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The appeal of beach days and margarita nights has a hold on people all over the world and as we enter August, the official warmest month of the year in Port Aransas, you may find yourself contemplating a trip to the coast. We at PortAransas-Texas.com understand this need, this desire, and because we know that the adventures you have in our island town will be ones you never forget, no matter how high the mercury rises, we encourage you to do more than contemplate an August visit. We live here, we play here, and most importantly we stay cool here, and we love to share our secrets with our guests, offering this guide to how locals spend August in Port Aransas and providing helpful hints and tips along the way!
It’s all About the Water This August in Port Aransas
August adventures generally begin and end with the sea, the pools, or even splash pads and as the sun beams down at you while you splash about in the salty waters of the surf or the clear and chlorinated waters of our community pools, good times will be had. Our first tip of the day is to keep your outdoor adventures in the morning hours, maybe rising a little earlier than you normally would to swim, to jet ski, or to build sandcastles on our white sand beaches, exhilarating in the coolness of the water, the warmth of the sun, and all the fun you will have.
Beach Adventures
Umbrellas are important, even in the morning hours, providing shade from UV rays that will still try to penetrate your skin, no matter how well covered in sunscreen you are. It can still get warm while lazing about in your beach chairs however, so getting active may be the solution. Rent jet skis from Gettin’ Salty Watersports, Inc (815 Trout Street Slip 7 #1908) feeling breezes and the spray of salt water cool you down as you ride the waves. Chute ‘Em Up Parasailing (154 W Cotter Avenue) offers another way to stay cool, while also offering incredible views of the sea, the town, and maybe even a sighting or two of pods of dolphins frolicking in the clear waters below. Also offering a photo package to add on to your cost of flight, you will have tangible evidence of the fun you had “that August in Port Aransas.”
Scarlet Lady Dolphin Cruises, 440 W Cotter Avenue
Seeing dolphins is a sea experience everyone wants to have, and Scarlet Lady Dolphin Cruises offers an 11AM Dolphin tour that will take you into the lunch hour and be the ideal way to end your morning adventures. Inexpensive, entertaining, and educational, the captain of the Scarlet Lady has a sixth sense about where the dolphins are playing each day, bringing you joy at the sight of happy dolphins chattering and squealing as they dive, swim, and frolic for your viewing pleasure. Also offering sunset wine cruises and on Sundays, a Sip and Shuck Oyster Farm Tour & Wine Tasting Cruise, you may want to consider braving the heat for either of those adventures.
Your Introduction to the Summer Siesta
The afternoon siesta has long been the traditional way of avoiding the peak heat in warm countries and in Port A, after a morning filled with fun, you may decide that this is how you want to spend the first hour or two of the afternoon. Air conditioning, softly whirring fans, and quiet ambience will ensure that your siesta may become something you crave every day! But if you want to play some more, the activities below will be fun as well!
Road Trip to Corpus Christi
A lazy afternoon often feels like the perfect opportunity for a road trip in air conditioned cars and Corpus Christi, located just 38 miles from Port Aransas is often where our journey will bring us. Offering plenty of opportunities for indoor adventures, including the Texas State Aquarium (2710 N Shoreline Boulevard), Bowlero (6116 Ayers Street), and Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park (4701 S Staples Street). Also offering Quasars Arcade (5301 Everhart Road H) and 11th Hour Escape (4455 S Padre Island Drive # 105), you will soon see why we spend a LOT of our August free days exploring Corpus Christi in the afternoon!
Chilling at Home with PortAransas-Texas.com
Our summer sanctuaries are designed to be the coolest part of your vacation experience and as you watch movies on state of the art televisions, engage in a late evening swimming in our community pools, or simply take a siesta after a long morning of play in the summer heat, we hope you discover how much we care about our guests! Reserve your favorite seasonal retreat today and fall in love with August, Texas, and our vacation escapes.
We at PortAransas-Texas.com are not going to lie to you, your mid-summer getaway to Port Aransas is going to be a spicy one, with temperatures in the 80s or 90s and humidity levels getting up into the big numbers as well. You will need to plan accordingly as far as your wardrobe, your sunscreen needs, and the activities you will want to engage in during your visit. Don’t worry, though, your trip is sure to be an exciting experience filled with adventures you will never forget, and it will be a chill one as well, especially if you follow the advice we give in this guide to mid-summer Port Aransas activities that will keep you cool!
