Every once in a while, everyone needs some time away from the hustle and bustle of life. If you happen to be the type of traveler who can slip into their vacation state of mind most easily when you head somewhere sunny and beautiful, you’ll find that Port Aransas, Texas is truly the perfect place to find yourself. Often referred to by locals simply as “Port A,” Port Aransas is a coastal town on Mustang Island that’s loved for its laid-back vibes, welcoming sense of community, access to fun, and picture-perfect location on the Texas Gulf Coast. Here, it’s never difficult to enjoy your fill of beach-hopping, seafood stops, and leisurely afternoons spent out on the water.

The refreshing variety of options when it comes to filling your downtime makes this an amazing place to vacation, whether you’re heading here on your own, as a couple looking forward to a romantic getaway for two, in a small group of friends for a weekend away, or in the company of your entire family. When you’re ready to turn your travel plans into reality, the following Port Aransas visitors guide for first timers is a great place to start when you want to be sure to maximize the fun and thrills ahead.
Getting Here is Simple, Scenic, and Stress-Free
Your first trip to Port Aransas should be an exercise in relaxation, rejuvenation, and fun every step of the way. The good news is that getting to this gorgeous destination in Texas is as enjoyable and breezy as the time you’ll spend here once you arrive. That’s because Port Aransas is located just 30 minutes from Corpus Christi. Many visitors making their way in this direction choose to fly into the Corpus Christi International Airport to make their journey streamlined and straightforward.

The Corpus Christi International Airport hosts a variety of car rental options right on-site, so as soon as you land and pick up your luggage, you won’t have to wait long to get behind the wheel and on your way toward Port A. The drive into Port Aransas is really scenic and inviting for those who are looking to include sightseeing to the top of the itinerary.
That said, there are also options to plan on heading into town using the Port Aransas Ferry instead. This vessel shuttles people and vehicles across the Corpus Christi Ship Channel year-round. There’s no cost to hop on board, and the ferry runs 24/7. Making the experience even more meaningful and memorable for many first time passengers is the fact that there’s a good chance you’ll spot a dolphin or two in the surrounding waters as you sail toward Port Aransas.
Travel Around at Your Own Pace and in Your Own Style
The best trips you’ll take always come with customized details in place that are tailored to your unique travel style. When you make Port Aransas, Texas your vacation destination this year, you’re sure to love how easy it is to personalize your approach to getting around once you arrive.

While you’re more than welcome to drive from one place to another during your stay, many first time visitors will find it’s more beneficial and enjoyable to invest in a golf cart rental instead. Port Aransas is set up as an extremely golf cart-friendly place, and renting one for your stay means you’ll never have to worry about complicated parking options.