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Texas Gulf Coast
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WELCOMEto the Texas Gulf Coast
Port Aransas
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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 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
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.
The 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 display typical Texas coastal habitats and the organisms that live in them, including Spartina, black mangrove marsh, oyster reef, open bay bottom, rock jetty and offshore 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.
Rockport
The City of Rockport, located 30 miles northeast of Corpus Christi on Texas Highway 35, is the County Seat of Aransas County. Rockport was incorporated by a Special Act of the Legislature of Texas Charter granted on May 29, 1871. Surrounded on three sides by the waters of Aransas, Copano and Port bays, the sheer variety of outdoor activities are what makes Rockport appeal to the many tourists as well as local citizens.
The fishing village of Rockport has been a favorite coastal hideaway for wealthy Texans since the 1800s. Rockport is located along the Texas Tropical Trail and is a noteworthy stop along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. Other points of interest such as Texas Maritime Museum, Fulton Mansion, Rockport Center for the Arts, Connie Hagar Wildlife Sanctuary and The TX Dot Demonstration Gardens and Wetlands Ponds draw tourists and “Winter Texans” alike to Rockport.
Things to Do in Rockport
Rockport is a popular tourist destination because of its beach, ski basin, and the sport fishing available there. There are also various historic sites such as the Fulton Mansion and a Heritage district. The historical downtown area offers a great shopping environment with its friendly attitude. Key Allegro Marina is also a popular attraction, especially during The Rockport Offshore Challenge. Goose Island State Park, 321.4 acres, is located north of Rockport in Aransas County. The area is also the home of “The Big Tree”, named State Champion Coastal Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) in 1969. It is thought to be one of the largest in the nation including the Redwoods on the nation’s west coast. Estimated to be over 1000 years old, the “Big Tree” has a circumference of 35 feet, is 44 feet in height and has a crown spread of 90 feet.
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi offers some of the best beaches in Texas. So come dance on the beach, run in the surf, and make a splash in sunny Corpus Christi, Texas! There are miles of beaches for fishing, boating and floating. Additionally, there are multiple historic and fun attractions like the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium just waiting to be explored. Music, art festivals and sporting events are held in Corpus Christi year round.
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, about halfway between Houston and the U.S.Mexico border, Corpus Christi has the same latitude as Tampa, Florida and has the same tropical weather. Situated on a bay and surrounded by islands and hundreds of miles of beaches. Corpus Christi is a popular spot for family vacations and provides endless recreational opportunities for visitors of all types.
The Corpus Christi Municipal Marina is at the center of it all, and boasts many of the amenities and services Corpus Christi Bay has to offer. The marina is protected from the Gulf of Mexico by scenic barrier islands off the Texas Coast, so the water is calm and the beaches are expansive. Come enjoy the waterfront and see the sailboats!
Come and see the Victorian charm in South Texas! Heritage Park and Cultural Center holds eleven historic homes, each of which is unique. One such home, the 100 year old Galván House is an award- winning center that hosts artistic cultural programs showcasing the diverse culture of Corpus Christi and South Texas. For cultural education and historical knowledge, the Heritage Park and Cultural Center is the best place to be!
For military history, you can step aboard the U.S.S. Lexington, a famous naval aircraft carrier from World War II. The Lexington features incredible rides in a flight simulator, a chance to climb behind the controls of a jet fighter, or preview a movie in the mega theatre, which is also located on board. The museum is open seven days a week, so no matter when you visit Corpus Christi, you can see this historic treasure.
Travel on an ocean adventure deep into the Gulf of Mexico without ever leaving the shore at the Texas State Aquarium. Observe aquatic life from dolphins to jelly fish, and learn about environmental conservation and wildlife rehabilitation.
You can also visit the largest remaining natural barrier island in the world. The Padre Island National Seashore covers 130,000 acres of pristine barrier island, providing a safe haven for sea turtles and many birds. The barrier island offers spectacular bird watching and is a focal point for bird enthusiasts throughout Texas. In addition, bird and animal enthusiasts can explore a coastal highway dedicated to bird and wildlife watching on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. The trail surrounding Corpus Christi has observation platforms and kiosks with helpful information about the environment and all of its natural inhabitants.
If you’ve had enough of wildlife, you can find a peaceful and relaxing nook at the gorgeous Corpus Christi Botanical Garden. The garden features walking trails surrounded by roses, desert and tropical flowers, and 2,500 varieties of orchids. So whether your taste runs to pristine nature or man-made beauty,
Corpus Christi has the right place for you. The Botanical Garden offers tours of the facilities and grounds.
