Holly & Ronnie's guidebook
Favorite Restaurants
I love seafood, Mexican food and Home cooking here are my local picks. Also take the time to visit Port Aransas, great beaches and amazing food.
The GrooveThe pizza is amazing! There is something for everyone on this menu. The place is small but cozy and clean the fresh fish will not disappoint.
7locals recommend
38 locals recommend
The Groove
Highway 35 North BypassThe GrooveThe pizza is amazing! There is something for everyone on this menu. The place is small but cozy and clean the fresh fish will not disappoint.
7locals recommend
Scenic American bar & grill serving burgers, seafood & tropical drinks in a waterfront setting. Dog Friendly!!!
140 locals recommend
Paradise Key Dockside Bar N Grille Cove Harbor Rockport Tx
165 Cove Harbor NScenic American bar & grill serving burgers, seafood & tropical drinks in a waterfront setting. Dog Friendly!!!
Down-home establishment featuring traditional American breakfast & lunch dishes, plus a salad bar.
Love the meatloaf and chicken fried chicken :)
37 locals recommend
JJ's Cafe
1820 Colorado StDown-home establishment featuring traditional American breakfast & lunch dishes, plus a salad bar.
Love the meatloaf and chicken fried chicken :)
Down-to-earth waterfront eatery with marina views, preparing seafood, steaks & other classic bites.
48 locals recommend
Mickey's Bar and Grill
430 Ransom RdDown-to-earth waterfront eatery with marina views, preparing seafood, steaks & other classic bites.
Our FAVORITE!!! Close to The Copa Copa. You can also buy bags of ice there.
6 locals recommend
Hoot's Country Kitchen
2203 FM 1781Our FAVORITE!!! Close to The Copa Copa. You can also buy bags of ice there.
Shempy's
3913 TX-35 BUSWhats better than a day at the beach? A day at the beach with pizza and beer. This quirky, cool Port A institution has great outdoor seating and beach bar ambiance and pet friendly. A great place for a pint and a pie!
28 locals recommend
The Gaff
323 Beach StWhats better than a day at the beach? A day at the beach with pizza and beer. This quirky, cool Port A institution has great outdoor seating and beach bar ambiance and pet friendly. A great place for a pint and a pie!
Amazing view you get when seated on the patio or on the waterfront side of this restaurant. While the food is good (my fav-sweet potato fries, crab cakes, or fish tacos!!), I only choose this place when the weather is nice because sitting outside really makes this the perfect seaside eatery!
84 locals recommend
Moondog Seaside Eatery
100 N Casterline DrAmazing view you get when seated on the patio or on the waterfront side of this restaurant. While the food is good (my fav-sweet potato fries, crab cakes, or fish tacos!!), I only choose this place when the weather is nice because sitting outside really makes this the perfect seaside eatery!
Best coffee place on the Island, swing why you enjoy your cup of Joe or beer. What ever makes you happy.
7 locals recommend
Barefoot Beans
200 West Avenue GBest coffee place on the Island, swing why you enjoy your cup of Joe or beer. What ever makes you happy.
The Crazy Cajun Seafood Restaurant
303 E Beach StLocal Attractions
Places to see things to do. Sightseeing
One of the oldest trees in North America!. Beautiful area with lots of wildlife.
Just a few minutes from The Boat House! This 1000 year old tree has survived the Civil War, Pirates, Cannibals and HURRICANES!
59 locals recommend
The Big Tree
1622 12th StOne of the oldest trees in North America!. Beautiful area with lots of wildlife.
Just a few minutes from The Boat House! This 1000 year old tree has survived the Civil War, Pirates, Cannibals and HURRICANES!
An 1800s mansion that has running hot water and survived two large hurricanes? It is inspiring to me that Mr Fulton had the creativity and sense of adventure to build this beautiful mansion in his time.
98 locals recommend
Fulton Mansion State Historic Site
317 Fulton Beach RdAn 1800s mansion that has running hot water and survived two large hurricanes? It is inspiring to me that Mr Fulton had the creativity and sense of adventure to build this beautiful mansion in his time.
Cute boutique winery in downtown Rockport. It's a great place to stop in and grab a glass of wine while out shopping!
