Late summer in Port Aransas offers such an intoxicating vibe. The humid, salty air caresses you, almost as if it was your favorite oversized t-shirt; so comfy and cozy, you have no choice but to decompress as soon as you’re in it. Just as summer is winding down, so is a town that has been bombarded all summer long with hordes of families and party people alike, all looking for that summer fun and adventure. The town takes a deep breath as the shops, restaurants, and beaches all make way for the return of a quieter, slower pace. So join us as we make our way from Austin down to this treasure of a town.

Day One. We ride.

From Austin, we headed south on I-35. I know that most of us would rather take a hot tar bath than drive I-35 South through Austin, but if you time it right, it’s more than bearable and it’s the most direct route. We headed out around 9:30 am on a Monday, just in time for traffic to have died down.

On every trip that we plan, we pick a halfway spot to stop, stretch our legs, and eat some lunch. This time, we picked La Luna Azul in San Antonio. It’s just off of Loop 410 and I-35, right before you head South on I-37. Upon arrival, the phrase “Hole in the Wall” comes to mind but as we’ve discovered time and time again, these little hidden gems often offer amazing culinary discoveries. La Luna Azul was no exception. From authentic Mexican Cuisine, to American flare such as burgers and fries, we were quite impressed.

I had two tacos, one Barbacoa and one Al Pastor. The Pastor was unlike any I’d ever had before and was rich in flavor. The Barbacoa was just right as in not too greasy yet not too dry. The breakfast tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas all silenced the table except for the many audible expressions one would associate with a tasty meal. The service was quick and pleasant, and the restrooms were clean and well kept. 30 minutes after arriving, we were back on the open highway, our final destination in mind.

The drive between San Antonio and Port Aransas has always been one of my favorite stretches of Texas Highway. Rolling hills and tall oak trees give way to flat, expansive acreages and mesquite brush as far as the eyes can see. There’s nothing incredibly glamorous about it, it just has a different feel to it and it also offers the reminder that you’re getting closer to the coastal region.

Corpus Christi is the last town before you cross the bridge onto Mustang Island. We typically stop here as it offers any type of convenience and amenity imaginable. We prefer to get our groceries and any other last minute items here as the options shrink once you’re on the island; the prices trend a bit higher as well. With the truck now stuffed to capacity, the final leg of the drive commences.

Once on the island, it’s a quick drive up Beach Highway 361 as each mile brings a growing number of beachside neighborhoods and condominiums. Just before you reach the city limits of Port Aransas, there’s a lovely place called Sea Gull Condominiums. Along with it’s twin complex called The Sandpiper, these two building were constructed before the area increased the setback requirements regarding a property’s proximity to the beachfront, so these two buildings are as close as you’re going to get to the beautiful Gulf shore.

Nestled just behind the sand dunes, these buildings offer units that each have unobstructed Gulf views. This makes booking so much easier as you won’t have to worry about which unit has the best view. The answer is, they all do! The property is an older one, but it is well maintained and each unit is unique in its own special way. Giant floor to ceiling and wall to wall glass windows and doors give you every square inch possible of breathtaking views of the dunes and the Gulf Shore. The property also includes many other amenities such as a huge pool that is heated in the winter months, a large hot tub, a gym, coffee bar, and a laundry facility. The service here is always great and anything you need is just a phone call away.

Once settled in to our unit, we made our way to the boardwalk and hit the beach. With summer winding down and school back in session, the beaches are nearly empty this time of year. It’s almost as if you have your own private space to roam and explore. The kiddos took a quick dip in the gulf, we scavenged for sea shells, and enjoyed watching the Sea Gulls, Sandpipers, and Pelicans as they blanketed the skies.

Our late afternoon beach adventure built up quite the appetite. A bit worn out from the day of travel, we opted to order in and had pizza delivered from Port A Pizzeria. Now, I know we’re all familiar with pizza but I am here to tell you, this place will leave you questioning that which you have called pizza up to this point. Not only is their pizza out of this world, but their specialty rolls will have you dancing like a toddler who’s just had their first taste of chocolate. My goodness, they are incredible. I typically get the pepperoni ones and the wife gets hers with chicken, artichoke, and black olives. Whatever you can dream of, they’ll put it in there. These aren’t on the menu but, trust me, you’ll want to ask for them. Along with the pizza and rolls, their chicken wings are delightful as well. If there are any must see eateries in Port A, this one makes the top of the list.

With full bellies and sun kissed skin, we each retreated to our own activities. The kiddos wound down with some doodling and and a movie, while the wife and I enjoyed an evening cocktail as we watched the sun set on an eventful day.

Day Two. We attack at dawn.

The following morning started as any other would. No matter where I am in the world, my morning routine starts with a 5am workout followed by prayer and meditation. Once I wrapped up my workout, I figured I’d top it off with a quick run on the beach followed by a beachside meditation as the the sun began to rise. What I didn’t realize is that the world’s mosquito population also likes to vacation in sunny Port Aransas late in the summer months. Before I’d even made it to the shore, I was turned around and headed back in. Pro Tip: be sure and pack an industrial size can of mosquito repellent. You’ll be thankful that you did. Needless to say I opted for the indoor meditation session. Once the sun was up, the mosquitos dissipated for the most part so, worry not, you won’t need to be confined to your quarters the whole time.

Once everyone was up and moving, it was time for a hearty breakfast. The fully stocked kitchens are one of our favorite features of this complex as we are accustomed to cooking as many of our own meals as possible, whether at home or on vacation. Eggs, bacon, and hash browns were the perfect source of energy for the morning ahead.

