We were in Port Aransas for 2 days in mid-April to look for migrating birds. The one place we went…read moreto several times was the Leonabelle Turnbull birding center. We visited both morning and afternoon, and found that the selection of birds was somewhat different each time. It also made sense, for photography purposes, to visit at different times because we found quite a few beautiful migrating birds in the mulberry and willow trees, and the lighting was best there in the afternoon. There are multiple areas for birding. The entry walk has some willow and mulberry trees where birds congregate. In spring, the mulberry provides fruit for the birds and is a favorite for migrating species. Past the entry there are boardwalk to view (mostly) water birds. There are a couple of covered observation decks as well, and these provide the only shade in the boardwalk area. If you're prone to getting bitten by mosquitoes, do use repellent before visiting. The parking area nearest the entry was being enlarged during our visits, so we ended up in the overflow parking area on the other side of the water treatment facility. This is a great place to see resident and migrating shore birds, as well as inland species during migration. We saw buntings, videos, tanagers, warblers, orioles, and other migrating species during our most recent visit... a feast for the eyes!

one of my fav birding places. They have really improved the pier out over the water. You are up…read morehigh with the birds down low, so not really disturbing the birds and you get great looks. We got to see the Pink Flamingo last week. One of the best places to see shore/water birds. Away from the water nearer the parking lot, a water feature and trees for the migrants in fall and spring. even if you aren't into birds, it is still a beautiful place to visit. There is a resident alligator that is around sometimes. Bigger parking area coming soon.

Repaired and reopened! This island park consists of a…read moreboardwalk that makes its way out into a tidal flats marsh, and overlooks a bunch of swamp. There are lots of green, lush plants around and a few birds. Keep an eye out for the famous crane birds. You'll also probably see some gulls, terns and other birds- so keep your sandwich in check, or they'll eat it. This boardwalk was once rated the #1 boardwalk in Texas for birding by Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine! It lacks some of its former glory after Hurricane Harvey, but they did put some of it back together so you can go out on the boardwalk. There were LOTS of mosquitoes when I went. Lots. The skies darkened with mosquitoes when I arrived. I didn't spend too long at this park, because I was losing so much blood to mosquito bites. The park is located across 361 from the Post Office. There's plenty of parking, I can't imagine that this park gets full very often. There are no restrooms or any other facilities. No picnic tables, playground or anything else. I wouldn't take a dog walking here, it might fall in the water or eat an endangered bird.

The Wetland Park of Port Aransas was one of the better of the eighteen birding spots in the town,…read moreand supposedly the only fresh water place. There was a lake/marsh like area teeming with birds including flocks of Black-necked Stilts, a Lesser Yellowlegs, a Willet, a pair of Blue-winged Teals, a Marbled Godwit, a Mottled Duck, a Tricolored Heron, and various egrets. Nice spot. Update: Came back the next day in the evening as opposed to the morning and saw lots of Laughing Gulls, seven or eight Willets, a Tricolored Heron, various egrets, a Marbled Godwit, a couple of female Pintails, lots of Black-necked Stilts, a Red Knot, and lots of Boat-tailed Grackles. This only backs up the fact that this place is great. And if you're having trouble navigating to this place, it's across from the post office.

I thought it was time for another review of this park since the last one was from six years ago…read morefrom this writing. It also looks like there have been some recent additions since the last review. The park is located at a crosswalk next to an RV park on Avenue G. There is actually a lot to see here starting with a very long paved nature trail running through a nature preserve with observation areas and continues on by the ship channel. You will also find 3 ball diamonds, a large baseball field, a little league diamond, and a T-ball diamond complete with batting cages. Other amenities include a fenced in dog park, a community pool, a soccer field, basketball court, public bathrooms and a large children's play scape. On the property is also a frisbee golf course and skateboard park. You will also find five fenced in pickleball courts that look like they were just built yesterday. The pickle ball courts are open to the public at no cost. There are some covered picnic tables directly next to the pool and a couple of tables in the dog park. This is definitely one of the nicest community parks you will find anywhere.

