20+ Things to Do in Rockport Texas

Looking to escape the city life for some beach time and relaxation? Maybe do some fishing, beachcombing, or birdwatching? Why not try a Texas coast vacation and enjoy the relaxed pace and coastal beauty in Rockport Texas.

And if you love fishing, then the Gulf Coast is the place for you to get out on the water or try your luck at the fishing piers.

Visit the historical sites and museums, beaches, birding sites, deep sea fishing, hike and bike trails, and enjoy nature.

Plus, you’ll have delicious seafood and pretty sunsets.

Here are over 20 cool things to do in Rockport Texas.

 

 

Where is Rockport Texas?

Rockport Texas is on the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico, close to Corpus Christi and about 190 miles from Galveston.

It’s an easy drive to Rockport from all the major Texas cities.

If you are flying into Texas, the closest airport is Corpus Christi (CRP) and other options for flying include Austin (ATX), Houston (IAH or HOU), or San Antonio (SAT).

And both Houston International Airports are about a 3 hour drive, during non-rush hour traffic.

Driving distances from Texas cities to Rockport

• Austin – 190 miles
• Corpus Christi – 30 miles
• Dallas/Ft Worth – 380 miles
• Houston – 188 miles
• San Antonio – 150 miles

 

 

Rockport Texas Things to Do

Rockport offers lots of things to do outdoors. The primary draws for visitors to Rockport (besides beautiful climate) are the beaches, birding, and fishing around Rockport.

In addition, Rockport has some interesting historical sites and maritime museums.

And fresh seafood of course!

 

 

Historical Site and Museums

Here are the Rockport historical sites and museums of interest.

History Center for Aransas County

801 E Cedar St, Rockport TX

Learn about the local history and heritage through the indoor and outdoor exhibits at the History Center for Aransas County in Port Aransas.

Bay Education Center

121 Seabreeze Dr, Rockport TX

Usual hours are from 1 – 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday, but check before you visit. Admission is free and open to the public to enjoy interactive displays and learn about the estuaries.

Aransas County Veterans Memorial Park

901 Veterans Memorial Drive, Rockport TX

Across from the Rockport Marina visit the Aransas County Veterans Memorial Park.

Texas Maritime Museum

1202 Navigation Cir, Rockport TX

Explore maritime history, Tuesday to Saturday 10 – 4 and learn through the exhibits and artifacts of the Texas Maritime Museum.

Fulton Mansion State Historic Site

317 S Fulton Beach Rd, Rockport TX

Visit the estate of George Fulton and the elegant mansion built in the late 1800s on the coast overlooking Aransas Bay. It’s also on our list of best historical sites in Texas.

 

 

Art Food Wine Shopping

Downtown Rockport is small and allows you a leisurely walking tour of local shops and artisan crafts. You’ll find the Greetings from Rockport mural downtown.

 

Rockport Arts Center

100 S Austin

Rockport Arts Center is the place downtown for unique gifts and hand crafted souvenirs.

 

Rockport Fulton Market Days (Friday – Sunday 9  – 4)

100 Seabreeze Dr

Rockport market days is where to enjoy walking the maze of vendor stalls for interesting finds and chatting with the vendors.

Market Days consists of over 100 artists, crafters, resellers, food trucks, and musicians. It’s one of the best weekend things to do in Rockport.

Rockport Fulton Market Days is pet friendly and a fun family outing in Rockport.

 

 

Winery on the Bay and Dog’Gone Brewery

1007 E North St

Relax and enjoy wine tasting at this boutique winery and beer joint in downtown Rockport.

 

Flower’s Shrimp Market

1119 S Church St, Rockport TX

361-790-5751

Flower’s Shrimp has the sweetest, most flavorful shrimp I have eaten anywhere in the world. You will have to cook the shrimp yourself. Don’t worry, it’s easy.

They sell other seafood and fish, but selection varies. And sometimes they have egg rolls that everyone raves about, but they were sold-out when I visited. You can call them or stop by to see what’s currently on the menu.

 

 

Beaches

Beach life is wonderful on the Texas coast. Relax and watch the waves and the shorebirds. Do some fishing, fly a kite, or hop on a fat tire bike and ride along the beach.

