Rockport, Texas is a beautiful coastal town that is teeming with wildlife and natural beauty.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, bird watching, and hiking, or simply relax on the beach and take in the stunning views.
Rockport is also home to several art galleries and shops, making it the perfect place to find unique souvenirs.
Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled vacation or a peaceful getaway, Rockport is sure to have something for everyone.
Best Things to do in Rockport, TX
Rockport, Texas is the county seat of Aransas County and one of the most popular beach towns in Texas.
Visitors can enjoy the sun and sand at one of the many beaches, or…
….experience the unique culture and cuisine of the Gulf Coast,
…and explore the lush nature found in the nearby parks and wetlands!
Here are our favorite things to do in Rockport, Texas.
Enjoy the clean sand and surf at Rockport Beach Park
Rockport Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Texas.
It is Texas’s first blue wave beach and is the cleanest beach in the state.
The beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its white sand and blue waters.
The beach is also great for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, boating, windsurfing, and simply enjoying the beauty of the Gulf.
Rockport Beach Park also has several amenities, such as bathrooms, showers, a pavilion, and a playground.
Tour the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site
Nestled on the shores of the Aransas Bay in Rockport-Fulton, Texas, Fulton Mansion State Historic Site is an impressive Victorian.
It offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of one of the state’s most prominent 19th-century families.
The mansion was built in 1877 by George Fulton, a successful businessman and entrepreneur who played a key role in the development of Rockport as a major seaport.
Visitors can explore the mansion and the grounds on a self-guided tour.
The home is furnished with many original items from the Fulton family, including furniture, artwork, and personal belongings.
Visitors can also explore the gardens and grounds of the estate, which offer stunning views of Aransas Bay.
The Fulton Mansion is a must-see for anyone interested in Texas history or architecture.
The mansion is located at 317 Fulton Beach Road, Rockport, TX 78382.
Check out the exhibits at the Texas Maritime Museum
The Texas Maritime Museum in Downtown Rockport, Texas is dedicated to preserving the state’s rich maritime history.
The museum houses a unique collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Texas’ maritime history.
Visitors can learn about the early days of the Texas coast, when Spanish explorers first arrived in the New World.
They can also see how the state’s port cities developed over time, and how they have been impacted by hurricanes and other natural disasters.
The museum also tells the stories of the men and women who have made their living on the Texas coast, from fishermen to shipbuilders to oil rig workers.
With its fascinating exhibits and engaging programs, the Texas Maritime Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the state’s rich maritime heritage.
Have fun at Rockport/Fulton Market Days
Every third weekday of the month, the Rockport/Fulton Market Days draw in locals and visitors alike.
The market features a variety of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade goods.
There’s also live music and plenty of food trucks at this open-air market by the bay.
Visitors can meander from booth to booth, browsing the wares and enjoying the sunny weather at the festival grounds.
Take a photo with the Big Blue Crab
The Big Blue Crab Sculpture is a massive metal sculpture of a blue crab situated in the town of Rockport, Texas.
The stainless sculpture measures a whopping 22 feet long and 13 feet wide, and it weighs in at a hefty 6,000 pounds!
The original sculpture was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and has been recently replaced by a new one in 2021.
The sculpture is situated within walking distance of the Rockport harbor, and is a popular spot for photos.
Check out the Rockport Center for the Arts
Rockport Center for the Arts is a treasures trove of creativity and artistry.
It is located in the Rockport Cultural Arts District.
The center houses a small but diverse collection of artwork by local artists.
It also hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
Learn about marine life at the Bay Education Center
The Bay Education Center is a great free place to learn about the ecology of Aransas Bay.
The center offers a variety of interactive exhibits for all ages.
Visitors can learn about the bay’s mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and salt marshes on a visit.
They can also learn about the bay’s wildlife, including its iconic whooping crane population.
The Bay Education Center is the perfect place to learn about the Aransas Bay ecosystem and its importance to the state of Texas.
Enjoy the views on Tule Creek Hike and Bike Trail
The Tule Creek Hike and Bike Trail is a 1.1-mile route that winds through Rockport, Texas.
The trailhead is located at the Rockport Walmart parking lot, and the trail follows the Tule Creek.
The trail winds through a live oak forest and has scenic views.
The trail is great for birding and popular with families.
