The original island life destination - Port Aransas and Mustang Island - are the true Texas coast.

With 18 miles of shoreline and wide, sandy beaches, Port A – as it is known to locals, has everything snowbirds – or Winter Texans, as they are known here - need to plan the perfect winter stay at the beach.

While here you’re on island time, and you can do things your way. Whether your idea of a good time is to view the majestic Whooping Cranes as they settle into their winter home, sit on the beach at sunrise, or take a class at the Port Aransas Art Center, snowbirds will find that Port A is the ideal home away from home.

Welcome to the island! Traditions anchor here.

Local Snowbird Community

Port Aransas loves our Winter Texans! The snowbird community often gets involved in local organizations such as the Amos Rehabilitation Keep, Farley Boat Works, Keep Port Aransas Beautiful, and more.

Winter Texans can also often be found at the Port Aransas Nature Preserve and Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center or mingling with locals at local restaurant hot spots.

Many local events hosted by the Port Aransas Parks and Recreation department are hosted for locals and snowbirds alike, such as the “Winter Texan State Share,” where out-of-state (or country) visitors are invited to share something special from their home stomping grounds.

The snowbird community on the beach is vibrant…and looks forward to welcoming you!

Getting to Port Aransas

Driving

The majority of snowbirds drive to Port Aransas from Canada. Depending on where in Canada you are originating from, you will head southwest or southeast to end up on I-35, which will take you straight south through Texas.

Flying

If you want to fly, the closest airport to Port Aransas is the Corpus Christi airport (CRP), with year-round direct flights from Houston or Dallas, Texas. American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines all fly into and out of CRP.

After arriving at the airport, you will need a car to get around. There are two routes to get to the island. One is via the ferry that crosses the ship channel, and the other is via a bridge and Highway 361.

Weather

Though Port Aransas can get chilly at times, generally in January and February, it’s nothing compared to back home. Most of the time you can expect warm, humid weather—perfect for a beach day!

Terrain and Landscape

Port Aransas is an island destination with 18 miles of uninterrupted beachline. The island also boasts expansive wetlands that are home to the many unique species that call Port A home.

Accommodations and Where to Stay

Whether your accommodation of choice is an RV, condo, hotel, or house, the island offers a variety of snowbird specials! Though each offers unique amenities, all are within minutes of the beach and main area attractions.

RV Options

• Port A RV, Aloha RV Resort, and Tropic Island RV all offer Winter Texan monthly rates and are backed up to 1,200 acres of wildlife preserve. Port A RV and Tropic Island are both within very close walking distance to South Charlie’s Pasture and the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center.
• Pioneer RV, Surfside RV, Gulf Waters, I.B Magee, and On the Beach RV are close to the beach.
• Lafitte’s Hideout is close to the marina.

Some great Winter Texan Condos

• Island Dunes
• Executive Keys Condominiums
• Coral Cay Condominiums
• Beachgate Condominiums

Looking for a beach house or cottage feel? Try these

• 1 of a Kind Beach Houses
• Angler’s Court
• Chapel Cottage
• Dancing Dunes
• Old Town Cottages
• Sea and Sand Cottages
• Double Barr Cottage Inn

Snowbird Hotels/Motels

• Shark Reef
• Port A Beach Lodge
• Days Inn
• Seashell Village
• Beachgate CondoSuites & Hotel
• Best Western
• Beachcomber Motel

Looking for a Luxury Resort?

Try Cinnamon Shore!

More Accommodation Options

If none of these fit the bill, you might want to try a property management company, found here: Rental Management.  Each one manages a plethora of properties, many of which offer monthly rentals.

Between ADA-friendly homes, pet-friendly accommodations, and as many or few bedrooms as you need, you’re sure to find one that will fit your needs.

Find the full list of spots offering discounted (and monthly) Winter rates at Port Aransas winter deals.

Attractions and Sights

Port Aransas has many local attractions and sites to interest snowbirds throughout the winter months. Here’s a list of the top 10.

