I'm looking to go to either Port Aransas or Rockport some time in July with the family. There is about a group of 10 of us. Any suggestions on where to stay such as condo, somewhere near the beach, restaurants, and nightlife.

I'm not sure Rockport and nightlife belong in the same sentence.

I think the beaches are better overall at Port Aransas/Mustang Island, too.

Rockport beach is a more family oriented beach. When I was little, my parents would take us to that beach because it was safer (waves aren't as rough and you can go further into the water before you have to worry about getting too deep).

I do prefer Port Aransas as there is more things to do on the island. I also suggest a visit to Shell World in Aransas Pass. Business has been there for 35 years. The guy who owns it started with two tables on the side of the road and built it up. He has seashells from around the world that range from like 5 cents each to over $1,400 dollars. My kids always like looking at all the neat shells and he has one of the best collections of coral in the U.S.

Rockport has some cool hole in the wall restaurants, but overall beach wise, the sand and water IMO are better at Port A. You can stay at Port Royale for that "resort" feel with the big pool and all that. Or Look at renting a home at Cinnamon Shores for more of a private feel. both are walks over a boardwalk to the beach.

Restaurant wise: Port A brewing Company, Trout Street, Virginias, Venetian HotPlate.

Night Life: The Gaff (dive bar ish), Bernies (young kiddos party here), Backporch (more laid back)

I haven't been to Rockport in over 10 years so I'm not surprise there is no nightlife yet, thought I ask. I'll definitely look into all the suggestions. The family all needs to agree on where to go and it may be Port A. Thanks for the info.

Do you really need a parking permit/sticker to park on the beach?

Yes, unless you park in the county park area right by the pier.

Everyone kind of hit the best spots in Port A. Mine are Shorty's and The Back Porch for having a beer.

Our favorite place to stay is Seashell Villiage. But it's pretty laid back. The Dunes aren't too bad as far as condos go. However, Port Royale is probably the best condo on the island but it is a few miles south.

Have a good trip!

Thanks Chicken Ranch.

We rented a place just south of Access Rd 1 as we are splitting time between Corpus for family events and the beach.

1st time ever to Mustang Island and I've liked what I've seen so far!

Just need a golf cart with four flag poles and a Yeti now to fit in. Lol

Been going to Port A now for about 10 years. Kids really enjoy it because they can get out on the beach and do whatever they want, play in the water, play in the sand, jump waves, ride boogie boards and skim boards, build sand castles, etc. and never have to wait in a line.

We have stayed at the Days Inn which honestly isn't bad, but usually stay at the Mayan Princess. It of course has a boardwalk to the beach which is nice and has a couple of different pools at different depths. This year we are splurging a little bit and staying at Port Royal.

We always enjoy eating at Virginia's. Also usually eat at Castaways as well. The pizza place is pretty good as well. Fairly new place called Beaches (I think) near Castaways that we enjoyed as well. Been to Pelicans Landing a couple of times but it seems a little more pricey. Pelicans does have some awesome keylime pie though. Really for food and experience Virginia's is hard to beat. Another that's got great fare and a great view right on the water is Doc's (or maybe that's what it used to be called) it's pretty close to the ferry landing.

We've never found much "nightlife" at Port A but with little kids we really haven't had the opportunity either.

Last year we did the dolphins excursion and it was very good. Kids loved it.

Someone above said you have to go to Aransas Pass for grocery store which is not true. There is an old little place on the island that is reminiscent of an old Red & White. Of course they are a little pricey.

Another suggestion is to go have pictures taken with exotic birds at the gift shop with the lighthouse attached.

Interested in possibly taking kids on a fishing charter if anyone has any recommendations. Nothing deep sea. Kids are 7 and 10 now so something not too far out where we'd have some luck. Suggestions with pricing would be appreciated.

Forgot to mention there is a good little hole in the wall place to eat in Rockport called Shimpeys

Cinnamon Shore is very nice, but be prepared to pay during dummer