You might not have heard of Port Aransas, a beautiful island destination in Texas with amazing beaches, lots of leisure activities, and restaurants to please anybody. And if you’re like most travelers, then you probably haven’t been there either. Well, it’s time to change that.
Port Aransas offers 18 miles of the best beaches in Texas as well as year-round activities. So, if you’re ready for a relaxing beach holiday, here are the best Port Aransas accommodation options for you to choose from.
- Where to Stay in Port Aransas
- Port Aransas Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Port Aransas
- Port Aransas’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
- FAQs About Where to Stay in Port Aransas
- What To Pack For Port Aransas
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Port Aransas
- Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Port Aransas
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for where to stay in Port Aransas.
Beach Condo | Best Airbnb in Port Aransas
Offering beach views over the pool, this beach condo is located in the best area to stay to be close to everything. With two bedrooms and two bathrooms, it has enough space to sleep up to six guests, so it’s a real bargain as well! It also comes with a fully equipped kitchen and lots of open spaces.
Alister Square Inn | Best Hotel in Port Aransas
This hotel in Port Aransas is budget-friendly, close to everything, and comfortable. It offers bright, spacious rooms with all the modern amenities close to the island’s best attractions. The hotel has an outdoor pool and offers a daily breakfast on request.
Sea Clusion Cute Bungalow | Best Luxury Airbnb in Port Aransas
Bright, airy and modern, this bungalow is one of the coolest places to stay in Port Aransas. The property comes with two bedrooms, one bathroom, and sleeps 6 guests. There’s a fully equipped kitchen and lots of space, so you can enjoy your stay in complete privacy.
Port Aransas Beach
Port Aransas Beach is the main beach and close to the largest concentration of hotels, restaurants, and shops. That makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Port Aransas for one night or a longer stay.
Roberts Point Park
Roberts Point Park is on the opposite side of the island to the main beach and still in the heart of Port Aransas. It offers the same city access and attractions but a slightly different vibe.
Port Aransas is a fairly small island that doesn’t have a lot of neighborhoods, but it’s not to be missed if you’re visiting Texas. Of course, all the best places to stay in Port Aransas are on the beach, that’s just to be expected. With that in mind, here’s are the best options for accommodation in this coastal destination.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Port Aransas for your first time, you can’t go past Port Aransas Beach. This is the main beach on the island and has easy access to everything, so you can get out and explore the other neighborhoods during your stay.
The second area to look at is Mile Marker 39. This beach is a little further away from the center, so it’s a good place where you can enjoy local prices if you’re travelling on a budget.
Roberts Point Park is our final area, and a great choice for families looking to stay in Port Aransas. It’s in the heart of the city but slightly further away from the main beach, so you’ll get to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Port Aransas’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
Get in quick to find the best places in Port Aransas to stay in for your next island holiday!
1. Port Aransas Beach – Where to Stay for your First Time in Port Aransas
- COOLEST thing to do in Port Aransas Beach: Go surfing or jet skiing in the warm ocean water.
- BEST place to visit in Port Aransas Beach: The Port Aransas Art Center, where you can experience the island’s quirky and artistic heart.
Port Aransas Beach is the main beach, and lies close to the largest concentration of hotels, restaurants, and shops. That makes it a great choice for accommodation in Port Aransas, whether you’re just passing through on a Texas road-trip or staying for a longer vacation. Here, you’ll find a wide range of places to stay at every budget point and lots of things to do to satisfy all traveler styles.
This beach is also a good choice if you’re after some nightlife during your stay; it offers the best range of bars and clubs you’ll find on the island.
Casa by the Sea Unit | Best Airbnb in Port Aransas Beach
Two minutes’ walk from the beach, this condo is a real find. It’s a cute studio in a block of three with a shared pool and fenced yard, but it still offers complete privacy. Suitable for two guests, it’s a short walk from the beach and local restaurants. Its cozy and welcoming atmosphere is hard to beat!
No Agenda Hacienda | Best Luxury Airbnb in Port Aransas Beach
Located in the best neighborhood to stay in Port Aransas, this house offers complete luxury and privacy for your visit. It has three balconies where you can enjoy the warm air and epic views, as well as lots of large common spaces for family and friends. The house has six bedrooms and five bathrooms, so you can have up to 16 guests in the space without feeling cramped.
BeachGate Condo and Resort | Best Hotel in Port Aransas Beach
No Port Aransas neighborhood guide would be complete without this lovely entry. Located right in the heart of the island, it’s close to the beach and has private rooms of varying sizes. Some rooms also come with kitchens. There’s a pool and hot tub on-site, if you don’t fancy the ocean.
Things to See and Do in Port Aransas Beach:
- Indulge in the seafood at Restaurant San Juan, Miss K’s Bistro and Catering, or the Venetian Hot Plate.
