If you are looking for the best Port Aransas Beaches to visit during you vacation, then you are in the right place.
We love visiting Texas beaches, and especially love Port Aransas.
This small Texas town is big on living the salty life and fully embrace their coastal location.
Located on Mustang Island, an 18-mile long barrier island that is connected to Corpus Christi and the mainland by the Causeway Bridge, Port Aransas is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the United States and especially on the Texas Gulf Coast!
Port Aransas is truly a fabulous getaway. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway in Texas, wanting to check out the sand competition on Port Aransas Beach, or want a full blown family vacation, Port A has you covered.
It’s close proximity to Corpus Christi also means that you have easy access to all that Corpus Christi has to offer as well! This makes this area of Corpus Christi, Mustang Island and the Gulf Coast a must visit!
Offering great accommodations ranging from fabulous condo rentals to great camping, you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for in Port A.
A visit to Port A and Mustang Island ensures you a memorable vacation full of sand, surf, and Texas sunshine.
Let’s dive into all of the best beaches in Port Aransas (and nearby).
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Port Aransas Beach
You will find the main beach in Port Aransas, Port Aransas beach, right in front of the majority of the resorts on the island.
Port Aransas Beach is the place to see and be seen during your visit to Port Aransas.
Port Aransas Beach is 6-mile stretch of sand that offers never ending white sand butting up against the surf of the ocean.
It is at Port Aransas Beach where you can easily try out some awesome water activities during your vacation.
Offering up opportunities to parasail, try boogie boarding, or ride jet skis, Port Aransas Beach is the perfect place for the adventure seekers out there!
For even more fun, invest in a beach parking permit and drive your vehicle right onto the beach during your visit to Port Aransas Beach. You can purchase your pass at City Hall an then park between markers 0 and 62.
There is also a small amount of free parking on Port Aransas beach in between Pier 52 and Pier 58.
For a one-of-a-kind adventure, consider renting a golf cart to enjoy on Port Aransas beach. There are several places to rent golf carts on the island!
Port Aransas Beach is also home to the annual Texas Sandfest Festival. This is an awesome event if you get the chance to visit when it is happening!
Pro Tip: This is one of the most popular beaches in Port Aransas, so take note in the summer months, it can get crowded.
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I.B. Magee Beach Park
If you are looking for one of the most popular beaches in Port Aransas, then you have to head to I.B. Magee Beach Park.
Situated on the northern end of Mustang Island, I.B. Magee Beach Park is easy to access as it is very close to the shops and restaurants on Part Aransas’ Main Street.
The beach on the Texas Gulf Coast is a super popular camping site. Magee Beach Park offers primitive beach camping, freshwater coin operated showers, and electrical hookups for RV campers.
Other amenities at Magee Beach include a dog park, picnic tables, and a couple of hiking trails.
The beautiful beach also hosts one of my favorite annual events in Port Aransas, TX, the annual sea turtle release.
If you have never participated on a sea turtle release, definitely add this to your Texas bucket list. Releasing and helping with the sea turtles is such a fun and rewarding experience.
This is the perfect park to grab your beach chairs and a few friends and make a fun, long weekend out of your Port Aransas trip.
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Mustang Island State Park
On the southern end of Mustang Island, just a short drive from Port Aransas, you will find another one of the great Texas beaches, Mustang Island State Park and beach.
Mustang Island State Park and beach is a great beach ion the Texas Gulf Coast and another of the popular beaches near Port Aransas.
Visitors to Mustang Island State Park love the natural beauty of the Gulf of Mexico that surrounds them when they visit.
A popular place to find sea shells and sand dollars, Mustang Island beach will have you enjoying a sunrise walk on the beach every morning!
Mustang Island Beach is also a popular place to set up camp during your visit to Mustang Island State Park, try your hand at fishing, or just swim in the cool Gulf waves.
Planning a camping trip to Mustang Island State Park and Mustang Island beach is one of the fun Texas road trips that you can consider. Mustang Island State Park truly is one of the best beaches in Texas!
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Horace Caldwell Pier
If you are looking for a fun place to visit that is located close to the center of town, then consider checking out Horace Caldwell Pier.
Located on the northernmost point of the island, both locals and visitors flock to Horace Caldwell Pier to enjoy fishing in the Gulf waters.
Horace Caldwell Pier stretches over 1,200 feet into the Gulf of Mexico and is technically located next to Magee Beach Park.
Amenities here include a small fishing shop where you can rent out fishing poles. Of course, you can also purchase bait from the small fishing shop as well.
There is also a small café inside where you can purchase food during your visit.
