top of page
Search

Discover the Hidden Treasures of Port Aransas Texas: An Unforgettable Island Escape 🏖️

  • littlewelchtravele
  • Oct 4
  • 5 min read

Our recent family vacation in Port Aransas, Texas, was nothing short of extraordinary. Picture sun-soaked days, gentle ocean breezes, and laughter echoing against the backdrop of an idyllic island. If you’re searching for a laid-back, family-friendly getaway, Port A is your answer—it topped our expectations in every way!


Home Base: Island Luxury at Palmilla Beach Resort

For our trip, we wanted a space that felt like our own, and we found just that at the impressive Palmilla Beach Resort community. We stayed in a spacious 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom beach villa. This beautiful home comfortably accommodated our family of four, giving us plenty of space to unwind. (check out the listing: Vacasa Listing 102379)


The amenities at Palmilla reshaped our holiday experience:

Two Gorgeous Pools


The kids splashed joyfully in both pools, while the adults enjoyed the ease of poolside food and drink service. This small touch made it easy to fully slip into vacation mode without any hassle.


On-Site Dining


Convenience reigned supreme with restaurants and cafes right on the property. No need for long drives for meals—morning coffee runs were a simple stroll away!

The following restaurants, bars, and cafes are located directly on-site at the Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Community :

  • The Black Marlin Seaside Grill (Signature full-service restaurant for fine dining, fresh seafood, and steaks)

  • REDS Patio Bar (Upscale outdoor patio bar for casual bites, cocktails, and live music)

  • Palmilla Beach Coffee (Cafe offering a full menu of coffees, Frappuccinos, teas, and beverages)

  • Skipjacks Bar & Grill (Bar and grill located at The Oasis pool, featuring a swim-up bar, poolside service, and pizza)

  • Agave Grill (Kitchen providing freshly prepared salads and artisanal sandwiches delivered for poolside dining and cabana service)


Golf Cart Rentals


We couldn’t have explored the island without renting a golf cart! Traversing the island became an adventure itself. Ava and Aidan squealed with delight as they rode, making it a highlight of our trip.


Direct Beach Access


We were just a short golf cart ride away from the surf! Waking up to the sound of waves was a dream come true.



The Kids’ Top 5 Port Aransas Highlights!


Port A truly caters to families. Each day was filled with exploration, learning, and tons of beach time. Here are the top experiences that had the kids cheering the loudest:


Palmilla Beach Lounging

ree

Our days kicked off with leisurely relaxation. The resort set up our sun loungers and umbrellas right on the beach, making it easy for Ava and Aidan to alternate between building sandcastles and splashing in the gentle waves.


ree

The Thrill of the Ride


Riding around the island in our golf cart was an adventure! It quickly became our family’s favorite mode of transportation, igniting giggles and cheers each time we took off.


Pirate Life on the High Seas

We embarked on the Red Dragon Pirate Cruise Adventure, which was a highlight! The enthusiastic pirate actors made the experience engaging, and the kids enjoyed every wave and shout as they searched for treasure.


Marine Education: 

We spent a fascinating afternoon at the Patton's Center for Marine Science Education, a great educational stop for learning about local marine life. Admission to the Patton Center is always free. It is typically open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.


The Patton Center for Marine Science Education is a vibrant, free, family-friendly educational center located in Port Aransas, Texas, as part of The University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI).


Its primary purpose is to educate the public about the local marine ecosystems, coastal environment, and the research conducted by UTMSI scientists. It's an excellent place for visitors of all ages to make a connection with the ocean life around Port Aransas that they can't normally see in the water.


Private Surfing Lessons Port Aransas:


We booked private surf lessons, and watching Ava and Aidan learn to surf  with Texas Surf Camp (offering over 16 years of surfing lessons, summer camps, paddle boarding, and yoga-https://www.texassurfcamps.com/) and the Texas waves were priceless! The attention the instructors gave to both our kids was top notch. Aidan is still talking about his hour and a half of surfing fun.


Dining Delights in Port Aransas


One of the highlights of our trip was definitely the food. Port Aransas offers a delightful mix of dining options suitable for all tastes.


Local Seafood


You can’t visit a coastal town without sampling fresh seafood! We dined at various local spots, but The Crazy Cajun stood out. Their shrimp po'boys and gumbo were superb and packed with flavor—definitely a must-try for seafood lovers!


Family-Friendly Eateries


The food scene in Port Aransas is fantastic, offering everything from fine dining to relaxed coastal vibes. Here are the spots we loved that were totally family-friendly:


Sunsets and Sweet Treats


You can’t end a Port A day without dessert! We made a tradition of stopping at Desserted Island Ice Cream for a frozen treat before heading to Turtle Cove Playground at Roberts Point. This spot is magic at sunset! Not only can the kids burn off their last bit of energy on the playground, but you get to watch the beautiful sunset and catch dolphins swimming close to shore! A perfect, picturesque end to any island day.




Essential Tips for Your Port Aransas Getaway


To enhance your family vacation in Port Aransas, keep these tips in mind:


Pack for the Beach


Be sure to pack essentials like sunscreen, beach towels, and hats. The sun is strong, so staying protected is crucial!


Plan Ahead for Activities


While many activities are family-friendly, booking popular excursions in advance (like the pirate cruise) is wise to ensure you don’t miss out.


Embrace the Island Vibe


Take a pause to truly relax and enjoy the slower pace of island life. Whether lounging on the beach or exploring local boutiques, savor each moment to its fullest.

ree

Wrapping Up Our Adventure


Our family trip to Port Aransas, Texas, created magical moments we will cherish forever. From luxurious stays at Palmilla Beach Resort to the exciting adventures we all enjoyed together, it was a vacation filled with laughter, relaxation, and unforgettable memories.


If you are looking for a family-friendly getaway that strikes a balance between adventure and tranquility, Port A is the place to be. Pack your bags, and get ready to uncover the hidden treasures of this coastal paradise!


Be sure to check out the official Port Aransas website for updates on local events and upcoming activities:https://www.portaransas.org/


Happy Exploring,


The Little Welch Travelers



 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page