Why Port Aransas is the Perfect Memorial Day Escape
By: Mechele Briley
Go So Fun Captures the Sunrise in
Port Aransas Texas
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and there is no better place to kick it off than Port Aransas, Texas. This charming coastal town on Mustang Island offers a blend of sun-soaked beaches, vibrant local culture, and a welcoming atmosphere that is perfect for both RV enthusiasts and traditional vacationers. Whether you are towing a camper, booking a condominium, or just passing through, Port A promises a memorable getaway.
Beachside Bliss: Camping and Accommodations
Making memories in our Go So Fun camper trailer during Memorial Day in Port Aransas-where Texas sun and sea meet road trip adventure.
For those traveling with camper trailers, Port Aransas provides many opportunities to camp right on the beach. Dry camping spots are available, allowing you to wake up to the sound of waves and the smell of salt air. If you prefer more amenities, several RV parks offer full hookups, clean restrooms, laundry facilities, and even Wi-Fi to keep you connected.
Not into camping? No problem! The island boasts a variety of accommodations, from cozy motels and hotels to spacious condominiums and rental homes. Whether you are looking for beachfront views, pet-friendly options, or luxury amenities, Port A has something to fit every preference and budget.
This wooden golf cart boardwalk in Port Aransas connects beachside vacation rentals directly to the shoreline-making beach days easier for families and locals who cruise the sand in style.
Embrace the Golf Cart Culture
One of the unique charms of Port Aransas is its vibrant golf cart culture. Cruising the beach road in a golf cart is a favorite pastime, with many visitors adorning their carts with personalized flags—ranging from humorous to heartfelt. Rentals are readily available, offering everything from standard four-seaters to elaborate eight-seaters, some even styled like classic hot rods.
Enjoying one of Port Aransas’s favorite pastimes-cruising the beach in a golf cart! As the owners of Go So Fun, we love embracing the coastal vibe with a little sun, salt, and sand during Memorial Day weekend adventures.
Safety First: Remember, golf carts are subject to local traffic laws. Seatbelts are mandatory, and certain areas restrict golf cart access. Always check local regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
Cast a Line or Watch the Dolphins
Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty to love in Port A. The Horace Caldwell Pier offers fishing opportunities for a nominal fee—$3 per person and $4 per pole. Alternatively, the South Jetty is a popular spot for both fishing and dolphin watching, especially during feeding times when these playful creatures are most active.
A early evening fishing session in Port Aransas, where anglers cast from the shoreline as the sun sets on and the moon rises over the gulf coast. Shore fishing here is a peaceful way to start the day-and a local tradition along the Texas coast.
Wild dolphins are a common but magical sight in the canals of Port Aransas, Texas. These playful creatures often swim near the jetty, thrilling visitors with a front-row view of the local marine wildlife.
If you are looking to venture further, consider booking a dolphin watch tour or a deep-sea fishing charter. Companies like Dolphin Dock Charters offer a range of excursions suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Themed Cruises for Unforgettable Memories
Set sail on themed cruises that promise both adventure and entertainment:
Port Aransas offers unforgettable themed cruises, from laid-back tiki boat rides complete with tropical drinks and good vibes, to family-friendly pirate ship adventures filled with swashbukling fun. This split image captures the best of both cruising worlds along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Red Dragon Pirate Cruise: Take a pirate-themed cruise on a Spanish Galleon replica and enjoy two hours of cannon fire, dolphin watching, sword fighting, treasure hunting, and much more.
Tiki Boat Cruise: For a more laid-back vibe, hop on a trendy Tiki boat and enjoy a sunset cruise with up to five of your family or friends. Sip tropical beverages as you take in breathtaking coastal views.
Fly High with Colorful Kites
A bright and breezy day in Port Aransas brings locals and visitors together to fly kites along the shoreline. Whether a part of a festival or a spontaneous family outing, kite flying is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the Gulf Coast wind and sun.
Port Aransas is home to Fly It! Port A, a beloved kite shop that has been serving the community since 1991. Pick up a vibrant kite and join the many beachgoers who fill the skies with color and motion. Whether you are a novice or a kite-flying pro, this is an activity the whole family can enjoy.
Learn Something New
Why not pick up a new skill during your beach escape?
Surfing in Port Aransas isn’t just for pros-gentle waves near the shoreline make it a perfect place for beginners and casual surfers. This image captures a local rider catching a mellow wave on a sunny Gulf Coast morning.
Surf Lessons: Ride your first wave with expert guidance.
Kite surfing lessons are a thrilling way to experience the Gulf Coast, and Port Aransas is an ideal place to learn. This photo shows a women learning the basics with a professional instructor on the wide, breezy beach-an empowering beach adventure that blends fitness, fun, and salt air.