Walk on the Fulton Fishing Pier
The Fulton Fishing Pier is one of the most popular fishing spots in Texas.
The pier offers anglers access to some of the best fishing in the area.
The pier is also a great place to take in the beautiful scenery, as it provides stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Visit the charming Rockport Cemetery
Rockport Cemetery is a beautiful and peaceful place.
The cemetery is noted for its large live oak trees and its monuments.
There are many beautiful monuments, some of which date back to the 1800s.
In spring, it is covered with wildflowers and is well worth a visit.
Visit the Memorial Park in Rockport
Rockport Memorial Park is a beautiful park located in the heart of Rockport, Texas.
The park has a variety of amenities, including a playground, sports fields, picnic tables, and a walking trail.
The park’s nature trail is a great place to see native plants and wildlife.
Go for a swim at Community Aquatic and Skate Park
The Community Aquatic Park in Rockport, Texas is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise.
The park offers a variety of amenities, including a large swimming pool, a skate park, and a playground.
The swimming pool is perfect for cooling off on hot summer days, and the skate park is a great place to practice your tricks.
The playground is also a great place to let your kids burn off some energy.
Birdwatch at Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary
The Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary is located in Rockport, Texas and is a beautiful spot for nature lovers to enjoy.
The sanctuary consists of a historic cottage that was built in the early 1900s, surrounded by an expansive garden of native grasses.
In the spring, you can find birds like warblers and vireos at the sanctuary.
In fall migration season, there are several different species such as migrating warblers, thrush, and flycatchers as well as the monarch butterflies.
Best Things to do near Rockport, TX
Rockport, Texas is a historic coastal town located on the Aransas Bay.
It is also close to many other popular attractions along the Texas Gulf Coast.
See the whooping cranes at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is located in South Texas on the Gulf Coast.
The refuge is home to over 400 species of animals, including whooping cranes, roseate spoonbills, and ocelots.
The refuge is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it is one of the few places in the world where whooping cranes can be seen in the wild.
In addition to its abundant wildlife, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is also known for its beautiful scenery of coastal prairies, marshes, and woodlands.
Enjoy camping and gulf views at Goose Island State Park
Goose Island State Park is a popular destination for birders and nature lovers alike.
Situated on a small island off the coast of Texas, the park boasts a diverse range of habitats, including salt marshes, prairies, and woodlands.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Goose Island is also home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, armadillos, and more than 300 species of birds.
With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Goose Island State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Texas.
Marvel at the Big Tree
The Big Tree is a massive live oak tree located on Goose Island in Texas.
The tree is believed to be over 1,500 years old and is one of the largest of its kind in the world.
The Big Tree measures over 45 feet tall and its circumference exceeds 35 feet.
The tree’s massive size is due in part to its many branches, which spread outwards from the trunk like giant arms.
The Big Tree is a popular tourist destination, and thousands of people come each year to see this natural wonder.
Enjoy the beaches at Port Aransas
Port Aransas is a beautiful coastal town located on Mustang Island in southern Texas.
The town is known for its stunning beaches, fishing, bird watching, and relaxed atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy plenty of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, hiking and biking trails, windsurfing, and kayaking.
There are also several golf courses in the area, as well as many restaurants and shops.
Port Aransas is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
Camp on the beach at Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore is a barrier island off the coast of Texas.
The island is home to miles of sandy beaches, dunes, and grasslands.
It is also a popular spot for fishing, swimming, marine life sighting, beach camping, and bird watching.
Check out the museums in Corpus Christi
Nestled on the Gulf of Mexico in South Texas, Corpus Christi is a coastal city with plenty to offer visitors.
From its beautiful beaches to its delicious seafood at local restaurants, Corpus Christi has something for everyone.
Visitors can relax on the Corpus Christi beach, go for a swim in the ocean, or fish from the pier.
For those looking for more excitement, Corpus Christi also offers a variety of parks and museums.
Rockport is a beautiful coastal town in Texas that is perfect for a relaxing vacation.
The town has a wide variety of shops and restaurants, as well as several museums and art galleries.
Rockport is also home to many parks and nature trails, making it the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors.
And of course, Rockport’s beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or an action-packed vacation, visiting Rockport is one of the most fun things to do in Texas.