Jeremy Coleman is a husband, father of 7-year-old twins, and founder of Texas Family Vacation.com
Introduction
What are the most family-friendly things to do in Rockport, Texas? It can be hard to figure out what is worth your time and money when planning a vacation.
You want something fun for everyone in your family but don’t want to spend too much time or money doing it. This article is an excellent resource for finding things to do when visiting this beautiful gulf coast city.
We have made a detailed list of our favorite places and activities, from nature trails with breathtaking views of Rockport harbor, fresh seafood restaurants, and kid-friendly attractions like amusement parks and zoos.
As well as our top picks for shopping boutiques, work of local artists with other unique finds, you won’t find anywhere else! All these suggestions will help ensure that you have an unforgettable trip when visiting Rockport.
Where is Rockport Texas
Rockport is a small town in Aransas County on the Gulf Coast of Texas. It’s located about 60 miles from Corpus Christi, and it has a population of just over 11,000 people.
What is Rockport, TX, known for
Rockport has so many activities for tourists to enjoy, it’s hard to know where to start. Here are some great places that will keep you busy day or night. It has some fantastic beaches that offer a wide range of activities such as swimming, surfing, boating and more.
There are also plenty of fishing charters available if you’re interested in catching your own dinner for the evening! And don’t forget about all the wildlife viewing opportunities and fun things to do for families.
What is there to do in downtown Rockport?
#1. Rockport Beach
If you’re looking for a great coastal destination with plenty to do, Rockport Beach in Texas is the perfect place. It is hands down the cleanest and most picturesque beach in Texas.
Rockport Beach has been named one of the top 10 beaches in America and offers a variety of activities, from fishing to biking trails.
The beach has 4 pavilions available for rent and some excellent bayside walking paths for families and beachgoers. The beach has designated festival grounds across from “Little Bay,” with many exciting events and fishing tournaments throughout the year.
There is no camping, driving, fireworks, glass containers, or pets on the beach. The beach water is also tested regularly for bacteria. Bottom line: this is a clean, safe beach for families, and they aim to keep it that way.
#2. Goose Island State Park
One of the most exciting places in Rockport is Goose Island, State Park! This park offers plenty for visitors, from fishing to birdwatching on its shores.
Guests can enjoy camping by the beach and many fishing opportunities. They even have a program to borrow fishing gear if you don’t own it. There are boat ramps, fishing piers, and cleaning stations.
There is an oak tree on the premises referred to as “The Big Tree.” While the park is full of live oak trees, this tree, in particular, is very massive. It is hundreds of years old and one of the biggest in the United States.
The Big Tree is a live oak with the title of state champion Virginia Live Oak from 1968 to 2003 and has a history from 1971 to 1990.
The history of Goose Island State Park includes being devastated by Hurricane Ike in 2008 but now rebuilt as one of the top 10 beaches in America and worth visiting today!
Oh, and watch out for alligators, not joking.
Enjoying this article? Read our article “Best Texas Beach Towns for the Ultimate Family Vacation.
#3. Fishing at Aransas Bay
If you’re interested in experiencing an unforgettable fishing trip, Rockport is the perfect place to go! Aransas Bay’s waters are frequented by various marine life, from redfish and sea trout to spotted seatrout and flounder.
Visitors can also enjoy fishing charters for a more personalized experience. But if you want to fish on your own, kayak and boat rentals are available too!
If you arent in the mood for a boat ride, some folks fish from the shore and with waders; however, bull sharks and blacktip sharks are in the area.
Fishing is a great way to spend time with friends or family, so there’s something fun here, no matter what kind of vacation you’re looking for.
#4. Fulton Mansion State Historic Site
At the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site, you can explore a historic home with exhibits on President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s visit to Rockport in 1940, as well as his ties to Texas.
The museum also features displays about life in the 1930s and 40s, including how people used electricity before air conditioning was invented! Kids can enjoy interactive educational games, puzzles, and more at this state-of-the-art facility.
Families will also love exploring Camp Wilson Park, next door to the mansion site. Here they’ll find over five miles of hiking trails through green space along coastal marshes perfect for bird watching or wildlife spotting!
One of the most popular spots in Rockport, Camp Wilson, has many amenities such as restrooms and picnic sites that provide visitors with a serene environment to enjoy among the dunes and flora.
#5. Visit the Aransas Wildlife Refuge
The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge park guests can take advantage of all kinds of spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities!
Take a stroll through history and see some of the most majestic creatures on earth at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. This place is home to whooping cranes, American alligators, and more!
Visitors can call the visitor center to check on what you’ll see during your visit. From waterfowl and shorebirds to songbirds and raptors – you’re sure to have a spotting good time!
These vast natural areas reside along Copano Bay near Fulton Mansion, bringing even more activities into this destination! The best thing about this site is that its trails are open year-round.
Visitors can stroll the area’s six observation decks and a boardwalk trail to spot various winged creatures in their natural habitat. There are also hunting and fishing opportunities for licensed hunters during the approved season.
