Find Yourself in Rockport-Fulton…often! Visit during one of our major celebrations, or anytime of the year… you’ll find many, many things to do! At least 100...
ATTRACTIONS
ROCKPORT BEACH - Visit Texas’ first one-mile-long Blue Wave Beach with picnic cabanas, beach palapas, restroom facilities, wildlife sanctuary, boat ramps, fitness trail, Saltwater and Beachfront Pavilions, volleyball, fishing piers and playgrounds for the children. Voted Texas' #1 Beach by USA Today readers. Call (361) 729-6661.
FULTON MANSION & EDUCATION HISTORY CENTER - This 1870's French Second Empire is the former home of cattleman George W. Fulton. Innovative for its time, the house features modern conveniences such as indoor plumbing, central lighting, and heating. Call (361) 729-0386 for hours and fee.
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 it is today. Call (361) 729-6644 for hours and fee.
ROCKPORT CENTER FOR THE ARTS - Rooms filled with monthly changing exhibits. Members gallery room displaying the many talents of local artists. Classes. No admission fee. Call (361) 729-5519 for hours.
BAY EDUCATION CENTER – Intriguing Science on the Sphere presentations. Come and see it for yourself! Call (361) 749-3161 for hours.
BIG TREE - Visit a 1,000+-year old tree measuring over 35 feet in circumference. Take Park Road 13 in Lamar and follow the signs.
GOOSE ISLAND STATE PARK - Great for fishing, touring, camping and sightseeing. Huge lighted fishing pier. Interpretive talks. Seasonal birding Tours. Call (361) 729-2858.
ADVENTURES
ARANSAS PATHWAYS - Are you looking for adventure…birding, history, trails and kayaking! Visit the Pathways Center and Bridge. Interpretive signage. Located north of the Walmart on the west side of Hwy 35.
FULTON HARBOR - Offers some of the finest restaurants and accommodations in the Coastal Bend all within walking distance. There is a covered pavilion, children’s playground and four covered picnic tables with barbeque pits… and fantastic fishing at the Fulton Fishing Pier!
WINDMILL IN THE TREE - During the Hurricane of 1919 what is believed to be the blade of the Fulton's windmill. View it lodged in a tree behind the Fulton Mansion.
MEMORIAL PARK - Visit Rockport’s premier city park consisting of more than 100 acres. The Park includes 1.65 miles of Hike and Bike trails, a ¾ mile Nature trail with interpretive signs, pond and rest benches. Check out the outdoor workout equipment, soccer and baseball fields, playground and picnic area, skate park and feed the turtles in the back pond! Visit www.cityofrockport.com
DOG PARK – Located in the back area of Memorial Park is a small and large animal dog park equipped with resting benches and playful adventures for your dog.
RENT A GOLF CART - See the sights while enjoying our coastal breeze. Stop by or call the Visitor Center for tours and information. Call (361) 729-6445
MEMORIAL PARK DISC GOLF COURSE – Enjoy a challenging game of Disc Golf with fairways and approaches surely to enhance upper body conditioning and not to mention fun in the outdoors!
GEOCACHING - An enjoyable activity for the whole family. Geocache your way through Aransas County. Learn more about Geocaching at www.geocaching.com
STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING - Little Bay offers the perfect venue for your SUP experience. Bring your own board or rent from a local business. Great exercise and fun on the water!
ARANSAS PASS AQUATIC CENTER – May to September - Seasonal Fun for the whole family! The water park has 3 pools, 3 slides, high & low dives, rope net, water features for the kids and 4 pavilions. They offer many swim programs and water safety training. Pool rental, pavilion rental and party packages are also available. Call (361) 758-7770 or online www.aransaspasstx.gov
FITNESS FOUND ALL AROUND TOWN – want to work out, we have many gyms. Visit rockport-fulton.org for a list.
BEACH COOKOUT – The beach has BBQ Pits. Try your hand at cooking your catch of the day or stop by one of our fresh seafood markets and pick up what you need to make dinner on the grill.
SWIM IN A SALTWATER POOL - Located at the end of Rockport Beach. Stop by the Visitor Center and pick up a detailed brochure.
SWIM WITH YOUR FOUR-LEGGED BEST FRIEND – Take your dog along with you for a swim in the designated area before entering Rockport Beach.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT – Grab your boots, high heels, or flip-flops… and dance the night away at some of our music venues throughout Rockport and Fulton.
SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP – Unique shops in the Downtown Rockport area, Harbor Oaks Shopping Village, Live Oak Plaza, SeaAire Shopping Center, Fulton Beach Road, Downtown Fulton area, Market Street and many others throughout the community.
ROCKPORT AQUATIC CENTER - The park houses an 8 lane, 25-yard pool and diving area, a whale-shaped zero-depth entry children's pool with slides and sprays, and a bathhouse. It also has a playground, picnic area and a 1/4 mile nature trail. 361-727-9989. FMI www.cityofrockport.com
GO CANALING - Drive to see areas such as Key Allegro, Harbor Oaks, City by the Sea, Palm Harbor, Holiday Beach, Bahia Bay, Copano Ridge, and others and enjoy viewing the homes on canals.
GO GOLFING - Pick up a listing of area golf courses at the Visitor Center.
BAR HOP – Coffee bars that is! We have coffee shops spread out over town. Grab a cup of hot java to start your day with good taste!
KITE FLYING - Winds over Aransas Bay are great, not only good for windsurfing and sailing but kite flying, too! Great kite flying area at Rockport Beach Park.
ROCKS OF ROCKPORT - Find a rock and post it! If you keep it, replace it with your own creation and hide it around town.
ROPES COURSE – Ever wanted to do a company teamwork exercise? Call Camp Aranzazu. Call (361) 727-0804 or www.camparanzazu.org for usage fees.
CHILD’S PLAY- Kids love the new playground where Kaboom provided the product and volunteers built the playground after Hurricane Harvey at the Fulton Harbor.
CULTURE
DISCOVER OUR CULTURE – Rockport-Fulton has a very diverse culture. It is a melting pot of people of different ethnicities. See how many different cultural influences you can find here.
SPIRIT COLUMNS - Located on Laurel Drive between the Festival Grounds and the Ski Basin, Rockport's first public art was contributed by world-class sculptor Jesus Bautista Moroles in honor of our volunteer spirit.
SCHOENSTATT SHRINE - (Lamar) off Park Road 13 is a beautiful, authentic shrine of Sisters of the Schoenstatt. Sunday service. Chapel open for daily prayer.
STELLA MARIS CHAPEL - (Lamar) The first church built in Aransas County still stands. Over 150 years old. Original altar in place. Located off Park Road 13.
SEAFOOD – Spice up your Instagram “feed” with yummy food at one of over 30 locally owned and operated restaurants.
SUNDAY CHURCH SERVICE – If you would like to attend church while visiting Rockport, there are many active churches and excellent Pastors in the area.
VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK – Many organizations are located in the area to help our Veterans, Active Military, First Responders and their families. View memorials at this park located at Rockport Harbor.
BIRDING AND NATURE
ARANSAS PATHWAYS BIRDING - Linda S. Castro Nature Sanctuary, Pathways Center/Bridge Tule East-West, Ivy Lane, Little Bay South, Little Bay North, and many more. Pick up your Aransas Pathways map at the Visitor Center or visit www.aransaspathways.com
CONNIE HAGAR COTTAGE SANCTUARY - This 6.26 acre home site of the legendary birdwatcher Connie Hagar is an excellent representation of oak motte and coastal prairie habitats. Almost 200 species have been observed here. Located at the corner of Church Street and East First Street in Rockport.
WHOOPING CRANE BOAT CRUISE - From November to March, take a sightseeing cruise to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. See the Whooping Cranes and other species of birds and wildlife.
BENT OAKS ROOKERY PARK - located across from Little Bay, the nearly nine-acre piece of property includes large windswept oaks and an active, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, and Black-crowned Night-heron rookery. Birds nest from late Jan- Aug. Parking space for viewing and photography is available on the Southside of the property.
CONNIE HAGAR WILDLIFE REFUGE - Step on the platform at Rockport Beach or look across Little Bay and view the tremendous number of bird species living on the small islands.
ENJOY THE WILDLIFE – Feed the squirrels! You’ll fall in love with our furry friends located throughout our parks and trails. They love unshelled peanuts. We also have a large Deer population, take a slow drive through the Country Club and see how many you can count, but please don’t feed the deer!
AGRI-LIFE EXTENSION CENTER – Stop by this jewel nurtured by the local Master Gardeners. Take pictures in their cut-out boards and see their wonderful gardens. Located mid-way down Airport Road.