Pet friendly
29 locals recommend
Winery on the Bay / Dog'Gone Brewery
1007 E North StCute boutique winery in downtown Rockport. It's a great place to stop in and grab a glass of wine while out shopping!
Pet friendly
USS Lexington, nicknamed "The Blue Ghost", is an Essex-class aircraft carrier built during World War II for the United States Navy. You can walk aware and see a real aircraft carrier.
An historic sight to see on the bay while enjoying downtown Corpus Christi.
272 locals recommend
USS Lexington
2914 N Shoreline BlvdUSS Lexington, nicknamed "The Blue Ghost", is an Essex-class aircraft carrier built during World War II for the United States Navy. You can walk aware and see a real aircraft carrier.
An historic sight to see on the bay while enjoying downtown Corpus Christi.
This place is a must for families with kids - they will love the shows, kid water park, and dolphins.
292 locals recommend
Texas State Aquarium
2710 TX-286This place is a must for families with kids - they will love the shows, kid water park, and dolphins.
This botanical garden packs a lot in a small space. There are lots of plants, but also a butterfly house, orchid greenhouses, birds and reptiles, a cute gift shop and usually plants for sale as well as lots of special events.
83 locals recommend
South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
8545 S Staples StThis botanical garden packs a lot in a small space. There are lots of plants, but also a butterfly house, orchid greenhouses, birds and reptiles, a cute gift shop and usually plants for sale as well as lots of special events.
Surf's Up!!
Who wants to miss a beach with actual waves while here! 18 miles of beach with plenty of room for sand castles and water play (the depth of the water is gradual, making it fun for kids or adults). Plus, lots of classic tourist beach shops nearby when you get too hot or hungry: ice cream, beach toys/suits, food, tattoos!
87 locals recommend
Port Aransas Beach Park
Surf's Up!!
Who wants to miss a beach with actual waves while here! 18 miles of beach with plenty of room for sand castles and water play (the depth of the water is gradual, making it fun for kids or adults). Plus, lots of classic tourist beach shops nearby when you get too hot or hungry: ice cream, beach toys/suits, food, tattoos!
Rockport beach is Texas' first Blue Wave Beach and one of only four in the Texas gulf coast. Be prepared for great facilities, beautiful views and loads of during your visit. $5/day, Free for disabled Vets.
249 locals recommend
Rockport Beach
Rockport beach is Texas' first Blue Wave Beach and one of only four in the Texas gulf coast. Be prepared for great facilities, beautiful views and loads of during your visit. $5/day, Free for disabled Vets.
Check out Sunny Ray Cruises! You will be treated to a sailing adventure and beverages and snacks by the nicest couple I have ever meet! Dan And Marty are staying in Port Aransas while their kids finish High School. They will go back to sailing there Caribbean as soon as their youngest graduates. Sunnyraycruises.com
Port Aransas Mun. Boat Harbor
301 J C Barr BlvdCheck out Sunny Ray Cruises! You will be treated to a sailing adventure and beverages and snacks by the nicest couple I have ever meet! Dan And Marty are staying in Port Aransas while their kids finish High School. They will go back to sailing there Caribbean as soon as their youngest graduates. Sunnyraycruises.com
Birding tours, walking trails, and a great spot to wade in and fish if the wind is light
Free Fishing with no license required when you are in the park
83 locals recommend
Goose Island State Park
202 S Palmetto StBirding tours, walking trails, and a great spot to wade in and fish if the wind is light
Free Fishing with no license required when you are in the park
Best beach for small children. No big waves. Small entrance fee but no cars on the beach and great bathroom facilities.
249 locals recommend
Rockport Beach
Best beach for small children. No big waves. Small entrance fee but no cars on the beach and great bathroom facilities.
Fulton
Visit the historic landmark and enjoy the beaches.
From pirates to fishing to oil drilling, Gulf Coast history is told through exhibits & artifacts.
107 locals recommend
Texas Maritime Museum
1202 Navigation CirFrom pirates to fishing to oil drilling, Gulf Coast history is told through exhibits & artifacts.
Rockport was a former artists colony and there have been many influential artist that have painted in Rockport and Cape Ann. The Art Association features lots of work by local artists.
