Nature-Friendly Communities

Kingsville
Texas is cattle country, and no city captures the spirit of the old west like Kingsville. Just due south of Corpus Christi, Kingsville is the city that grew up around a ranch…the famous King Ranch. Bigger than the state of Rhode Island, the King Ranch is one of the largest (825,000 acres) and oldest working cattle ranches in the world. Mosey along a guided tour and learn about early ranching days at the King Ranch Museum and the Conner Museum (Texas A&M University-Kingsville). While you’re out and about, browse through quaint shops downtown and be sure to take time for a big Texas beef steak or spicy Mexican food.

Padre Island
Padre Island is truly a natural wonder. One hundred and thirteen miles of rolling waves, powdery dunes, breezy sea oats and fascinating birding. Golfers can birdie and bogey on Padre Island at the spectacular 18-hole golf course. Rent a wave runner, hang out, hang ten or just kick back and cast a line from Bob Hall Pier.
Down the road is Malaquite Beach, part of the Padre Island National Seashore. At over 80 miles, it’s the largest undeveloped barrier island in the continental United States. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the park each year to play in the sand or chase the surf.

Padre Island is one of only a handful of places in the world where the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles nest. In 2000, more than 1,000 of the endangered turtle’s eggs were found on North and South Padre Island.

Rockport/Fulton
“The Charm of the Texas Coast,” Rockport-Fulton is located on the edge of beautiful Aransas Bay just a short 40 minute drive from downtown Corpus Christi.

There is a myriad of one of a kind experiences that offer visitors great memories year round. Rockport-Fulton is home to countless artists who get their inspiration from this tranquil environment. Explore the endless number of art galleries and shops, and take home a memory that will fit any budget.

The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is nearby and winter home to the mighty Whooping Crane and 374 other species during the year, making it a birder's paradise. The waters that surround the Rockport area are famous throughout Texas for record sport fish catches. Wet a line and come home with a trophy.

Tour the historic Fulton Mansion that dates back to the 1870s. Dine on delectable seafood, see a record size 1000-year-old oak tree, and play inspired golf on one of the coast’s best courses. Rockport-Fulton is a state of mind as much as a place where you can let your cares vanish over the horizon.

Port Aransas
Beautiful beaches, vibrant views, and relaxing retreats make Port Aransas the perfect place to spend a weekend, week or all winter. Soak in the sun, fish, shop coastal stores, birdwatch, charter a boat, and dine out.

Port Aransas is the deep sea fishing capital of Texas. Gulf waters are full of red snapper, king, mackerel and pompano. Tournaments are held throughout the summer. You can fish the jetties, the bays or the surf.

Pack your binoculars! Port Aransas is home to hundreds of permanent and visiting species of birds. The annual “A Celebration of the Whooping Crane and Other Birds” is in February.

Unusual shops abound for anything from surfing and fishing gear to jewelry and art. Visit a seafood shop and load up on fresh shrimp, or dine on unique cuisine in our restaurants.

A variety of accommodations are available – from ocean view condos to cottages, scenic RV parks to beach front camping.
Whether for a day trip or to stay a while, take the ferry over and watch dolphins frolic in the ship channel.