- See the island from a new angle by windsurfing, parasailing, or kiteboarding.
- Explore the town by bicycle so you don’t miss any sights.
- Learn about the city’s history at the Port Aransas Museum.
- Raise a glass at one of the beach bars, like Treasure Island, the Salty Dog Saloon, or Stingrays Taphouse and Grill.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Port Aransas Mile Marker 39 – Where to Stay in Port Aransas on a budget
- COOLEST thing to do in Port Aransas Mile Marker 39: Take a dolphin-spotting cruise off the island.
- BEST place to visit in Port Aransas Mile Marker 39: Mustang Island, for some pretty awesome birdwatching.
If you prefer a bit of peace and quiet on your USA travel experience, you’ll enjoy the beach at Port Aransas Mile Marker 39. Away from the main areas and close to the pristine nature of Mustang Island, it’s a hot spot for travelers who enjoy a quieter atmosphere. It’s a great choice if you need somewhere to stay in Port Aransas on a budget.
Hook, Wine and Sinker | Best Airbnb in Port Aransas Mile Marker 39
This cute, reasonably priced house can hold up to 12 guests, with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The furnishings are modern, and the accommodation offers airy open plan living, free parking, a private entrance and a pool.
Quite 2 by 2 | Best Luxury Airbnb in Port Aransas Mile Marker 39
For peace and quiet, this condo is located in one of the best locations in the area. There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms in the property, which is large enough for up to eight guests and has comfortable, welcoming furnishings. The condo is also a short walk from the beach, shopping areas, and the marina.
2001 Grand Caribbean Condo | Best Hotel in Port Aransas Mile Marker 39
Located in one of Port Aransas’s best neighborhoods, this accommodation option offers comfort and convenience. The condo offers complete privacy, and comes with a fully equipped kitchen and swimming pool. It’s close to local attractions too, so you can still enjoy some privacy amongst the heart of all the action.
Things to See and Do in Port Aransas Mile Marker 39:
- Eat until you drop at the C Bar Café, Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria, or Lisabella’s Bistro and Bar.
- Pack your beach bags and enjoy a family day by the ocean.
- Play a game at the Palmilla Beach Golf Club.
- Go fishing in the beautifully clear and clean waters.
- Head up to Tony Amos City Beach to experience more of the island.
3. Roberts Point Park – Where to Stay in Port Aransas for Families
- COOLEST thing to do in Roberts Point Park: Help build a boat at the Farley Boat Works.
- BEST place to visit in Roberts Point Park: The Port Aransas Nature Preserve is great for fishing, picnicking, or just enjoying the natural surroundings.
Roberts Point Park is on the opposite side of the island to the main beach, and still in the heart of Port Aransas. It offers the same city access and attractions but a slightly different and relaxed vibe. It’s an ideal location for those travelling with kids, it’s a safe area with plenty of things to do. It also offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit any travel style.
Entire House | Best Luxury Airbnb in Roberts Point Park
Four bedrooms, three bathrooms and enough space for up to 14 guests makes this house ideal for nature-loving families. The house is located right at the edge of the Nature Preserve, is professionally decorated and has amazing views of the channel and incredible sunsets!
Captain’s Quarters Inn | Best Hotel in Roberts Point Park
With free continental breakfasts, this is one of the best places to stay if you’re on a budget but still want to be close to everything. The rooms are basic but modern, and contain everything you’ll need for a short or long stay. The hotel is pet friendly, so you can also bring your furry friend with you!
Anglers Court Cottages Bungalow | Best Airbnb in Roberts Point Park
This cute bungalow is suited for two guests. It’s right in the heart of the old town, providing easy access to great shopping, bars, and restaurants. Sit and catch the sea breeze on the porches of this historic building, and enjoy the fully equipped kitchen and complete privacy.
Things to See and Do in Roberts Point Park
- Take the kids for a show and a cruise around the bay with the Red Dragon Pirate Cruises.
- Gawk at alligators, birds, and fish at the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center.
- Eat at Moby Dick’s, Whataburger, or Castaway’s Seafood and Grill.
- Check for shows at the Roberts Point Park, or climb the observation tower for amazing views.
- Take the kids for a day of souvenir shopping.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Where to Stay in Port Aransas
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Port Aransas and where to stay.
What To Pack For Port Aransas
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Port Aransas
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Port Aransas
If you’re looking to relax with the South’s famed hospitality and spend some time on the beach, Port Aransas is the holiday destination for you. Swim, eat, and relax, or get active and try just about any outdoor activity you’ve ever heard about on this small island. You’ll be sure to leave with a great tan, and some even better memories.
If you can’t get enough of that island living, take a trip down to South Padre Island, one of Texas’ best kept secrets!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in USA instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
