Hit The Road

Get hooked on Port Aransas, the fishing capital of Texas

Affectionately known as "Port A," Port Aransas is a coastal gem located on Mustang Island along Texas' Gulf Coast. With its 18 miles of uninterrupted shoreline, this beach-side town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and a laid-back island lifestyle that beckons travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

A glimpse into its rich history
The story of Port Aransas is as captivating as its sunsets. The island's origins trace back approximately 4,500 years, when it began as submerged sand bars. The first known inhabitants were the Karankawa Indians, a nomadic tribe encountered by Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca in 1528.

With its quick access to deep waters, sheltered inlets, and naturally occurring sandbars along the coast, Port Aransas evolved into a thriving fishing town, earning its title as the Fishing Capital of Texas. In the early 1900s, Farley Boat Works was established to build vessels sturdy enough to handle the Gulf’s choppy waters — an innovation that helped elevate the town’s reputation as a premier fishing destination.

Its growing notoriety even attracted President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who visited in the 1930s to fish for tarpon, further solidifying Port A's national prominence. Adding to its colorful history, local lore tells of the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte and his crew frequenting the area in the 1820s, infusing the island’s past with a touch of maritime mystery.

Embracing the island life
Port Aransas offers an array of activities that cater to visitors of all ages, making it an ideal destination for family vacations, romantic getaways, or solo retreats.

Beach activities: The pristine beaches are perfect for sandcastle building, seashell collecting, sunbathing, and surfing. The gentle waves also make it an excellent spot for kayaking and jet-skiing.
Fishing: Dubbed the "Fishing Capital of Texas," Port Aransas offers world-class fishing opportunities, from deep-sea excursions to bay and pier fishing.
Birding: Nature enthusiasts will find paradise in the island's birding spots. The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center and the Port Aransas Nature Preserve provide habitats for a diverse array of bird species, making it a haven for bird watchers.
Golf cart cruising: One of the unique charms of Port A is the prevalence of golf carts as a primary mode of transportation. Renting a golf cart offers a leisurely way to explore the island, with the salty breeze and scenic views enhancing the experience.
Culinary delights: The island's eclectic culinary scene ranges from fresh coastal cuisine to international fare. Many restaurants offer "cook your catch" services, where you can enjoy your day's catch prepared to your liking. Dining on the water, with stunning sunset views, adds to the dreamy experience.
Arts and culture: The vibrant arts community, inspired by the island's natural beauty and culture, showcases local talent in various galleries and studios

Women on beach with surfboard Port Aransas Photo courtesy of Visit Port Aransas

Photo courtesy of Visit Port Aransas

Find relaxation on the water.

Must-visit attractions

Patton Center for Marine Science Education: This center features interactive exhibits and educational programs that provide insights into marine life and conservation efforts.
Chapel on the Dunes: As the oldest consecrated church on the island, this quaint chapel offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the island's spiritual heritage.
Lydia Ann Lighthouse: A visit to this historic lighthouse, constructed in 1857, provides not only a step back in time but also breathtaking views of the surrounding waters.
Farley Boat Works: Explore the rich maritime history of Port Aransas and even participate in boat-building workshops to experience the craft firsthand.

Where to stay
Accommodation options in Port Aransas are as diverse as its activities. Whether you're seeking a luxurious beachfront resort, a cozy beach cottage, or a family-friendly vacation rental, there's something to suit every preference and budget.

Notable resorts include Cinnamon Shore and Palmilla Beach, both offering upscale amenities and direct beach access. For a more intimate experience, consider renting a beach house or cottage, many of which are managed by local property management companies.

Come visit
Port Aransas offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, history, and culture. Whether you're casting a line into the Gulf waters, building sandcastles with family, exploring historical sites, or savoring fresh seafood while watching the sunset, Port A invites you to create lasting memories and become part of its enduring story.

Learn more here and follow Port Aransas on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

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Holiday News

DFW Airport divulges which days will be busiest during Christmas 2025

DFW Airport

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is ramping up for a busy Christmas holiday travel period, with nearly 5 million customers expected to fly to, from, and through the airport between December 18-January 6.

According to a release, passenger traffic during the holiday travel period is projected to increase about 3.2 percent compared to the Christmas 2024 season.

They recommend that travelers arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights, in order to navigate through construction, congested parking areas, and your usual busy check-in and security screening areas.

Busiest travel days
Large travel crowds are expected throughout the entire winter holiday period, with the heaviest timeframes for local departing and arriving customers occurring on the weekends and in early evenings.

The airport’s roads and terminal curbs are expected to be the busiest during the following periods:

Friday, December 19-Monday, December 22
Friday, December 26-Sunday, December 28

DFW expects its busiest travel days at the start and near the end of the season, with more than 265K passengers expected both on Friday, December 19 and on Sunday, December 28.

While daily volumes are expected to be more evenly distributed than the Thanksgiving travel period, terminal curbsides are still projected to be near those levels on several days – especially during the weekends between 10 am and 6 pm.

Terminal C
Customers departing or arriving on any day of the holiday season should prepare for heavier-than-usual traffic across the airport’s roadways – especially when approaching terminals from the north – and along all terminal curbs.

Heavy traffic is also expected at Terminal C due to ongoing construction in that area. To assist with traffic flow, the airport has reconfigured traffic flow patterns through the terminal to alleviate congested areas and provide a smoother flow of traffic. Directional signage will be installed to guide traffic through the area.

Customers flying American Airlines can avoid Terminal C congestion by checking in at any terminal and taking Skylink to their gate once through security. In fact, DFW is encouraging American customers to do exactly this, based on live traffic conditions.

The quickest access into Terminals A and B is from the north. The quickest access into Terminals C, D and E is from the south.

Other time saving tips: Prebook parking through the DFW website or mobile app; and use dedicated TollTag lanes for the fastest entry and exit.

Public Transit
Public transit is an increasingly-recommended option, especially since DART opened its new Silver Line.

DART Silver Line: New service launched in October, linking Plano to Terminal B with stops in Richardson, Addison, Carrollton, and Coppell provides a faster northern route that avoids taking the train through downtown Dallas.
DART Orange Line: Connects Plano, Dallas, and Irving directly to Terminal A
Trinity Metro TEXRail: Runs from downtown Fort Worth through North Richland Hills and Grapevine to Terminal B.
TRE + TRE Link Shuttle: Connects Dallas and Fort Worth to CentrePort/DFW Airport Station, with transfers to terminals.

Transit is also a great option for travelers arriving at DFW. Customers can take transit to a station away from the airport and coordinate a pickup, which also helps reduce curbside congestion during peak periods.

Curbside and parking protocols
Curbside areas are reserved for active loading and unloading only. Customers waiting to pick up passengers are encouraged to use cell phone lots and one-hour parking inside terminal garages (available at no additional charge).

The DFW Airport mobile app, available for iOS and Android, helps travelers plan ahead and stay informed with real-time features such as live parking availability, security wait times, terminal-specific alerts, and construction updates.

Terminal A
The new right-hand access into Terminal A will open on December 19 — earlier than planned, and a blessing for holiday travelers since it removes all of the various detours currently in effect.

The northbound access into Terminal A will be opened in its final condition.

The southbound access will open in a temporary but near-complete condition, and will will be finished in January following the peak travel period.

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