If you're dreaming of a sun-soaked, family friendly beach vacation filled with sun, salt and sand - Port Aransas, Texas might be your new favorite destination. Located on Mustang Island along the Texas Gulf Coast, this charming little beach town offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and picture-perfect moments that are ideal for family photography sessions.
Whether you're planning your first visit or returning for another round of seaside memories, here is how to make the most out of your Port Aransas beach vacation - with some expert tips for capturing some of those moments forever through professional beach photography.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT
NOW! May is when the beach water starts to warm up and by June it is almost as warm as a bath! July and August are HOT, and the crowds are in full force. September and October are my favorite time of year - the water is still warm, the weather is still hot but not scorching, the crowds are a little less, the dunes are flowering (especially in early September), the wind isn't as strong... November and December is still great if you're trying to escape the winter back home! We typically get about a week or two of cold winter (in the 40s and 50s) in January or February - just enough to kill all my tropical plants behind the pool in my backyard; luckily my banana plant is resilient and grows back every spring, haha! March is Spring Break and the crowds can get a little crazy and April, the weather and wind can be unpredictable and we are waiting for the dunes to come back to life and turn green again.
Long story short... There isn't a bad time to visit! It's wonderful here year round!
Where to stay
Palmilla Beach Resort and Cinnamon Shore offer luxury accommodations. Vacation rentals from AirBnb, or VRBO and many you can book directly. Hotels, the island has both chain and smaller independent ones. RV Parks are another great option. Or you can always camp on the beach in some areas - just remember your beach parking permit and there is a maximum number of days before needing to move (check Port A's city website for the most current and up to date information.)
You can also stay on North Padre Island near Whitecap Beach and Padre Island National Seashore it's about 20-30 minutes away from Port Aransas but is still a great place to get that island and beach atmosphere!
THE KRUIDS DROVE ALL THE WAY FROM OKLAHOMA AND RIGHT ONTO THE BEACH AFTER 16 HOURS IN THE VAN! THESE KIDDOS WERE READY TO GET THEIR WIGGLES OUT AND PLAY!
Family Friendly things to do
- Build sandcastles together, swim in the ocean, play on the beach, collect seashells, find crabs and other critters.
- Rent a golf cart or a MOKE (bonus: they can make cute props for your session).
- Fishing - there are several piers, off the jetties, or book a boat excursion.
- Explore Nature - Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center to see Boots the 50 year old alligator, or spot the flamingo and lots of other beautiful coastal birds.
- Fun outings - dolphin cruises, parasailing, pirate cruise, mini golf, etc. or head to Corpus Christi and check out the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington, or the Texas Sealife Center. If you're lucky, you may get to see a turtle release! Hatchlings are released during the summer months at sunrise when available.
- Roberts Point Park - BEST place to watch dolphins, see sea turtles, jellyfish, etc. right off the jetties. They also have a brand new playground to enjoy when the sun isn't too hot!
- Shops and Boutiques! Get your souvenirs, coastal decor, and a cute new outfit!
WHERE TO EAT
My favorites are Sip Yard, Coffee waves, Virginia's on the Bay, FINS, Grumbles, MacDaddy's, Tortuga's Saltwater Grill, etc. So many great options! Just remember that wait times can get crazy during tourist season and peak meal times.
Lasting vacation memories
"You will never have this day with your children again. Tomorrow, they will be a little older than they were today..."
When you book a family photographer in Port Aransas, you give yourself permission to be fully present. You're not the one taking the photos, you get to be in them. Hang them on your walls, place an album or box of prints on your tables and shelves and revisit them often, frame them and bring some to work as a daily visual reminder of why you work as hard as you do, and of course share them on social media.
Capture the life season you're in... no matter what that looks like for you - whether you're currently raising toddlers, hanging out with your grown kids, or creating memories with your grandchildren. You will never regret documenting who you are as a family right now.
The sun has set on your final day here, the car is loaded and you're leaving the beach house; blissfully tired from too much sun as you head back to reality and routine... Your memories and photographs are the only thing you get to actually bring back home with you and they last forever. Timeless treasures.
The Portrait Experience
let's create your own dream session
I know you're busy and planning a vacation can be a chore, I'm here to make creating these memories as simple as possible.
I have guides to help plan your wardrobe, find the best location, and a prints and products guide to help navigate the wonderful world of printed artwork.
