Port Aransas, Texas: a Fall or Winter Vacation Destination

Have you been looking for a fall or winter vacation destination? You should consider visiting Port Aransas, Texas. Port "A", as it's sometimes referred, is located on the northern portion of the Gulf barrier islands of Texas--Mustang Island and Padre Island. There you will find friendly locals, spectacular fishing, excellent shopping, fine dining, beautiful beaches, gambling on the Texas Treasure, plus many other attractions just a short distance away.

Port Aransas is only a short 30-minute drive from Corpus Christi, Texas. You can get there by either going over the causeway from the south or riding the free 24-hour ferries that cross the shipping channel from the north.

The local weather remains temperate through the fall. The water may cool a bit but it isn't so cold you can't swim in it. Even during the winter it is not uncommon for there to be 70 to 80 degree days. Texas weather brings many northerners here escaping the cold and snow--Winter Texans.

Fall rates begin right after Labor Day in September. The rates are markedly reduced from the high season. Suitable accommodations can be found starting at about $60, and depending on what you are looking for, can range to $200 plus. Winter rates extend November 1 through March 1.

Condos are the most convenient and can be found very reasonable to rent by the night, week, or month. If you rent a condo, you are not committed into eating out every meal during your stay. You can shop the local IGA grocery store and purchase staples to prepare some of your meals--this will save you money if you are on a tight budget.

Do plan to eat out at least once during your trip. There are several fine restaurants. A popular spot is Virginia's on the Bay. Great food! You can dine there and over look the marina. Another good restaurant to try is Spaghetti and Seafood Works. Excellent food and reasonably priced. If you want to go all out there is The Pelican Club. Good food but rather pricey.

Locally you can enjoy bird watching, Dolphin watching, and beach combing. If you are up to the drive, Corpus Christi has several attractions. There is the USS Lexington, the Texas State Aquarium and the Corpus Christi Beach just to name a few.

Fishing is fantastic in October. The bull Redfish begin their run. You can catch them in the surf, off piers, or from the jetties. Other species, like Trout, King Mackerel, and Sheepshead can also be lured in depending on your fishing spot.

For fishing fanatics you will find a variety of fishing venues. You can fish off one of several piers. There's Horace Caldwell pier, Nueces County Park Pier, Angel Brundrette Pier, J. P. Luby Pier, the south jetty, and Roberts Point Park. You will need your rod and tackle, bait, a chair, and sustenance. If you prefer to launch your own boat, there is a boat ramp and marina on Port Street next to the ferry landing.

To enjoy the beach while you fish, there are miles of clean beaches for you to try your hand at surf fishing. For fishing the surf you should purchase a surf rod and reel. You may also need a surf rod holder. These can be purchased at tackle shops or fabricated easily with 2" PVC and rebar.

If you're up for an adventure, you can go offshore fishing on a party boat for a reasonable fee of $60 to $90 per person. Or you can charter a small boat with a guide for several hundred dollars. For these you only need yourself, your cooler filled with food and the beverage of your choice, and a motion sickness remedy. All Bait and tackle are provided.

For a fun filled and relaxing fall or winter vacation consider bumming around the beaches of Port Aransas. You will never run out of things to do there and you will build memories that will last a lifetime.

Here are several links to help you in planning your Port Aransas vacation:

Offshore fishing:

http://www.fishporta.com/fishing_Info.htm

http://www.dolphindocks.com/

http://www.wharfcat.com/http://portaransasadventures.com/

Port "A" Outfitters:

http://www.islandtackle.com/smf/index.php

Fishing reports:

http://www.fishntexas.com/fishntexas_reports_fishing_current.htm

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboat/fish/recreational/fishreport.phtml

Birding checklist:

http://www.portaransas.org/download/birding_checklist.pdf

Dolphin encounters:

http://www.kohootz.com/

Local attractions:

http://www.texas-treasure.com/

http://www.usslexington.com/

http://www.texasstateaquarium.org/

Find a condo:

http://www.starkeyproperties.com/about.htm

For general information, other accommodations, and camping:

http://www.portaransas.org/download/accommodations.pdf

http://www.portaransas.org/