UPGRADES

First, you’ll want to opt for the ideal mode of transportation when on island time. Sage Beach Carts is an excellent option if you decide to rent a beach house for your day in the sun. Choose between four, six and eightseater luxury golf carts complete with safety features, speakers and LED party lights. With pick-up options at Cinnamon Shores, Lively Beach and Ocean Carts, a Sage Beach Cart is ready for you.

If you’re looking for a little extra added adventure, there are plenty of activities and rentals to enhance your ultimate day on the water. Nauticool Adventures offers some of the best water experiences on North Padre Island. Conveniently located in Marker 37, it offers jet ski, kayak and boat rentals. Set sail on a pontoon boat rental (private or captained rides available), jet around in one of the largest riding zones in the area or leisurely paddle about in a kayak suited for you.

Save your kayaking for sunset and experience the water in a whole new light. Glow Row offers locals and visitors the unique experience of touring the Gulf Coast in a transparent, two-seat kayak equipped with LED lights. View the sea life beneath you as you paddle along with your choice of seven glowing colors. Tour locations include Port O'Connor, Rockport, Port Aransas and North Padre Island.

Get a bird’s eye view of Port Aransas from 500 feet in the air with Port A Parasailing, suitable for ages 7 and up. Book a reservation for up to 12 passengers on the U.S. Coast Guardinspected boat and take turns flying high. Port A Parasailing also offers dolphin watching and sunset tours, if you need a calming wind-down after taking flight.

Activities that will keep your feet on the sand might include flying kites or booking a master sand castle building class. A pit stop at Fly It Port A Kite Shop will inspire your new favorite beach time activity. Not only will you find a variety of vibrant kites in all shapes and sizes, but sport kites, beach tents and flags, games and toys, as well. Pro tip: A kite is an easy way to share your beach location with people meeting you! The Port Aransas Sandcastle Guy offers hands-on lessons to groups of any size. The “family plan” gets you up to an hour and a half of sand stacking and carving a masterpiece for

Make It A Staycation Sunflower Beach

SUNFLOWERBEACH.COM

Let’s be honest, sometimes a single day of fun in the sun just isn’t enough. Make your beach day a full-on staycation and book a night or two at Sunflower Beach. A true hidden gem in Port Aransas, this resort features a modern design style with coastal elements for a luxury vacation experience. From separate family and adult-only pools with poolside grub and drinks to beach access with exclusive umbrellas and chairs, you might never want to leave.

190 Beach Access Rd 1, Port Aransas up to 10 people. There’s also a “quick and easy” plan more suitable for littles under the age of 7.

Sometimes, packing for the ultimate beach setup becomes more stressful than it's worth. That’s where local businesses such as the Love Shack or Pretty Picnics come into play. The Love Shack is a picture-perfect rental complete with a Margaritaville margarita machine, mini refrigerator/freezer, an ice chest, bar stools, hammock swings, Bluetooth speakers, plugs with USB capabilities, a generator and lights. Available for North Padre Island, Nueces County beaches or Mustang Island (south of beach marker 62), the setup will be delivered directly to you on the beach!

Pretty Picnics Corpus Christi offers luxury picnic setups right on the beach for any occasion. Choose among a variety of packages and themes and enjoy the Instagram-worthy set up including a picnic table, rugs and pillows, a table setting, games and more. Add-ons also include a range of food and drink options.