#6. Texas Maritime Museum
Rockport visitors will not want to miss the Texas Maritime Museum. The museum houses one of the largest collections of nautical artifacts worldwide. Visitors can take guided tours that include ship models and oil paintings to model boats and navigation tools!
Kids will love exploring interactive exhibits such as the one about the Titanic or taking part in a scavenger hunt where they look for items related to ships or sailing terms. At the same time, parents enjoy learning more about Rockport’s maritime heritage.
The Texas Maritime Museum also features rotating exhibits, so this is a great destination to explore whether you are looking for history or hands-on fun!
#7. Tule Creek Hike and Bike Trail
Tule Creek Hike and Bike Trail are among the most popular attractions in Rockport. The trail winds through the woods, past lakes, and the occasional creek. It’s also possible to do some biking or horseback riding along this path!
The Tule Creek Hike and Bike Trail are about 5 miles altogether, so it can be done at your own pace. Along the way, there are plenty of places to stop for lunch or just take in all that natural beauty around you!
So if you’re looking for something fun to do in Rockport, Texas, make sure to check out this fantastic hike-and-bike trail!
#8. Rockport Fulton Market Days
Rockport Fulton Market Days is a yearly festival of shopping and food. The festival is held at the Rockport Festival grounds across the beautiful Little Bay” beach.
The market days are filled with vendors from all over the country and some local businesses. Visitors can find anything from handmade jewelry to clothing to home accessories!
The Rockport Fulton Market Days also has plenty of delicious food for those looking for a snack or meal while browsing through the booths. Everything from barbecue to tacos and even ice cream is available at this annual festival in Rockport, Texas!
#9. Rockport Center for the Arts
The Rockport Center for the Arts is a nonprofit organization to promotes and supports visual arts in the community.
The Center is located in the Rockport Cultural Arts District. They provide classes, exhibitions, and workshops for all ages. They also have an “Artist in Residence ” on location every year.
Many annual events like the Film Festival, Art Festival, and Studio Tour. Their beautiful sculpture garden has many outdoor exhibits, is open year-round, and has free admission.
Their art gallery offers studio painting and drawing courses and workshops covering printmaking, photography, mixed media collage, sculpture, and more!
#10. Memorial Park
Memorial Park is one of Rockport’s most loved attractions because it’s full of fun things to do. It has plenty of picnic tables, perfect for family gatherings or friendly gatherings with friends.
There are also two playgrounds, one for children aged 2-5 years old and another for those 5-12 years old. The park features a walking trail that goes around the perimeter and through the Center, making it an excellent choice if you’re looking to get some exercise during your visit.
You can also participate in disc golf at Memorial Park! For this activity, players take turns throwing discs into baskets spread out across the course while following the game’s rules.
#11. Connie Hagar Wildlife Sanctuary
Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary is a retreat center located in Rockport, Texas. The sanctuary provides a place for individuals and groups to experience nature and various birds of the regions.
It has been open since 1990 and offers many facilities, including lodging, dining options, meeting rooms, walking trails, gardens, and more. People come from all over the world to bird-watch in this location.
Connie Haggar was named the official Bird Lady of Texas for her expertise and commitment to the Coastal Wildlife.
#12. Community Aquatic and Skate Park
The Community Aquatic and Skate Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors in Rockport, Texas.
The park has various things to do–it includes an aquatic center, skate park, tennis courts, and basketball courts. It also includes public restrooms and picnic areas for families who want to spend time together. There are even concessions stands with snacks available on-site!
#13. Winery on the Bay
The Winery on the Bay is a quaint little boutique winery with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Their wine is spectacular. They collect the juice for the wine from countries worldwide, and then they mix and blend the varietals to make their own award-winning wines. Their wines are low in sulfites and have no preservatives.
The winery offers wine tastings by the glass and bottles of wine for purchase. They have a variety of wines, both red and white, available for tasting at all times.
What’s really cool is customers can make their own batch of wine. After you make it the age for a couple of months, you can create your own label for your wine and occasion when you return.
You can join their wine club and drink their wine regularly for a 20% discount.
#14. Pathways Center Pavilion
The Pavilion called the “Pathways Center” is an information hub for all Aransas Pathways projects. These include bird watching, kayaking biking trails.
The North Side of this building houses informational kiosks with interpretive signage explaining each project’s story in relation to other sites around town.
There’s also a deck where you can relax while watching nature unfold – like looking at turtles swim alongside their mother or listening out waterfowl calling back-and-forth across it!
#15. Fulton Schoolhouse Museum
The Fulton Schoolhouse Museum is one of the oldest buildings in Rockport. It was built in 1887 and served as the only public school for children until 1928, when it became a museum.
The building now houses artifacts from this period, including photographs, artworks, maps, books, and furniture.
The museum also has an outdoor area where visitors can see what life might have been like for those living along the coast at that time. There are even some old fishing boats to check out!
Conclusion
The Texas Gulf Coast is a great family vacation experience. Whether you’re looking for yummy food or just want some fun, visitng Rockport is the place to be.