Kite Surfing: Learn the art of harnessing the wind while gliding across the water.
Building sandcastles is a classic beach activity for families visiting Port Aransas. With soft sand and wide open shoreline, the Texas coast offers the perfect backdrop for creativity, fun, and unforgettable beach memories.
Sandcastle Building: Book a professional sandcastle building lesson and create Instagram-worthy sculptures.
The Port Aransas skatepark brings local and visiting skaters together to ride, learn tricks, or take lessons offered by local retailers. It’s one of the best youth-focused attractions on the Texas coast, offering an energetic alternative to beach-based activities.
Skateboarding: Take a lesson at the local skate park, perfect for beginners and seasoned skaters alike
Thrilling Adventures Await
For the adrenaline junkies, Port Aransas offers heart-pounding activities:
Parasailing in Port Aransas offers unbeatable views of the Texas Gulf Coast and an adrenaline rush like no other. This image captures a man soaring above the ocean, enjoying one of the area’s most popular water adventure activities available through local tour operators.
Parasailing along the coast
Boogie boarding in the shallow waters of Port Aransas is a fun, low-key way to enjoy the Gulf Coast. This image shows a woman catching a small wave close to shore, making it a great example of accessible beach adventure perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Boogie boarding on the shoreline
Tandem skydiving over Port Aransas offers thrill-seekers the chance to experience the Texas coast from a whole new angle. This photo captures the moment two skydivers descend from a plane, showcasing one of the most unforgettable adventure experiences available along the Gulf Coast.
Skydiving for breathtaking aerial views
Take your Port Aransas vacation to new heights with a scenic helicopter tour. This image shows a helicopter flying over the Texas Gulf Coast, offering unmatched panoramic views of the shoreline, beach hoes, and blue water-an unforgettable way to experience the island from the sky.
Helicopter tours highlighting the coastline from above
Jet skiing in Port Aransas is a fast-paced way to enjoy the Gulf Coast’s warm waters. This photo features two men carving across the waves near the shoreline-highlighting one of the top-rated adventure activities offered by local water sport providers.
Jet ski rentals for high-speed water fun
Connect with Nature
Port A is a haven for nature enthusiasts:
Port Aransas is a vital habitat for endangered bird species such as the Reddish Egret and Piping Plover. This image capture rare birds in their natural coastal wetland environment, drawing birdwatchers and eco-travelers from around the world. The region is a key stop on the Central Flyway, making it one of Texas’s top birding destinations.
Birdwatching: Spot coastal and migratory birds at the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center.
This image captures two people kayaking through the scenic canal of Port Aransas, Texas. With calm waters and coastal wildlife all around, kayaking here is a must-try outdoor activity for visitors seeking a relaxed, nature-filled experience on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Kayaking: Rent equipment or join guided tours through serene waterways.
This fun travel photo shows myself and my husband, the owners of Go So Fun, in bike helmets and cycling gear stopping in front of Port Aransas’s iconic oversized shark sculpture-a must-see roadside attraction located outside a popular souvenir shop. Port A offers a bike-friendly environment full of quirky stops and coastal charm, making it a great destination for active travelers and couples.
Cycling: Explore scenic bike paths suitable for all skill levels.
Stand-up paddleboarding is one of Port Aransas’s most popular outdoor activities. This image shows two men paddling across calm coastal waters, capturing the peaceful yet active vibe of SUP. Local rental shops make it easy to try paddleboarding during your Port A vacation.
Paddleboarding: Test your balance and enjoy peaceful paddles on calm waters.
Stay Active on Vacation
For those seeking a bit of exercise, Port Aransas has plenty to offer:
· Pickleball Courts: Enjoy five well-maintained courts at the Community Park.
Port Aransas Community Park features five dedicated pickleball courts that are open to the public and free to use year-round. These courts are a major draw for visitors looking to stay active while enjoying the island lifestyle. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, it’s a great spot to play pickleball near the beach.
· Disc Golf: Challenge yourself on a 12-hole disc golf course.
Port Aransas Community Park features a free, public 12-hole disc golf course perfect for casual players and disc golf enthusiasts alike. Surrounded by coastal vegetation and open skies, it offers a laid-back outdoor experience ideal for families, friend groups, and solo travelers looking for fun beyond the beach.
· Yoga Classes: Public sessions and private lessons to help you find your zen, even on vacation.
This tranquil image captures the arms and hands of a woman holding a yoga pose on the Port Aransas shoreline. With public beach yoga classes and private sessions available, Port A offers wellness travelers the chance to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with nature on the Texas Gulf Coast.
