Port Aransas, also known as Port A, is situated at the northern end of an 18-mile stretch of beaches along Mustang Island and facing the Gulf of Mexico. The area has a stunning coastline featuring a variety of public beaches, state parks, and national parks.
Whether you prefer a lively beach with lifeguards and amenities or a more secluded and tranquil spot, there is a perfect beach waiting for you.
Coral Cay’s Beachfront Condominiums are ideally located within walking distance of Port Aransas Beach, just over the picturesque sand dunes. After a restful night’s sleep, you’ll be ready to enjoy a day filled with fun in the sun, surf, and sand.
So apply some sunscreen, pack a cooler full of beverages and tasty snacks, and get ready to frolic and relax on one of the many beaches in Port Aransas!
Port Aransas Beach
Port Aransas Beach is the main beach of Port A, stretching about 6 miles along Mustang Island. It’s also where our beachfront condominiums are located, making it easy to wake up and head straight to the beach.
When it comes to amenities and conveniences, Port Aransas Beach has it all. You’ll find lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and even a dog beach! It’s the perfect spot for picnicking, swimming, surfing, sunbathing, sandcastle‑building, boogie boarding, or anything else you could want to do at the shore.
Entrance Fee: Free to walk the beach, $12 for a parking pass.
I.B. Magee Beach & Horace Caldwell Pier
I.B. Magee Beach and the Horace Caldwell Pier are near the Port Aransas Jetty and Marine Science Institute. This beach has golf-cart access, picnic areas, showers, and – best of all – no parking fees! It also features the 1,200‑ft Horace Caldwell Pier with fishing access. Bring your pole and try to catch dinner! You’ll find everything from red snapper to grouper in these waters. Just make sure you have a valid Texas fishing license first.
Entrance Fee: Free! The pier entrance fee is $3, plus $4 if you bring a fishing pole.
Tony Amos City Beach
About four miles south of Port Aransas Beach is Tony Amos City Beach. This less crowded, quieter area is the ideal spot for families who want space to spread out. With fewer people, you’ll feel like you have the shore all to yourselves. Take time to hunt for unique shells or just enjoy the peaceful sound of the waves. Named for a local marine scientist who founded the Amos Rehabilitation Keep, which works to protect sea turtles, this beach offers portable restrooms, showers, and a few other basic amenities.
Entrance Fee: Free.
Mustang Island State Park Beach
Mustang Island State Park Beach is located just south of Port Aransas on the southern end of Mustang Island. It covers around 5 ½ miles of coastline within a protected state park area, and is great for birding, paddling trails, and fishing.
Entrance Fee: There is a $7 entrance fee for those 13 and older.
San Jose Island
San Jose Island is a privately owned but public-access barrier island, a short $20 jetty boat ride from Port A. It features miles of pristine, undeveloped sand dunes and shoreline that are ideal for shelling, picnicking, and wildlife watching. There are no vehicles or facilities, so you must pack everything in and out.
Entrance fee: No fee, just the cost of the jetty boat ride.
Padre Island National Seashore
Just south of Mustang Island is the Padre Island National Seashore, a 70-mile stretch of protected coastline managed by the National Park Service. Padre Island is the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world, making it a special and unique place to visit. It is renowned for its natural habitat, birding, turtle conservation, and quiet locales.
Are you interested in learning more about this marvelous place? You can attend a ranger-led program! These programs are free of charge and include talks on local wildlife, different kinds of lessons, and guided walks with your friendly and knowledgeable local park rangers.
You can also drive on the beach, which is an amazing way to see this expansive and beautiful portion of nature. If you decide to drive, we recommend this only for vehicles with all-wheel drive or 4×4 capability, so you don’t get stuck!
Entrance fee: $15-$25 for a standard pass.
Permits for Port Aransas Beach
If you’re walking to the beach from one of our vacation rentals, you don’t need a permit. However, if you want to drive and park along Port Aransas beach or go fishing, you do.
Parking Permits
The city requires one parking permit per vehicle to park along Port Aransas Beach. There is some free parking between mile markers 52 and 58, but act fast since these spots fill up quickly – especially during peak travel seasons.
- Permit Costs: $12.00, and it allows you to park anywhere on Port Aransas Beach between mile markers zero and 62.
- Where to Buy: You can buy it at multiple locations, including the Port Aransas Welcome Center, Port Aransas City Hall, and participating retail and convenience stores such as Ace Hardware.
Fishing Permits
If you want to fish, you will need a one-day all-water Texas fishing license.
- Permit Costs: $11 for Texas residents and $16 for non-residents. If you want to fish for multiple days, a saltwater package costs $35 for Texas residents and $63 for non-residents. If you want to fish from the Horace Caldwell Pier, it costs $3 a person to enter and $4 a pole.
- Where to Buy: You can buy a Texas Fishing License online or at local retailers.
Book Your Stay at Coral Cay in Port Aransas Today!
Featured Property: Coral Cay #231 with Gulf View
Does spending a week at these beaches sound like a dream? Then book a stay at Coral Cay Beachfront Condominiums and make that dream a reality!
Coral Cay Beachfront Condominiums in Port Aransas, Texas, offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom fully furnished rentals for couples, families, and groups. Our condos have the option of ocean-view rentals, dune-view rentals, and poolside condo rentals, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for.
Enjoy amenities such as tennis courts, shuffleboard, and BBQ areas, all just a short walk from Port Aransas beach. And did you know that when you book through our website, you can avoid the third-party fees that are applied when booking through Airbnb or VRBO? Now that’s a real deal!
Create some of your best memories here! Book a Coral Cay Beachfront Condominium today.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Port Aransas Beach
Does Port Aransas have good beaches?
Yes! Port Aransas has, and is close to, multiple beaches such as Port Aransas Beach, Mustang Island State Park Beach, Tony Amos beach, San Jose Beach, and the Padre Island National Seashore.
What is the water temperature in Port Aransas?
During the summer, Gulf waters off Port Aransas are typically around 84 degrees, making them warm and welcoming for swimmers and water sports. During the winter, temperatures dip into the 60s but remain generally mild throughout spring into fall.
Is driving on the beach allowed?
Yes! Just make sure you drive slowly – 15 miles per hour is the speed limit – and along the designated routes. This pathway is considered a Texas roadway, so follow the rules!
Are parking permits required to visit Port Aransas Beach?
Yes, they cost $12 and can be purchased at multiple locations around Port Aransas.
Do I need a fishing permit if I want to fish?
Yes, if you’d like to fish in Port Aransas, a one-day all-water fishing license is available in Texas for $16 for non-residents and $11 for residents. You can buy licenses online or at local retailers.
Do I need a pass for Port Aransas Beach?
If you’re staying in our Coral Cay condos and walking to the beach, you do not need a pass. The only permits you need for Port Aransas Beach are a parking pass if you have a car, or a fishing permit if you want to fish.
Are there lifeguards on Port Aransas Beach?
Lifeguards are stationed between Marker D and Marker 9 on Port Aransas Beach. They are stationed daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, then Sunday through Thursday, until Halloween.
Can I bring alcohol to Port Aransas Beach?
Alcohol is allowed on the beach, except during Spring Break after 6 PM. Glass bottles or containers are not allowed on the beach at any time.
Are there restaurants on Port Aransas beach?
There are no restaurants on the beach, but there are dozens of local eateries a quick drive away in Port Aransas. Feel free to bring picnics and snacks to the beach, though!
