For travelers comparing the best places to go for Fourth of July getaways, The Lighthouse Inn at Aransas Bay offers a setting that feels connected to the coast from morning to night, as close to the water as you can get. Our Rockport, TX, hotel features upscale lodging, a 60-foot outdoor pool, a hot tub, a private fishing pier, and on-site dining at The Palm Room Bar & Grill.
Along Aransas Bay, the holiday unfolds with beach days, local art, boats on the water, and fireworks reflected across Little Bay. Book your stay today so you don’t miss out on the fun!
3 Places To Go for Fourth of July Celebrations in Rockport
1. Watch Fireworks Light Up Little Bay
The Wendell Family Fireworks is a beloved community tradition that has lit up the sky since 1965. What began as a family gathering hosted by Jerry and Jan Wendell has grown into one of the most popular places to go for Fourth of July fireworks in Aransas County.
Some of the favorite viewing areas include:
- Rockport Beach Park
- Rockport Marina and the seawall
- Broadway and Fulton Beach Road
- Areas along Highway 35 near Little Bay
The show begins after dark, when fireworks rise over Little Bay. Arrive early with lawn chairs, give yourself extra time for parking and traffic, and settle in before the first burst of color appears overhead!
2. Spend the Day at Rockport Beach
Before the evening Fourth of July fireworks, Rockport Beach is one of the best places to go for beach fun. As Texas’s first Blue Wave Beach, it is known for clean, swimmable water, public restrooms, accessibility, and a shoreline managed with both visitors and the environment in mind.
Families appreciate the shallow water, which is comfortable for swimmers of all ages. The beach also includes shaded picnic areas with covered tables and barbecue grills, playgrounds, a bayside walking path along Little Bay, and an 800-foot fishing pier at the north end of the beach.
A protected bird sanctuary on the west side adds another layer of coastal beauty, with egrets, herons, roseate spoonbills, and other shorebirds often seen nearby.
3. Browse the Rockport Art Festival
The Rockport Art Festival is one of the best places to go for a Fourth of July weekend celebration on the Texas Coast. Founded in 1969, the festival began as a celebration of creativity in Rockport, then an emerging coastal art colony. Today, it continues that legacy at the Rockport Festival Grounds, bringing together more than 120 artists along with thousands of collectors, visitors, and art lovers each year.
Spend the day browsing coastal-inspired works and enjoying a tasty array of food vendors. Beyond the art itself, the event supports the Rockport Center for the Arts, helping fund free youth art education programs, exhibitions, outreach, and community events throughout the year.