For several years, we have been hearing about Texas Sandfest in Port Aransas. I have always known that it is a sand sculpture competition on the beach. But I never knew what it all entails.

This past weekend was the latest edition of Texas Sandfest. We decided that it was time to go. So we set off in our camper van on the Thursday. Boy, were we surprised with what we found…

A little about Texas Sandfest

Texas Sandfest started in 1997 as a smaller event. However, due to its popularity, it quickly grew into a three-day event.

From the start, its main goal was to be a fundraising event. Today it is a non-profit organization that supports a number of other non-profit groups in the Port Aransas community.

Sandfest usually takes place in April each year, with the exact dates varying according to tide charts. It takes place on the beach between Sandcastle Drive and Beach Access Road 1A.

Our visit to Texas Sandfest

Sandfest begins on a Friday, so we arrived at our campground on Thursday late afternoon and set up camp. It felt good to be back in Port A after the devastation of Hurricane Harvey two years earlier.

Sandfest is enclosed and we paid $15 each for a 3-day pass. Friday was a good day to go because it wasn’t near as busy as Saturday or Sunday.

Most artists only start their sculptures on Friday, so you don’t see too many big sculptures on Friday. But it also means that you get to see how artists start out with building a sculpture.

Saturday and Sunday are the days when a lot of sculpture-building takes place. But there are also a lot more people.

Getting to Sandfest?

The City of Port Aransas prepares huge parking areas on the beach on the north-side and south-side of the venue for parking.

To help with getting people to the venue, there are shuttles (golf carts) that operate from Sandcastle Drive and Beach Access Rd 1A. They drop people off at the north and south entrances to the venue.

The shuttles worked well on Friday, but we had to wait in line on Saturday and Sunday. This is not a big problem because it’s only a 10-minute walk from the shuttle stations to the venue.

What’s at Sandfest?

The most obvious activity you’ll find at Texas Sandfest is sand sculpture building. Some artists begin their work on Friday. But by Saturday the creative juices are flowing and all teams have begun their work.

It is very interesting to watch the artists at work. I was amazed at what these people are able to achieve with only sand, water, and some tools. The artistry was incredible!

There are many vendors at Texas Sandfest. Food vendors sell on-the-go types of food, like corndogs, mac & cheese sandwiches, funnel cakes, ice cream, and more. Other vendors sell jewelry, clothes, wood carvings, bags, and more. There is also a music tent where you can sit, enjoy some shade, and listen to live bands.

We went all three days and spent at least 2 hours each day, wandering from sculptures to vendors and back to sculptures.

The Sculptures

Here are some of the magnificent sculptures that we saw at Texas Sandfest:

Tips for going to Texas Sandfest

Here are some tips for an enjoyable experience:

• Take money. There’s an entrance fee and the vendors will cost you a few dollars. If you run out of cash, there are ATMs available.
• Take a hat and be sure to put on sunscreen. When you’re in a nice environment like Sandfest, it’s easy to forget about the sun. I saw several bright pink bodies strolling around!
• If you have a people-friendly and animal-friendly dog, you can take it along as long as it is on a leash the entire time. Remember to clean up behind your dog, and have water available for drinking.
• You can take your own cooler with drinks and snacks.

Overall, we had a fantastic weekend in Port Aransas at Texas Sandfest. As a result, we are planning on going again next year.

PS. Kudos to the Port Aransas community for the amazing job they have done so far with rebuilding their town after the destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey!

Have you been to Sandfest? Tell us about it in the comments below…

A Port Aransas dolphin tour lets you experience dolphins in nature firsthand. Here’s how…

Imagine being on a boat, just off the coast of Port Aransas. The boat is cruising along slowly, with a slight breeze playing through your hair.

There are several other people on the boat too. Like you, they are all excited… a dolphin may show itself alongside the boat at any time. Then, suddenly, there it is… 

In fact, it’s not just one dolphin, but several. They are playing along in the surf, occasionally blowing puffs of sea water mist as the air escapes the blowholes on their heads. The kids are amazed and want to touch one…

This is the type of experience that a Port Aransas dolphin tour offers!

Fun Facts about Dolphins

Here are some fun facts that you can share with your kids during your dolphin tour. Did you know…

• Dolphins are marine mammals, which means they give live birth.
• The word “dolphin” comes from a Greek word that means, “a fish with a womb.”
• Dolphins breathe through a blowhole on the top of their heads.
• Dolphins can tolerate and easily recover from bad injuries, like shark bites, but it is not known how they do it.
• Dolphins can hear sounds with frequencies that are more than ten times higher than what humans can hear.
• Dolphins are some of the most intelligent animals on earth.
• Dolphins are very sociable and usually live in pods of around a dozen animals.
• A female dolphin carries a baby for about a year before it is born. The exact time varies by species. The babies (called “calves”) are usually born tail first.