Beach Mornings Will Cool You Down
The first of our Port A summer hacks for keeping cool is to do any outdoor activities in the morning hours, and that includes your beach time. You can still get an amazing tan if you leave before noon, and all the splashing in the water will help you stay cool as you participate in your later day activities. If you aren’t one to laze about on the sand or float aimlessly on salt water, you may want to try parasailing with Chute ‘em Up Parasailing, with the same breezes that help keep you aloft working as a personal fan, and as you fly through the air you will get to see pods of dolphins playing and lighthouses doing their thing!
Road Trips to Cool Adventures
Did the sight of dolphins frolicking in the surf pique your interest in the inhabitants of the sea? A road trip to Corpus Christi during the hot afternoon hours (second summer hack for keeping cool is go where the air conditioning is!) and a visit to the Texas State Aquarium, 2710 N Shoreline Boulevard, really is one of the coolest adventures. The nonprofit aquarium is geared towards environmental conservation and the rehabilitation of the wildlife that may have been sick or injured, and its very own Dolphin Bay will foster a love for the slippery creatures just as its shark exhibits will remind you that not all sharks are Jaws!
Enjoy Retail Therapy With These Mid-Summer Port Aransas Activities
Our next summer hack for keeping cool may not be scientifically proven, but it is a sound theory—or at least WE think it is! It is impossible to feel hot and bothered when you find a cute new top or some darling shoes, so we suggest exploring the shops of Port Aransas during the warmest parts of the day. Gratitude, 316 N Station Street, may be where you spend the lion’s share of your shopping moments, especially as you want to take your time examining each and every shelf. The owner is a friendly woman who packs a lot of interest into a smaller space, and if you blink, you may miss the perfect gift. If you don’t want to drive from shop to shop, (Remember, the air conditioning in each store will keep you cool!) Alister Street is a street filled with shops and restaurants, each offering something more wonderful than the one before.
Dive into Fun
We live here year round and we do know that the heat can be off-putting, but we also know all the ways to stay cool, and this next hack promises to be a fun one for the family. Every summer the Port Aransas Community Pool (Community Park, 700 Clark Parkway) offers Dive-In Movie Nights starting at 8 PM and costing the normal pool entrance fee. The deep end of the pool will be closed, and no floats are allowed, but watching movies such as the Little Mermaid (June 27), Wicked (July 25), and Wild America (August 22) while playing in the pool is sure to be one of your favorite cool activities! Popcorn and lemonade completes the picture of a wholesome summer family event and may give you some ideas on what you can do at home in your own pool. Did you know that inflatable movie screens can be purchased for as low as $70, and the projector can be even cheaper?
Hanging Out at Home in Your PortAransas-Texas.com Retreat
Because our summer sanctuaries are loaded with extra special amenities, when the temperatures rise, you may just want to come back to your escape and chill at home for a while. The resort pools can bring fun and coolness to your summer adventures, and when your kids are waterlogged and mama just needs a cool drink, air conditioned condos will feel quite heavenly. Staying hydrated is another hack for keeping cool, and although we doubt that the doctors see things our way, a frozen margarita (there will be blenders in most kitchens) can cool you down and definitely help you relax as you watch summer blockbuster movies or play board games with the family. Reserve your favorite seasonal sanctuary today!
Labor Day weekend has long served as the farewell to summer, offering one last chance to work on your tan, sleep in late, and spend a day at the beach. If this sounds like a truly fantastic idea and your holiday journey has you landing on the doorstep of one of our PortAransas-Texas.com Labor Day retreats, you may be wondering, aside from a day at the beach, how you will fill all the moments of your stay. Choosing our sweet escapes for your holiday hideaway was a great idea, giving you comfort and luxury while also providing a concierge experience with this guide to the Port Aransas events you should check out during your visit.
Elements: Wood, Clay, Metal, Glass, and Fiber Exhibit at the Port Aransas Art Center
Located at 104 N Alister Street and offering art for sale, art classes, and in the month of August, this unique art exhibition titled “Elements: Wood, Clay, Metal, Glass, and Fiber”. Showing the transformation from raw materials to finished art pieces created by some of the area’s most talented artists, this show is something we recommend that every traveler should experience. Learn to appreciate the beauty of the raw materials in their most basic form and become stunned at the way the artists manipulate each piece to create a finished product that you will want to make your own.
