Location: Portland
Top Things to do in Portland
The 10 Best Things to Do in Portland, United States
Portland is a city in Nueces and San Patricio counties in the U.S. state of Texas. The population was 15,099 at the 2010 census. The current local population estimate is 19,453.
Restaurants in Portland
1. Tails Up Guide Service
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Fishing Guide Service Serving the communities of Rockport-Fulton, Port Aransas, Aransas Pass, Ingleside, and Corpus Christi Portland- Texas Redfish Bay, Aransas Bay, San Antonio Bay, Cedar Bayou, St. Charles Bay, Mud Island, Traylor Island, Estes Flats, Nueces Bay, Corpus Christi Bay and the Beautiful Upper Laguna Madre... Trips to Baffin Bay Can Be Arranged with Advance Notice!
Reviewed By brentf8910 - Seguin, Texas
Capt. James and his services absolutely exceeded my expectations, from the first time we talked until our trip was over, Capt. James was the utmost professional, he always was courteous, patient and on the fish. We will use Capt .James and only him from here on . Best fishing experience of My life.
2. USS LEXINGTON
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
SPRING BREAK 2018 - Open fro 9am to 6pm. Visitors can tour the most highly decorated Essex Class aircraft carrier of World War II.The 16-story "Blue Ghost" displays military artifacts and more than a dozen aircraft.5 Tour Routes,3D MEGA Theater,Ship's Store,Mess Deck and Flight Simulator. National Historic Landmark located on North Beach.Elevator from the Hangar Deck to the Flight Deck is now available.Welcome Aboard!
Reviewed By CrankingChick - Tucson, Arizona
The ship is easy to locate at North Beach, just off US181 across the Harbor Bridge from downtown. (Note that the bridge is being replaced and construction is causing intermittent closures; check "Harbor Bridge Project" online.) There is a pay parking lot ($3.50) adjacent to the entrance. We visited the nearby aquarium first in the morning; it is within walking distance and has free parking so we left our car there. We wanted to visit the ship with a wheelchair and checked the website ahead of time. It was very clear that the wheelchair (and strollers) would only be able to visit the main entrance/exhibit "Hangar Deck" where the movie theater and snack bar are located, and the top "Flight Deck" where the planes are displayed via elevator. The other three decks housing the living quarters, Pearl Harbor exhibit, engine room, scale model gallery, etc. are accessed by narrow stairways and ladders. We accepted these terms, and were grateful for the unusual opportunity to tour this national treasure. There is a long ramp from the parking area and beach boardwalk at ground level to the entrance opening about half-way up the side of the ship. I had an able assistant, but some may find the ramp challenging. The day we visited, staff was offering rides up and down the ramp in a golf cart. The ship is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas from 9am to 5pm. It stays open until 6pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The admission price is $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 4-12, and includes the movie in the 3D Mega Theater (hourly). There's a $3 discount for seniors and military, and a $1 off coupon on the website good for up to 6 people. You can tour the ship on your own at your own pace or sign up for a special guided tour (extra fee). They also have a smart phone tour that uses a QR code reader to provide information on exhibits on display. The airplanes on the Flight Deck are exposed to the elements so consider the weather before you go. Even though I couldn't reach all the levels of the ship, I still enjoyed our visit and found it interesting and educational. It took us a couple of hours to see everything we could and purchase a gift for my father in the gift shop. After exploring the ship, we took a walk down the beach.
3. Dolphin Connection Texas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Stugatsa - Hockley, Texas
Dolphin Connection is a must do for anyone around the Corpus Christi area. Our "type of visit" was actually with our adult child; however, "family with teenagers" was the closest option. Our boat driver was very passionate about dolphins and knows them by name. Dolphins swam all around the boat and we were able to put our hands and/ or feet in the water.
4. Kohootz Dolphin Encounters
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By JoyaTX
My husband and I enjoyed the Dolphin Encounter cruise. The captain did his best to find dolphins, and we did see some, but they weren't as visible as I had hoped. Not the captain/company's fault, though! We did enjoy the ride as we navigated through the waters. We appreciated hearing about some of the history of the area, seeing the lighthouse and other structures along the way. The sunset was beautiful as we rode back to our landing point. In all, the tour lasted even longer than the advertised two hours.
