Pile into a golf cart and ride around town in style with hourly or daily cart rentals in Port Aransas. Or, if you prefer, drive your cart on the beach and feel the breeze in your hair as you relax and enjoy the island feel. Another alternative is to purchase a $12 annual beach pass and drive your car directly onto the beach.
  3. Watch dolphins. Dolphin watching tours are an exciting adventure for the whole family. Depending on the time of year, you are sure to catch a glimpse of schools of dolphins leaping through the water or swimming around scrounging for food.
  4. Go fishing. If you are looking for places to fish with kids in Port Aransas, check out Corpus Christi Bay, Aransas Bay, and Redfish Bay, which feature some of the world’s best inshore fishing grounds and shallow-water fishing areas. The island is particularly known as one of the best places to fish for Redfish, Speckled Trout, Red Snapper and Flounder.
  5. Go on a pirate ship cruise Who doesn’t love a swashbuckling adventure? Pirate ship cruises give Port Aransas visitors an authentic experience on a replica 17th century pirate ship. Enjoy views of Mustang Island and the Gulf Coast as well as live entertainment on board, including sword fights and storytelling
  6. Visit the Texas State Aquarium Just a short drive from Port Aransas, the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi is an educational adventure your kids will never forget. The aquarium features numerous live animal exhibits as well as a dolphin show, 4D theater, and outdoor splash park.
  7. Try watersports. From boogie boarding to surfing to jet skiing and parasailing, there are countless watersports opportunities for kids of all ages on Mustang Island. Children as young as seven years old can participate in parasailing, either as a rider in the air or a rider on the boat.
  8. Go bird watching. Port Aransas and Mustang Island are home to hundreds of species of local birds. Hike or bike through more than 20 miles of trails on Port Aransas’s five nature preserves to glimpse these birds in their natural habitat.