Visit beautiful Mustang Island! Mustang Island is an 18-mile long barrier island on the beautiful Texas coast. You’ll find miles of wide-open, sandy fun awaiting for you here. It’s easy to fill hours splashing, birding, shelling or sunbathing. There’s plenty of opportunity for surfing when the waves are high and warm water for kayaking or paddle-boarding. Of course the waters are full with sea life like sea urchins, crabs, and barnacles. Catch a variety of fish from the jetties, the surf or wading the shallows. Birders will enjoy spectacular vantage points to view the hundreds of permanent and visiting species.
Visit our great Texas beaches here. With more than five miles of coastline, they have plenty of room for fun in the sun. Hang out on the beach, fish in the bay, add birds to your life list, and explore this unspoiled barrier island park. It’s time to head to the coast! You can also visit us on Pinterest.
Mustang Island Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit Mustang Island is from September to February. Unless you are planning to join in on the spring break fun – rowdy partying at all hours of the day – you’ll find this tiny town rather unbearable in March. However, during the other 11 months out of the year, you’ll find a relaxed aura perfect for sun-seekers and families. Plus hotel rates are reasonably low compared to other beach destinations. Just be advised that if you’re planning a summer trip, there’s a slight chance you’ll encounter some unfriendly hurricane weather.
Best Mustang Island Area Beaches
Port Aransas Beach
Port Aransas Beach is located right in front of the area resorts. Warm clear water, open sand, and fresh air are right out your front door. There is some free parking between pier 52 and 58. Otherwise you will need to purchase a $12 yearly permit.
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IB Macgee Beach Park
IB Macgee Beach ParkIB Magee Beach is easy to access and has many amenities. With 75 campsites, primitive camping allowed on the beach, and freshwater showers, IB Magee Beach Park is a great place to stay for a while. A great beach for families.
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Horace Caldwell Pier
Horace Caldwell PierKnown for fun surfing and fishing, Horace Caldwell Pier stretches 1,200 feet into the Gulf. On sunny days, the Horace Caldwell Pier is full of energy. Located close to the Port Aransas town center, this is one of the most popular places to fish and enjoy the sunset.
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Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island State ParkJust south of Port Aransas, lies Mustang Island State Park a five miles preserved shoreline. The pristine sandy beaches of Mustang Island State Park make you feel as though you’ve traveled far away. Easily accessed from Port Aransas, this is a popular destination for Birding, Surfing, and Fishing.
Padre Balli Park
Padre Balli ParkLocated on Padre Island, Padre Balli Park is a great beach for camping, swimming, and fishing. Get away from town and relax in the sun at the Padre Balli Park. This spot provides the right mix of nature and amenities.
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Best Restaurants Near Mustang Island (Port Aransas)
Irie’s Island Food Under $10
Irie’s Island Food is a new twist on local fare. Enjoy fast, friendly service of diverse island dishes from around the world. Irie’s island food is a new concept in beautiful Port Aransas, Texas. They sell everything from tropical inspired, late morning, breakfast to creative tacos, coastal fare, delectable street foods, and more. All of their menu items are hand made with quality ingredients and love. Telephone: 361-749-2310 Web: Irie’s Island Bar.
Redfish Willie’s Waterfront Grill $11 – 30
Welcome to Award Winning Redfish Willie’s Waterfront Grill. Whether you enjoy the casual laid back lifestyle or an evening of fine dining, Redfish Willie’s is definitely your place to be. Chef Jeremy Lee has created an array of seafood, pastas, sandwiches, chicken and some downright great Cajun dishes that are enjoyed every day in the casual Redfish Willie’s setting. On that special occasion they encourage you to make reservations in their Harbor Room where Chef Jeremy serves up specialty items such as rack of lamb, osso bucco, specialty seafoods & steaks every Friday and Saturday evenings. Telephone: 361-758-9991 Web: Redfish Willie’s Waterfront Grill.
