NAVAL AIR STATION CORPUS CHRISTI

Pier, open 24/7, which extends from the beach into the Gulf of Mexico; certified lifeguards to watch over the crowds in designated areas during peak season; and outdoor showers and bathrooms. Pets are welcome, but they must remain leashed at all times.

ings to Do in Port Aransas

Lighthouse Lakes Trail e Lighthouse Lakes Trails are located in an area called North Harbor Island, just west of Port Aransas and north of the Highway 361 Causeway. ere are a series of three individual, but interconnected, trails that can be accessed by launching from the north side of the causeway and by following a series of trail markers. Fishing in these areas can be excellent, as is bird watch- ing and just general paddling around. Your ability to access some of these areas is dependent upon tidal level, so it is a good idea to check before you go. Higher tides make for much easier access. Also, these trails can be pretty tough paddling in winds greater than 20 mph. Much of the bottom is easily waded, but there are numerous oyster reefs in the area, so sturdy shoes are a must. You must cross a deep shipping channel to access the trails, but the channel is not excessively wide and you can cross it in less than five minutes with moderate paddling.

Mustang Island State Park

Located just South of Port Aransas on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, this area covers more than 3,900 acres and has a 5-mile beachfront for visitors to enjoy. e land was acquired from private owners in 1972 and opened to the public in 1979.

Fisherman's Wharf

900 Tarpon Street

Port Aransas, TX 78373

At Fisherman's Wharf, our deep sea fishing schedule is based on the seasonal migrations and availability of various species of fish in the Gulf of Mexico. We offer half and full day drift fishing trips aboard the Wharf Cat for king mackerel, ling, dolphin, bonito, shark, etc., from mid May through Labor Day. Year round, the Scat Cat, equipped with "electric tackle" makes 12 hour and special extended trips to far offshore banks (coral and rock formations) for red snapper, grouper, amber jack and other highly prized bottom fish. Bait, tackle, rods and reels are included and no fishing license is required on deep sea fishing charters. e Wharf Cat and Scat Cat offer a full concession on board serving hot and cold foods, snacks and beverages served by friendly, helpful crews. Both "Cats" are comfortable, smooth riding catamarans for deep sea fishing at its finest. e University of Texas Marine Science Institute

750 Channel View Drive

Port Aransas, TX 78373 Phone: (361) 749-6729

Interest in Marine Science is promoted by the Visitor Center where self guided tours and educational movies are among the attractions offered. Seven aquaria dis play typical Texas coastal habitats and the organisms that live in them, including Spartina, black mangrove marsh, oyster reef, open bay bottom, rock jetty and off shore artificial reefs. Other displays in the main building highlight current and past research projects and feature representative specimens or photographs of local plants and animals. Over 40,000 visitors have tour the facility annually.

Padre Island

Padre Island is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world and the largest stretch of undeveloped ocean beach in Padre Island National Seashore separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre, one of the few hypersaline lagoons in the world. e park protects 70 miles of coastline, dunes, prairies, and wind tidal flats teaming with life. It is a safe nesting ground for the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle and a haven for 380 bird species. It also has a rich his tory, including the Spanish shipwrecks of 1954.

e park is open 24 hours a day 365 days a week and can be reached by traveling east on Highway 358 across the JFK Causeway. e park offers several areas for camping, fishing, swimming, hiking and