• Nature Trail (1 mi from hotel)

    Experience the sights and sounds of nature in a wetland environment in the midst of Fulton. Learn about birds, plants, leaves, wildflowers and historical information on legendary birdwatcher Connie Neblett Hagar. From the Demonstration Garden Rest Area on State Hwy. 35 North follow 19 interpretive stops leading you .8 of a mile (one way) to Fulton Beach Road where the freshwater enters into the saltwater bay.

  • Goose Island State Park (8 mi from hotel)
    202 S Palmetto St.
    Rockport, TX 78382-7965
    Phone: 361-729-2858
    8 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily

    Goose Island State Park covers 314 acres and is located at the conjunction of Aransas, Copano and St. Charles Bays. The park is noted for the "Big Tree", the State Champion Coastal Live Oak and the opportunity to view the endangered whooping cranes. Good fishing opportunities abound for speckled trout, red fish, drum, flounder, and sheepshead, as well as for crabbing and oystering. Goose Island State Park is also an excellent place to observe water birds, water fowl, shore birds, and passerines --- both in migration and in residence. Camping, water and electricity facilities available.

  • Mustang Island State Park (14.1 mi from hotel)
    Highway 361, Mustang Island
    Phone: 361-749-5246

    Hours: Park closes at 10 pm except to overnight guests. Just north of Padre Island, this 3,700-acre state park has 48 campsites with electricity and water and 1 1/2 miles of beach camping. Entrance fee: $3.00 per person daily (over 12 years of age) Sr. Citizens 65+ $2. Additional fee for camping; reservations required for campsites. Call 512-389-8900 for reservations.

  • Cole Park
    Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi

    An innovative recreation area with a special Kid's Place playground. Home to the William W. Anderson Amphitheater which hosts outdoor events and concerts and can be rented for meetings or special occasions. The park includes a fishing pier, beach, and picnic facilities. Total acreage (including Oleander Point) is 43 acres. For more information about renting the amphitheater, contact the Parks & Recreation Department of the City of Corpus Christi at 361-880-3461.

  • Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (25.2 mi from hotel)
    Phone: 361-286-3559

    The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 to protect the vanishing wildlife of coastal Texas. It is an ever-changing land and is still being shaped by the waters and storms of the Gulf of Mexico. This 54,829 acre refuge occupies the Blackjack Peninsula, named for its scattered blackjack oaks. Grasslands, live oaks and red bay thickets cover deep, sandy soils. Ringed by tidal marches and broken by long, narrow ponds, Aransas is home for cranes, alligators, deer and many other species of wildlife.

    From Rockport, take SH 35 North to FM 744, then follow FM 2040 South to the refuge entrance.

  • Padre Island National Seashore (45 mi from hotel)
    At the end of Park Road 22, Padre Island
    Phone: 361-949-8068

    Park is open 24 hrs. Visitor Center open daily 9 am - 6 pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Only 15 minutes from downtown Corpus Christi boasts over 130 miles of top-ranked beaches, while Padre Island features Big Shell and Little Shell Beaches which are famous for great shelling and Seagull Park, a perfect site for picnicking families. At over 80 miles long, Padre Island National Seashore is the largest undeveloped barrier island in the continental United States. The park is open year-round for beachcombing, camping, surfing, swimming, hiking, fishing and other activities. The Visitor Center has restrooms with showers, a convenience store and an exhibit/information center. There's a free boat launch at Bird Island Basin and a dump station near campgrounds. Entrance Fee: $10 per vehicle (good for 1 week). $20 pass good for one year. $5 per hiker, biker or bus rider. $8 per night fee for camping...primitive campsites only. Additional $10 annually or $5 daily fee for Bird Island Basin.