Beach & Station Street Grill $11 – 30
Beach and Station Street Grill specializes in serving the highest quality steaks and seafood. They offer live music, beer and wine. Try the seafood platter and blackened shrimp plate, you an’t go wrong. Staff is friendly and welcoming, locals are great. Must go when on the island! Telephone: 361-749-2303 Web: Beach & Station Street Grill
Roosevelt’s $31 – 60
It takes more than exquisite cooking to make a memorable meal. At Roosevelt’s they believe an intimate atmosphere in the right location, personal and attentive service and great company are what separates a delicious dinner from an unforgettable experience. Telephone: 361-749-1540 Web: Roosevelt’s.
Black Marlin Bar & Grill $11 – 30
The Black Marlin features coastal cuisine, live music and the best views of the Gulf in Texas. Whether you’re relaxing indoors at the clubhouse, dining alfresco on the patio overlooking the grand lawn or enjoying a cocktail on the third story elevated bar, the Black Marlin is in a class all its own. House favorites include mahi-mahi grilled tacos, pan seared gulf snapper & shrimp as well as the beef tenderloin sliders. Telephone: 361-749-4653 Web: Black Marlin Bar& Grill.
Best Mustang Island Bars (Port Aransas)
The Sand Bar
Such a fun spot and the bartender is the best. Great drinks and great service. Beautiful view of beach, always has entertainment, live music, pool and hot tub too. Telephone: 361-949-8041 Web: The Sand Bar
The Back Porch
A wonderful waterside watering hole. Friendly bartenders and patrons. The location can’t be beat. It’s outdoors, so the heat is a factor, but there’s lots of big fans and decent breeze, so it’s bearable. The drinks are cheap (and strong). The atmosphere is perfect. Telephone: 361-749-2800 Web: The Back Porch.
Treasure Island Bar
The glow of the lights, the dark colored furniture, comfortable chairs, and the cool breeze that flows through makes this venue the perfect place to be on a late Friday or Saturday night. They always have phenomenal musicians that come through like Taylor Tumlinson who is actually on her way to Nashville! The bartenders and musicians and interactive, fun, and easy going and everyone loves the bartender. Telephone: 361-416-1020 Web: Treasure Island Bar
Shorty’s Place
Best of both worlds: touristy with a local vibe. Really unique decor inside. Friendly staff and patrons, plus cheap drinks (bottled beers only, no draft). They frequently have live music out on the patio. A really cool, casual spot to unwind. Telephone: 361-749-8077 Web: Shorty’s Place
Wild Horse Saloon & Grill
They offer the Sunday NFL Ticket, College Gameday, baseball and basketball packages. They have live music on Friday nights and offer the best burgers and wings in town. They are the only bar on restaurant row and offer free peanuts to their patrons. Telephone: 361-749-0105 Web: Wild Horse Saloon & Grill.
Best Mustang Island Area (Port Aransas) Hotels
Never heard of Mustang Island. But I guess that’s why we have you. There seems to be a lot to do there. I’m actually in Oklahoma so it isn’t that far for me. You do a very good job as well as giving me a way to plan out a trip and what I’m going to do when I get there. I’m sure that others would agree. Thank you.
Living in Texas, I can tell you that Mustang Island is worth the visit for sure! I am moving to Florida soon and I am looking forward to one more visit here and to South Padre. Texas does have some great beaches 🙂
I really like your site because it looks like a really professional travel site. I am a beach goer myself so it’s handy to where I could go in the States. You’ve covered alot of relevant information as well, like weather, accomodation, food places. Great use of pictures too. I am enticed!
I am glad Melanie. Mustang Island has a lot to do and there are a lot of really great Texas beaches around Mustang Island.
Looks like a great all your round temperature there in Mustang. 14 degree as a low in winter is not too cold, with a high of 29 degrees in the summer – not too hot.
Looks like is lots to do and see here along with some great looking restaurants for tastes of all kinds.
Yes, its really an all around great Texas beach destination. Thanks for visiting!
I have never known important information about important tourist attraction resources like the information which you have shared here. I have even managed to know important information about islands that I have never heard of.
Thanks for sharing such important information and I will continue making a follow up on all your future editions just keep myself well informed with any further updates.
Cheers,
Jose
I am glad I could help educate you on the wonderful beach locations of Texas! Thanks for reading about Mustang Island Things to Do JS.
