Are you looking for amazing things to do in Rockport? If yes, then look no more! In this article, we bring to you a few of the most fun things to do in Rockport TX.
This coastal city in Texas has a rich history and features a lot of fun outdoor attractions and exciting activities to indulge in. From exploring the interesting museums to spotting birds in the nearby sanctuaries, there is a lot of stuff to do in Rockport.
This is also one of the best beach towns that offer lots of spots to watch a gorgeous sunset while relaxing on the beach. So, whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventurous one, this beach town in Texas has it all.
So, if you also wish to make the most of your vacation here, then check out this list of 15 best things to do in Rockport TX that you simply cannot miss!
15 Best Things To Do in Rockport Texas You Shouldn’t Miss
Texas Maritime Museum
When you are planning a trip with family, visiting Texas Maritime Museum is one of the top fun things to do in Rockport with kids.
This museum in Texas is a great way to educate people about the maritime history of Texas. There are many interactive experiences for the whole family to enjoy such as collecting, interpreting, and preserving historical items.
Here, you will find all kinds of documents, artifacts, etc. to take you through Texas’ maritime history. You will cover areas like the Texas Navy, the Maritime Commerce, Offshore Oil & Gas, and much more.
If you are a history or maritime enthusiast, then Texas Maritime Museum is one of the top Rockport attractions to visit.
The Big Tree
The Big Tree is one of the most-visited Rockport tourist attractions that you must see in the city.
Located in Goose Island State Park, this giant oak tree is one of the most famous oak trees in the world. It has even won the State Champion Coastal Live Oak award in 1969, making it a top landmark for tourists.
The tree is centuries old, although no one knows its exact age, and is a great place to enjoy some peace and solitude in the city. There is a fence around the Big Tree with many of its branches being supported by ropes or tensions.
If you wish to avoid the crowds here, then plan a visit early in the morning. Look out for the lovely whooping cranes and roseate spoonbills here.
Fulton Mansion State Historic Site
One of the top historical sites to visit in Texas, Fulton Mansion State Historic Site is a must-see place in Rockport.
This gorgeous mansion was opened in the 1800s and a tour of this place is one of the best things to do in Rockport for adults. Built in the Second Empire architectural style, the mansion has stunning architecture in this area.
It was owned by George Fulton and Harriet Smith, one of the wealthy families of the United States at that time.
Today, visitors can tour around this mansion to learn its history and experience a step back in time. Don’t forget to explore the beautiful garden outside the mansion, it is truly a sight to behold.
Tule Creek Hike and Bike Trail
Are you looking for adventurous stuff to do in Rockport? If yes, then one of the best things to do in Rockport Texas is explore the Tule Creek Hike and Bike Trail.
This 1.08-mile trail runs through the Live Oak Forest and is parallel to the Tule Creek. It ends at Enterprise Boulevard which is close to Memorial Park.
There are a lot of fun things to do here such as hiking, biking, wildlife sighting, and more. Make sure to pay attention to the signs and boards placed throughout the trail to learn about the history of the place and how it was built.
From Blue Herons to deers, you can witness all kinds of amazing animals on the trails here. This is also the best place to enjoy a leisurely stroll and spend time with your loved ones.
Visit Goose Island State Park
Out of the top fun things to do in Rockport with kids, Goose Island State Park is definitely a good choice.
The park is divided into two areas, i.e., live oak and redwoods area and wildlife-centric area. It is one of the top Rockport attractions for enjoying activities such as fishing, hiking, bird watching, and so on.
This state park in Texas features an oyster shell island with marshland and a shell ridge. The marshland is home to a wide range of native plants such as wolfberry, Baccharis, sea purslane, and so on.
Apart from that, this is a good place for camping as well and offers both wooded areas and bayside campsites. Visitors can go kayaking, boating, etc. with their family in this park too.
Explore Historic Downtown
One of the top places to go in Rockport is the historic downtown where you can take a break from all the sightseeing.
This part of the city will give you a small-town vibe and features multiple small shops, local eateries, seafood restaurants, and more.
Stroll through the streets and explore the shops that interest you. Many of these shops are owned by locals so buying from them is a great way to support the local businesses in Rockport too.
A few great shops that you must check out here are Goin’ Coastal Outfitters, Sassy Chic, Rowdy Maui, and more.
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
An absolutely must-visit place on the list of best things to do in Rockport Texas is the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.
Located in Austwell, this wildlife refuge is a 1-hour drive from Rockport and is home to animals of all shapes and sizes. This 100,000 acres refuge along San Antonio Bay is a great place for fishing, bird watching, hiking, and so on.
Visitors can join birding tours here or explore the trails on their own. Plus, every February to December, it is one of the best places to go in Rockport to see the migrating Whooping Cranes.
