Rockport Beach- Rockport, TX

There is nothing quite like a day at the beach. The surf, the sand…the birds! While there are countless options along the Gulf of Mexico, the sheltered shores along Aransas Bay are some of the best beaches around for bird watching. If you are lucky enough to be there in the winter you might even spot a Whooping Crane; the ridiculously rare birds spend the summer in the far reaches of Northwest Canada, then migrate 2500 miles to the Aransas Wildlife refuge for the winter. Even if you don’t see a Whooper, there are a wide variety of other birds that make this area home.

With a wide sandy beach, palapas, and a pier, Rockport can be a peaceful paradise. Early spring, despite summer temperatures, found the place deserted. Well, nearly deserted. Several Great Egrets lounged on the dock, while Pelicans and Roseate Spoonbills circled overhead. Sandpipers, Curlews and Laughing Gulls patrolled the sandy shores.

The town itself is a cute collection of art galleries, studios, and historic sites, including the beautiful second empire Fulton Mansion. There is a Bay Education Center that can help with wildlife identification, as well as Art Center that showcases local art. There is even a winery, which until recently was located in a wonderfully retro art deco building. Low key and relaxed, it definitely has a different vibe than other Texas beach towns.

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