There is a lot more known about dolphins, but that should be enough information to help you appreciate what amazing animals they are when you go on a Port Aransas dolphin tour.

Where to go on a Port Aransas Dolphin Tour

The are a few places in Port Aransas that offer dolphin tours. One of the best-known places is Kohootz Etc.

Take a Port Aransas dolphin tour and experience for yourself what it feels like to see a dolphin in its natural surroundings. I think you’ll like it!

You should find plenty of fun things to do in Port Aransas Texas! I know we did…

Let me tell you about our time in Port Aransas (or “Port A”, as the locals call it) and how much fun you can have there!

Our favorite things to do in Port Aransas start with the beach.

We also like dolphin cruises, to check out sandcastle building, ride jet skis, do parasailing, go fishing, and go kayaking. 

Things To Do In Port Aransas Texas

Port Aransas Beach

My kids LOVE the beach! It is their favorite of all the things to do in Port Aransas Texas!

This is why we plan our Texas family vacations in the summer to revolve around the beach. Fortunately, Port Aransas has miles of good beaches to hang out on… and get a good tan too!

Port Aransas beaches can get hot in summer! We make sure that we take a good sunscreen and some hats along. Portable sun shelters are a good idea too. We also take along a frisbee and other beach toys to add to the fun!

Port Aransas Dolphin Cruises

Dolphins are such incredible animals, and they seem to like interacting with people. For most of us, we usually only get to see them in aquariums.

In Port Aransas you can see them in their natural surroundings by going on a dolphin cruise! We, and especially the kids, love to see them frolic in the surf.

See more about why a Port Aransas dolphin tour will be something that you will remember, and where to go for a dolphin tour.

Sand Castle Building

The annual sand castle building is one of the cool things to do in Port Aransas Texas!

I am always amazed at the sand castle artists and what they achieve with ordinary beach sand, water, and a few simple tools.

They take it way beyond anything that the kids and I have ever done. To me it almost seems impossible to create what they do!

Take a look at Texas Sandfest to find out when the next sandcastle building is in Port Aransas and treat your family to something special.

Jet Ski Rental

I like jet skis. My kids do too. They are on of my favorite fun things to do in Port Aransas Texas… if you don’t get completely reckless on them.

The first time I rode on a jet ski, I was somewhat cautious, but I got the hang of it very quickly. Then it was all fun. Soon I was comfortable enough to take one kid at a time with me. They loved it!

If you’ve never ridden on a jet ski before, give it a shot. I think you’ll enjoy it!

Neptunes Charters Jet Ski Rentals is one place that offers jet ski rental in Port Aransas that I know of.

Parasailing

My kids are into thrills… so parasailing in Port Aransas is a must for them!

I go with them… not because I’m burning to go, but because I just can’t let them go alone. At least not at this age. While I’m usually happy when it’s over, I must admit that it is quite a thrill! The view is incredible!

The only place that I am aware of that offers parasailing in Port Aransas is Chute’em Up.

Port Aransas Fishing Trips

Not everybody is into fishing, let alone deep sea fishing, but if you like fishing, a deep sea fishing trip is another of the fun things to do in Port Aransas Texas.

The Fishermans Wharf in Port Aransas offers deep sea fishing trips where you can fish for shark, king mackerel, red snapper, grouper, and several other species of fish.

I don’t typically get sea-sick, but if you do, or you’re unsure if you will get sea-sick, be sure to take the proper medication with you.

Kayak Trips

Do you think you and your family may be up for a kayak trip? WetHeads Kayak Adventures offer just that!

You don’t have to be an experienced kayaker either. WetHeads tries to make it a fun experience for everyone. They supply most of what you’ll need (including water), but you could take sunscreen, sunglasses, water shoes, and a camera along.

This is great way to explore the waters around Port Aransas. Don’t be surprised if you come across some dolphins along the way!

These are our favorite things to do in Port Aransas Texas. Overall I think it makes for a great family vacation. I’m confident you will enjoy Port Aransas too!

PS. Also see our pages on Port Aransas hotels and restaurants.

Looking for some Port Aransas restaurants?

After a long day on the beach or doing some other fun activity, you’re likely to be hungry and looking for a good meal.

It may be a small town, but there are nevertheless several good restaurants in Port Aransas to choose from.

Here are 5 of our favorite Port Aransas restaurants… 

Port A Pizzeria

I think the Port A Pizzeria is a great family restaurant. We ate there several times during our last Port Aransas vacation.

