Location: Aransas Pass
Top Things to do in Aransas Pass
- 1. Kohootz Dolphin Encounters
- 2. The Port Aransas Ferry System
- 3. Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
- 4. Charles Ives To The Limit Guide Service
- 5. Port Aransas Beach
- 6. Rialto Theater
- 7. Coastal Bend Kayak
- 8. Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie's Pasture
- 9. Aransas Pass Aquatic Center
- 10. The University of Texas Marine Science Institute
What to do and see in Aransas Pass, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Aransas Pass (/əˈrænzɪs/ ə-RAN-ziss) is a city in Aransas, Nueces, and San Patricio Counties in the U.S. state of Texas. The population was 9,005 at the 2016 Census Estimate.
Restaurants in Aransas Pass
1. 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.
2. The Port Aransas Ferry System
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 562 reviews
Reviewed By ROCtraveler30 - Fort Collins, Colorado
This is a "functional" ferry, providing transportation across the pass in lieu of a bridge. Service was free and efficient, taking at most 15 minutes from waiting time, to loading, to travel across the quarter mile channel, to unloading. While it can be fun to say that we have been on another ferry ride, it is probably the shortest one we have ever taken anywhere in the world.
3. Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 423 reviews
Reviewed By dspencer002 - Port Aransas, Texas
This short boardwalk affords an opportunity to see several species of birds. We were pleasantly surprised to also see a pair of large gators basking in the sun. During our month in Port A we went several times and the fauna was different each time. I’ll be curious to see if the area has been affected by Harvey.
I recommend a trip to this area to get a good feel for the grassy tidal flats that are common on Mustang Island.
4. Charles Ives To The Limit Guide Service
Overall Ratings
5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Carroll K - Fort Worth, Texas
We have used and recommended Capt. Charlie numerous times and always had fun. Even when the fish weren't 'biting' we caught plenty of Reds and Trout. His fishing stories and upbeat attitude create a great environment and he takes pride in what he does. Book early as he's a desirable guide.
5. Port Aransas Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Public beach on Port Aransas that is clean, has a lifeguard and has car-free locations.
Reviewed By Cory J - Omaha, Nebraska
The beach was clean, allowed parking for $12 a year. Also a great setup as they had more bathrooms than you could imagine. A must with children.
Swimming in the waves was amazing and enough room to spread out and boogie board.
A perfect way to start the day, end the evening, and spend every hour in between.
6. Rialto Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Art! Music! and Live Theater in a 1937 movie house! Because man cannot live by fishing alone in our little coastal village. The Rialto Theater is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization fostering education across all the arts & honoring our coastal heritage. Come join us!! Open acoustic jams every Tuesday at 6:30-9pm; constantly changing art exhibits with a variety of eclectic gallery artists, along with entertaining concerts & theatrical productions all at a free or low cost to the public.
Reviewed By Rebecca L - Rockport, Texas, United States
Not only does the Rialto in aransas pass have great entertainment, but it has been renovated with the help of Richard Diaz. Great New Year's eve party and fund raiser. Buy tickets on their website. Rockport Rebecca
7. Coastal Bend Kayak
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By KJ47112014 - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
This is a great place to rent a kayak and just head out on the water!! Hector took such good care of us and the kayak was really nice! We highly recommend using Coastal Bend!!
8. Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie's Pasture
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By Solar-sailor - Rockport, Texas
Like most of Port A this location is closed because of Hurricane Harvey damage. There is a barrier across the road and you can not drive there - the pier is destroyed too.
FEAMA is in no hurry to repair this - there are many other places they ignore too.
9. Aransas Pass Aquatic Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Rayna R
This is a community pool that is a great local escape from the South Texas Summer heat and good alternative to a messy Sandy beach visit. This is good locale for families with kids with varied ages. There is a nice shallow area with a splash pad and fountains for the little ones. However, the big surprise comes when your tweens get sight of the awesome "waterpark" style slide and high diving board. Be sure to call and check for operating hours.
10. The University of Texas Marine Science Institute
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Free admission to see tanks displaying sea horses, eels, oysters, fish and other marine life.
Reviewed By NCTraveler107 - Jacksonville, NC
Please don't miss the UT Marine Science Welcome Center. The displays are VERY educational for all ages, and the gift shop has wonderful items to take home with you that will continue to educate you and your family about the marine wildlife nearby. Also, be sure to go to the jetty. Sea turtles come to the rocks along the jetty to feed. The day we were there, juvenile sea turtles were abundant. It was thrilling to see these turtles in their natural habitat.
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