26 locals recommend
Rockport Art Association & Museum
12 Main StRockport was a former artists colony and there have been many influential artist that have painted in Rockport and Cape Ann. The Art Association features lots of work by local artists.
Clothing
Best shopping in Rockport for ladies, men and children clothing. Right across the beach.
13 locals recommend
Bay Window
705 Hwy 35 N BypassBest shopping in Rockport for ladies, men and children clothing. Right across the beach.
Shop Sassy Boutique
415 S Austin StWHEN WOMEN SUPPORT EACH OTHER INCREDIBLE THINGS HAPPEN!
Attitudes and Latitudes
209 S Austin Stfun shopping and great gifts
Souvenir Shop
Treasure Islander
301 S Austin StRockport’s largest souvenir shop!
Unique decor with a coastal theme, upcycled furniture, gifts, jewelry, clothing and art. We are a small local shop. Come visit!
13 locals recommend
Mermaid Ranch Coastal Decor
502 S Austin StUnique decor with a coastal theme, upcycled furniture, gifts, jewelry, clothing and art. We are a small local shop. Come visit!
We have a large variety of home decor, gifts, and jewelry.
Come by and visit us anytime!
TNJ Treasures
404 S Austin StWe have a large variety of home decor, gifts, and jewelry.
Come by and visit us anytime!
Looking for shells of all shapes, colors, and sizes? Deborah at Sea Shell Shoppe will enlightened you with the wide variety of species, including rare and unique corrals.
11 locals recommend
Sea Shell Shoppe
120 N Austin StLooking for shells of all shapes, colors, and sizes? Deborah at Sea Shell Shoppe will enlightened you with the wide variety of species, including rare and unique corrals.
Rent Kayaks
Kayaking is a great way to interact with nature in a more personal way. Getting some basic training in kayaking can make this even easier and fun. Rockport Kayak is certified by the American Canoe Association to help you do just that.
6 locals recommend
Rockport Kayak Rentals
Kayaking is a great way to interact with nature in a more personal way. Getting some basic training in kayaking can make this even easier and fun. Rockport Kayak is certified by the American Canoe Association to help you do just that.
Sightseeing
This is not just for the kids! Adults will love this 90 minute cruise. The entire family will have a "jolly ol time".
12 locals recommend
Deep Sea Headquarters
440 W Cotter AveThis is not just for the kids! Adults will love this 90 minute cruise. The entire family will have a "jolly ol time".
Take off and land of the back of the boat and never get wet. Operates daily by reservation. Observer rides available.
19 locals recommend
Chute 'Em Up Parasailing/ Port A Parasail
154 W Cotter AveTake off and land of the back of the boat and never get wet. Operates daily by reservation. Observer rides available.
Dolphin watch and scenic cruise around the Lyda Ann Channel and Industrial Harbor Tour near Ingleside.
7 locals recommend
Scarlet Lady Dolphin Adventures
440 W Cotter AveDolphin watch and scenic cruise around the Lyda Ann Channel and Industrial Harbor Tour near Ingleside.
Traveler advice
What to pack
What to pack
SUN SCREEN, SWIMSUIT, SUNGLASSES, HAT,,, yeah :) Be sure to bring your own beach and pool towels.
Pack 2 bags,,, the first bag goes all the things you are going to need on your trip, Clothes and FLIP FLOPS!
THE SECOND BAG,,,, Pack your worries, problems, stress and anger. LEAVE THIS BAG AT HOME!!! :) now you can truly RELAX :)))
Don't miss
The Sunrise on Rockport Beach!
Go early and watch the sun rise under your very own Palapa, its very relaxing and after all your ON VACATION :)
Customs and culture
If Bringing a Dog,
Pick up the poo.
Ways to save
You can Buy fresh shrimp right off the boat, usually by 8am
Go to the ship yards in Fulton on Fulton Beach Road, in season these hard working guys sell their shrimp off the boats fresh caught that day!! Cant ever eat store bought shrimp agin after having the fresh caught ones!!
Getting around
Use the map on your phone.
All of the places in this guide book can be mapped from the guidebook on your phone, love technology,,, sometimes