When you stay at The Lighthouse Inn at Aransas Bay, you are surrounded by the beauty and charm that make Rockport a favorite destination for nature lovers and are as close as you can get to the waterfront. One of the most relaxing and memorable ways to explore is by setting out on the many coastal walking trails that wind through this picturesque region.
As one of the most inviting places to stay in Rockport, Texas, our upscale hotel lodging makes it easy to enjoy these natural treasures during your visit. If you are looking for hotels in Rockport, TX, that offer luxurious Victorian-era design with unparalleled access to the Texas Coast, The Lighthouse Inn at Aransas Bay is your perfect home base for exploring the trails that make Rockport truly unforgettable.
Top 5 Coastal Walking Trails Near Rockport, Texas
- Big Tree Loop: The paved loop around the Big Tree in Goose Island State Park is one of the area’s best walking trails for a peaceful coastal escape. The magnificent live oak, estimated to be 1,000 to 2,000 years old, has withstood centuries of storms, making it a memorable sight. Spanning over 320 acres of live oak woodlands and marshes, Goose Island State Park is a fantastic spot for birdwatching and fishing.
- Rockport Beach Bayview Walkway: Enjoy a peaceful 0.7-mile out-and-back path along Aransas Bay that is ideal for birding, fishing, jogging, or soaking in a leisurely moment by the water. Rockport Beach, Texas’s first Blue Wave Beach, beckons with sugar white sands, calm shallow waters, and a family-friendly atmosphere, making it one of the top coastal walking trails in Texas.
- Shell Crete Loop: Historic Shellcrete Square Park offers a delightful glimpse into Rockport’s history with its shell crete brickwork, wooded birding areas, and a charming footbridge over Tule Creek. This peaceful 0.6-mile loop at Shell Crete Park is one of the easiest walking trails to enjoy quiet coastal green space.
- Jones Lake Trail: This 0.1-mile out-and-back trail in Aransas National Wildlife Refuge offers a wonderfully short and tranquil stroll. Your stroll will end at a boardwalk with a viewing platform and bench overlooking a quiet wetland, perfect for peaceful birding or wildlife watching. Beyond this charming trail, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge spans more than 115,000 acres of diverse coastal Texas habitat and serves as the winter home to the last flock of endangered whooping cranes.
- Henderson Nature Preserve Trail: Visit a delightful 0.7-mile out-and-back path that welcomes you year-round. With its flat terrain, lovely wildflowers, and serene surroundings, this is one of the best coastal walking trails for birding, easy walking, and quiet exploration in the Henderson Habitat Preserve.
Don’t Miss the Annual Rockport-Fulton HummerBird Celebration
Each fall, the skies over Rockport come alive as thousands of Ruby‑throated hummingbirds pause in their journey south. At The Lighthouse Inn at Aransas Bay, you’re perfectly positioned not only to stroll the serene coastal trails but also to experience this vibrant natural phenomenon up close.
The Annual Rockport‑Fulton HummerBird Celebration is a dynamic and educational event featuring expert talks, birding tours, Hummer Home bus excursions, a Hummer Mall, and more. Wander the local trails or pick up an Aransas Pathways map to enjoy self‑guided birding at charming spots like the Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary or Goose Island State Park.