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Discover the Best Things to Do in Rockport, Texas for Nature Lovers

Updated: Mar 15, 2023

Are you a nature lover looking for the perfect destination for your next vacation? Look no further than Rockport, Texas! With its abundance of natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities, Rockport is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and discover all that the great outdoors has to offer.


In this article, we'll share our top recommendations for the best things to do in Rockport, Texas for nature lovers.


Bent Oaks Rookery Park Rockport Texas USA
Bent Oaks Rookery Park

Rockport Texas as a nature destination


Rockport, Texas is the perfect nature destination for travelers looking to explore and appreciate the great outdoors. Nestled on the Gulf of Mexico, just 190 miles south of Austin Texas. Rockport offers miles of coastline, warm sea breezes, clean coastal waters, and abundant wildlife ideal for you to explore.


Sunset over Copany Bay in Aransas County Texas
Copano Bay Sunsets

Nature lovers can enjoy activities from fishing and kayaking, to birdwatching and hiking. The area features lush green parks and nature preserves as well as charming coastal town atmospheres with plenty of waterfront restaurants and local attractions as well.


Tule Creek in Rockport Texas
Tule Creek

With its picturesque vistas, stunning sunsets, fascinating wildlife, and incredible natural beauty, Rockport Fulton is a wonderful place for visitors to enjoy all that nature has to offer.





Visit the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge


The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is a must-see for anyone visiting Rockport, especially for those who love wildlife. The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is perhaps best known as the principal wintering ground for the only natural flock of whooping cranes in the world, as well as a variety of other bird species, mammals, and reptiles. Take a guided tour or hike one of the many trails to get up close and personal with the area's natural inhabitants. In fact, the refuge consists of a total of 115,324 expansive acres.



Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Observation Tower
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Observation Tower


For those who don't necessarily want to go walk around the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge offers a driving trail where an abundance of wildlife and untouched wilderness can be seen from the comfort of your vehicle.


Here is a detailed map of the refuge:


To learn more about the ANWR check out our detailed Blog Article called:


Also if you want to take a boat tour around the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge the two best guides are:




Explore the Rockport Beach Park


For those looking for some fun in the sun, Rockport Beach Park is the perfect destination. With its pristine sandy beaches, calm waters, and abundant marine life, this park is a great spot for swimming, fishing, boating, and other water-based activities. You can also take a stroll along the boardwalk or have a picnic with friends and family.


Rockport Beach Park in Rockport, Texas
Rockport Beach Texas

I mean there aren't enough good things to say about Rockport Beach Park. There is nature galore and is famous for being one of the Cleanest and most well-kept beaches in the United States.


Great place for families and kids.



Pirate Shop Playground at Rockport Beach
Pirate Shop Playground


Check out our Virtual Tour image. You can move the picture around with your finger or mouse and click on an icon for more information or click on a box with a circle to take you to another spot to explore more things around Rockport Fulton.








Experience the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site


For those interested in history and architecture, the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site is a must-visit. This stunning 19th-century mansion is set on the shores of Aransas Bay and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and grounds. Take a guided tour to learn more about the mansion's history, architecture, and the people who lived there.






Go Birding at the Goose Island State Park


With over 300 bird species recorded in the area, Goose Island State Park is a birdwatcher's paradise. You can also explore the park's hiking trails, kayak in the bay, or camp overnight to experience the natural beauty of the park up close. They have a great pier for fishing as well.





Here is a list of some of the birds you might encounter;


Mottled Duck, Redhead, Common Goldeneye, Brown Pelican, American White Pelican, Double Crested Cormorant, Neotropic Cormorant, American Bittern, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, Reddish Egret, Green Heron, Black Crowned Night- Heron, Yellow Crowned Night -Heron, White Ibis, White-Faced Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, White-tailed Hawk, Osprey, Crested Caracara, Sora, Clapper Rail, Purple Gallinule, Sandhill Crane, Whooping Crane, Black-bellied, Plover, American Golden-Plover, Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Black-necked Stilt, Spotted Sandpiper, Marbled Godwit, Long-billed Curlew, Ruddy Turnstone, Whimbrel, Least Sandpiper, Laughing Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Caspian Tern, Royal Tern, and Sandwich Tern.