  • Hans A. Suter Wildlife Park (44.8 mi from hotel)
    Ennis Joslin Rd. at Nile Dr., Corpus Christi

    Part of the St. Andrews city park, it is one of the best birdwatching locations in Texas. This 72 acre park is a haven for birds and nature lovers alike. Stroll along the 800 ft. long boardwalk spanning the marshy flats of Oso Bay and watch the birds from the viewing tower. Hiking trails offer glimpses of ducks, geese, and other shore birds. For more information, contact the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Dept. at 361-880-3460.

  • Hazel Bazemore County Park
    Phone: 361-387-4231

    Nueces County Parks & Recreation Dept. Entrance from FM 624. A wooded park on the Nueces River located on 77 acres. A bird watcher's paradise with resident and migrating birds. Nature trails, playground, picnic facilities, fishing, and swimming in the Nueces River.

  • Padre Balli Park (45 mi from hotel)
    Park Road 22, Padre Island
    Phone: 361-949-8122

    This park on the north end of Padre Island is situated on 374.5 acres. On the beach you will find covered picnic tables, and in the summer months lifeguards are on duty in this portion of the park. Across the street from the beach you will find restrooms and rinse-off showers. There are 66 paved camp sites with water and electric hookups. Primitive camping is also permitted on the beach. The campers' bathhouse and washateria is available to campers and the public. The park is open all year, 24 hours a day. The park is patrolled by the ranger staff. Bob Hall Fishing Pier is located in the park, and is one of the most popular fishing spots in the State of Texas. The pier is 1,240 feet long, lighted for night fishing, and open 24 hours. Bait and tackle are available at the concession stand along with tackle rental, food, and drinks.

  • Port Aransas Park (14 mi from hotel)
    Mustang Island
    Phone: 361-749-6117

  • Nueces County Parks & Recreation Dept.

    Located on the northernmost point of Mustang Island on the outskirts of the city of Port Aransas, this park consists of 167 acres. There are 75 campsites with water and electric hookups and a dump station located nearby. During the summer season the bathhouse is open to the general public and to beach campers. Horace Caldwell Fishing Pier is 1,240 feet long and lighted for night fishing. Bait and tackle are available at the concession stand along with tackle rental, food, and drinks.

  • West Guth Park (42.7mi from hotel)
    9700 Up River Rd., at IH-37 and Rand Morgan Road

    This city park features a basketball court, a baseball field, soccer field, flag football field, picnic area, covered shelter, restrooms, jogging/nature trails, a playground area, and a pond for children to gather and feed the ducks. For more information, contact the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Dept. at 361-880-3460.

Birding

Because of its temperate climate, varied habitat and strategic location in the Central Flyway, bird an birders alike have discovered the Rockport-Fulton area's "Charm" and continue to make it their home or stopping off place.

Already known for its wintering Whooping Cranes at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, it is also marked as an international birding hotspot for its migrating passerines, its shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, and others, approaching 500 species on record.

Having discovered the area long after the birds, man today walks and drives its shores, beaches, roads and paths to participate in the legacy of appreciation left by dedicated birders like the late Connie Hagar and the many others who have followed.

  • Spring: Spectacular! 200 species a day. The varied habitats in the area attract many birds, particularly during migration.
  • Summer: 100 nesting species in the Texas Coastal Bend. Nearby coastal barrier islands host colonial nesting birds which may be viewed from birding tour boats in the area.
  • Fall: Spectacular raptor flights -- Merlins Swainson's, Broadwings, and Peregrines to name a few. Shorebirds flood the marshes and estuaries; hummingbirds buzz the feeders during mid-September. Sometimes 200 birds in one backyard.
  • Winter: Over 100 species might be seen on a winter's day. Winter residents, lingering migrants, southern vagrants and permanent residents make exciting birding!

Birding Sites:

  • Aransas National Wildlife Refuge:
    70,000 acre sanctuary on Blackjack Peninsula, winter home of the Whooping Cranes, but also over 374 species during the year. Home to over 1,000 species of plants.
    Phone: 361-286-3559.