· Dog Park: There is even a dedicated space for both small and large dogs to play safely.
This fund photo captures a joyful dog mid-jump at the off-leash dog park in Port Aransas Community Park. The park offers two dedicated areas-one for small dogs and another for large breeds-making it a perfect stop for travelers exploring the Texas coast with their pets. With plenty of space to run and play, it’s a great addition to Port A’s pet-friendly charm.
Tee Off in Style
This dramatic photo shows a golf ball perched on the edge of a putting hole with the rising sun behind it at the 9-hole Palmilla Golf Course in Port Aransas. Originally designed by Arnold Palmer, this scenic course on the Texas Gulf Coast offers golfers a beautiful and challenging experience with ocean breezes and coastal views.
Rejuvenate at the Spa
This calming photo shows a woman enjoying a hot stone massage at a spa in Port Aransas, Texas. Known for its laid-back coastal charm, Port A offers both full-service day spas and private wellness experiences for travelers seeking rest and rejuvenation during their beach getaway.
Savor Local Flavors
After a day of adventure, refuel at Port A’s diverse eateries:
A golden-fried seafood basket featuring crispy shrimp and seasoned french fries, served at one of the many casual seafood restaurants in Port Aransas, Texas. Known for its laid-back coastal dining scene, Port Aransas offers fresh Gulf seafood from dock to table in a variety of family-friendly and beachside eateries.
Seafood Galore: Enjoy freshly caught seafood—fried, boiled, grilled, or even raw—at local restaurants.
A family shares a pizza at Port A Pizzeria in Port Aransas, Texas. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and all-you-can-eat-buffet, this local favorite is the perfect post-beach stop for groups and families looking to refuel with fresh pizza, pasta, and salads after a day on the sand.
Port A Pizzeria: A local favorite with an all-you-can-eat buffet that is both delicious and budget-friendly.
A hand holds a dripping ice cream cone-one of the many sweet beach-day treats available from local creameries in Port Aransas, Texas. From small-batch gelato to classic cones and sundaes, the island is home to several ice cream shops perfect for cooling off after a day in the sun.
Sweet Treats: Grab an ice cream cone or desert from one of the islands creameries.
Fresh Catch: From Sea to Table
Island Tackle Fishin Stuff is a go-to bait and gear shop located in the heart of Port Aransas, Texas. Whether you’re heading out for inshore fishing or planning a deep-sea charter, this well-stocked local store provides everything from rods and reels to live bait, tackle, and helpful advice from seasoned anglers.
Bait Shops: Stock up for your fishing trip.
Freshly caught Gulf Coast fish displayed on ice. In Port Aransas, Texas visitors can browse daily catches and take home everything from snapper and redfish to shrimp and oysters-perfect for grilling back at the beach house or camper tailer.
Cook Your Catch: Many local restaurants offer services to prepare your freshly caught fish.
Paul’s Seafood Market: Prefer to cook your own? Choose from fresh selections like red snapper, flounder, and shrimp.
Support Local Businesses
Handmade seashell jewelry crafted from locally collected beach shells in Port Aransas, Texas, These one-of-a-kind pieces are popular at local artisan markets and make the perfect beach-inspired souvenirs or gifts for travelers looking to take a piece of the Gulf Coast home with them.
Port Aransas prides itself on its vibrant small business community:
Mrs. Woody Jr’s: A woman-owned tire repair shop with over 50 years of service, doubling as a boutique with unique gifts.
BeachMart: Your go-to for beach gear and souvenirs.
Boutiques: Discover unique clothing, handmade accessories, shoes, jewelry, home decor, and art.
Family Center IGA: A staple since 1967, offering fresh produce and beach supplies.
Plan Your Perfect Getaway
Download your free visitor’s guide featuring contact information for all the businesses and attractions mentioned. Start mapping out your Memorial Day escape today!
The cover of Go So Fun’s Travel Guide to Port Aransas-a downloadable vacation planner featuring beach activities, restaurant recommendations, and insider tips for exploring the Texas Gulf Coast. Ideal for first-time visitors, RV travelers, and families looking for adventure in Port A.
Continue the Journey
Main header image for Go So Fun’s blog post: ‘Top 10 Essentials for Beach Camping in Port Aransas.’ This visual guide highlights must-pack items for a successful beachside camping trip along the Texas Gulf Coast, from sun protection to gear or food storage and RV dry camping.
If you enjoyed this guide, do not miss our first blog post: “Top 10 Essentials for Beach Camping in Port Aransas.” It is packed with tips to ensure your beach camping experience is both enjoyable and stress-free.