Located on Cut Off Road, jusy behind San Juan Taqueria, this unexpected gem is an oasis in the…read moremiddle of the island, and a nice place to visit with your bird watchers, wildlife lovers or kiddos. Dedicated in 2002, Paradise Pond is a 2-acre habitat that provides an excellent example of public/private collaboration. A group of birders who won the Great Texas Birding Classic designated the prize money for the purchase of land located behind a local motel. Several donations of land, additional grants and other funding sources helped to complete the project that birders from across the country now enjoy. Paradise Pond is a stop on the spring migratory route for smaller warblers and other songbirds, while many feathered friends call the pond home all year long. The wheelchair accessible boardwalk and 3 observation decks provide easy access to get "up close and personal" with the birds under a mantle of trees. There is a sitting area at the entrance for watching butterflies, dragonflies and birds, along with information about the flowers and the butterflies that the flowers attract. Private donations of land, foundation funds and teamwork helped make Paradise Pond part of the Birding Trail of Texas. Visitors flock from across the country for a sitting here...and you should too!

Nothing says Guy H quite like the charming little town of Port Aransas. It's a generational thang…read morewith me. My grandfather brought my father here in 1940s,my dad brought me in the 1960s and I've brought my daughters and grandkids. Things are changing exponentially here as I notice significant new developments every year. However,I have a little piece staked out for myself. Peaceful serene and comfortable. Like an old glove. If theres been one constant in my life other than Texas,it's Port Aransas, priceless. So I'll keep on working to transcend everything new and hope all the new commers from far and wide find their own memories here. Leave it better than you found it.... Go!

May not be like you California beaches, but damnit...this place is peaceful and has a vibe of its…read moreown. Just birds, sand, water and sky...as it should be. No fighting for attention, wanna be actors, bikini posers here. Just peace. Sincerely, Texas Girl

*** plan around their seemingly unpredictable hours ***…read more The Port Aransas Nature Preserve is way down in South Texas. Nearby where we were staying for vacation was the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, so naturally we saw countless types of birds and other wildlife including coyotes. This particular preserve is brought to you by the City of Port Aransas. Entrance is free, however, the following is not allowed: "hunting, fishing (allowed only in ship channel), shell or seed collecting, camping, pets, and alcohol." I definitely suggest that you check their website or call before trying to visit the boardwalks, hiking/walking trails and the tower because they are often closed! Works Cited https://cityofportaransas.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/nature-preserve/

We originally went to enter through the Pavilion where most of the trails originating from there…read morehave not yet been repaired from Hurricane Harvey. We went in off of 361 by the Port A RV Park. From that entry we were able to go on a beautiful walk that led to a tower for viewing. Worth the excursion.

I was only able to spend a day in Port A but just from driving around it's a cute small island…read morefeel. The beaches here are drive up so you can have your car on the beach, you do need to purchase a beach pass though (good for a year). We weren't able to get into the water this time because of a storm that came through the night before which caused a high fish smell from the kelp, plus the water wasn't as warm since it was early May. I'd definitely come back to visit though!

Lovely beach! There were a lot more jellyfish this year than I've seen in a while but you can…read moreeasily avoid them. Beautiful sunsets and calm evening waves...so peaceful.

I love this little island town! I've been visiting with my family for 50 years. There are prettier…read morebeaches in the world, but this one just feels like Home to me. I love the smell of the salty fishy air! The further you go away from the jetty, the clear of the water and the nice or the beach. You can hunt under the pier at low tide for shark teeth find all sorts of shells, watch people, pulling fish and shark in from the waters Lots of souvenir, shops and restaurants. Some good I'm not so good. And the grocery store with the deli that you can eat three meals a day for really inexpensively. Love love love it

Port Aransas and I go way, way back to my earliest childhood. Its changed somewhat since then but,…read moreits central core as a sleepy fishing village on the Texas gulf coast remains in spirit. 90 % of visitors back in the day came here to fish. Either in the surf, bay or deep sea. While ive done my share of that, this trip centers on long walks on the beach and introspection. What a great way to build up to Christmas.

Sometimes I don't like to write reviews because I don't want people to know about places...Well…read morethis is one of them!!! This is probably why theres not updated reviews! Everything is new and rv sites are all concrete slabs with great distance apart.

Wonderful campground with a great location. Nice sized lots. Gated and feels safe. Don't let your…read morepets out. Coyotes are thick and will take your dog even when on a leash. Cats are definitely a no outside.