Mustand Island Texas Pier Port Aranasas Marina on Mustang Island Seagulls on Beach in Port Aranasas Port Aranasas Marina at Sunset Saltwater Fishing in Port Aranasas on Mustang Island

Mustang Island

Your Gulf Coast Getaway

Texas. Island Style.

About Mustang Island

Mustang Island is an 18-mile long barrier island on the beautiful Texas coast. At the southern end of the island are Padre Island and the JFK Causeway that connects to Corpus Christi. At the northern end is the small and spunky town of Port Aransas, which is a mere ferry ride away from the mainland and San José Island.

Miles of wide-open, sandy fun await you here. It's easy to fill hours splashing, birding, shelling or sunbathing (also known as just laying around). There’s ample opportunity for surfing when the waves are high and plenty of warm waters to explore in a kayak or on a stand up paddle-board when the waves are low. Of course, right off this beautiful Gulf beach, the waters brim with sea life like sea urchins, crabs, and barnacles. Fishing from the jetties the surf or wading the shallows will net you a stunning variety of fresh catch. Want a next level fishing adventure? Charter a deep sea fishing excursion out of Port Aransas and let your guide take care of finding the hot spots while you revel in the peace of fishing and the thrill of hooking the big one. If you love nature, the diverse wildlife of the interior dunes offers an extraordinary experience. Birders, in particular, enjoy spectacular vantage points to view the hundreds of permanent and visiting species.

After a day of soaking in the natural beauty of Mustang Island, head to Port Aransas, or "Port A" as the locals call it, to shop, dine and stay. With accommodations from cozy cottages, conventional motel rooms, spacious condominiums to private beach homes, you'll want to make Port Aransas your home base when visiting the area. Indulge in fresh coastal cuisine at fine local eateries and eclectic kid-friendly restaurants. Forgot your island attire? Just visit one of the local shops. You’re sure to find both unique and coastal clothing along with knick-knacks and nautical items to give your home a one-of-a-kind island vibe. Port A is always bustling with fun, fabulous, and family-friendly things to do. Don your island best and leave your watch at home because you’re officially on island time when you escape to Mustang Island.

Fun Facts

mile long
barrier island

plus species of
native fish

campgrounds at mustang island state park

plus species of
native birds

Things to Do

FISHING

The warm waters off of San José are home to over 600 species of a fisherman’s favorite Texas-sized catches. Enjoy a lazy day, leisurely fishing from the jetties and piers or go big and board a chartered excursion out of Port Aransas.

BIRDING

Get the bird’s eye view from observation decks and lookouts on the island and nearby in Port Aransas. Catch a glimpse of Roseate Spoonbills, Reddish Egrets and Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks, just to name a few. Rub elbows with fellow bird enthusiasts during the Whooping Crane Festival every February.

CAMPING

Set up camp in nature’s playground at Mustang Island State Park or go "glamping" at the island's RV Parks. If you prefer to sleep under a roof rather than under the stars, Port Aransas offeres a variety of accommodations from beach houses to water front condos.

Eat, Shop, & Play

Rent a golf cart, the unofficial convertible of the island, and explore all that Port A has to offer. Work up a hunger perusing local boutiques then sample fresh gulf seafood and other favorites at island eateries. After dinner, enjoy live music and ice-cold beverages at quirky island bars or indulge in a triple scoop of gourmet ice cream before calling it a night.

Stay & Play in Port A on Mustang Island!

Port Aransas Texas Accommodations
Stay

Whether you prefer a cozy cottage, conventional motel room, spacious condominium, or your own beach house, the island offers beach front digs to fit your needs. You can even sleep under the stars at one of the campgrounds or RV parks!

Find Your Place

Fish

Launch your boat, drop a line from our lighted piers and popular jetty or hire a private charter for the fishing adventure of a lifetime. When back on dry land, head to a local eatery and have your catch cooked for you.

Tackle Port A

Port Aranasas Texas Nature
BirdS & NATURE

From soaring spoonbills and pelicans overhead to dolphins frolicking past the surf, nature surrounds you here. Take in the sights from must-see lookouts along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, a kayak or even a bicycle.

Watch for Birds

Port Aranasas Texas Beach
Beach

Spend balmy days stretched out in the sand on your own patch of uncrowded shoreline and moonlit evenings strolling along the water’s edge. Have a need for speed? Appease your inner adventure seeker by partaking in windsurfing, kitesurfing or parasailing.

Get Sandy

Port Aransas Texas Restaurants
Eats

From scratch pastries at sun-up to fresh seafood at sun-down, indulge in Port Aransas’ finest gourmet cuisine. Nosh in flip-flops at many eclectic open-air eateries or put on your best-pressed Hawaiian shirt for fine candlelit dining waterside.

Nosh in Flip Flops

Port Aransas Texas Shopping
Shop & Browse

Shops, art galleries and boutiques galore offer island treasures that reflect the unique laid-back attitude of Port A. Browse unique home décor, island inspired fashions, and essential gifts from the heart that bring lasting memories of Port Aransas and Mustang Island.

Uncover the Goods

Getting Here

Mustang Island is about 30 minutes across the bay from downtown Corpus Christi. Take your choice of two ways to access the island. From Corpus Christi, the island is linked by the JFK Causeway. The causeway climbs high above the Laguna Madre, making a direct line to SH 361 and Mustang Island. Alternately, 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. You can also fly into Corpus Christi International Airport, or land your private plane on Mustang Beach Airport's 3,500 ft. runway.

How Far in the Car?

San Antonio: 3 hours
Brownsville: 3 hours
New Braunfels: 3 hours
Houston: 3 hours
Fredricksburg: 4 hours
Austin: 4 hours
Waco: 5 hours
Fort Worth / Dallas: 8 hours
El Paso: 10 hours

Map & More Brochure
Port Aransas Map & More Brochure Download

 

Download your personal guide to getting 'round Port Aransas. Come explore and enjoy our little town.

Download

Downloadable Port Aransas Brochures