1. Port Aransas is known for the beach…and for good reason! The warm Gulf waters and soft Texas sand fulfill the longing that is soul deep. To jazz up an average beach day, you can schedule a bonfire on the beach with Rollin’ Tide Boil Co. and roast s’mores to your heart’s content!
2. Known to casual and serious anglers alike as the “Fishing Capital of Texas,” Port Aransas fishing offers challenges and a string of rewards for everyone. Virtually every type of angler casting around for a hot spot will find their own paradise here. You can even bring your fresh catch to a local eatery and have them cook it up, just the way you like it, while you sit back and enjoy dining waterside. Want to fish until your last day on the island but don’t know how to get your fish home? No worries—the Port Aransas Business Center will ship your fish.
3. Located in the Central Flyway, Mustang Island is a birder’s paradise, boasting hundreds of native and migrating species. Encounters with Coastal Bend nesting species such as the Roseate Spoonbills, Least Grebes, Reddish Egrets, Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks, Bitterns, and Rails bring birding enthusiasts back to this island sanctuary time and time again.
4. Boat cruises are a favorite activity among snowbirds! Whether you want to watch dolphins play in a wake or kick back and enjoy the sunset, nothing can compare to the adventure that awaits you on the water. Port Aransas is home to sailboats, yachts, fishing charter vessels, and a pirate boat—all ready and fully equipped to take you out for a fun, safe, and enjoyable excursion.
5. At the Patton Education Center, you can look through a telescope and see the Lydia Ann Lighthouse, learn about the ecosystem, and see the sea creatures in the surrounding waters up close.
6. The Amos Rehabilitation Keep, or ARK, rehabilitates marine turtles and marine birds from the coastal zone of Mustang Island and St. Joseph Island. Take a tour and view endangered sea turtle species as they prepare to be released back into the ocean.
7. Red Dragon Pirate Cruises is a great activity for the kids in your life! The pirate crew will keep you entertained while you enjoy cannon fire, dolphin watching along the Lydia Ann Channel, sword fighting, treasure hunting, and much more!
8. Pop by Winton’s Island Candy for a classic Port Aransas experience, where the in-house made caramel is a must.
9. Mustang Island State Park is a five-mile stretch of sandy beach along Mustang Island’s coastline where visitors get the experience of a state park without the requirement of traveling far from amenities in Port Aransas. The park offers hiking and biking trails, camping, birding (over 400 species in the area), and extensive fishing options.
10. Live music is abundant on the island—you will find good times and good tunes, guaranteed. Find the upcoming music schedule at portalive.com.

Culture and Entertainment

There are a number of arts and cultural venues to keep snowbirds entertained while you are spending the winter in Port Aransas. 

1. Add a little variety to your getaway and catch a live play. Port Aransas talent is set to entertain the entire family at the Port Aransas Community Theater (PACT). Casual yet impressive, you will be delighted by one of these island performances.
2. Experience the history of the town and island at the Port Aransas Museum. Get a glimpse of Port Aransas inhabitants’ colorful and storied past through exhibits, photos, and videos. From the Karankawas and the Spanish explorers to the wild mustangs and world-famous fishermen, the story unfolds at the Port Aransas Museum.
3. Farley Boat Works started in 1915 and is best known for producing the first sport fishing boat designed to catch Tarpon. Today, re-established in 2011, Farley Boat Works is a part of the Port Aransas Museum and has reinvigorated the heritage and passion of boat building in Port A. Boats are being built and visitors are welcome to come by or start a boat building project.
4. One of the most visited places in Port Aransas is the Chapel on the Dunes, perched poignantly on a high sand dune in Old Town. This Port Aransas gem is a place for serenity and celebration, and the oldest consecrated church on Mustang Island.
5. The Port Aransas Art Center offers art classes for all ages, monthly art exhibits, and a wide range of activities to encourage social interaction year-round. Come visit the gallery and find art, photography, pottery, jewelry, and so much more!

Food and Dining

Fresh seafood, served in more ways than you can imagine, can be ordered from restaurants scattered throughout the town. Dine in flip-flops at open-air eateries or put on your best-pressed tropical shirt for candlelight dining. Whatever your choice, fabulous coastal cuisine at Port Aransas restaurants will satisfy even the most discriminating palate.