Road Trip to the Southside Farmers Market in Corpus Christi, Saturday 9AM to Noon
The kitchens in our holiday hideaways are equipped with everything you need to prepare all the meals, should you prefer to stay in and dine, but first, you will need to stock the pantry and refrigerator with your favorite food and drink. You could run to the Lowes Market, 418 S Alister Street, and fill your shelves quickly, or you could choose to take a road trip to the Southside Farmers Market in Corpus Christi for a shopping experience you won’t soon forget. There is no greater pleasure than that which can be found while wandering the aisles of any Farmers Market, and this one has been a local tradition for 26 years. Offering locally sourced produce, home-baked goods, even a large selection of flowers, sauces, and juices, there are also several art and crafts vendors selling things that make lovely gifts and souvenirs. Your time at the Farmers Market is sure to become a treasured memory. It will still be pretty warm on this last Saturday in August, so you may want to wake up early to engage in this activity.
Bonfire on the Beach
Every old beach movie always ended with a bonfire on the beach, but in most towns and cities today, bonfires are not permitted, something we in Port Aransas simply don’t understand. Bonfires that follow the 3X3X3 rule (they can’t be any deeper, wider, or higher than 3 feet) are not only fun, they are allowed on our beaches. Extend your day of sun, surf, and sand into a night filled with moonlight, surf, sand, and flames, and if you happen to play the guitar and brought yours along, why not recreate some of your favorite beach movie scenes by serenading your favorite traveling companions under the cool glow of the moon as the flames flicker and waver and the waves crash against sandy shores?
Port Aransas Events and Family Barbecues
Is there any more American activity than that of a family barbecue held on a glorious summer day? You may have thought you wouldn’t be able to enjoy your own holiday family barbecue when you chose a condo for your Texas trip of a lifetime, but many of our condo communities offer community barbecues and areas where you can enjoy your meal together on this final holiday of the summer season. Grill the fish you caught during your fishing excursion into deep seas, or maybe you will have bought some farm-fresh organic steaks during your adventures at the Farmers Market, steaks that you know will taste better when charred to perfection and devoured as the sun sets. The community pools are close by the grilling area, letting guests splash happily in cool waters before and after your meal, and as you play, dine, and relax with your family, you may discover that Labor Day is your new favorite holiday!
Movie Nights and Game Nights at Home with PortAransas-Texas.com
Just like the family barbecue, the events that you enjoy at home in our holiday hideaways may not be sponsored by town or state, but can be the most heartwarming of adventures. Pull one of the board games that you found on the shelves and make every night game night, or stream your favorite movies on state-of-the-art televisions. Reserve your favorite Texas retreat today and explore all the family events you can enjoy at home with PortAransas-Texas.com!
Port Aransas is known for its wide beaches, laid-back charm, and Gulf Coast sunsets. It’s a favorite for anyone looking to escape the hustle and soak in a little salt air. But beyond the beach towels and flip flops, Port A has some surprises waiting for travelers who want to do more than just tan and swim. Whether you’re returning for your fifth visit or planning your first, these unexpected activities in Port Aransas can add a new twist to your getaway.
Explore the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
Port Aransas has a side that’s perfect for nature lovers, and it starts at the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center. This peaceful boardwalk trail winds through marshland and freshwater ponds where you’ll spot herons, egrets, ducks, and maybe even the resident alligator. It’s surprisingly calm and quiet, offering a slower pace and a look at Texas wildlife that doesn’t require a boat or a long hike.
The center is well maintained, easy to walk, and completely free. If you’re into photography or just want a change of scenery, this is a fantastic way to spend a morning. It’s also great for families or couples looking for something mellow that still feels unique. You can bring coffee, walk slowly, and take in the views that most beachgoers miss.
Visit the Port Aransas Museum and Farley Boat Works
You might not think of history when you think of Port A, but the Port Aransas Museum is worth the stop. It tells the story of this coastal town from its fishing village roots to its role in Texas tourism today. Right next door is Farley Boat Works, where you can see boats being built the old-fashioned way and even sign up to help with a project if the timing’s right.
This experience is a perfect way to connect with the local community and understand the culture of the area. It adds meaning to your beach days when you realize how much tradition and craftsmanship lives right under the surface. Plus, it’s fun to see vintage photos and handmade boats and imagine what Port Aransas looked like a hundred years ago.
Try Your Hand at Beachcombing With These Activities in Port Aransas
Sure, you’ve walked the beach before, but have you ever gone out early just to hunt for treasures? Beachcombing is an underrated activity that gets a lot more exciting the more you do it. Shells, sea glass, driftwood, and even the occasional fossil wash up along Mustang Island, especially after a storm or early in the morning.