When the day is done, you can enjoy an entertaining evening of music, comedy, or drama at Corpus Christi’s outstanding non-profit Harbor Playhouse community theatre. All productions at the community theater are family-friendly, so no matter your age, you will find evening entertainment from the local talent.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing weekend escape or an extended stay, Corpus Christi and the surrounding area offers a wide assortment of hotels to choose from. Regardless of your budget or no matter if you are looking for the perfect golf getaway, fun-filled family adventure, romantic getaway or corporate meeting venue, Corpus Christi has the perfect place for you!
You can find additional information, hotels in the area, and locally scheduled events at www.visitcorpuschrisitx.org.
Things to Do in Corpus Christi Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
Featuring History, Archeology, and Natural History Exhibits, the Corpus Christi Museum offers hours of fun for everyone in the family.
Take a journey back in time on a tour of the replica of Columbus’s ship, Pinta. Discover alligators, snakes, and turtles in our live animal exhibits. Explore guns and gold from the oldest scientifically excavated shipwreck in the Western Hemisphere. With all this and so much more, you never know what you’ll find around the corner.
Funtabulous Family Entertainment Center
5858 South Padre Island Drive #21 Corpus Christi, TX 78412 Phone: (361) 994-1111 www.funtabulous.us
This center features a laser maze, human spheres, human foosball, bazooka ball, ice skating, and a play zone. The play zone includes an inflatable obstacle course, kiddie area, giant checkers, X-Box Kinect (Dance Central/River Adventure), ping pong, air hockey, and table games.
South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
One of the Coastal Bend’s major visitor destinations and leading nature tourism facilities, the 180-acre South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center showcases nine uniquely-designed floral exhibits and gardens, including the acclaimed Orchid House and Plumeria Garden-plus the Bromeliad Conservatory and Butterfly House.
South Texas Institute for the Arts – Art Museum of South Texas
In 1997 the Art Museum of South Texas, Creative Arts Center, and Center for Hispanic Arts came together to form the South Texas Institute for the Arts (STIA). This organization continues the Art Museum’s affiliation with Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. As a result of this merger, art outreach capabilities were increased tremendously and almost 50 years of arts programming experience was brought together.
Texas State Aquarium
The Texas State Aquarium is a private, not-for-profit organization that receives no city, state or federal funding for its operations. The Aquarium relies on general admissions, memberships, retail sales, event rentals and the generous support from donors to maintain its operations.
Texas Surf Museum
This museum is housed in a 3,000 square-foot building and boasts hundreds of pieced of surfing memorabilia. These include several surf boards.
USS Lexington
2914 North Shoreline Boulevard Corpus Christi, TX 78403 Phone: (361) 888-4873 www.usslexington.com
In January of 1992, the USS Lexington arrived at Naval Station Ingleside and became a permanent Texas resident. In June of that year, the United States Navy officially signed over the ship to city officials and she was towed to her final berth on North Beach. The USS Lexington was opened to the public in October of 1992 and in November was dedicated in a formal ceremony attended by representatives of the City, State and Federal governments, as well as former crew members and members of numerous veterans organizations.
South Padre Island
South Padre Island lies on the southernmost tip of Texas and is situated on the south end of Padre Island, the longest Barrier Island in the world and the largest stretch of undeveloped ocean beach in North America. It sits just 30 miles north of Mexico and is linked to the mainland by the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway, a two and a half mile long bridge. The Town of South Padre Island is called home by an estimated 5,000 people, giving the place a small-town, friendly feel. However, over one million people visit the island every year according to the Convention and Visitors Bureau. It is a hotspot for retirees from northern regions to stay throughout the winter months. These residents are known throughout the Rio Grande Valley as “Winter Texans.”
South Padre Island is one of the best kept secrets in Texas, but the value of the place has finally been discovered by the world. Offering a unique setting, South Padre Island lures people to return again and again to enjoy the spirit of adventure and relaxation that can be found there. South Padre Island is a year-round vacation destination located at the same latitude as Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and it enjoys a sub-topical environment with mild, dry winters, and warm breezy summers. With a winter average temperature of 65 degrees, a summer average temperature of 82 degrees and an average of 253 days of beautiful sunshine, it’s no wonder why so many people love South Padre Island.
South Padre Island has a councilmanager form of government. The City Council, consisting of the Mayor and five city council members, has three-year staggered terms. The City Manager is the chief executive officer of the city.