5. Bowman Design and Framing
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Coral D - Corpus Christi, Texas
Dinah Bowman's unique and colorful twist on the traditional art of Gyotaku or "fish rubbing" is always one to be admired! Her gallery in Portland is full of special treasures in all price ranges produced by local Texas artists and offers the very best in museum-quality framing and restoration. Make sure you sign up for their workshops! The recent watercolor workshop was awesome!
6. Wet N Ready Too Sportfishing
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Head offshore with a USCGL Master in a high performance center console boat and hunt down big game fish! Four and Six hour trips include refreshments. If offshore is not your thing, we can provide an exciting surf fishing experience on the beaches of Port Aransas or Padre Island. The equipment, bait, and ice are all included! Sight-seeing tours are also available, Call and we'll set you up!
Reviewed By Peter C
Had a great time today with Captain Bridgeman and his co-captain. We had a great morning on the beach with a lot of action and entertainment. I landed my personal largest Gaftop along with several other fish. look forward to my next trip with Captain...MoreThanks for the review Pete! We definitely enjoyed having you and Luis, and are looking forward to your trip offshore! Capt. Ken
7. Whataburger Field
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 222 reviews
Reviewed By LAH28 - San Antonio, Texas
This was a first time visit for us to the ballpark and we went to a Sunday evening game. From our hotel on Shoreline Drive it was very easy to find and less than 2 miles distance. We arrived about 40 min. before game time and had already purchased our tickets online beforehand. There is pass only parking next to the field and general parking across the street for $5. There was no wait to get in but there are a lot of steps to walk up. So if you are not able to do steps there is an elevator to use. Once upstair, there of course is a Whataburger with a slightly different menu selection than usual (ie. Whataburger for $5.00 and fries and drink are extra). But you expect upped prices at this type of venue. There are also a few other places to get food and drink. The park was VERY CLEAN and we had no problem finding our seats; but they do have lots of people to ask assistance. The fold down, slatted seats were not particularly comfy but again this is the venue. The men’s bathroom was not very clean after the game. There was no one roaming vendors selling refreshments during the game except for one cotton candy person came by once around the 7th inning. The PA system was good as was the video screen. They had lots of audience type participation games the first five innings are so, as well as a raffle drawing. We were surprised though at the lack of enthusiasm from the audience during most of the game even though it was a close game with a nail biting finish. There also were plenty of available seats even though it was Father’s Day. We thought it would be more crowded. There is a small water park next door. The ballpark has a small knoll with a tiny pool area and these are located outside the center to right field fence area. Sections 114 to 124 were in the shade at game time and all behind the netting, dugouts and home base and do not have first three rows behind dugouts. Section 113 on and 125 on are open with rows beginning at 1. The visitor side, from about Section 122, is in the sun up until around 7:30 on the night games. On the home side part of Section 113 is in the sun early and the sections down from this are also in the sun. This field is very close to the bridge over the channel and it began slowly lighting up around 8:00 and by the end of the game was very colorful changing colors from hot pink, white, blue etc. After the game it was not a problem exiting the stadium and getting to the parking lot BUT we were not able to backtrack the same way we came as they had cones blocking the road. So we had to go in the opposite direction. Now not having GPS, and being from out of town, made this slightly challenging at dark. But after about 15 min. we had wound around to the expressway and were able to find our way back to the hotel. In the end it was a good game since our home team won! If you like baseball and want to see a nice field at a reasonable price then put this on your agenda.
8. Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 377 reviews
Reviewed By casagtraveler - Fishers, Indiana
By day, the bridge itself is impressive, winding high enough to clear the oceangoing freighters in the channel.
By night the light show on the bridge is mesmerizing. It won't occupy your entire evening but it's well worth pulling up to a good spot on the North end of downtown or over by the Tecas State Aquarium to watch the show for a little bit.
