What amenities are available at Executive Keys?
Executive Keys has a large pool, fish house, volleyball net, ping pong table, and recreation room. There is plenty of lawn for playing catch or to let the kiddos run around. We also have picnic areas with charcoal barbecue pits and picnic tables. Coin operated washers and dryers are available in the clubhouse. (Okay, that last one isn’t all that fun but sometimes it is a necessity.)
Are stores and restaurants nearby?
A convenience store and souvenir shop are within walking distance, just a couple of blocks away. Shopping in downtown Port Aransas is a short, less than 4 mile drive. There are a wide variety of stores including a grocery store as well as souvenir, tackle, kites, clothing, jewelry, home decor, art, candy, liquor, and more. From casual to fine dining, Port Aransas has food to suit your mood: seafood, steaks, Italian, Mexican, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, donuts, ice cream, and more.
What else can we do in Port Aransas?
Several local businesses offer deep sea fishing excursions. Dolphin-watching cruises are also available. Port Aransas is a well-known destination for birding and wildlife photography. Surfboards, kayaks, stand up paddleboards (SUP), jet skis, and bicycles are available for rent around town. Or, check out some live music.
How do I get around Port Aransas?
There are several options for getting around Port Aransas. It takes minutes to get around town via car although it can take longer during peak times such as Spring Break and during the summer. Golf cart rentals are very popular. A number of businesses rent golf carts by the day or week. Golf carts can be driven on streets within the city and on the beach road. A Trolley bus stop is located across the street from Executive Keys. This #94 Port Aransas shuttle bus operates during the day and stops at points of interest. Single trip fares (exact fare required) and daily, weekly and monthly passes are available. In addition, taxi services are available for a very reasonable rate. Please do not drink and drive.
Does Port Aransas host any festivals?
Port Aransas is home to several festivals throughout the year including the Whooping Crane Festival and Texas SandFest. Be sure to book early because condos and hotels throughout Port Aransas fill early.
What attractions are nearby?
If you need a break from the beach, there is plenty to do nearby. Here is a sample. Be sure to check in advance for hours of operation and occupancy restrictions due to COVID-19.
- Palmilla Beach Golf Club [1 mile] – An Arnold Palmer Signature, par 71 golf course.
- Port Aransas Community Theatre [1 mile] – PACT hosts live performances by local and guest theater groups, movies, public interest presentations and more.
- Horace Caldwell Pier [3 miles] – Located in I.B. Magee Park, the 1,240 foot elevated pier is great for fishing, watching surfers and getting an up-close view of a pelican. Fishing equipment can be rented on the pier.
- Ferry [3 miles] – Take a short ferry ride to Aransas Pass. Waits can be long during peak season.
- Joan and Scott Holt Paradise Pond [3 miles] – Two acres of natural habitat that include a wheelchair accessible boardwalk as well as 3 observation decks.
- Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center [3 miles] – Includes a 700 foot boardwalk over freshwater wetlands and a native pollinator garden.
- Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture [3 miles] – The 1,217 acre preserve is a great spot for birding and fishing.
- Port Aransas Skate Park [3 miles] – 10,000 square feet of concrete bowls, hubbas, banks, stairs, a skate rink, and more. The skate rink is available for pickleball.
- Roberts Point Park [3 miles] – The 50 acre park is on a peninsula in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel next to the ferry landing. The park includes a playscape, fishing pier, observation tower, large pavilion, and amphitheater as well as picnic areas.
- Port Aransas Museum [3 miles] – Historical museum which preserves and showcases the history of Port Aransas.
- University of Texas Marine Science Institute [4 miles] – Currently closed for hurricane repairs. UTMSI is a research and education facility with the goal of improving understanding of the marine environment through rigorous scientific investigations. Public outreach programs include tours, lectures, classes and more.
- Mustang Island State Park [10 miles] – More than five miles of coastline with swimming, camping, picnicking, birding, fishing, mountain biking, paddling and geocaching.
- Texas Maritime Museum [21 miles] – The museum’s mission is to excite and educate the public about Texas maritime history and artifacts.
- South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center [32 miles] – 182 acres of themed-gardens – tropical, rose, hummingbird, arid, plumeria, and sensory – as well as bromeliad and orchid conservatories, a butterfly house, a lake, nature trails, and a birding tower. Be sure to check out the parrots!
- Corpus Christi Hooks [37 miles] – Double A affiliate for professional baseballs’ Houston Astros.
- Texas State Aquarium [39 miles] – Fish, sharks, otters, stingrays, fish, alligators, sea turtles, fish, flamingos, eagles and more fish.
- USS Lexington [39 miles] – Explore the World War II Essex Class aircraft carrier.
- Aransas National Wildlife Refuge [60 miles] – Established in 1937, the refuge known for its superb bird watching had a key role in the recovery of the whooping crane population which was nearly extinct by 1941. Popular activities include hiking, bicycling, fishing, and driving the auto tour loop.
