About Nueces County, TX

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - I love my job. Selling real estate is one thing, but showing people how they can enjoy a laid-back, island lifestyle that is only a few hours from home and a world away from life in the big city...well, that's the fun part. Over the next couple of weeks there will be a series of posts that will seek to answer the FAQ of Vacation Home Ownership in Port Aransas.

Part One asks a simple question "Why Port A?" The subtitle could also read something like "So you think you want a place on the beach and you can't decide between South Padre Island, Galveston or Port Aransas."

The Texas Gulf Coast offers something for everyone. Having grown up in Houston, I have been to Galveston on countless occasions and love the historical aspects of this majestic coastal city. There are conflicting census numbers, but the population is somewhere near 60,000. The Strand is a Texas treasure. Galveston earned the legacy of being "The Texas Gulf Coast" a generation ago. Galveston has much to offer and has rebounded from hurricane Ike.

South Padre Island (SPI) means beach vacation and spring break to many. SPI is the Texas Riviera. The offshore currents provide SPI with arguably the prettiest water on the Texas Coast. Years ago SPI set out to be a full-scale travel destination. The hotels and condos are frequently packed with visitors from the US and Mexico. Like Port Aransas, the City of SPI has a small population that rapidly expands during tourist season.

Well of course, I am biased. Port Aransas (Port A) is in my opinion the best little beach town in Texas. On an almost weekly basis, I hear from someone that is visiting Port A for the first time in many years. Port A has been a "sleepy little fishing village" and while that it still true, it is not as sleepy or as little as it once was.

If you haven't been to Port A in a few years, it has changed a little. There is a new Arnold Palmer golf course and some new places to stay and even more great places for breakfast, lunch and dinner. More importantly, what has not changed is that there is not a Starbucks, McDonald's, Walmart, Taco Bell or Red Lobster. Instead, Port A offers a great selection of "mom and pop" cafes, diners, restaurants and stores.

Located on Mustang Island, Port Aransas offers miles of unspoiled beaches with beautiful dunes and abundant wildlife. If you are a regular visitor on this site, than you know quite a bit about Port A. If not, stay tuned and you might also want to visit the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce.

There is a Texas beach town to accommodate every taste. To many, Port A is the kind of place best described in a Jimmy Buffett song.

The next installment will focus on Port Aransas condos and homes.

Thank you for visiting the Port Aransas real estate blog.

Keith McMullin – Broker/Realtor

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PORT ARANSAS, Texas - If you are planning a trip to the best little beach town in Texas and need to find the perfect place to lay your head, check out the accommodations at CCMS.

Condominium Consulting Management and Services, Inc (CCMS) incorporated in 1984. They are the largest condo management company on Mustang Island. If you are searching for Port Aransas condo rentals, you will undoubtedly find one of their many properties.

Popular condos such as: The Aransas Princess, Sandcastle, Sandpiper, La Mirage and many more are professionally managed by CCMS. The CCMS website makes it easy to book a place to stay in Port A. It also allows you to take a virtual tour of the condos. First-time Port A vacationers will appreciate all the visitor information with area activities and attractions.

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - Like any good tourist beach town, there are plenty of wonderful places to eat in Port A. People often drive from neighboring towns just to enjoy a meal at one of the many popular restaurants. The selection offers something to suit every palate and budget.

While on vacation, it is not uncommon for a long day of fishing or beachcombing to lead to odd times for breakfast, lunch and dinner. While many places call it quits at 9:00 or 10:00 at night, there is a great place to eat and it is open until 2:00AM. The Wild Horse Saloon & Grill is the perfect place for late night dining in Port Aransas.

They invite you to enjoy their laid-back atmosphere and hospitality. As their website puts it, "Who says you can't have amazing food in a saloon...Moderately famous hand-made burgers, fresh-cut fries, freshly grilled sandwiches, hot wings and homemade fried pickles."

The Wild Horse Saloon & Grill features live music, three big screen TVs, a pool table, free wi-fi and much more. The convenient Beach Street location is on the way to and from the Beach.

Wild Horse Saloon & Grill Located at 212 Beach Street in Port Aransas, Texas

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - Tourism continues to be the lifeblood of this Mustang Island community. Business is booming as families have decided to visit the coast this summer. Perhaps it is the "staycation" phenomenon that has become a popular option in recent years. Holiday weekends such as July 4th in Port Aransas have been very busy.

For many, a vacation in Port Aransas must take place in a beach house. As the name would suggest, the Port A Beach House Company has exactly what you are looking for in Mustang Island rentals. They offer 22 luxury beach homes ranging from quaint three bedroom cottages to large Gulf view homes big enough for multiple families to share. Their website features photos and in-depth descriptions of each home as well as the availability for the coming months. Customers can book their beach vacation online.

PORT ARANSAS, Texas - This Summer may go down as the busiest tourist season ever. Hotels and condos have been booked and the beaches packed. Port Aransas and Mustang Island vacations appear to be more popular than ever. Most people come for the relaxing days on the water or at the beach.

These days more and more people from Houston, San Antonio, Austin and other Texas Cities are also enjoying the live music venues that "Port A" has to offer. The Back Porch Bar is synonymous with live music in Port Aransas. For over eight years, musicians have enjoyed playing for laid back, appreciative fans outdoors at The Back Porch.

Located at 132 W Cotter on the waterfront, "The Porch" offers a relaxing place to visit with family and friends. During the day, you can enjoy watching the activity at the Port Aransas Harbor. Many enjoy a cool drink in the shade after a day of fishing, boating or even parasailing and riding jet skis at Woody's (located next door).

At night, the activity really picks up with "Big fun, good friends & red hot Texas music." Gary P Nunn, Larry Joe Taylor, Sisters Morales and Davin James are just few of the many performers that take center stage. Visit www.pabackporchbar.com to view upcoming shows or get more information.

Live music at The Back Porch Bar in Port Aransas, Texas