9. Texas State Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2 reviews
Discover the amazing underwater world of the Texas State Aquarium! Thousands of animals representing over 320 different species are ready to enchant, entertain, and inspire you. Corpus Christi's most popular cultural attraction has welcomed over 12 million visitors since its grand opening in July 1990. Conveniently located on North Beach, the Texas State Aquarium is just minutes from Corpus Christi's downtown district, convention center complex, and museums.The Texas State Aquarium Association is a not-for-profit, educational institution that does not receive any city, state, or federal funding for its operations. Every visit to the Texas State Aquarium is a new and exciting discovery of animals that remind us all of our responsibility to those whose world we share.The Aquarium's Second Chances Wildlife Rehabilitation Program is federally permitted and operates under rigorous standards established by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Each year, thousands of protected, endangered or threatened species along the Texas coast become ill or injured. Most are brought to our facility with problems caused directly or indirectly by humans. The goal of the Texas State Aquarium's Second Chances Program is to rehabilitate, and whenever possible, return the animals to their natural environment. The Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Aquarium's mission is to engage people with animals, inspire appreciation for our seas, and support wildlife conservation.
Reviewed By CrankingChick - Tucson, Arizona
We were in Corpus Christi a couple of years ago but we were on a tight schedule and decided to save the aquarium for another visit. When we returned last November, we learned that they had recently opened the new Caribbean Journey exhibits. It turned out to be our favorite section so we were glad we waited!
I purchased tickets for my husband and I in advance online. It was quick and convenient and we didn't have to wait in line. Yes, the price is somewhat high at $35 (kids age 3-12 $20-25), but I consider that the aquarium is a nonprofit organization and that we are helping to support the care of the animals as well as their conservation mission. This is not something we have the opportunity to do everyday. They offer a special price of $30/adult on weekdays (when purchased online) or seniors, military and students can get a $2 discount off the regular price with I.D. Special behind-the-scenes experiences are also available for additional fee such as dolphin training, feeding fish or birds. The aquarium was easy to locate - at North Beach off US181, just across the Harbor Bridge from downtown. [Note Harbor Bridge is being replaced and construction in the area is causing intermittent closures. Check "Harbor Bridge Project" online for updates.] There are signs to direct you to the aquarium and parking is free. We arrived on a Monday morning just after it opened and it was not very crowded.
We spent about 3 hours enjoying all the exhibits and the bird show. The aquarium definitely has more to offer than "just fish". While this aquarium is smaller than some of the other major ones we have visited, there is an impressive variety of displays with a focus on education and conservation. Many of the exhibits have hands-on learning opportunities which should appeal to children in particular. Some of my personal favorites were the iguanas, American alligator, sea turtles, seahorses, toucan, otters, and the porcupine and Red-legged Seriema that were featured in the "Wild Flight" show. Wheelchair access at the aquarium is excellent.
We ate lunch at the Shoreline Grill downstairs. It's a very casual cafe' or snack bar with a service line; self-service beverages and condiments. We ordered a veggie burger and a grilled chicken sandwich which were made to order, and picked up pre-made salads from a refrigerator case. The food tasted good, the portions were generous and the prices were fair. The grill doesn't have a great ambiance because it's under the concrete building and feels somewhat like a bunker. Most of the seating is outdoors in a covered breezeway, only a few tables are inside.
Tip: We visited the aquarium in the morning and the USS Lexington in the afternoon. They are right next to each other, within walking distance. The Lexington charges for parking but the aquarium doesn't, so we left our car at the aquarium and walked.
10. Texan Warbird Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Experience Historic Naval Aviation by taking flight in a WW II Navy Texan around the Coastal Bend of Corpus Christi, Tx. Flights take off from Corpus Christi Intl, Aransas Pass or Port Aransas airports. Sightseeing, Aerial Photography, Special Event Fly-Overs.
Reviewed By Cindy H - Corpus Christi, Texas
Our experience with Texan Warbird Adventures was fabulous! The pilot, Trey, did an excellent job of giving an interesting history of the WWII SNJ-4 Texan Trainer and explained safety features and procedures. During the flight, which included a breathtaking aerial view of the Harbor Bridge,...MoreThanks Randy and Cindy! It was a pleasure meeting you all. We will send you the pictures from Trey's phone. Blue Skies, Brandie
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