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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Opportunity Knox

Opulent new $1,000-per-night hotel has opened for bookings in Dallas

Photo courtesy of Auberge

The Drawing Room at The Knox, Auberge Collection.

A new luxury hotel near Dallas' Katy Trail is one step closer to welcoming its first guests: The Knox, Auberge Collection has opened reservations for stays beginning January 29, 2027.

A night there won't come cheap. Rates will start at $1,000 per night for a standard room and $15,000 per night for the 3,000-square-foot Manse Suite, making it Dallas' most expensive hotel, edging out The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas and The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. (To wit: A Google search for "The most expensive hotel in Dallas" already brings up the not-yet-opened The Knox as the top result.)

Having broken ground in 2023, the hotel at 4555 Travis St. is part of the buzzy Knox Street development, a mixed-use project reshaping the neighborhood near Knox-Henderson with new retail, residences, restaurants, and gathering spaces.

The Knox-Auberge Collection The Knox will have 140 "character-rich" guest rooms and suites.Photo courtesy of Auberge

The property is intended to serve as the development's hospitality centerpiece, bringing a luxury hotel, multiple restaurants, a wellness center, and event venues to one of Dallas' established shopping and dining districts, the release notes.

“The Knox marks an exciting new chapter in Auberge Collection’s growth as we bring our distinctive approach to hospitality to the world’s most dynamic cities,” said Christian Clerc, president and CEO of Auberge Collection, in a statement.

The Knox will have 140 "character-rich" guest rooms and suites and 48 private residences, the release says. Interiors are designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, with Chad Dorsey Design handling the adjoining private residences.

Guest rooms will feature custom furnishings, curated art, and marble bathrooms. The largest suite, The Manse, will have a private fitness area, wellness room, bar, media room, and separate living and dining areas.

Another signature suite, the Promenade Suite, will feature a 2,100-square-foot terrace with dining and lounge areas, an indoor bar, and a large living room. Guests also will be able to request skincare and recovery devices for in-room use.

The hotel will offer two- and three-bedroom residences designed for longer stays, with kitchens and indoor-outdoor living areas. Options include the two-bedroom Abbott House and Hester House and the three-bedroom Hyland House.

The Knox, Auberge Collection Drink and dine in luxury.Photo courtesy of Auberge

Dining will include a signature restaurant serving American classics, a European-style restaurant and salon with indoor and outdoor seating, an evening cocktail lounge, and poolside dining with lighter fare. A private dining room called the Trophy Room will be tucked inside the signature restaurant.

The hotel's Wellbeing by Auberge spa will offer skin treatments, advanced therapies, and thermal bathing experiences. The property also will have event spaces for weddings, meetings, and private gatherings, including the Colonnade Room, a ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and a wraparound terrace.

Additional event spaces on the third floor will include the Waldon Room, a lounge for smaller gatherings; Margay and Barlow, two meeting rooms with private terraces; and the Kestrel Room, which will have tented ceilings.

The hotel's location along the Katy Trail gives guests direct access to the 3.5-mile walking, running, and biking path, the release notes. Knox Street's restaurants, boutiques, and other neighborhood businesses are also nearby.

The Knox is being developed through a partnership involving BDT & MSD Partners, Trammell Crow Company, the owners of Highland Park Village, and The Retail Connection. It joins Auberge Collection, which operates 39 hotels, resorts, safaris, and residences.

“From the beginning, our vision for The Knox was to create a place that feels distinctly Dallas and becomes a meaningful part of the Knox Street neighborhood,” says Sabrina Gleizer of BDT & MSD Partners in the release. “Auberge has been an incredible partner in bringing that vision to life, with a shared commitment to thoughtful design, highly personal hospitality and a strong sense of place."

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Opportunity Knox

Opulent new $1,000-per-night hotel has opened for bookings in Dallas