After breakfast, it was back to the beach. The gulf waters are so inviting this time of year, like a warm blanket on a cool autumn day. We splashed, swam, jumped and dodged waves, and, at one point, found ourselves just sitting in the waters, basking in all that they had to offer. As the morning sun climbed higher in the sky, we headed in for showers and to get ready for a trip into town.

Port Aransas is such a charming and eclectic town. As you drive into town on Beach Highway 361 (also called Alister Street), just as you approach Avenue G, you’re first met by two tall wooden sailors standing at 15 feet tall. At their feet sits a Farley Boat, which offers a really neat story about President Franklin D. Roosevelt. You can read more about it as well as the rich history of Farley Boat Works here. Throughout the town are many brightly colored and eclectic buildings. Souvenir shops dominate most of the downtown strip. There is literally “one on every corner” as the saying goes. There are bars and restaurants, an amazing candy shop, and various tackle shops that attract sport fishermen throughout the year. Of course there are the usual places you’ll see in a small town like a grocery store, a few banks and schools, and homes for the local residents. Our trip to town was quick as we were just in need of a few forgotten essentials and that industrial size can of mosquito spray I suggested earlier. However, there was one more stop before we headed back to the condo at one of our most coveted places on the island.

Paul’s Seafood is located just off of Alister Street about half way through town. Although the exterior doesn’t offer much, this is the place to go for fresh seafood and one of a kind food items. From fresh shrimp to grouper, crab legs to scallops, they have it all. If you’re one of the lucky ones who are there in the summertime, ask for their blue crab dip. If they happen to have it, buy it all. You won’t regret it. It’s the best crab dip we’ve ever had and we’ve been buying it here for well over 15 years now. Sadly, they’d just stop making it for the season the week before so we cried in the truck the whole way back to the hotel ;). Actually, we just ended up buying their incredible cocktail sauce and a dozen of their crab stuffed jalapeños to cook as an appetizer later on that evening.

Once back at the condo, it was each to their own for a bit. There was more beach time, a late lunch of leftover pizza, and some napping on the couch by yours truly. We had some friends coming into Port A that afternoon to join us on our vacation so we rested and recharged, eager for the evening’s festivities to begin.

The evening was full of laughs, great food, and the company of two amazing friends. We feasted on fried shrimp and stuffed chicken breasts thanks to my wonderful wife, and the crab stuffed jalapeño poppers from Paul’s Seafood were a hit; so tasty. We toasted to good times and great friends and decided to hit the pool for a night swim. The water was perfect. The staff does a great job of keeping the pool area clean and tidy. The hot tub definitely lived up to its name as the water was so hot you could barely stand it at first. A few minutes in, though, and we all relaxed and did a bit of decompressing. Needless to say, the fun filled day and the late night swim had us tuckered out so we hit the showers and drifted off to dreamland (for those of you who are wondering, the beds here are incredibly comfortable).

Day Three. Redemption.

Doused from head to toe in mosquito repellent, I’m happy to report that I was able to get my morning run in and followed it by a seaside prayer and meditation session. Magical doesn’t even come close to describing the experience. Another morning or two like that and I’ll never leave ;). Once back at the condo it was coffee time followed by a bit of writing and doodling.

After spending the majority of the afternoon on the beach, our friends offered to take us out to dinner in town. We decided to try something new and outside of our normal quest for great seafood and instead chose Cancun Grill and Cantina. An unassuming place, the strip mall location and bland exterior doesn’t offer much but the food was quite good and the beer was the coldest beer in Port A. Make sure you order the queso but be prepared for a nap if you do. Very good but very heavy.

After dinner, before heading back to the condo, we hit a couple of our usual souvenir shops. From our experience, these are all about the same but each one offers their own unique wares such as beach home decor, seashell sculptures, or beach themed wind chimes. Of course you’ll find the usual suspects like beachwear, custom t-shirt printing, towels, sunglasses and every type of shot glass known to exist.

Our last stop was one that has been part of our Port A routine since we began visiting this town over 15 years ago, Winton’s Island Candy.

Winton’s is such a fun spot. Not only do they make their own delicious chocolates and other confectionary delights, but the historical memorabilia that lines the walls offers a stroll down memory lane for the town and surrounding areas. Visiting this store is like stepping back in time and is a must see. It’s cash only, but they do have an on site ATM machine.

Once back at the condo, it was time for our annual late night beach stroll. Walking the beach in darkness, the warm breeze and sound of the crashing waves, is as peaceful as the deepest sleep. Just as a phone charger charges a phone, a nighttime stroll at the water’s edge charges the soul. Making the evening even more magical was the appearance of the Blue Super Moon. We were graced by its presence in clear skies as it lit up the gulf waters as if it were the sun itself. Apparently, the mosquitos enjoyed the super moon just as much as we did, and they were sure to let us know. We tolerated all that we could of our new blood-thirsty friends and then headed back inside.

Day 4. Homeward bound.

Our last morning of the trip required one final beach walk. It’s always hard to leave this place so we make sure and take in as much as we can before we head north. Check out is at 11am so we had breakfast, gathered our things, and said goodbye to our most beloved town.

We visit Port Aransas every winter as well so stay tuned for all that this place has to offer during a much different season. Thanks for riding along. Hope you didn’t get too sunburnt ;).

Up next… Chi Town, baby!