WINDSWEPT OAK TREES - See these live oak trees permanently leaning due to the prevailing winds of the southeast at the Bent Oak Sanctuary located at Broadway and Maple streets. At nesting season, notice the many Herons roosting in the top of the trees.
INTERPRETIVE NATURE TRAIL - Demonstration Garden & Wetlands Pond. (Tule Marsh East) 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). Located across from Walmart.
FISHING, BOATING, KAYAKING AND FUN IN THE WATER
ROCKPORT BEACH PIERS & SOUTH BREAKWATER PIER & FULTON FISHING PIER - Walk or fish along the two piers around Rockport Beach waterfront. The Rockport Beach Piers are located on its North and South ends; the South Breakwater Pier is at the end of Market St.
SHRIMP/OYSTER HARVEST AT FULTON HARBOR - Walk along the harbor and maybe get a glimpse of shrimp or oyster boats arriving and unloading during their harvest season.
LITTLE BAY – This active little bay is live with water skiers, jet skiers, kayakers, water floats, fish, birds and you might even spot a dolphin or two
KAYAK LAUNCH SITES – Fishing, birding and sightseeing are all spectacular from a kayak! There are more than 15 launch sites so bring your kayak or rent one from a local business. For a list of launch sites, visit www.aransaspathways.com
Take the kids to a PLAYGROUND at Fulton Harbor, Rockport Beach, Memorial Park, or Spencer Park.
SHRIMP/OYSTER HARVEST AT FULTON HARBOR - Walk along the harbor and maybe get a glimpse of shrimp or oyster boats arriving and unloading during their harvest season.
BOAT RENTALS - From small to large, barge style to flat fishing, there is a rental for you. Contact the Visitor Center for details.
BOOK A PROFESSIONAL FISHING GUIDE - Stop by the Visitor Center for a list of local professional fishing guides
CATCH FISH – off Fulton Beach Road or Lamar Beach Road …. it’s been done!
CATCH of the DAY – Many locally owned and operated restaurants will cook your fresh caught fish.
ZACHARY TAYLOR TREE - This historic landmark is the site where Gen. Zachary Taylor and his troops camped in 1845. Located near the corner of Pearl and Bay Streets.
ROCKPORT, FULTON & LAMAR CEMETERY – At Rockport, visit the graves of the family of George Ware Fulton, as well as self-taught ornithologist Connie Hagar. In Fulton, the wildflowers are beautiful in the spring. Lamar is for history lovers; see burials from the Confederate Army and some from the 1700s.
HISTORICAL SITES, TOURS AND MARKERS - Do a self-guided tour, or history tour by golf cart. We guarantee you will enjoy this! Stop by the Visitor Center and pick up detailed information.
FULTON SCHOOLHOUSE MUSEUM - Free tours. Open Saturday and Sunday 1:00 - 4:00p, (or by appointment). Original one-room schoolhouse set up with original artifacts. Located at 205 N. 7th Street in Fulton. For group tours call (361)729-5533. FMI www.fultontexas.org.
HURRICANE HARVEY REMNANTS
HARVEY WOOD – Repurposed wood used as interior décor on walls, benches and front desk area at the Inn at Fulton Harbor on Fulton Beach Road.
ROCKPORT STRONG WALL – Go inside Rock Bottom Park and Pub in Downtown Rockport to view the Rockport Strong Wall.
ROCKPORT STRONG SIGN – Sign from a piece of wood that was from a destroyed building. It was actually stolen from Rowdy Maui downtown and then returned.
BICYCLE IN A TREE – The aftermath of Harvey left a child’s bike in the tip top of a tree off of FM 1781 in Copano Heights. During the Hurricane of 1919 what is believed to be the blade of the Fulton’s windmill is lodged in a tree behind Fulton Mansion. The remnants of devastation left to show just what the wind is capable of.
IT’S COOL – NO IT’S COPPER! – The Rockport Country Club repurposed the old, copper roof after Hurricane Harvey. It adorns the hallway in the dining room
ELEPHANT TUSK ART – Stop in front of Rockport Daily Grind and find an elephant with tusks made from the remnants of a palm tree lost due to Hurricane Harvey.
CROSS CARVINGS – Coastal Oaks Church carved a cross out of a tree that was damaged in the storm. It is sentiment of their strength and determination as they were a major factor in the donations coming into town from all over the US. – Peace Lutheran Church on 1302 W. Market Street has a base of a tree trunk carved into a cross
STUMP IT! – In the center median on Griffith Drive in Peninsula Oaks, there is a very large tree stump that someone painted Hurricane Harvey and the date.