It is important to note that the Horace Caldwell Pier does charge $2 in order for you to enjoy the pier. (This fee is also payable in cash only).
Even if you don’t fish, the pier is a great place to visit. You can enjoy views of the island and beaches from a different perspective when you venture out to the end of the pier.
This is one of the best spots for fishing during your Port Aransas, Texas trip.
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San Jose Island
San Jose Island is a privately owned island located just a short ferry ride from the city of Port Aransas, TX.
I know what you’re thinking, “I am not stepping foot on a private island.”
Why it is true that San Jose Island is privately owned, there is a section of the San Jose Island that is accessible to visitors.
People love to walk the beach shore of San Jose Island while they explore the sand to find sea shells which are prominent in the area.
San Jose Island is also the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of town and enjoy the beach scene and natural beauty of the area.
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Tony Amos City Beach
If you are looking for an flat sand beach to enjoy, then head about three miles south on Mustang Island to Tony Amos City Beach.
Locals love visiting Tony Amos City Beach as it is a great place to enjoy the waves from the Gulf and the soft sand that surrounds you.
Of course, like the other beaches on our list, you can enjoy swimming, fishing, or just relaxing in the sun during your time on this Texas beach.
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North Padre Island National Seashore
You will find North Padre Island National Seashore a short drive from the small town of Port Aransas, Texas.
Padre Island National Seashore encompasses over 70-miles of Gulf Coast shoreline near Port Aransas.
The beautiful conservation area on Padre Island is a great place to bring your family for a day on the beach.
Grab your fishing pole and try your hand at fishing or just
Home to over 350 species of migratory birds, North Padre Island National Seashore is the perfect place to do some bird watching. Of course, this is an incredibly scenic national park thanks to the gorgeous sand dunes and sprawling beach.
You can even participate in overnight camping on Padre Island if you are so inclined to do so, making it one of the best beaches in Port Aransas.
This is definitely a place to visit while in the Corpus Christi area.
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Holiday Beach
If you are looking for a beach in Port Aransas that is less crowded, then Holiday Beach is for you!
Located just a mile south of Port Aransas Beach, Holiday Beach is a great place to bring you family as it is near some of the best hotels and condos on Mustang Island.
The beautiful sand dunes are the perfect backdrop to the long stretch of beach and vast gulf waters beyond.
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Rockport Beach Park
Now, granted, Rockport Beach Park is located about 20 miles from downtown Port Aransas, I still felt it was worth putting on our list.
As easy journey on the ferry across to the mainland will land you near Rockport Beach Park.
Offering a little something for everyone, Rockport Beach is a popular spot to enjoy a day in the Texas sun.
The amenities here ensure that you will have plenty to keep you entertained during your day at the beach as well. Offering volleyball courts, picnic tables, and a pier, Rockport Beach is truly a great beach to visit!
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Padre Balli Park
Padre Balli Park can be found on Padre Island, not far from Corpus Christi and Port Aransas. While technically not on Port Aransas, it is within an easy drive.
This park is a great place to enjoy swimming, camping, and fishing during your time in the Gulf Coast.
The fact that Padre Balli Park also has numerous amenities is only a bonus!
Granted, you aren’t in Maui, but it’s super pretty anyway!
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Bea Pinnegar
Monday 13th of June 2022
This is quite a list! Thanks for sharing these gems - North Padre Island National Seashore especially seems incredibly beautiful and someplace I'd love to visit.
thattexascouple
Tuesday 14th of June 2022
You are so welcome. Thank you for reading!
jazmin
Monday 13th of June 2022
lovely beaches! Ive never been to Texas but would love to check out their beaches now. Esp. those sand "castles" :D
thattexascouple
Tuesday 14th of June 2022
Yes, the sand castle competition was so cool. We loved it!
Lisa | Waves and Cobblestones
Sunday 12th of June 2022
Wow, those sand sculptures from Sandfest are incredible! That would certainly be a n amazing way to spend a day at the gorgeous beach!
thattexascouple
Tuesday 14th of June 2022
That was our first time to visit the Sandfest, but we will definitely be back. It was so cool to see the artistry!
Gail
Sunday 12th of June 2022
This looks like a fantastic place to visit! I would definitely have fun exploring all those beaches. :) Thanks for sharing.
thattexascouple
Sunday 12th of June 2022
That is great, Gail. Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to comment!
Julia
Sunday 12th of June 2022
Those beaches look amazing! I hope I can check them out in person in the future - Port Aransas is on my bucket list from now on!
thattexascouple
Sunday 12th of June 2022
Thank you so much, Julia! Port Aransas is such a fun little town!