For bird-watching enthusiasts, this is certainly the perfect place to visit. There are over 400 birds found here including the famous Herons, Roseate Spoonbills, and so on.
Rockport Center for the Arts
If you are looking for things to do in Rockport for adults, then you should visit the Rockport Center for the Arts.
This non-profit arts center hosts several exhibits, workshops, theatrical performances, classes, etc. for the art lovers in the city. This place helps local artists to gain recognition by displaying their works in the exhibits.
There is also a unique sculpture garden here filled with gorgeous statues made by local artists. If you love what you see, then you can also make art pieces by participating in the workshops and classes hosted here.
This indoor arts center is a great place to visit in the city, especially when the weather is cold or wet.
Chill at the Rockport Beach Park
Are you still confused about what to do in Rockport? Well, no trip is complete without a trip to the famous Rockport beach.
One of the best free things to do in Rockport is visiting this first Blue Wave Beach in Texas. The beach was termed so because it meets National Clean Beaches Coalition’s environmental standards.
This beach is one of the top places to visit in Rockport with your kids as there are a lot of activities to enjoy here. You can go swimming, enjoy water sports, sunbathe, or plan a beachside picnic.
There are many facilities available at this beach including picnic sites, pavilions, restrooms, etc., making it the perfect place to hang out with your family or friends.
Go Fishing in Rockport TX
If you are looking for fun stuff to do in Rockport, then you should try fishing in the city. There are several fishing piers located throughout the city where you can spend a couple of hours fishing.
You will also find bait stores near the shore where you can buy both live and artificial bait. Apart from spending hours fishing on these piers, you can even catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset from here if you plan your visit at the right time.
Honestly, there is nothing more soothing than whiling away your time while fishing on the pier and listening to ocean waves crashing against the shore.
Enjoy a View of Aransas Bay
Wondering what to do in Rockport? Well, what could be better than sitting beside Aransas Bay and enjoying the peace and serendipity that the place offers?
Yes, that’s right. While there are a lot of fun activities in Rockport, we also recommend you to take out an evening to do nothing in the city. Just sit at a pier, park, or restaurant to enjoy the views of Aransas Bay.
Plan this during sunset or sunrise time to witness the orange colors in the sky turn the entire bay magical.
If you are planning a date, then there could be nothing more romantic than catching a sunset at Aransas Bay from Rockport.
Wine Tasting at Winery on the Bay
Are you looking for unique places to visit in Rockport with your date or friends? If yes, the Winery on the Bay is a perfect choice.
This is one of the top places in the city for wine tasting as they offer sweet varieties of wines that will leave you craving for more. Sample over 30 varieties of wines here including red, white, fruit, and so on.
There is a wine tasting room where you can sample these wines at an affordable price. Moreover, they also allow visitors to join the wine-making process for a fun evening with friends and family.
If you love drinking wine, then one of the best things to do in Rockport Texas is wine tasting at Winery on the Bay.
Howard Murph Memorial Park
Among the top free things to do in Rockport TX, visiting the Howard Murph Memorial Park is a must.
This park is located right behind the Aransas County Airport and is one of the best places to visit in Rockport for birdwatchers. Since it is a waterfront park, it offers beautiful views of Copano Bay to visitors, especially during sunrise and sunset.
At this park, people can enjoy a nice picnic with their loved ones or can even enjoy kayaking in the water. Here, you will find several bird species such as Green Heron, Osprey, Reddish Egret, and more.
So, if you are looking to spend some time kayaking or bird watching in Rockport, then this is one of the best places to visit.
Community Aquatic and Skate Park
Located within a 12-acre live oak forest, Community Aquatic and Skate Park is one of the top Rockport tourist attractions to visit with kids.
This park is open year-round and is clean and well-maintained. The main highlight of this park is the 8-lane, 25-yard pool which features a diving area, a bathhouse, and a kid’s pool with sprays and slides.
There are lifeguards available in the park to make sure that no one gets hurt while using this humongous pool. Once you are done with the pool, you can head to the nearby picnic area to eat and relax.
A children’s playground will keep your kids occupied or you can also try the ¼ mile nature trail here. Trust me, exploring this community park is one of the most unique things to do in Rockport Texas.
Enjoy Water Activities at Little Bay
For enjoying fun activities in Rockport, there is no better place to visit than Little Bay. This is one of the top places to see for nature lovers and offers a ton of water activities to adventure lovers.
From kayaking to paddling, to boating, you can enjoy all kinds of water activities here. There are many jet skiers and water skiers available in this area too that visitors can try.
That’s not all, this area also has a diverse variety of fishes, making it one of the top spots for fishing in Rockport too. So, if any of these activities sound fun to you, then visiting Little Bay is one of the top things to do in Rockport Texas.
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