Please Visit Our 
Photo Gallery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Activities:

ENTERTAINMENT

  • BINGO - During the winter months, the game of Bingo can be played at different places almost every night of the week and some year-round!
  • PAINT-A-LONGS - Visit some of the art galleries in the downtown area and witness "Paint-A-longs" as artists get together and paint.
  • GO SQUARE DANCING - at Paws N Taws or at our many RV parks.
  • TEXAS MARITIME MUSEUM - Experience the rich maritime heritage of Texas from Spanish exploration to the search for offshore oil and gas. You can experience how Texas has relied on the sea to become the great state that it is today. Fee. Located across from Rockport Harbor. Call 729-6644.
  • ROCKPORT CENTER FOR THE ARTS - Rooms filled with monthly changing exhibits. Members gallery room displaying the many talents of local artists. No admission. Call 729-5519 for hours.
  • TOUR THE MANY ART GALLERIES - Take a gallery walk. Call or stop by the Chamber Visitor Center for brochure listing locations and hours.

NATURE

  • ROCKPORT OR FULTON HARBOR - Walk along the harbors and maybe get a glimpse of shrimp boats arriving and unloading.
  • WATCH THE SUNRISE - The sun rising over the bay is truly remarkable to see and photograph. (Oh, the sunset is great, too!) Take your pick...
  • GOOSE ISLAND STATE PARK - Great for fishing, touring, camping and sightseeing. Huge lighted fishing pier. Seasonal Birding Tours.
  • FAMILY PICNIC ON THE BEACH - Newly built cabanas are available for picnics. Don't forget to take food for the seagulls!
  • INTERPRETIVE NATURE TRAIL - DEMONSTRATION GARDEN & WETLANDS POND - Experience the sights and sounds of nature in a wetland environment in the midst of our town. 19 interpretive stops lead .8 of a mile (one way).
  • ZACHARY TAYLOR TREE - This historic landmark is the site of where Gen. Zachary Taylor and his troops camped during 1845. Ask the Chamber office for more details. Zachary Taylor Days Festival celebrated in November.
  • ARANSAS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE - Take Hwy. 35 North to FM 774 turn right and follow signs. (35-40 miles) Interpretive Center. Admission.
  • WINDSWEPT OAK TREES - See these live oak trees that are permanently leaning due to the prevailing winds of the southeast.
  • BIG TREE - Visit a 2,000-year old tree measuring over 38 feet in circumference. Take Park Rd. 13 in Lamar and follow the signs.
  • BIRDER'S GUIDE TO THE ROCKPORT-FULTON AREA - A $2 16-page color checklist and driving guide is available at the Chamber office.
  • CONNIE HAGAR WILDLIFE REFUGE - Step on the platform at the Rockport Beach Park or across from McDonalds and look across at the tremendous number of bird species living on the small islands in the bay.

RESTAURANTS

  • CANCUN CAFE & CANTINA - 4061 Hwy 35 North, Fulton TX, 361-729-3478 - Hunt's Castle guests get 10% off
  • QUIZNOS - 2307 Hwy 35 North, Rockport TX, 361-729-9077 - Hunt's Castle guests get 10% off
  • SEAFOOD - Have you treated yourself to a delicious seafood dish at one of over 30 restaurants? Try the stuffed shrimp ... Yum!
  • FRESH SEAFOOD - Have you purchased seafood right off the boats at the Harbors, or cruised through the specialty seafood shops?

RELAXING

  • BRING YOUR FAVORITE VCR TAPES - to watch, because most Hunt’s Castle TV’s have VCR’s.
  • BARBECUE - on one of our portable grills.
  • CATCH SOME SUN - at the beautiful Rockport Beach Park, let the kids play on the playground equipment, have a picnic.
  • PICNIC - on our beachfront.
  • RELAX AND DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING - Enjoy the sea breeze, sit by the pool.
  • BEACHCOMBING - Walk along the beach and find sea shells.
  • EXERCISE, WALK, OR RUN - on our waterfront overlooking the bay.
  • PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT ON BEACH - Kids have a blast on the beach. The safe and shallow water is a step away! Try the new "ships Ahoy" play set.
  • WALK THE WALKING TRAIL - The fitness walking area at the Rockport Beach Park awaits you! Go through the gate and it is to your left.

SPORTS

  • FISHING - the oldest and most famous hotel pier - the Hunt’s Castle Hotel Pier.
  • LOUNGE - in the Hunt’s Castle Pool.
  • FROLIC - in the waterfront Heated 12 person Heated Jacuzzi
  • GO SHELLING - on Pelican Island, just offshore.
  • GO CRABBING  - right in front of Hunt’s Castle Hotel and cook them up.
  • BRING YOUR OWN BOATS - and Kayaks and fish or cruise our huge Aransas Bay.
  • RENT A BOAT - from several area rental agencies.
  • FISH - the famous Copano Bay Causeway Pier.
  • FLOATING TRICYCLE / BICYCLING - In the summer months, rent a floating tricycle at the Rockport Beach park and paddle to your heart's content!
  • KITE FLYING - Winds over Aransas Bay are great not only good for windsurfing and sailing but kite flying, too!
  • JET SKI RENTALS - Ride a wave runner at Rockport Beach.
  • BOAT RENTALS - From small to large, barge style to flat fishing, there is a rental for you. Contact the Chamber Visitor Lobby for details.
  • DEEP SEA FISHING TRIP - Contact the Chamber office for professional fishing guides who take charters to fish in the Gulf of Mexico.
  • SALTWATER POOL - At the North end of Rockport Beach Park take a dive in a natural Saltwater Pool! Cabanas located nearby.
  • WORK OUT AT A FITNESS FACILITY - Keep fit while on vacation by working out. Aerobic classes. Weight Training. Call the Chamber office for locations.
  • WINDSURFING/SAILING IN ARANSAS BAY - Rental equipment is available. Call the Chamber office at 729-6445 for details.
  • BAY FISHING TRIP - Charter a fishing trip in the bay on a party boat. Call 729-6445 for hours and locations.