Grab a bag, go slow, and keep your eyes down. You might find a piece of coral or a perfect scallop shell to bring home. It’s relaxing, meditative, and something you can do alone or with others. If you’re lucky, you’ll leave with something completely unique that reminds you of the trip long after it’s over.
Take a Painting Class at Fire It! Ceramics or Studio
When the sun’s a little too hot or the weather’s not cooperating, step inside and get creative. Fire It! Ceramics offers painting and pottery sessions that are as fun as they are unexpected. You can paint a bowl, mug, or coastal-inspired art piece to take home as a handmade souvenir.
You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy it. The studio is casual, welcoming, and full of inspiration from the sea and sky. It’s a great indoor option for families with kids or couples looking for something different than the usual beach scene. Plus, there’s something special about taking home something you made yourself.
Book a Vacation Rental That’s Right in the Action
With all these activities waiting to be explored, you’ll want a home base that gives you comfort, convenience, and access to it all. That’s where PortAransas-Texas.com comes in. If you are looking for the perfect Port Aransas vacation rentals, you’ve come to the right place. We offer over hundreds of condo rentals at six beachfront resorts in Port Aransas and along Mustang Island. Whether you’re staying at Casa Condominiums, Sandpiper Oceanfront Condos, Sea Gull Condominiums, or another top location, we’ve got something that matches your vibe.
Our beach rentals give you space to relax, amenities to enjoy, and a view that makes every morning feel like a vacation from the start. Whether you’re traveling with your whole family, just the two of you, or a group of friends, our variety of properties means you’ll find exactly what you need. Full kitchens, pools, beachfront access, and easy parking are just the beginning.
Discover the Side of Port A You Didn’t Expect
Sometimes the best parts of a trip are the ones you didn’t plan. Book your Port Aransas vacation rental today!
Port Aransas, often dubbed “Port A,” is frequently associated with Spring Break revelry. However, this coastal gem on Mustang Island offers much more than seasonal festivities. Beyond the Spring Break buzz, Port Aransas boasts a rich history, vibrant festivals, family-friendly activities, and a laid-back culture that appeals to visitors year-round. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or someone seeking a relaxing beach escape, Port Aransas has something special to offer. Learn about these Check out these Port Aransas things to do below!
Book Condos on the Beach in Port Aransas Here!
A Rich Tapestry of History
Port Aransas’s history is as deep and varied as the Gulf waters that border it. Originally inhabited by the Karankawa people, the area later became a haven for pirates and smugglers navigating the Gulf of Mexico. The town’s maritime heritage is palpable, with tales of shipwrecks, treasure hunts, and the evolution of a fishing village into a bustling port.
The Port Aransas Museum offers a window into this storied past. Housed in a restored 20th-century kit house, the museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and exhibits detailing the town’s transformation over the decades. Visitors can learn about the early settlers, the impact of hurricanes, and the development of the local fishing industry. Adjacent to the museum is the Farley Boat Works, where traditional boat-building techniques are preserved and demonstrated, highlighting the craftsmanship that has been integral to Port Aransas’s identity.
Another historical gem is the Chapel on the Dunes, the oldest consecrated church on Mustang Island. Built in the 1930s, this quaint chapel sits atop a sand dune, offering panoramic views of the island and serving as a testament to the town’s enduring spirit.
Port Aransas’s history isn’t confined to museums and landmarks; it’s woven into the very fabric of the community. From the architecture of the homes to the stories shared by longtime residents, the past is ever-present, enriching the experience of every visitor who takes the time to explore beyond the beach.
Festivals That Celebrate Community
Throughout the year, Port Aransas comes alive with festivals that reflect its vibrant community spirit. One of the most anticipated events is Texas SandFest, an annual sand sculpture competition that attracts artists and spectators from around the world. For three days, the beach transforms into an open-air gallery of intricate sand creations, accompanied by live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Another notable event is the Deep Sea Roundup, the oldest fishing tournament on the Gulf Coast. What began in 1932 as a small gathering of fishing enthusiasts has evolved into a multi-day extravaganza featuring various fishing categories, a parade, and a celebratory atmosphere that permeates the town.
Nature enthusiasts flock to the Whooping Crane Festival, held annually to celebrate the return of these majestic birds to their wintering grounds near Port Aransas. The festival offers birding tours, photography workshops, and educational seminars, emphasizing the town’s commitment to wildlife conservation.
