Port Aransas has a rich history. A favorite stop for pirates during the 19th century, it eventually became an European settlement in 1853 with the foundation of a large cattle ranch by an English sea captain. Home to the Eighth District United States Life Saving Station and Lydia Ann Channel Lighthouse operated on the Island until 1952 and are now open as a museum. During the Civil War, troops were stationed on the island, in large barracks that were later converted into the historical Tarpon Inn, which still stands.
According to the 2007 Census, Port Aransas has a population of 3,775, of which 3,350 are registered voters. One of the reasons for this high number is that the town is mostly home to young couples or seniors, with few families with children residing in the area. Port Aransas has an annual average temperature of 71.5° F, making it an ideal destination for Spring Break vacation and summer holidays. There are 23 hotels and motels in the area, an incredibly high number considering the size of the town, as well as three areas where camping is permitted: IB Magee Beach Park, the Port Aransas Beach and the Mustang Island State Park.
There are no hospitals on the island, but the town does have an emergency medical service consisting of three technicians and three paramedics (patients are taken to the hospital in Aransas Pass if necessary), a fire department with seven trucks and a police department with 23 employees on staff. There is also a library, a computer club (offering free Internet) and a school. The University of Texas Marine Science Institute Department of Marine Science also has a campus on the island. The small Mustang Beach Airport allows private planes to land on the island, and there's also a free ferry connecting the island with the city of Aransas Pass. The Port Aransas shuttle is the only type of public transportation on the island.
Water and beach are the two main attractions in Port Aransas. Visitors come around to play on the 18 miles of pristine beaches, as well as to windsurf, parasail and surf. Electric carts are allowed on the beach and can be rented locally without the need for a permit or a license. Both sailing and fishing boats depart daily from the coast and cruises are popular especially in the evenings. There are also numerous bird-watching sites on the island, including the Great Texas Birding Trail and the Leona Belle Turnbull Birding Center, where guided walks are available. For those who want to spend some time indoors, Port Aransas is well known for its art galleries and its specialty shopping, especially its fashion and home décor boutiques.
The economy of Port Aransas has always been tied to the sea. Turtles and fishing were historically a great source of revenue. Although the former are currently protected and cannot longer be legally caught, recreational fishing still attracts thousands of tourists every year. A high-end resort community, Port Aransas also offers eco-tourism activities, including backpacking, camping and hiking opportunities, especially at the Mustang Island State Park, where kayaking and birding are extremely popular.
