Now I know you expect all things Disney and Universal on this blog, but I do go other places, honest! This week found us at our favorite costal spot, Port Aransas, Texas.

Now, Port A doesn’t have all the conveniences that other places have. There isn’t even an HEB! In recent years, we have seen a few name-brand hotels and a Whataburger built. I even noticed a CVS this trip. But we remember the island having only a DQ and an IGA and the rest was all very local and small.  And I think that is why we love this place!

There are two ways to get to Port Aransas. You can take a ferry from Aransas Pass. I think this is actually the closest HEB too? The ferry is fun, this is from someone who does not like boats. It is free and run by the state. It’s a very short ferry ride to get across, and I do mean short. Or you can go through Corpus Cristi and take the bridge and drive up the island. This is the route we took for years. It was easier to get there this way coming from San Antonio. Right after the bridge there are a few great restaurants and shops before the drive out to Port A.

So what is there to do out on a small island?

The Beach!

They have a beautiful beach. We have been to Sand Fest where the beach was crowded, but this was a trip right after Labor Day and there was no one on the beach! It seems to go on for miles. It is also very well maintained any time we have been there.

The Shopping!

OK, now it wouldn’t be a day trip without a bit of shopping!

My favorite shop, that has been there for years is Gratitudes. It is not a trip without a stop here!

This picture just makes me laugh! This shop just makes you happy to walk into. It’s not a big shop. It isn’t on the main road, but it definitely worth the stop!

Now there is a lot more shopping. There are more than a few of the big beach stores. There is a wonderful candy store. There is even a place to paint pottery and have it fired for you! They will ship it home for you. Or at least they did the last trip I visited.

The Food!

Last but certainly not least, did I mention the food! This last trip we ate at 2 of our favorite restaurants.

The first place is Seafood and Spaghetti Works. Now a word of caution here, don’t go by the hours listed on their website, refer to their Facebook. We almost didn’t go because it doesn’t list Sunday hours, but they were indeed open!  And it was so very good!

We ordered 3 different appetizers and then split them for an early dinner.

These scallops were WONDERFUL! The Truffle fries? Yum! And the Seafood Sampler? Those crabcakes and stuffed mushrooms?? Sign me up!

It was all so very good!

While this place has drastically changed over the years (a completely new building) the food is always so very good!

We also got to go out to Trout Street Bar and Grill. It is right off the marina. You can sit out on the deck and watch the boats. We keep going back there because the whole atmosphere is wonderful! But the food? Love it!!!

Again we ordered appetizers and split them for lunch. What isn’t pictures is we each got a cup of their AMAZING clam chowder. It is always so very good! This was their Tuna Panchos. Described as – “Six chips topped with Mexican street corn, a slice of tuna garnished with Guajillo sauce and sweet corn aioli.”  They were so good! and then the seared Tuna. This was honestly big enough for a meal! While I am not a huge fish fan, hubby ate this up! I can honestly say it was pretty good and I would order it again!

The Coffee

Now you know I have to mention the coffee right? Like I said there is not a big chain in sight, but there was a coffee shop that caught our eye! After researching them they also have a few in Corpus Christi! If they want to bring it inland I am all for that. There coffee was great!

Coffee Waves is just down from the post office on the Main Street, in Port Aransas, Texas. Now you know I didn’t really get a picture. You hand me a coffee and there just isn’t time lol, but I did manage to snag one! I got my cold brew with oat milk and it was wonderful!

My husband on the other hand tried a Grasshopper with an extra shot. “A frozen blended drink made with dark chocolate mocha, green mint, shots of espresso, your choice of milk and mocha powder.” This was so very good!

They also had a large selection of pastries and gelato! While we were on an island and it is technically off season, they were doing a pretty good business for a Monday morning. They also had a really cute seating area!

What we have done on Past Trips in Port Aransas, Texas

Now when the kids would go with us, so many years ago, we used to do fun things too!

You can go and book a boat trips. They have fishing trips and dolphin watching trips. They have day trips and overnight trips.

Mustang Island is known for its birding as well. I don’t know anything about birds, but there are a lot there? You would have to research that as I really don’t know.

It is also home to sea turtles. There are a few places you can go and learn about their nesting and habitats.

Highly recommend visiting

If you are looking for a beach day with great side ventures, we really do recommend visiting Port Aransas, Texas. We always have fun and start looking at real estate! What would it be like living on an island??