Sunday, May 22, 2011

A Beautiful Seaside Resort - Texas Vacations Port Aransas

By Julianne Case


Texas vacations Port Aransas is a popular destination for a family vacation. It is an island just off the coast in the Gulf of Mexico, known to be rich with seaside charm and history. A free ferry service connects it with the mainland. It has hundreds of years of history, with the earliest known visitors to be the nomadic Karankawa Indians. It was later explored by the Spanish, then the French.

There are many exciting tales of pirates from the early 19th century that frequented the island. Jean Lafitte, a well-known buccaneer, spent much of his time along the coast. Stories of hidden treasure in Port A abound, and nearby Mustang Island is also rumored to have much hidden booty.

Today the island is a beach, fishing and resort destination. Its population can swell to over 60,000 in the summer. About 50 minutes away is the Corpus Christi International Airport, so it's easily accessible to those near and far. Miles of white, sandy beaches and activities such as swimming, boating, and surfing are popular past times here. It is well-known as a family oriented beach town.

The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center boasts a wheelchair-accessible raised boardwalk, and is described by many as the best boardwalk in the state of Texas. The boardwalk traverses a forest of cattails. It includes an elevated observation deck. Many species of birds can be observed, as this locale is home to over 500 species. Flowers attracting humming birds and butterflies are planted along the boardwalk.

Biking and hiking trails are available at The Port Aransas Nature Preserve, which also has seating areas, boardwalks, and overlooks of wetland areas surrounding Salt Island. There is shopping to please one and all, and many dining and drinking establishments capturing the history and charm of the island. There are also many boat excursions and charter boats available, and dolphins are often spotted while out at sea. The University of Texas Marine Science Institute is another island attraction.

With a subtropical, humid climate, the average highs range from 66 degrees Fahrenheit in January to 93 degrees Fahrenheit in July. The lows for the same period range from 46 degrees Fahrenheit to 74 degrees Fahrenheit. With nearly 32 inches of annual rainfall, the landscape is lush.

There is a wide selection of lodging accommodations including camping and RV parks, cottages, motels, luxurious condos, and beach houses. This is a great spot for family fun. When searching for Texas vacations, Port Aransas is at the top of the list.

texas vacations Port Aransas




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