Winter in Port Aransas, Texas is full of fun activities that you can enjoy with family and friends. From beach walks to wildlife watching, there are plenty of things to do in Port Aransas over the New Year and throughout the winter season.
Kick off your new year with the fireworks display over the water at Roberts Point Park. Many local restaurants are open with special New Year’s menus and festivities. On January 1st, join other brave souls for an early morning Polar Plunge at the Horace Caldwell Pier.
Get Outdoors
Although January is the coldest month in Port Aransas, with temperatures that range from an average high of 63°F to an average low of 43°F, it is still mild enough to enjoy the outdoors. The cooler temperatures also mean fewer crowds, so winter can be the perfect time to have the island to yourself.
Enjoy the peaceful beauty of Port Aransas during winter months with a walk along the beach, taking in the sights and sounds of the shoreline. Explore the nature trails and miles of unspoiled beaches in Mustang Island State Park south of Port Aransas, where there are opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and bird watching. Visit the Port Aransas Nature Preserve to explore the wetland environment with a guided nature walk or take a yoga class in the peaceful natural setting.
Port Aransas is known for its excellent fishing spots. With mackerel, trout, tuna, and mahi-mahi up for grabs, winter is an ideal time to cast your line. For pier fishing, set up a spot on the Horace Caldwell Pier, Roberts Point Park or Mustang Island State Park. Those interested in bay fishing or deep sea fishing will find several charter companies offering different packages.
Enjoy the stunning coastal scenery of Port Aransas by taking a boat cruise. Some of the most popular cruises include dolphin watching, sunset cruises, and deep-sea fishing trips. To enjoy the scenery from land, visit Horses on the Beach for a relaxing horseback ride along the beach at sunset. Or tee off at Palmilla Beach golf course and enjoy the mild winter temperatures while taking in the picturesque views of the Gulf Coast.
As a major birding destination, Port Aransas offers plenty of opportunities for keen-eyed birdwatchers to spot interesting species including brown pelicans and snow geese. Mustang Island State Park and Port Aransas Nature Preserve offer acres of shoreline and wetland to admire a variety of bird species. Come for the Whooping Crane Festival in late February, a birdwatcher’s dream event, with speakers, birding tours, and boat tours for four days.
Immerse Yourself in Coastal Texas Museums and Art
Don’t miss the Port Aransas Museum to learn about the city’s history and culture. The museum houses hundreds of artifacts from the area’s earliest known inhabitants to its more recent history. This interactive museum also offers seasonal programs and activities for both adults and children throughout winter.
The Port Aransas Art Center has year-round art exhibits, usually connected to local artists or themes. The facility also offers classes for everything from ceramics and painting to photography. There are Sip and Shop events every weekend, monthly workshops and Family Art Days.
For a fun day trip, make the hour drive to Corpus Christi, where a variety of activities await. The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History has a large collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits covering the history of southern Texas. Get up close and personal with marine wildlife at the Texas State Aquarium, which features animals and plants from the jungle to the Arctic. Music lovers will enjoy the Selena Museum, a showcase of memorabilia from the singer’s life.
No matter what time of year it is, Port Aransas offers something for everyone. Book a luxury Mustang Island condo rental through Sandpiper this winter and enjoy all that this coastal area has to offer!
