Things to Do in Rockport and Port Aransas
What makes your vacation in Rockport and Port Aransas a great vacation (besides your vacation rental)? All of the things to do in Rockport and Port Aransas! Along with Fulton, these Coastal Bend cities officer a wide range of things to do to satisfy all of your family's and friend's vacation desires. Besides the beautiful beaches and amazing fishing and almost weekly events, we offer some of the best birdwatching in the United States. We have amazing kayaking and paddle board trails, museums, and hunting. And if shopping is on your vacation list, we have you covered there with a beautiful Cultural Arts District with unique shopping in Rockport. Not to mention all of the shopping in Port Aransas and Aransas Pass which is just a few minutes from Catchin' Paradise. If you want delicious food, you have come to the right place. Rockport, Fulton and Port Aransas offer several amazing restaurants, many with amazing views. If you have had all the fun in the sun you can handle, there are plenty of bars and nightlife to keep you going after dark. Check out our event calendar for updated events in Rockport and Port Aransas.
Rockport - Things to Do
Fishing - The Texas Coastal Bend is world famous for its incredible fishing and Rockport is right in the heart of it. No matter what type of fishing you are looking for, Rockport and Port Aransas has it to offer. You can try your skills (and luck) in the Gulf of Mexico for some big game monsters or you can stick to Copano Bay or Aransas Bay. You can fish from a boat or stay on shore and fish from on of the many piers included the rebuilt Fulton Fishing Pier. Fishing is so popular, we have an entire page dedicated to just it.
Beaches - If you're looking for beaches to work on your tan, play in the sand or relax under the shade you have found the right place. Rockport Beach is Texas' first Blue Wave Beach and is committed to promoting clean, well-managed beaches. Rockport Beach has several pavilions proving plenty of space for an event, 65 picnic sites with covered picnic tables and charcoal BBQ grills which are first come first serve. There are several playgrounds for the kiddos and several food vendors scattered throughout. The beautiful clear water offers shallow areas for kids of all ages as well as deeper parts for those that swim like fishes.
Events - Rockport/Fulton offers all types of events all year round. Rockport Fulton Market Days is a festival held the 3rd weekend of every month. The Fulton Oysterfest in March of every year brings over 35,000 visitors from all over the country. If it's a wine festival you want, the annual Rockport Wine Festival is where it's at! Who doesn't like a fair? The family-oriented annual Rockport-Fulton Seafair has food, fun and live entertainment. With way too many events to list we encourage you to visit the Calendar of Events in Rockport-Fulton or check out Visit Rockport Fulton's Facebook Page for updates.
Museums - If you need a break from the sun or its one of the rare bad weather days, check out one of the many museums and education centers that Rockport-Fulton has to offer. No Rockport Vacation is complete without checking out the Fulton Mansion which was built in the late 1800's. The next stop is the Texas Maritime Museum which showcases Texas' rich history with its coastal waters. For you art lovers out there, stop by the beautiful Rockport Center for the Arts which offers tons of events and exhibits for guests of all ages. Lastly, the Bay Education Center is located right next to Rockport Beach and offers several interactive displays and information about the amazing world we live in. If you want to take a quick 30-minute trip to Corpus Christi, check out the USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier Museum.
Restaurants and Bars - Everyone knows a great vacation includes amazing food, don't worry calories don't count on vacation! Situated on the Texas Coast, Rockport is known for great seafood however, if seafood isn't your thing there are plenty more restaurants to choose from. If you are in the mood for a night out and an adult beverage, Rockport-Fulton offers several great places to choose from. Check out our Favorite Restaurants and Bars page for a list of Catchin' Paradise approved places.
Shopping - Rockport offers plenty of locally owned shops for you to find your next favorite t-shirt, gifts for those who couldn't make the trip or even something to wear out tonight. With way too many to list, we picked a few of our favorites to start with. Goin' Coastal Outfitters offers a wide range of clothing and accessories. The best part, they have delicious ice cream you can eat while you shop! Oh My! Downtown is another favorite offering clothing, jewelry and a really cool photo op in front of the store. The Coastal Mercantile is located in a historic building that offers plenty of shopping and wine! To find some more great shopping please check out the Rockport Cultural Arts Page or the Chamber of Commerce Page.
Outdoor Activities - Besides the beach and fishing, there is plenty to do outdoors in Rockport. If you want to birdwatch and discover the over 600 species of birds, including the endangered whooping crane, around Rockport, there are plenty of places to check out including the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and Goose Island State Park. While at Goose Island, don't forget to check out the Big Tree a centuries old live oak. If you love kayaking or paddleboarding Rockport has some of the greatest locations in the state. You can put in at Goose Island State Park, The Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail or the Mustang Island Paddling Trail. You can also check out Little Bay as well as Murph Park on Copano Bay. If you want to get in 18 holes on your vacation stop by Live Oak Country Club.
Port Aransas - Things to Do
Restaurants and Bars - Not to be outdone by Rockport-Fulton, Port Aransas has some amazing restaurants and bars. With plenty of seafood options, pizza, burgers and more there is no shortage of places to grab some food. If you're looking for an evening out there are also plenty of bars and nightlife. Check out our Favorite Restaurants and Bars page for a list of Catchin' Paradise approved places.
Port Aransas Beach - 18 beautiful miles of Texas coast beach stretching all along Mustang Island. This beach opens up into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Drive up and down the beach to find your perfect spot in the sand. If you want to check out a more exclusive beach, visit San Jose Island with a quick ferry ride from Fisherman's Wharf.
Events - Not to be outdone by Rockport, Port Aransas offers year-round events as well. Texas Sandfest is the largest sand sculpture competition in the United States. The event includes sand sculptures, food, live music and plenty to do for the whole family. Restaurant Week highlights all of the great restaurants in Port Aransas. If live music is what you want, live music is what you get with Port A's Live Music Fest. Get your binoculars ready to check out beautiful and endangered whooping crane at the Whooping Crane Festival. If you are into sailboat races you have to check out the largest point-to-point sailboat race in the United States at the Harvest Moon Regatta. Stay up to date with all the things happening in Port A with the events calendar.
Outdoor Activities - Like Rockport, there is plenty to do outside besides the beach and fishing. For bird watching on Port Aransas and Mustang Island head over to Leonabell Turnbull Birding Center or to the Port Aransas Nature Preserve. If those are a little packed head to Joan & Scott Holt Paradise Pond or check out the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail for numerous locations. If you love kayaking or paddleboarding Port Aransas has some of the greatest locations in the state including the Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail or the Mustang Island Paddling Trail. For a round of golf head to the Palmilla Beach Resort. If adventure is what you seek, take the kid and head to the famed Pirate Ship for a swashbuckling good time. Lastly, if you have never been to a belt sander race you haven't lived. Check out the races at the Gaff on select dates, you won't be disappointed!
