Photo: Jonathan Cutrer / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Five miles of undeveloped Gulf shoreline south of town
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.
The island the way it used to be
Mustang Island State Park protects roughly five miles of Gulf shoreline south of Port Aransas along Highway 361 — dunes, sea oats and open beach with no development behind it. It is the antidote to the busier in-town sand: come here when you want space, quiet and a sense of the barrier island in its natural state.
What you can do
The park is built for a full day or an overnight. There is beach camping and a campground, easy beach access for swimming and fishing, and the Mustang Island Paddling Trail — a marked kayak route through the bay-side flats that is a standout for birding and calm-water paddling. A day-use entry fee applies; it is worth confirming current fees and whether sites need a reservation before you go.
Where to stay nearby
Similar spots
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.
Roberts Point Park
An excellent spot to bring the kids with plenty of activities and play equipment. It's also a great spot for fishing, watching the ships pass by, or even just taking in the beautiful oceanfront view!
San Jose Island
An undeveloped private island reachable only by the jetty boat — empty beaches, great shelling and fishing, and no facilities at all.