Mustang Island State Park is one of the best places to experience the natural side of the Texas Coast. Located just six miles south of Port Aransas, this beautiful stretch of protected shoreline offers five miles of Gulf beach, calm bay waters, and wide open space to relax and explore. It is an easy and rewarding day trip from your home away from home in Port Aransas, booked with Life In Paradise Vacation Rentals!
Explore the Best Attractions on Mustang Island State Park
Park Overview and Location
Mustang Island State Park spans nearly 4,000 acres between the Texas Gulf Coast and Corpus Christi Bay. This unique location gives visitors the chance to enjoy both beach and bay activities in one place. The park offers restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables, shaded pavilions, ranger programs, a park store, and free beach wheelchair rentals, ensuring comfort for a full day of outdoor activities.
Texas Coast Beach Days at Mustang Island State Park
With more than five miles of uncrowded coastline, the park is perfect for laid-back beach days. Visitors with a valid beach parking permit can drive directly onto the sand, which makes bringing chairs, umbrellas, and coolers simple. Popular activities include swimming, surfing, building sandcastles, shell hunting, and long shoreline walks. Early mornings are often calm and are a great time to spot shells along the waterline.
Paddling, Fishing, and Outdoor Fun
One of the highlights of Mustang Island State Park is the Mustang Island Paddling Trail. This trail includes three connected segments that total more than 20 miles along Corpus Christi Bay. Kayakers and paddleboarders glide through shallow flats that are known for scenic views, wildlife sightings, and excellent fishing.
Fishing is popular on both the Gulf and bay sides of the park. Anglers often catch redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum. Beyond the water, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, geocaching, birdwatching, and sunset photography.
Wildlife and Coastal Beauty
Mustang Island State Park protects a fragile barrier-island ecosystem teeming with life. Dolphins are frequently spotted offshore, and sea turtles visit during warmer months. This park is an ideal destination for birdwatchers, featuring over 400 recorded species, and visitors might even spot the rare aplomado falcon. The prime times for birdwatching are during spring and fall migrations.
Stay Near Mustang Island With Life in Paradise Vacation Rentals
After a day of coastal adventure in Port Aransas, come home to comfort and relaxation with Life In Paradise Vacation Rentals. Our Port Aransas vacation rentals put you close to the beach, the bay, and unforgettable places like Mustang Island State Park!