Port Aransas

Port Aransas is a coastal town on Mustang Island in Texas, stretching along the Gulf shoreline with access to both open ocean and Corpus Christi Bay. Sandy beaches run for several miles, backed by low dunes and shallow surf zones, while a small fishing harbor and marina anchor the settlement.

Early European explorers reached this coast in the early 16th century, but permanent settlement did not begin until the 19th century. A major hurricane in 1919 destroyed much of the early community, which was rebuilt afterward as a fishing and beach resort.

The name refers to the pass separating Mustang Island from the mainland, long used as a natural route between ocean and bay. Visitors today see anglers and boat owners using the marina as an active working harbor, while local families picnic and swim in the shallow surf along the shore.

A free ferry runs around the clock between the island and the mainland, carrying cars, pedestrians, and bicycles. The beaches are wide and easy to reach, with most shops and restaurants clustered along the main roads in the town center.

Dolphins swim regularly near the shore and can be spotted from the beach, especially in early morning and late afternoon. Many locals watch for them while walking the pier or strolling the sand, and some boat tours head into areas where the dolphins feed.