  • Goose Island State Park:
    Located just 12 miles north of Rockport on the shores of Aransas and St. Charles Bay, this State Park is great for an outdoor camping and birding adventure. See waterfowl, shorebirds, and passerines.
    Phone: 361-729-2858.

  • Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary:
    As a memorial to Connie Hagar, the Friends of Connie Hagar, Inc., purchased the Hagar property in December of 1994 to establish a bird sanctuary and historical site. Wooded inland birding site. 6.25 acres of trails.

  • Rockport Beach Park:
    Bird Sanctuary on West side of beach area. Islands host Rosette Spoonbills, Blue Herons, Egrets and more.

  • Demo Bird Garden and Wetland's Pond:
    Texas Department of Transportation Rest Area. A garden and pond demonstrating native plants that attract birds, waterfowl, and wildlife.

  • Birding Tours:
    Take a narrated Birding Tour - Boat & Land Tours
    View the Whooping Cranes and Other Shorebirds in Their Natural Habitat

Capt. Eddy Polhemus
Pisces Charters
Phone: 361-729-7525 or 800-245-9324

Narrated tours. Cabin or outside seating. Bring your camera and binoculars. Free bird checklist provided so don’t forget your pencil. Maximum: 49. Ask about our customized cruises.

Capt. Marvin Horner
Ray Little Ornithologist
Phone: 361-729-4855

Narrated tours, enclosed smoke free cabin w/heat & air, restrooms, upper deck, scopes provided and binoculars for rent. Snack bar included. Capacity Min: 10 Max: 93

Aransas Bay Birding Charters
Jack Flash
Phone: 361-727-2689

Remarks: The Jack Flash has the best of both the big & small. Completely dry cabin plus 2 raised observation decks to view and photograph over tall grass. All this in a shallow draft wide beam 28’ long boat A 6 hour adventure with Captain Bill Wilson for 1-6 people. $300 Call Craig Clark at (361) 727-2689 for reservations.

  • Boat Excursions – Fishing, Birding, Dolphin Watch
    Fisherman's Wharf
    900 N. Tarpon
    Port Aransas, TX 78373-5034
    Phone: 361-729-4855
    Fax: 361-749-4705
    Toll Free: 800-782-2473

    From mid-May thru Labor Day ”Fisherman’s Wharf” offers half day and full day drift fishing trips for king mackerel, ling, dolphin, tuna, bonito, shark, etc. Year round they make 12-hour and special extended trips to the far offshore banks (coral and rock-formations) and deepwater platforms for red snapper, grouper, amberjack and other highly prized bottom fish. The Scat Cat is equipped with "electric tackle" to make the deep water fishing easier, faster and more enjoyable.Both the Wharf Cat and Scat Cat are equipped with the latest in electronics and fish finding equipment. Couple that with the comfort of heating/AC, complete galleys serving hot and cold food, snacks and a variety of beverages; friendly and helpful crews - and you just can't have a better partyboat experience.

  • Jetty Boat Service
    1246 Kiowa Drive West
    Lake Kiowa, TX 76240-0000
    Phone: 361-749-6388
    Fax: 940-612-0520

  • Mustang Nature Tours
    1103 Whispering Sands
    Port Aransas, TX 78373-1566
    Phone: 361-749-4795
    Fax: 361-749-6988
    Toll Free: 800-211-9227

    GROUP DISCOUNTS ~ PRIVATE CHARTERS SEE OUR WHOOPING CRANES BY BOAT!
    Dolphin Watch Nature Tours aboard the Mustang, a 65', 100 passenger, USCG certified vessel.
    Shady lower deck ~ sunny upper deck ~ clean restrooms
    Come see Bottlenose Dolphin play in their natural habitat. Explore the fish, shrimp, crabs, and other sea life caught in our trawl net. View tiny plankton with a microscope. Tour the historic St. Jo Island and the Port Aransas Jetties from the water. Watch the romantic sunset over the Lydia Ann Lighthouse.

