Photo: William L. Farr / CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons (representative coastal Texas marsh boardwalk)
Boardwalks and trails through the island's tidal wetlands
Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie's Pasture
A free city nature preserve of boardwalks and trails through tidal flats and wetlands — Port A's best easy-access birding.
The wild wetland behind the beach town
The Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie's Pasture protects a broad stretch of tidal flats, salt marsh and wetland between the town and the ship channel. A network of trails and elevated boardwalks lets you walk straight out into it without getting your feet wet — and it is completely free.
Come for the birds
This is one of the most rewarding birding spots on the island. Herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills, shorebirds and migrating songbirds all work the flats, and the boardwalk's height gives you clean sight lines. It is flat, easy walking, good for kids and casual visitors as well as serious birders. Bring water, sun protection and bug spray — there is little shade and the marsh has mosquitoes when the wind drops.
Where to stay nearby
Similar spots
Joan & Scott Holt Paradise Pond
A small freshwater pond that punches far above its size — one of the Texas coast's celebrated migrant-bird traps. Free, with a boardwalk.
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
Mustang Island State Park
A Texas state park with five miles of natural Gulf beach, camping and a paddling trail — the wild, uncrowded side of Mustang Island.
Port A South Jetty
The Port A South Jetty is a wonderful spot for fishing or for simply taking in your surroundings and appreciating the magnificent view and diverse wildlife.