SHOPPING

  • SHOP - all of the beautiful shops in Downtown Rockport.
  • SHOP TIL YOU DROP - Visit over 60 stores in the Austin Street downtown Rockport area, Harbor Oaks Shopping Village, Live Oak Plaza, SeaAire Shopping Center, Rockport Plaza, Market Street Center, Fulton Beach Road, downtown Fulton area and many others throughout the community.
  • LOOK FOR A "SECOND HOME" - here in the Rockport/Fulton area. Visit more than 100 local realtors.
  • HAVE YOUR PHOTO TAKEN - in the King’s Chair in our Hunt’s Castle office. It is an authentic reproduction.

 

SITE SEEING

  • ARANSAS COUNTY - is the Birding Hotspot of the nation.
  • ARANSAS COUNTY - is the saltwater bayfishing hotspot of the nation.
  • CRUISE - the canals of our many Canal Home Communities.
  • TAKE A DEEP SEA FISHING TRIP - See office for guides.
  • TAKE AN INEXPENSIVE PARTY BOAT FISHING TRIP - out of the Rockport Harbor.
  • VISIT - the Downtown Art Galleries and Antique Shops.
  • VISIT - more than 20 local restaurants.
  • VISIT - more than 28 local R.V. Parks.
  • TAKE A FABULOUS CASINO CRUISE - with a buffet dinner in nearby Aransas Pass on the cruise ship The Texas Treasure.
  • VISIT NEARBY FULTON HARBOR - to see a huge working fleet of shrimp boats.
  • DRIVE - Water St. and Fulton Beach Rd. to see the many bayfront homes.
  • DRIVE - through over 10 Canal Home Communities to look at the fabulous homes.
  • VISIT - all 32 Historical Markers in Aransas County.
  • LIGHTED JETTY PIER - Travel to the end of Rockport Harbor and walk or fish along the jetties late in the evening or early in the morning!
  • PAWS AND TAWS - On Fulton Harbor. See where square dancing began in Aransas County. Find out about many Winter Texan events held here in December through March. Ask about guided bus trips offered throughout the community.
  • CANAL SUBDIVISIONS - Drive to see areas such as Key Allegro, Harbor Oaks, City By The Sea, Palm Harbor, Holiday Beach, Bahia Bay, Copano Ridge and others.
  • FISHING GUIDE TO ROCKPORT-FULTON - Stop by the Chamber Visitor Lobby for a 20-page booklet on fishing. The booklet includes profiles and pictures of professional fishing guides in the area.  
  • HUNT'S CASTLE HORSESHOES - see office.
  • SCHOENSTATT SHRINE - In Lamar off Park Rd. 13 lies a beautiful, authentic shrine of sisters of the Schoenstatt. Sunday service in facility area. Chapel open for daily prayer.
  • STELLA MARIS CHAPEL - (Lamar) The first church built in Aransas County still stands. Over 100 years old. Original altar in place.
  • LAMAR CEMETERY - (Lamar) For history lovers, see burials from Confederate Army and some from 1700's.
  • ROCKPORT CEMETERY - Visit the graves of most of the family of George Ware Fulton. Also, self-taught ornithologist Connie Hagar. In the spring, the wildflowers are beautiful.
  • COPANO CAUSEWAY - Have you driven by or fished on what is believed to be the longest pier in the world? Take SH 35 north and travel approximately 8 miles.
  • DUCK CROSSING - Traveling down Fulton Beach Road, just before you get to the Harbor Bridge you'll see a duck crossing. See the many other species of birds on all the piers along the way.
  • WHOOPING CRANE BOAT CRUISE - From November to March take a sightseeing boat to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and see the Whooping Crane and other species of bird and wildlife.
  • MEMORIAL PARK - Located on FM 2165 near the Post Office, the Memorial Park has a fitness trail, playground equipment, tennis courts and picnic areas for a great day at the park.
  • SPIRIT COLUMNS - Located on Laurel Drive between the Festival Grounds and the Ski Basin, Rockport's first Public Art was created by world-class sculptor Jesus Bautista Moroles in honor of the volunteers of Aransas County.
  • CRABBING - Have you gone crabbing off the many piers in the area? Stop by the Chamber office for locations.
  • VISIT LADY LEXINGTON - the longest serving aircraft carrier in history, in service from WWII , through the Korean and the Vietnam War. Only 28 miles away. Visit the Texas State Aquarium, next to the Lady Lex.
  • FULTON MANSION - The 1870's French Second Empire structure is the former home of cattleman George W. Fulton. Innovative for its time, the house features several modern conveniences such as indoor plumbing, central lighting and heating. Call 729-0386 for hours and fee.
  • SEE REAL DOLPHINS - on the Port Aransas ferry.
  • FULTON PIER - The fish are waiting for you at the Fulton pier located at Fulton Navigation Park.
  • WINDMILL IN THE TREE - During the Hurricane of 1919 what is believed to be the blade of the Fulton's windmill is lodged in the tree behind the Fulton Mansion. Call the Chamber office for details.
  • HISTORICAL DRIVING TOUR - Stop by the Chamber Visitor Center and pick up an audio cassette tape (Leave small deposit).

Photo by Irv Strom. Courtesy of The Wild "I"