TEXAS GULF COAST
WELCOME to the Texas Gulf Coast Port Aransas
Port Aransas is an island getaway for the whole family. With beaches and loads of sun, Port Aransas is perfectly located to meet your relaxation and adventure needs. Located between the dunes of Mustang Island and the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, its lovely shoreline is a great place to wander among the seashells, frolic in the waves, soak in the sun, and relax in the breezes. Just next door, the rest of Mustang Island offers a number of nature related places, which provide fabulous opportunities for birding, kayaking, fishing, surfing and swimming. With a laid back attitude unique to this area, the intimate community of Port Aransas has many boutiques, shops and galleries, cafes, exceptional restaurants. There is also ample lodging in the area, ranging from cozy cottages, conventional motel rooms, and RV parks to high rise condos and upscale private homes. Port Aransas is located on the northern tip of Mustang Island. Take your choice of two ways to access the island. From Corpus Christi, the island is linked by the JFK Causeway, which climbs high above the Laguna Madre making a direct line to SH 361 and Port A. Alternately, you can take the ‘scenic route.’ The free ferry system brings visitors to the island across the Corpus Christi Ship Channel via car ferries, which operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Delightfully often, bottlenose
dolphins accompany the ferries back and forth. Seagulls and pelicans are frequent flyers along the short trip too! The beaches of Mustang Island are incredibly unique. There are eighteen miles of uninterrupted public shoreline which is open to those on foot or in a vehicle. The shoreline includes: the Horace Caldwell 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.
Things to Do in Port Aransas Lighthouse Lakes Trail
The Lighthouse Lakes Trails are located in an area called North Harbor Island, just west of Port Aransas and north of the Highway 361 Causeway. There 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 watching 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
103
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. The 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. The Wharf
www.jbsaondemand.com
