Today we are kicking off a series celebrating our beloved Coastal Bend! We might be under a stay-at-home order right now, but we are all dreaming and planning of the days that we can get back out and explore! Be sure to follow along this week (and next!) as the CCMB team shares some of our favorite spots – will your fave make the list?

Dolphin Watching in Port Aransas

Our Favorite Coastal Bend Outing

Our family is from Idaho. So I am sure you can understand that moving to South Texas was quite the culture shock for us. However, as much as we miss the mountains and cool summer nights of the West we have fallen in love with all the Coastal Bend has to offer.

Our family loves adventures. But we especially love adventures that may seem overlooked. So I am going to share one of our favorite things to do that isn’t highly advertised or touristy in our very own Port Aransas.

Robert’s Point Park, Port Aransas Texas

If you go to Robert’s Point Park in Port Aransas you will find one of the best playgrounds in the Coastal Bend. There are large grassy areas to play, and run and fly kites. You can pack a picnic and enjoy the sea breeze. You can also walk around and look at all the boats docked in the Marina.

You have to see the Dolphins!

But perhaps the best, and most magical part of being in Port Aransas is going to see the dolphins. Yes, there are several kinds of dolphin tours. Which I am sure are wonderful. But our family loves sitting on the big rocks, watching the large cargo ships go by and the dolphins play in their wake. And as you sit there and soak in the magic of the moment you will start to see the dolphins surface, and play, and jump.

We’ve been countless times and have never NOT seen dolphins. They are always there and they are always beautiful. It’s always spectacular when you see animals in the wild, doing their thing. They seem even more majestic and wondrous. My kids always squeal in delight when they see the first one! And we like to count and see if we can beat the number from our last visit.

Winton’s Island Candy, a Port Aransas Tradition

When we finish at the Dolphins we love to stop off at Winton’s Island Candy Shop before we head home. This is a CASH ONLY business but oh so fun! Serving Port Aransas since 1995 this little business is an iconic part of visiting.  We love looking at all the beautiful colors, and I prefer a bag full of saltwater taffy! 

The Coastal Bend has so much to offer. We enjoy finding these hidden gems. For more Coastal Bend inspiration click here.