Hi Lea,
What a great article and the place look awesome! I would definitely put this destination on my bucket list.
What I love about your article is that I have all the information needed to plan the trip efficiently. It’s rare to find all on one page! I don’t need to waste time searching for information anywhere else and I really thank you very much for this!
I have bookmarked your website so I can use it as a guideline!
Thank you again!
I’m so glad my Mustang Island page was helpful to you! I have tried to include everything 🙂 Texas beaches are fantastic, and there are lots of great things to do on Mustang Island and in the area!
This is a great article on things to do in Mustang Island. I like the various interesting things to do such as camping and paddle boarding. Based on the information on weather, August seems to be a better time for me because it’s warmer and doesn’t rain too much. There are also helpful information on places to eat and hotels to stay at. This helps open my eyes to the world and make me want to travel to Mustang Island with my family for vacation in the future.
Great, you and your family would enjoy visiting Mustang Island for sure. It’s a great family destination with things to do for everyone…not just the beach lover!
I enjoyed your website! I loved the pictures! Generally, I like to relax during vacation. Except when I go on my horseback riding tours, well then those are more adventurous 🙂 But before and after the horseback riding tours, I give myself a few days to prepare and recover, and enjoy some sightseeing!
Great Karin! You could relax here for sure. Then there are so many great Texas beaches in the area you can explore as well 🙂
I’ve never been to Texas. This sounds like a great place to visit. I love camping but my husband’s not a fan, so it’s great that there are so many hotels to choose from.
Also, the Black Marlin Bar & Grill sounds like it’s a very nice restaurant. I’d love to check it out!
It’s great that its’ so big and a variety of things to do. Sounds like it could be the perfect little adventure.
Thank you for the review. I’ll definitely consider it.
Or big adventure 🙂 Texas is big and all the beaches are in close proximity, making it easy to a couple while visiting the Texas Beaches. Thanks for visiting the Mustang Island Things to Do Guide.
Wow this place is breathtaking! I hope that next year will be able to get there since I already have this year’s Christmas scheduled. I never tried canoeing but I heard from a lot of friends that is fun. Are there any possibilities for diving? What about nightlife? Are there nightclubs? Thank you for your article, I’ll save it for the next year!!
Cheers,
Andrei.
Yes, there is nightlife and yes there is diving close by. You can really do everything on Mustang Island, making it a great Texas beach destination.
What a beautiful complete explanation and very inviting to get there. You have thought of everything there is to do and why it’s so beautiful. You also refer to good accommodations! I love to travel and want to go there, it is really tempting. Thanks for all the informative tips!
You are very welcome! I am glad you enjoyed reading my post on Mustang Island. Texas beaches have a lot to offer, and not just laying around at the beach!
Hi, wow that looks a bit like paradise! To me, it sounds like a perfect place to relax, body and mind, and at the same time, there are hotels and restaurants nearby if you don’t want the camping experience.
Have you been there on holiday yourself or are the recommendations from other sources? It looks like a lovely place either way.
All the best, Cat
I live in Texas, so yes I have been there 🙂 Out of all the beaches, I think that it is the most “back to Earth” experience. Like you say, you can camp along the beach which is truly amazing, or stay in a hotel. You could do a little bit of both. Mustang Island beaches are beautiful.
Hello Aldane, you do have a clear and constructive insight about beaches in Mustang Island, Texas. As for me I think I’ve lesson through your article on how to go about getting the best vacation trip anytime i find myself in southeast of Texas. From the weather down to places to be, things to do and eat, airports and camping, all these are vital informations to look up to. Thanks for the enlightenment
I am glad you enjoyed reading and thanks for visiting Beach Travel Destinations!
mustang island seems like a great destination for a nice relaxing getaway. Personally I like to relax when I am on vacation, this seems like the type of place where this is possible. It has a nice beach, a cabin and great places to get something to eat, it seems like a great place to visit overall.
Yes, It’s peaceful on Mustang Island. I think you make it anything you want. Just a great overall Texas Beach location. Thanks for visiting Aldane.