Region: Gulf Coast
On Mustang Island, reached by causeway and 24-hour free ferry service, this
is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Gulf Coast. An English
settler built a ranch house on this site in 1855. It was later developed as a
popular fishing village. Spring and summer visitors swell the population by
thousands. Lodging choices range from quaint cottages to resort condominiums and
beach houses. Outstanding fresh seafood shops and restaurants offer a variety of
cuisine and musical talent at evening nightspots. Catch the trolley to boutiques
and art galleries filled with unique coastal treasures. A U.S. Coast Guard
Station is located here.
Enjoy miles of open beaches, dolphins frolicking in the channel, gentle gulf
breezes and warm welcoming weather. Some areas of the beach require a parking
permit that can be bought at the chamber office and other locations around
town.
Group boats provide bay and deep-sea fishing. For boat owners, there are
docking facilities and several free launching ramps. Fishing tournaments span
the calendar June–September. The Deep Sea Roundup in July is the oldest fishing
tournament on the Gulf Coast. 361/749-5919. www.portaransas.org/fish_boat.html.
Activities include kayaking, beachcombing, kite-surfing, jet skiing,
parasailing and surfing. The only seaside links-style golf course in North
America designed by Arnold Palmer, Newport Dunes Golf Club, is on Mustang
Island. 361/749-4653. www.newportdunesgolf.com.
The Joan & Scott Holt Paradise Pond is Mustang Island's only freshwater
wetland and pond. It is a favorite rest stop for several species of spring and
fall migrating birds. 361/749-4011. www.cityofportaransas.org/paradise_pond.cfm.
The Whooping Crane Festival is held in February. www.whoopingcranefestival.org.