WOOD CARVING – Visit Mac’s Barbecue located at 815 E Market in Rockport to view a wall hanging masterfully carved by Master Carver Thomas Fry. The owner made a remark to a Mennonite volunteer how he loved his work and later that year he was given this hanging by surprise
VOLUNTOURISM AND ECOTOURISM – As a town rising up from a major disaster, there is still work to be done. Volunteerism helps people while ecotourism helps the environment. Your choice! Either helps the community bounce back.
RELAXATION
WATCH THE SUNRISE - The sun rising over the bay is truly remarkable to see and photograph.
WATCH THE SUNSET - Setting over Copano Bay, simply a spectacular view
PAMPER YOURSELF - A day at the Spa beauty or nail is a must on any vacation. There are many across the Rockport /Fulton area and they are fantastic. Remember pedicures aren’t just for women anymore so make it a family affair!
IT’S 5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE – Visit the local restaurants, bars and grills, brewery or winery and try out their happy hour menu item. Cheers!
GRAB YOUR CAMERA - Colorful photo opportunities avail from walls, murals to scenic backdrops. Take your Facebook Page to another level.
PAINT-ALONGS – Watch a professional paint or be your own artist for the day. Grab your canvas, pick your favorite spot and let your inner Picasso release!
COMPASS ROSE LABYRINTH - Visit this Triangle Park. Spring brings wildflowers. Holiday lights make this park a must to see. Located on Hwy 35 across from Little Bay.
BREATHTAKING DRIVES – Let the wind flow through your hair and drive along Fulton Beach Road, Copano Bridge or scenic routes for a breathtaking view.
COOL DOWN – Hot enough for ya? Enjoy a treat at one of our local ice cream shops to cool off, even a lot of the local stores have the cooling treats for sale.
SEASHELL SEARCH – on our beaches and shorelines, find unique seashells
PEACE POLE – Visit our peace pole between Rockport Rotary & Russia Rotary.
READ IN ROCKPORT – Visit our local Aransas County Public Library. Check out your favorite read! Located at 701 E. Mimosa in Rockport.
PACK A PIC-A-NIC BASKET or GRAB A TO-GO LUNCH – Be smarter than the average bear and enjoy a day out at one of our parks, marinas, or take a boat ride, cruise the beautiful canals, munch on lunch and sight see.
TOUR AN OPEN HOUSE – Check out one of the many homes located in Aransas County. Because we know once you visit, you don’t want to leave.
BINGO - During the winter months, the game of Bingo can be played at different places often! Call the Visitor Center for locations.
ROCKPORT LITTLE THEATRE AND RIALTO THEATER – Big city entertainment with a small town vibe. Concert plays and more with no bad seats.
PORTRAITS ON THE BEACH - With some of the best photographers in Texas right here in Aransas County, why not book a photo session? Check out Rockport-Fulton.org for area photographers.
MAP IT OUT – Stroll through Downtown Rockport and Fulton. Pick up your maps at the Rockport-Fulton Visitor Center.
CATCH THE LATEST MOVIE - Independent theater with first-run Hollywood movies. Go to www.movies-inc.com and buy your tickets online! Call 361-226-1962 for show-times anytime!
CHILL OUT - Just Kick back and do absolutely nothing!
MEETING AND GREETING
MEETING FACILITIES - Bring your business meetings, seminars or family outings and celebrations. FULTON CONVENTION CENTER Find out about the many Winter Texan events held here December through March. Call the Visitors Center (361)729-6445 for more details.
GET EDU-TAINED – Learn something new with our brown bags and lunch and learn events. Check out our local programs from businesses and attractions. It’s education that is entertaining!
NETWORKING WEDNESDAY/ CHAT AND CHEERS – Visiting on a Wednesday? Stop by the Chamber of Commerce at 9 AM and check out. It’s both fun and professional and a great way to witness how our community networks. The last Thursday of the month is a Community Chat and Cheers. Everyone is welcome. Find out details at the Rockport-Fulton Chamber
FACEBOOK US - Share your fun times in Rockport-Fulton. Just # us at #visitrockportfulton on social media.
ROCKPORT-FULTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND VISITORS CENTER Stop by our Visitors Center and view the Aransas County Timeline, shop in our gift shop, pick up brochures about our area and talk with our "Charming" volunteers that will be here to help you!
*To find locations of the above, simply do a Google search.
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