3-Day Itinerary In America’s Quirkiest Beach Town: Port Aransas, Texas

One night in New York City, I met a man from a quirky little town called “Port Aransas.” He told me that not only was it a beach town, but it was an island. Islands in Texas? BEACHES in Texas? Who knew? Not this New Yorker! I was intrigued, and I knew I had to see it for myself, so, I made it happen, and in February 2023, my first stop on my 10-day Texas trip was Port Aransas. Here’s how to spend a perfect few days in this quirky little Texan beach town.

Day 1

Check in To Your Hotel

I stayed at Sandcastle Condos, which I highly recommend. The rooms were spacious and felt more like a vacation rental than a hotel, which was really nice! There was chic ocean-inspired decor, comfortable furniture, and plenty of TVs and kitchen appliances.

Rent a Buggy

There are plenty of rental places around the island. In Port Aransas, everyone drives a buggy, and you should too. I will admit that I was hesitant in driving one of these things, but it’s super easy and more importantly, super fun. It’s pretty much a requirement to have one of these when you’re in Port Aransas, but if you’re not comfortable…

Rent a Jeep from Port A Jeeps

If buggies seem too risky, go for a jeep! I highly recommend Port A Jeeps. The owner, Kyle, is super friendly, and the prices are great.

• Address: 345 N Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373

Now that your logistics are all sorted, it’s time for some fun.

Grab a Quick Lunch and Check Out The Bollard Buddies on the Beach

Head to the beach in your buggy to check out the famous Bollard Buddies, aka the hundreds of crocheted characters that line along Port Aransas Beach. Characters range from Betty Boop to Bernie Sanders to RBG to Scuba Divers to Clifford the Big Red Dog, and many, many more. Sadly, after spring break, the Bollard Buddies get removed for the season since people have a tendency to steal them. If the weather calls for it, relax and lay out, and go for a dip.

Take A Sunset Cruise Tour and Try To See Dolphins

Port Aransas has a large sighting of dolphins, and any visit out on the water pretty much guarantees seeing a few. If you want to snap a photo, get your camera ready, because they move quickly and are quite hard to photograph. Dolphins aside, you can expect to see plenty of birds, and maybe even a coyote or two in the distance.

• Book a private tour here.

Grab Dinner at Venetian Hot Plate

Italian food in a beach town in Texas? Now, that’s a sentence that doesn’t sound like it should ever be said, but alas, in Port A, there is indeed Italian food, and good Italian food at that. Run by Venezia-born Linda, Venetian Hot Plate is well known for their lasagna, and despite not being a huge lasagna lover, I was convinced to try it. It might just be some of the best lasagna I’ve ever had.

• Address: 232 Beach St, Port Aransas, TX 78373

Day 2

Grab breakfast And Coffee at Island Cafe

While Sandcastle Condos does have a Keurig machine, if you need a quick bite and some more caffeine, head out to Island Cafe. It’s a great spot for a quick cup of coffee and a filling breakfast.

• Address: 301 S Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373

Go on an ARK (Amos Rehabilitation Keep) Tour

This was one of my favorite parts about Port Aransas. The staff at the ARK is so knowledgeable, and their passion for our animal friends really shines when they give tours. I highly recommend the Rehab tour, where you can learn all about the turtles of Texas, as well as some of the many birds that frequent Port Aransas. This was easily the most inspiring thing I did while in Port Aransas, and if I had to narrow it down to a singular activity that really impacted me, this would be it.

• Address: 141 W Cotter Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373

Grab lunch at Irie’s Island Food

Everyone recommended I try Irie’s Island Food for their giant tacos and never-ending options for sauces. While this is certainly not traditional authentic Mexican tacos by any means, the tacos were indeed delicious. In true Texas fashion, they’re HUGE, so two should be plenty. They’re served on what reminds me of a scallion pancake, sans the scallions. The decor inside is bright and tropical.

• Address: 200 W Avenue G, Port Aransas, TX 78373

Take a sip and paint class at Port Aransas Art Center

One of my favorite things I did in Port A was visit the Port Aransas Art Center for a sip & paint night. This will, of course, depend on if that’s an available option for the time you’re there. The activities offered to the public range, but regardless, a visit to the Art Center is a great way to spend an afternoon or early evening. Take in local artist’s work, and chat with the friendly and knowledgeable staff. Because I was there during the Whooping Crane Festival, I got to paint three whooping cranes while sipping local Texan wine (yes, Texas has a wine scene). Since I was unable to bring my painting home because I had further travels that did not allow me to do so, I donated it to the tourism board, so if you stop by the tourism office and see this masterpiece on the wall, tip your hat to the artist (me!).

• Address: 104 N Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373

Grab Dinner at Black Marlin

Located in the Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Community, Black Marlin is one of the most sought-after restaurants in Port Aransas. Black Marlin serves upscale fare, and I highly recommend ordering a local seafood dish. Texas might not be so well known for its seafood, but with Port Aransas being an island, you should go for the blackened redfish. It was loaded up with veggies and was super filling, hearty, and delicious. Don’t skip out on the chocolate cake, either. It’s Texas-sized, and it’s damn good.

• Address: 258 Snapdragon, Port Aransas, TX 78373

Day 3

Grab coffee at Barefoot Beans

This is a super cute cafe with a surfer vibe. There were a lot of punny stickers available for purchase, and the cafe itself is quite Instagrammable. Above all, though, is the coffee is great.

• Address:  345 N Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373

Enjoy The Beach and Walk Around The Main Strip

It’s your last day, so you might as well soak up the sun and those salty ocean waves! Head out to the beach and enjoy it while you can. One of my favorite beach activities is simply people watching from the comfort of a towel on the sand, or even reading a book and listening to the sounds of the ocean. Enjoy the peace and serenity while you can!

Snap a Selfie in The Giant Shark

Snap a selfie in front of the shark at Destinations Beach & Surf right across from Spanky’s Liquor Store (where a Boston Terrier is the logo). There are two giant sharks around town but this one is fun because you can stand right in it! Destinations is a souvenir shop, so support the locals and purchase something, even if it’s just a small keychain or magnet.

• Address: 516 S Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373

Grab A Bite At Tortuga’s Salt Water Grill

If you have time, grab a bite at Tortuga’s Salt Water Grill. I highly recommend the build-it-yourself seafood tower, but everything is incredible! They have Grüner wine which naturally won me over.

• Address: 429 N Alister St, Port Aransas, TX 78373

What’s the quirkiest beach town you’ve been to? Leave a comment below!

DISCLAIMER: Port Aransas Tourism sponsored my visit to Port Aransas, Texas.

DISCLAIMER II: I might make a small commission from some of the links throughout this article, but the price is the same for you. This helps keep my business running so I can continue to provide free travel tips!