Port Aransas is a city on Mustang Island, on the Texas coast. It’s known for its Gulf of Mexico beaches and fish-filled waterways. Roberts Point Park offers an observation tower for bay views and dolphin sightings. At Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, a boardwalk crosses alligator-inhabited wetlands that are also home to birds like roseate spoonbills. Boats run from Fisherman’s Wharf to secluded San José Island.
PORT A CLIMATE & DEMOGRAPHICS
Port Aransas is the only established town on Mustang Island and inhabits 5 miles of the 18 mile long barrier island. Mustang Island is located north of Padre Island, the longest barrier island in the world and south of San Jose Island, renowned for its shelling. Running parallel to the mainland, barrier islands protect the coast from the full force of powerful storm waves. Surrounding waters include the Corpus Christi Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, the Lydia Ann Ship Channel and the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. Scattered about are several small islands that contribute to our reputation for great fishing, shelling, birding and nature adventures.
NAVIGATING THE ISLAND
BY SEA
THE FERRY
The Port Aransas Ferry System operated by the Texas Department of Transportation provides FREE transportation service seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. The short ride connects Mustang Island and Port Aransas with the mainland via Aransas Pass.
The number of ferry boats in service at any time depends on demand. During peak hours, especially during holidays and summer months, some travelers may experience a wait. Peak months are June, July and August, however, the winter months can be busy with our influx of “Winter” residents.
BY LAND
ON THE ISLAND
The Port Aransas Shuttle travels daily through the city. All the main streets and several side streets leading to the beach are served. Catch the shuttle at designated locations or just give one a wave and climb aboard anywhere along our route.
The trolley
The B-Line’s “Route 94 Trolley,” which offers reduced fares for eligible seniors and others for as low as 25 cents, runs a nine-stop route around Port Aransas daily from 10 a.m. until about 6 p.m.
Stops along the route are: Cinnamon Shore,Pioneer RV Park, Access Road 1A, the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, Roberts Point Park, the University of Texas Marine Science Institute, Horace Caldwell Pier, Port Aransas Post Office and Mustang Beach Airport. Folks should go to one of those locations and not try to wave the trolley down between its regular stops, according to City Hall.
Fares vary. For specifics, call (361) 749-4111 or email city@cityofportaransas.org.
BY AIR
Mustang Beach Airport, State Hwy 361 South, 3,500-foot lighted asphalt runway. Part-time airport manager. Automated aviation fuel available.
OFF THE ISLAND
The City offers three bus options into Corpus Christi and back. The Flexi B (Route 90) is geared for those who wish to go shopping and have appointments in Corpus. The Padre Island Connection (Route 65) provides transportation for employees between Corpus Christi and Port Aransas and Port Aransas Express (Route 95), provides a convenient and quicker service over the ship channel for employees. Routes 65 and 95 are operational during the peak summer months.
CITY CONTACT INFO
City of Port Aransas
710 W. Avenue A | Phone: 361-749-4111 | Fax: 361-749-4723 | E-Mail: city@cityofportaransas.org
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