  • Pisces Charters
    312 Navigation Circle
    Rockport, TX 78382-2777
    Phone: 361-729-7525
    Fax: 361-729-7956
    Toll Free: 800-644-5528
    Come see the Dolphins at play!
    Departing Rockport Harbor

    All aboard the beautifully refurbished Molly Anna - a large passenger touring boat! Capt. Eddy Polhemus will be your escort to great birding, fishing, sunset cruises and popular dolphin wathes. Bring the kids and experience the adventure as you embark on a journey to find the endangered whooping cranes (who winter at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge) or get your fishing arm ready to catch one of many bays prize redfish or trout. Bring your camera to capture the moment when the two dolphins jump out of the water in friendly summer play. Educational and Entertaining!
    Sunset cruises also available upon request and regularly offered in the summer months. Welcome seniors and winter rexans.

  • Rockport Birding & Kayak Adventures
    216 N Fulton Beach Road
    Fulton, TX 78358-0000
    Phone: 713-417-3762
    Fax: 361-729-7151
    Toll Free: 877-892-4737
    Captain Tommy Moore

    BIRDING TOURS ~ DOLPHIN WATCHING ~ SUNSET CRUISES ~ KAYAK TRANSPORT ~ CUSTOM GROUP CHARTERS

    See the endangered Whooping Cranes November through March. Visit Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, South Matagorda Island, St. Joseph Island to see over 350 species including rookeries.

    Even the most casual sea kayakers now have the opportunity to tour and fish the remote lakes, back bays,and barrier islands that have been previously inaccessible.Aboard the Motor Vessel Skimmer birding enthusiasts, sea kayakers, and nature lovers have the opportunity to access the remote coastal marshes, estuaries and bays that are accessible only by boat. The Skimmer was designed and built for birders, navigating the shallowest bays with ease and cruising open waters comfortably.

Kayak excursions:

  • Capt. Sally's Rockport Kayak Outfitters
    106 S Austin Street
    Rockport, TX 78382-2604
    Phone: 361-729-1505
    Fax: 361-729-1575

    Rockport Kayak Outfitters is a kayak and fly fishing haven on Austin St. in Downtown Rockport. Located in the Harbor Shoppes at 105 North Austin St., this is one-stop shopping for the latest information on kayaks, new kayak trails, kayak fishing and a complete line of kayaks and accessories. Not only will you find new and used Ocean, Old Town and Wilderness Systems kayaks for sale or rent, you'll also discover a saltwater flyfishing pro shop with gear, lessons and related gifts for all the anglers in your family. Rockport Kayak Outfitters is owned and operated by Captain Sally Moffett, local fishing guide and the authority on kayak fly fishing on the Texas coast.
    Other services offered at Captain Sally's Rockport Kayak Outfitters include guided and unguided kayak trips for small and large groups, kayak storage, drop-off and pick-up kayak trips, fly casting lessons, kayak birding trips and kayak fly fishing trips.

  • Rockport Birding & Kayak Adventures
    216 N Fulton Beach Road
    Fulton, TX 78358-0000
    Phone: 713-417-3762
    Fax: 361-729-7151
    Toll Free: 877-892-4737
    Captain Tommy Moore

    BIRDING TOURS ~ DOLPHIN WATCHING ~ SUNSET CRUISES ~ KAYAK TRANSPORT ~ CUSTOM GROUP CHARTERS

    See the endangered Whooping Cranes November through March. Visit Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, South Matagorda Island, St. Joseph Island to see over 350 species including rookeries.

    Even the most casual sea kayakers now have the opportunity to tour and fish the remote lakes, back bays,and barrier islands that have been previously inaccessible.Aboard the Motor Vessel Skimmer birding enthusiasts, sea kayakers, and nature lovers have the opportunity to access the remote coastal marshes, estuaries and bays that are accessible only by boat. The Skimmer was designed and built for birders, navigating the shallowest bays with ease and cruising open waters comfortably.