The dining scene in Port Aransas is largely composed of locally-owned restaurants. You’ll find Miss K herself at the register at Miss K’s Bistro & Catering, serving up daily lunch specials that never disappoint, or you’ll discover the 40-year local history present at Seafood & Spaghetti Works. For an elevated dining experience, head to Lisabella’s and try their famous Mermaid Soup, or reserve your spot at Venetian Hot Plate to try out the highly coveted lasagna.

It's important to note that some dining options are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. You can find Monday and Tuesday dining options here.

Festivals and Events

There are a number of festivals and events for snowbirds to enjoy in the Port Aransas area over the winter:

1. Each year since 1996, the Whooping Crane Festival has celebrated the annual return of the cranes to their wintering habitat at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. The Texas Coastal Bend is the only place where you can see the world’s last naturally occurring population of Whooping Cranes. The 26th anniversary Whooping Crane Festival is coming to Port Aransas in late February 2023!
2. Take your tastebuds on an island getaway with Port Aransas Restaurant Week. In late January, restaurants throughout Port A’s diverse food scene will serve up special prix-fixe menus with $20 lunches and $35 dinners just for you! Don't miss your chance to dive into the best coastal cuisine in Texas.
3. Put your dancing flip-flops on and boogie your way all around the island during Port Aransas Live Music Weekend! The weekend, which occurs annually in October, kicks off with a concert at Palmilla Beach on Friday night, then continues with live performances at spunky venues all across town.
4. The Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association presents the annual Wooden Boat Festival with Farley Boat Works every October. This is your chance to celebrate the heritage of Port A and see a selection of hand-built boats and interact with expert boatbuilders.
5. Texas SandFest is a greatly anticipated annual sand sculpture competition and festival. Each year more than 100,000 people attend this family-friendly event. Organized by local volunteers since 1997, master sculptors from around the country and abroad, as well as children and amateurs, gather on the Port Aransas beach to create artistic, imaginative, and skillful sand sculptures. The three-day festival includes live music, food, jewelry, crafts, sand sculpting lessons, and more.
6. Come to Port Aransas during Beachtober for the Taco and Margarita Trail! Taste yummy tacos and unique margaritas at great prices!
7. As if you needed another reason to visit Port A during Thanksgiving, you can come in the weekend before the holiday to get a head start on your holiday shopping during Holiday Shop Around. So many fun and whimsical treasures await you during this weekend of small-town glory!
8. The Thursday prior to Valentine’s Day begins the Chocolate Crawl Shop Around! Find that head-turning outfit for the special day or an amazing gift for that special someone. Shoppers are treated to beverages and a wide assortment of chocolate goodies throughout Thursday evening, and special deals that last all weekend long!
9. The night sky will light up with brilliant colors as Port Aransas celebrates New Year’s Eve with a big fireworks show. The show is scheduled to begin around 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve at Roberts Point Park.
10. Mark your calendar for the Annual Port Aransas Home Tour hosted by the Port Aransas Garden Club in late January.  

Shopping

Shops, galleries, and boutiques galore offer island treasures that reflect the unique, laidback attitude of Port A.

Browse for unique home decor, island-inspired fashions, and essential gifts from the heart that bring lasting memories of Mustang Island. Here you’ll find friendly service, gorgeous surroundings, and character.

Fitness and Outdoor Recreation

Snowbirds will have no trouble staying active during the winter season in Port Aransas with lots of activities available:

