Charming and laid-back, Port Aransas is the only town on Mustang Island, one of the seven barrier islands along the Texas Gulf Coast. In the 19th century, pirates frequented its shores, and legend has it that there’s buried treasure somewhere on the island. But these days, “Port A” is a beloved beach getaway because of its 18 miles of uninterrupted shoreline, great fishing, coastal wildlife including migratory birds and dolphins, and plentiful outdoor activities, such as surfing, parasailing, paddle-boarding, and even skydiving. In town, browse boutique shops and galleries, and after the sun goes down, you can usually find live music at its rollicking beachfront bars and clubs.

Because Port Aransas is a popular vacation destination for Texans, many visitors drive here, connecting to the island via a free ferry. You can also fly into Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA) and make the 40-mile trip to Port Aransas by taxi. Once you’re in town, you won’t need a car. The free Port Aransas shuttle bus runs through the island on the hour and will stop anywhere you flag it down. Or do as the locals do and cruise around the island on a golf cart; to rent one, you’ll need a valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance.

The subtropical climate in Port Aransas means you can expect nice weather for most of the year. Summers are long, hot, and fairly humid, with temperatures around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so don’t forget to pack sunscreen and bug repellent. Like many destinations in this region, summer is hurricane season here, so keep that in mind when booking one of the area’s vacation rentals. Winters are milder, with average temperatures in the 60s and lows in the 50s; the water, which is normally wonderfully warm, gets chilly in December and January.

San Jose Island

Just north of Port Aransas, San Jose Island, a barrier island 21 miles long and 5 miles wide, is one of the best shelling spots around. It’s privately owned and closed to vehicles, but the public can access the many miles of beautiful, quiet beach by ferry. Due to nearby shipwrecks, it’s also become a destination for treasure hunters who regularly discover artifacts dating back centuries. You can also spend an afternoon fishing in the surf or collecting sand dollars and lightning whelks along the waterline.

Fishing

Port A is a world-class destination for fishing, and hosts several tournaments each year. In the late 19th century, the town was even briefly named after the tarpon that were caught en masse here at the time. Buy a license to cast your own line; you can charter a boat, or head to Roberts Point Park, the South Jetty, or Horace Caldwell Pier, where local anglers regularly haul in sharks.

Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center

Located in the Central Flyway, the tidal flats, marshes, and shoreline of Mustang Island host hundreds of native and migrating birds. The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center features a 700-foot boardwalk and observation tower, from which visitors can spot songbirds, wading birds, waterfowl, and even the occasional alligator.