9+ Things to do in Rockport, Texas
It had been a year since I had visited Rockport, Texas; right after Hurricane Harvey to be exact. If you have never been to a town that had been struck by a hurricane, believe me when I tell you, it is life changing seeing and talking to people after they have lost just about everything they owned. I was invited by Rockport’s Visitor’s Bureau to tour the “Charm of the Texas Coast” for a combination of R & R and seeing all the progress the town had made since Harvey hit. Our road trip from San Antonio to Rockport took about 2 ½ hours and luckily for us, leaving mid-morning kept us from dealing with weekend traffic.
Our home away from home for the few days we were in Rockport was at The Inn at Fulton Harbor. The location was convenient and close to quite a few things to do in Rockport. We did stick around the inn a bit but, also did ventured out to the other parts of the town. I must say, the town is looking amazing after all its been through since Hurricane Harvey. Here are 9+ things you need to do in Rockport, Texas:
- What’s a trip to the Texas coast without visiting the beach! Rockport Beach is Texas’ first Blue Wave Beach and one of only four on the Texas Gulf Coast. (A Blue Wave Beach is clean, managed responsibly and has a focus on the protection of human health and the environment. Blue Wave Beaches are litter free, have handicap accessibility, public restroom facilities and swimmable waters.)
- Nothing like taking a boat out to the bay to be up close and personal with wildlife. If you are an animal lover, be sure to take the dolphin cruise on the Skimmer Boat Tours. We saw dolphins, various birds species, & other wildlife. The captain educated us on the different types of birds that migrate to the area when the seasons change. Later that evening we took a sunset cruise. It was relaxing, serene, and the perfect way to end our day.
- When you are done with your boat cruise and want to continue the fun, stop by Harbor Carts (walking distance and across the boat dock.) to rent a golf cart to cruise around town or a kayak to tour the bay yourself.
- I am all for finding hidden gems wherever I visit; especially when it involves nature and wildlife. Be sure to have your camera ready when visiting Rockport’s wetlands, Demo Bird Garden (Tule Marsh) and Aransas Pathways. The wetlands are beautiful and has some great trails to hike and bike.
- Another thing I love doing is visiting art galleries and boutiques. We visited the Rockport Heritage and Arts District for some souvenir shopping and the Rockport Center for the Arts to check out the art of local talent. I loved all the coastal pieces and how informative everyone we met at the galleries were. My favorite pieces were by Cypress, Texas artist Debbie Stevens.
- We brushed up on our history as we visited the Fulton Mansion Historic Site. The mansion is one of the earliest second Empire style buildings constructed in Texas and is one of the most important of the style in the Southwest United States still in existence. It did need a few renovations after Hurricane Harvey but, still beautiful as it overlooks the Aransas Bay.
- Our history lesson didn’t stop there. We visited the Texas Maritime Museum where we were able to learn about Rockport annual Seafair Festival and see the personal collections of Maritime enthusiasts. After that, we made our way to The History Center for Aransas County where we were able to hear real life stories about the people of Aransas County.
- What’s traveling without trying out good local food spots!? The foodie in me is always in search of great seafood and that’s exactly what I found at the 2 local restaurants I visited. Our first night we had dinner at Charlotte Plummers – Seafare Restaurant. The casual elegance of this waterfront restaurant sets the mood for a perfect evening of wine and dine. I ordered the Shrimp Scholten which was broiled spiced shrimp, stuffed with crabmeat dressing, and topped with cream cheese. It was one of the best shrimp dishes I have ever had. On our second night we went to Moondog Eatery. This place was laid back, fun, and festive. Everything we ate was delicious; from our crawfish queso to our shrimp tacos and salmon plate.
I wasn’t ready for our time in Rockport to be over but, I know I will be back with the rest of the family. Everyone we met was so sweet and shared all their personal stories about how they have managed to get back on track after Harvey. The town is looking great and I think with all the warm energy, love, and support of their locals is why.