1. Golfing at Palmilla Beach includes nine holes of links-style golf, “The Loop” (a three-hole, par-three course), a Class A driving range, indoor/outdoor dining options, the option to book lessons with a Golf Pro, and high-quality gear for buy or rent at the pro shop.
2. Fishing in Port A can be just the way you like it, whether that’s on a deep-sea charter, a bay charter boat, on the pier, or on the jetty!
3. If you love to play tennis, you're in luck! Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning at 7:30 a.m., plus every Monday and Wednesday at 7 p.m., check out the PAISD tennis courts for some rounds of adult tennis! No partner is needed to participate in these Round Robin Mixed Doubles.
4. The Port Aransas Nature Preserve is a group of protected natural sites including Charlie’s Pasture, Wetland Park, Joan and Scott Holt Paradise Pond, and Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center. These areas have been dedicated as preserved land in an effort to protect the hundreds of endangered, threatened, and vulnerable species that reside in them, and to provide visitors a glimpse back in time to the coastal prairie habitat that has all but disappeared from the Texas Coast.
5. Certified yoga instructors lead a free yoga class on the beach every second Saturday of the month, and every Tuesday at the Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture.
6. The pool at the Port Aransas Community Park is a cool, refreshing oasis, and offers weekly aerobics classes for all ages.
7. What better way to spend a day than on a bicycle exploring all the places cars and golf carts can’t go? Ride the beach, dodge the waves, and let the salty air and sunshine lead the way on a fat-tire bicycle or cruise the streets effortlessly atop an electric bike or scooter.
8. Experience Port Aransas in a unique way when you go kayaking through Fish Pass or Redfish Bay. Get a front-row seat to the delicate ecological balance that Port A is known for and explore the Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail or the Mustang Island State Park paddling trails.
9. Everyone is welcome at the Port Aransas Community Park, which has three baseball fields, a basketball court, a disc golf course, and a chipping green. Visitors can also enjoy the skate park and pickleball courts.

Lifelong Learning

Snowbirds can take advantage of your time in Port Aransas to learn about the local wildlife, take art classes or engage in other lifelong learning opportunities:

1. Winter Texan season typically spans approximately the same amount of time our favorite Texan migrates south, the Whooping Crane! Don’t miss the Whooping Crane Festival in February each year, where you can enjoy educational guide services by boat, bus, and on foot. You can take part in the educational lecture series or learn new skills at the photography workshops.
2. Mustang Island has beautiful, clay-based sand, perfect for sandcastle building. “Port A Sandcastle Guy” Mark Landrum will provide you with a hands-in-the-sand experience to teach you sculpting techniques to build on during every winter season.
3. The Port Aransas Art Center has classes all winter long, including the “Fundamentals of Art,” “Acrylic Fluid Art,” and weekly specialty painting classes.
4. The Parks and Recreation department is hosting this year’s “Winter Texan State Share,” where out-of-state (or country) visitors are invited to share something special from their home stomping grounds, whether it’s a dish, a treat, a game, or a tradition. This is a pre-registration required event.
5. Birding on the Boardwalk takes place at the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center and includes a walk with a local guide. Whether you’re just getting your wings, you’re a twitcher, or a lister, this walk will check more than a few boxes.

Health Care and Medical Facilities

The following health care and medical facilities are available to snowbirds visiting Port Aransas:

• Surepoint Emergency Centre
• When you need more than a good dose of salt air for your health, visit the island’s resident doctor, Dr. Bruce Russell. It’s important to note that the closest minor emergency clinic is on North Padre Island, about a 20-minute drive from the heart of Port Aransas.

What's Nearby and Excursions

There are several excursions snowbirds can take from Port Aransas to explore the local area:

1. Take a short boat ride to San José Island, just a short boat ride away, to find the best seashells in the area! You can stop by the Welcome Center to pick up a waterproof Seashell Identification foldout and get to the Jetty Boat ferry at Fisherman’s Wharf right in time.
2. During Whooping Crane Festival, take a boat excursion out to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and view the majestic birds in their winter habitat.
3. Padre Island National Seashore is a stretch of beautiful, protected beach that hosts the occasional hatchling sea turtle release.
4. Cross the ferry and you can explore many of the unique art galleries, shopping, and restaurants in the Aransas Pass and Rockport areas.
5. Go down the beach a bit and you’ll reach Mustang Island State Park, which offers hiking and biking trails, kayak trails, camping, birding, and fishing.

Deals and Offers for Canadians

Snowbirds can enjoy fantastic monthly deals on accommodations and golf cart rentals (the true island way to get around town!).

You can find the list of winter deals here.

Safety

If you are traveling with small animals, make sure you keep them on a leash at all times, as coyotes are natural predators that live in the island’s sand dunes.

Cost of Living

Canadian snowbirds will find Port Aransas has a lower cost of living than parts of Florida or California when it comes to accommodations and many other expenses.

See why Canadian snowbirds love Port Aransas: