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Attractions in Port Aransas, Texas
Lauren Miller, Leaf Group
Sport fishing (Photo: fishing image by Keith Frith from Fotolia.com )
Southern Texas Vacations
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Port Aransas is popular vacation destination in southwest Texas. The city is on Mustang Island on Aransas Bay with ferry service from the mainland. College students in Texas swarm to Port Aransas during spring break, and vacationers visit the town year-round because of its subtropical climate. There are a wide variety of attractions in the Port Aransas area.
Lydia Ann Lighthouse
Construction on the Lydia Ann Lighthouse began in 1851 to light up the Aransas Pass between Mustang Island and nearby San Jose Island. During the United States Civil War, Union and Confederate troops fought for control of the lighthouse. The lighthouse operated for decades, but began to decline in use after the mid-20th century. Private owners took control and restored the deteriorating landmark. The lighthouse is accessible only via a tour from Kohootz Boat Excursions. Kohootz 440 East Cotter Avenue Port Aransas, TX 78373 361-779-3188 kohootz.com
The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center is rated as one of the top ten boardwalks by Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine. The center includes a large area of fresh and saltwater marshes, which are havens for over 100 species of birds. Its well-known boardwalk is 500 feet long and extends into a brackish marsh, giving visitors prime viewing of birds and the center's resident alligators. There is also a 25-foot observation tower on the property. Admission is free. Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center Ross Avenue Port Aransas, Texas 78373 361-749-4158 cityofportaransas.org/Leonabelle_Turnbull_Birding_Center
The Tarpon Inn
The Tarpon Inn is a historic hotel in Port Aransas known as the birthplace of Texas sport fishing. The restored building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. There are many local legends associated with the inn, many of them linked with the hard-to-catch trophy fish tarpon or "Silver Kings," which were abundant in the area when the original inn was built in 1886. The walls of the inn have scales of tarpons caught by guests, including famous guests like President Franklin D. Roosevelt, actress Hedy Lamarr, circus owner Clyde Beatty, and cake mix maker Duncan Hines, who spent his honeymoon at the hotel. Guests who stay at the inn are encouraged to relax, therefore, the antique-filled rooms do not have televisions or phones. The Tarpon Inn 200 East Cotter Avenue Alvarado, TX 76009 361-749-5555 thetarponinn.com
The beaches in the Port Aransas area draw visitors year-round. The 18 miles of unspoiled beach are a part of the world's longest barrier island. Popular vacation activities included surfing, Jet Skiing, parasailing, sea kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, and taking scenic cruises. The city is the home to over a dozen fishing tournaments during the year. Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Bureau 403 West Cotter Port Aransas, TX 78373 361-749-5919 800-45-COAST portaransas.org
History of the Lydia Ann Lighthouse
Texas Historic Sites Atlas
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City of Port Aransas
Lauren Miller has more than 10 years of experience as a writer and editor. Her articles on technology, small business and legal topics have appeared in magazines, newspapers and trade journals. She has a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and is an avid gardener and sports fan.
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