These festivals, among others, showcase the diverse interests and talents of the Port Aransas community. They provide opportunities for residents and visitors alike to come together, celebrate, and experience the unique culture that defines this coastal town.
An Oasis for Families
Port Aransas is a destination that caters to families seeking both adventure and relaxation. The town’s beaches offer ample space for building sandcastles, flying kites, and enjoying the gentle waves. Beyond the shoreline, families can explore the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, where a boardwalk meanders through wetlands teeming with wildlife, providing educational opportunities for children and adults alike.
The Port Aransas Nature Preserve offers hiking and biking trails that wind through diverse ecosystems, allowing families to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the island. For a more interactive experience, the University of Texas Marine Science Institute features exhibits and touch tanks that introduce visitors to the marine life of the Gulf Coast.
Adventure seekers can embark on dolphin-watching tours, pirate-themed cruises, or fishing excursions tailored to all skill levels. These activities not only entertain but also foster a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich biodiversity.
Dining options in Port Aransas are equally family-friendly, with numerous restaurants offering kid-friendly menus and casual atmospheres. From seafood shacks to ice cream parlors, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Embrace the Laid-Back Lifestyle
One of the most endearing qualities of Port Aransas is its laid-back atmosphere. The town exudes a relaxed charm that invites visitors to slow down and savor the moment. Whether it’s strolling along the beach at sunrise, enjoying a leisurely bike ride through town, or sipping a cold beverage while watching the sunset, the pace of life here encourages mindfulness and appreciation for the simple pleasures.
Local businesses reflect this ethos, with many shops and eateries embracing a casual, welcoming vibe. Art galleries, boutique stores, and surf shops line the streets, offering unique finds and friendly conversation. Live music often fills the air, with local musicians performing at various venues, adding to the town’s vibrant yet unhurried ambiance.
Community events, such as farmers’ markets and art walks, provide opportunities for residents and visitors to connect, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie. This inclusive atmosphere makes it easy for newcomers to feel at home, even during a short stay.
Whether you are reading a book in the shade of a dune, chatting with locals over morning coffee, or just watching waves roll in without checking the time, this is a place that gives you permission to unwind. There is no need to be in a rush or check off a packed itinerary. In Port Aransas, the goal is to be present, not productive. That is what makes the lifestyle so appealing.
This laid-back culture also means you can build your trip around what feels good in the moment. Maybe that is fishing in the morning and napping in the afternoon. Maybe it is walking the pier at dusk, then catching a small acoustic set at a neighborhood bar. However you choose to spend your time, it will feel unrushed and unforced. That is the magic of Port Aransas. The town gives you space to reset, to breathe deeper, and to enjoy a vacation that truly feels like a break from the everyday. It is a place where the pace is slower, but the experiences are just as rich.
Book Your Stay with PortAransas-Texas.com
Finding the right place to stay can completely shape your experience in Port Aransas. At PortAransas-Texas.com, you get access to the largest and most diverse collection of vacation rentals in the area. With hundreds of options across six beachfront resorts along Mustang Island and in Port Aransas itself, there’s truly something for every type of traveler.
Whether you are a family needing extra space, a couple planning a romantic weekend, or a group of friends just looking for convenience and comfort, there is a rental that fits the vibe. You can browse beachfront condos with views of the water or quieter spots tucked into the more relaxed corners of town. Many of the rentals come with full kitchens, living spaces, and private balconies or patios, so you can settle in and enjoy your vacation your way.
Booking through PortAransas-Texas.com also means access to properties with great amenities. Some rentals are pet-friendly, making it easier to bring the whole family along. When you are spending your days exploring the natural beauty, history, and culture of Port Aransas, it’s nice to come home to a place that’s clean, comfortable, and fully yours.
PortAransas-Texas.com is not just about variety. It is about finding the place that lets you connect with what really matters during your trip, whether that’s time with family, time outdoors, or just time to yourself. Book directly through the site and start your trip with confidence, knowing that your home base is as inviting as the town itself.
Start Planning Your Adventure Today
Port Aransas may be known for Spring Break, but it has so much more to offer year-round. From its rich coastal history and welcoming festivals to its family-friendly activities and laid-back lifestyle, this is a town with depth and heart. It is a place where you can slow down, explore nature, connect with the community, and enjoy genuine experiences that stay with you. Whether it is your first visit or your fifth, there is always something new to discover. Book your stay today through PortAransas-Texas.com and experience Port Aransas for the vibrant destination it truly is!