They have a really good pizza buffet that is very reasonably priced. The variety of pizza is decent too. They also have a nice salad bar.

Definitely give the Port A Pizzeria a try. Next time we go to Port A, we’ll be eating there again.

Venetian Hot Plate

The Venetian Hot Plate is a great Italian restaurant in Port Aransas.

They have a good variety of Italian dishes, generally in the $10-$20 range. I like their spaghetti alla pescatora.

It is quite popular, so if you’re in Port Aransas during peak summer season, you may want to make reservations. They are only open for dinner.

The Venetian Hot Plate is probably not really suited to families with kids, but it is good for a romantic evening.

Cancun Grill & Cantina

The Cancun Grill & Cantina is a great family restaurant where you can get good Mexican food at a good price.

They make really good enchiladas and I also like their shrimp dishes. Their frozen margaritas are very good too. They do breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you can also get take-out from them.

If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, give the Cancun Grill a try.

Island Cafe and Smokehouse

The Island Cafe and Smokehouse is a great family restaurant that is reasonably-priced.

They serve seafood and other old Texas favorites, like the chicken fried steak that I like a lot. My kids like the shrimp.

Their breakfasts, in particular, are very popular and the Island Cafe can be busy during that time. Over weekends you may have to wait for a table, but it is worth the wait!

Avery’s Kitchen

Another of our favorite Port Aransas restaurants is Avery’s Kitchen, which is a very reasonably-priced seafood restaurant that is great for families with kids.

They have a variety of seafood dishes… enough for everyone to find something they like, and the food is really good. Their service is also excellent! An added bonus is that they are currently BYOB, so you get to save a bit on the cost of beer or wine. (I guess this may change, so call to confirm before going.)

Avery’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Try them. I think you’ll like it!

These restaurants are only our favorites. There are several other good restaurants in Port Aransas that I have heard of if you want to look at a few others. I’m hoping to try some of them the next time we go to Port Aransas.

Bon Appetit!

Unless you have family to stay with, you’ll be looking for Port Aransas lodging at some point during your vacation planning.

Sometimes it can be a hit and miss with hotels and you want everyone to have a nice vacation.

So you want to avoid a not-so-good hotel.

To help you find decent Port Aransas lodging, here are some of our favorite hotels and condos in Port Aransas. 

Port Aransas Hotels

Holiday Inn Express

The Holiday Inn Express hotel is one of my favorites. We have stayed there three times.

The rooms are clean and comfortable. They have a fitness room and a room with computers for guests’ use, as well as free WiFi. The outdoor pool is very nice and they also have a great hot tub.

Their complimentary breakfasts are really good and that means one meal for each day is taken care of.

The Holiday Inn is not located right on the beach, but it is close enough that we walk to the beach.

Captain’s Quarters Inn

The Captain’s Quarters Inn is another fine Port Aransas hotel.

The rooms are clean and comfortable and all have microwaves. The outdoor pool is very nice. If you go fishing, they have a freezer available for your catch, and they have a grilling and eating area. They also have free WiFi.

The Captain’s Quarters Inn is not near the beach, but it is right across the road from the city marina and you can walk to several bars and restaurants.

Amelia’s Landing Hotel

The Amelia’s Landing Hotel (formerly Harbor Inn) is a good hotel to look at too. They are also not right on the beach, but they are walking distance from several restaurants and bars.

Amelia’s Landing is an aviation-themed hotel (the owners are pilots) and many of the hotel’s amenities are based on that theme. They have a nice pool, hot tub, and free WiFi, just like some of the other hotels, but they offer one thing that you won’t find everywhere… breakfast in your room.

They also have a gas grill available at the pool if you want to do your own thing for dinner.

Port Aransas Condos

Sandcastle Resort Condominiums

When it comes to Port Aransas condos, I like the Sandcastle Resort Condominiums, which is within short walking distance of the beach.

You’re going to pay more for a condo, but this place is really nice! They have a huge pool, hot tub, tennis courts, a workout room, and even a room for cleaning fish.

The condos are 1, 2, or 3-bedroom and have a complete kitchen. The kitchen helps a lot of you are a large family or perhaps 2 families and you’re trying to keep everyone fed.

The Courtyard Condominiums

The Courtyard Condominiums is also a great choice among Port Aransas condos.

They have a nice pool and a picnic area with 3 barbecues. They also have a basketball court, area for playing horseshoes, and a fish cleaning station.

The condos have a living room and kitchen and the rooms are comfortable and clean.

The Courtyard Condominiums are also only a short walk from the beach, which is very convenient.

If you would like to consider a few other choices as well, here are more Port Aransas lodging (hotels and condos) to look at.

Have a great stay in Port A!