 

Rockport Beach

200 Seabreeze, Rockport TX

Beautiful beach walks and watching the waves roll in. Walk to the Rockport Pier for a view from above the water.

Good news! The Big Blue Crab will make a comeback in 2021. The latest gigantic sculpture of a blue crab is almost complete.

The original Rockport Big Blue Crab lived from 1957 to 1983. Unfortunately, Hurricane Harvey took out the second version of the giant crab in 2017.

 

 

Port Aransas Beach

Less than 20 miles from Rockport the Port Aransas Beach is great for surfing, swimming, and seashore walks.

There is a large parking area near the jetty, but you can drive down a long stretch of the beach. Read our list of all the best things to do in Port A now.

Watch the big ships and keep an eye out for dolphins, sometimes seen on the short ferry trip to Port Aransas.

A remarkably interesting sea creature that I came across along the beach on San Jose Island looked like something out of this world.

The Portuguese Man of War is colorful but dangerous. If you see one do not touch it, the Portuguese man o war has the unique venom delivery system to ward of predators.

 

Padre Island National Seashore

From Port Aransas you can drive Hwy TX-361 South about 30 miles to the Padre Island National Seashore.

Padre Island is popular for birding, fishing, and camping on the beach.

 

 

Birdwatching

People from around the world flock to the Texas coast for the birdwatching. Bring your binoculars and a camera with a good telephoto lens to capture the memories.

 

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

With over 115 acres of protected land with abundant bird watching opportunities. The Whooping Cranes migrate from Canada to spend the winter months in Texas from November through April.

Drive the park loop road and stop along the way for amazing birding and coastal hiking trails. There are several viewing platforms set up at Aransas NWR.

Armadillos and alligators also make their home in the area.

 

 

Port Aransas Nature Preserve and Charlie’s Pasture

A coastal prairie habitat accessed from TX-361 at the south end of Port Aransas. Bring your binoculars for some excellent birding.

 

Joan and Scott Holt Paradise Pond

Behind Restaurant San Juan in Port Aransas, the Paradise Pond is a freshwater wetland with a pond and marsh area that makes for a perfect birding spot.

 

Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center

1356 Ross Ave, Port Aransas

Walk the long boardwalk over the freshwater wetlands and enjoy searching for birds. And alligators.

The birding center is always popular with birding enthusiasts. Watch for the lovely pink Roseate Spoonbills, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Grebes, Herons, and Egrets.

 

 

Fishing

Rockport fishing opportunities are plentiful. Gather your fishing gear and head to Rockport Pier, Fulton Fishing Pier, or Rockport Beach Pier.

Get out on a boat and do some deep sea fishing or take a short drive along the coast and cast a line from the Port Aransas Jetty.

For a unique experience try salt water fly fishing in Rockport.

 

 

Hiking & Outdoor Activities

Rockport hike and bike trails are fun for everyone.

 

Tule Creek Hike and Bike Trail

The Tule Creek hike and bike trail is a 1.5 miles concrete path through the live oak forest. Birding is also good along the Tule Creek.

 

Memorial Park

1600 FM 2165

Features walking trails, exercise stations, disc golf, a small lake, and an off-leash dog park with separate sections for big and small dogs. There are lots of trees for shade and picnic tables.

 

Big Tree at Goose Island

Goose Island State Park 202 S Palmetto

The Big Tree is a huge live oak tree that is estimated to be over 1,000 years old. Also nearby spend some time watching the Whooping Cranes during the winter months.

 

Community Pool and Skate Park

2001 Stadium Drive

Surrounded by a live oak forest and open year round the Rockport Aquatic and Skate Park is great for outdoor fun in Rockport. The park features a heated pool with 8 lanes, diving area, kids pool, playground, and a big skateboarding park.

 

Rent a kayak or SUP

Get out on the water for kayaking or rent a SUP and paddle around the Aransas Bay. Do some kayak fishing or birdwatching.

Have fun exploring the Texas Gulf coast and beautiful Rockport.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave them in the comments section below.

 

 

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