Candy-colored houses, bait shops, and fishing piers dot the landscape of Rockport, located on Aransas Bay, about 30 miles northeast of Corpus Christi. Named for the rock ledge beneath its shore, the town began development as a cattle processing and shipping port in 1865 and was incorporated five years later. In the 1920s, the shrimping and tourism industries took off, making the town a thriving coastal vacation spot. But Rockport is perhaps best known for its resilience. Twice, the community and its surrounding areas have been obliterated by hurricanes: the first in 1919 and the second in August 2017, when Hurricane Harvey directly hit the town with 130 mph winds and 50 inches of rain. It took years, but the community has rebuilt. Its 10,000 residents continue to welcome visitors to its picturesque main street and white sand beach to shop, eat, fish, birdwatch, and enjoy fun in the sun.
San Antonio
2.5 hours
Houston
3 hours
Austin
3.5 hours
Dallas
6 hours
El Paso
10 hours
1 ⁄ THE LIGHTHOUSE INN AT ARANSAS BAY
Sit on the dock of the bay—literally—at this Victorian hotel with a private 90-foot fishing pier. Each of the 78 rooms (starting at $184/night) features a private balcony or patio with rocking chairs for pool, garden, or bay views. The on-site Palm Room restaurant is known for its steaks and martinis.
2 ⁄ ROCKPORT BEACH
As one of only four designated Blue Wave Beaches in Texas, Rockport’s beach is guaranteed to be litter free and accessible—and to have swimmable waters. Kids love the shallow waters and playgrounds, while parents appreciate the shaded cabanas. Arrive early to score one.
3 ⁄ THE BIG TREE
Named Texas State Champion Virginia Live Oak in 1969, this tree at Goose Island State Park outside Rockport is one of the world’s oldest and largest live oaks. Estimated to be over 1,000 years old and to have survived 50 major hurricanes, the tree is 44 feet tall and has a nearly 90-foot canopy.
4 ⁄ MAIN STREET
Downtown is known for its local art galleries, like the Wind Way Gallery, where visitors can find paintings, stained glass, and jewelry. Boutiques New Beginnings and Rowdy Maui sell clothing, jewelry, and home goods. Shoppers can fuel up with seafood at Copano’s or Latitude 28°02′.
Stay
Eat
Drink
Learn
See
Shop
5 ⁄ FULTON MANSION
This state historic site was constructed in the 1870s by shipping and cattle tycoon George Fulton. The yellow four-story mansion built in the French Second Empire style features indoor plumbing and central heat—a first for the area—and an impressive library.
6 ⁄ YARBARITA’S SIP & SWING
Burgers, tacos, and fried shrimp baskets are on the menu at this restaurant outfitted with kitschy pirate décor. Enjoy gorgeous views from the second-floor patio and hammock swings made for relaxing. There’s also shaved ice for dessert and to-go margaritas.