Take a Fishing Charter to Copano or Aransas Bay


For those who love fishing, a charter in Copano Bay or Aransas Bay is a must-do. Rockport is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, and with a fishing charter, you can experience the thrill of catching a variety of species, including redfish, trout, and flounder.



Todd Adams and Johnny Depp on a fishing trip in Aransas Bay
Professional Local Guide Todd Adams and Guest


Going out on a fishing charter or guided tour is a great way to explore the local area, no matter what your experience level is. For experienced fishermen, it's an opportunity to target the bigger fish and get some professional tips for the best bait and tackle in the area. Meanwhile, if you're new to fishing, it's an excellent way to learn from an expert guide who can show you the ropes and get you familiarized with common local species. Guides will also provide additional benefits such as setting up gear and helping you haul in bigger catches. Even for those who are just looking for a fun day on the water, fishing charters can help create lifelong memories by sharing stories or even taking pictures of your catch.





RockportFulton.com keeps and maintains a list of only 4-5 star rated local guides. The professional local fishing guides do not pay to be put on this list but are only based on their star rating by the customers they have taken out. These are the best of the best as far as fishing the local waters.




Water activities available in the area


The Rockport area offers a variety of water activities for visitors to enjoy. Kayaking is a popular pastime, with the nearby Aransas National Wildlife Refuge providing easy access to kayak trails and boat launches. Stand-up paddle boarding is also an option, with many rental companies offering lessons and equipment rentals in the area. Other activities such as swimming, or dolphin sighting are available depending on the season. With its many varied attractions, Rockport is sure to keep any visitor entertained on the water.





Looking for an adventure on the water in Rockport? Check out Whooping Crane Birding Boat Photography Tours (texasbirdingphotos.net). This tour takes small groups on a guided journey through the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, giving you a chance to explore the area's diverse wildlife and beauty while learning about the local ecology. You'll have the opportunity to see blue herons, brown pelicans, and other species of birds as well as hear some of the local folklore with Captain Tommy Moore - all while enjoying your own private boat excursion!





Enjoy the Texas Maritime Museum


For those interested in maritime history, the Texas Maritime Museum is a must-see. With its exhibits on the state's seafaring history, including fishing, shipping, and oil exploration, the museum offers a fascinating insight into Texas's connection to the sea.



Texas Maritime Museum and Rockport Beach Park
Texas Maritime Museum


Other outdoor activities available in Rockport Texas


Other outdoor activities: In addition to the activities listed above, Rockport has several other outdoor activities to enjoy. Golfers will have a couple of courses in the area Rockport Country Club and Live Oak Country Club. Both courses are well-maintained and set up for pros and amateurs.


Here are the links if you want to check them out!


Live Oak Country Club
Live Oak Country Club


Final Thoughts

With its abundance of natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities, Rockport, Texas, is the perfect destination for nature lovers. Whether you're interested in birdwatching, fishing, hiking, or just enjoying some time in the great outdoors, there's something for everyone in Rockport.


We hope you found our recommendations helpful, and we invite you to come and discover all that Rockport has to offer.


Another great resource to explore is Aransas Pathways They have a great system of trails and birding spots set up for visitors to enjoy.


Click below to download their maps and information brochure:



Check out their website as well:



Thanks for reading through this and hope you found the information useful and insightful.




Who we are

The RockportFulton.com website is a comprehensive guide to the towns of Rockport and Fulton, Texas. The website provides a wealth of information about the local area, including events, activities, and attractions.



Arial View of the Rockport Texas Waterfront
Rockport Texas USA


Visitors to the website can find information about local festivals, markets, and events, as well as details about local businesses, restaurants, and accommodations. The website also features a calendar of events, so visitors can easily plan their trip and make the most of their time in Rockport and Fulton.


In addition to providing information about the local area.


RockportFulton.com is also a great resource for those who are interested in the history and culture of Rockport and Fulton. The website includes articles and photos that highlight the rich history of the towns and their unique character.


Overall, the RockportFulton.com website is an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to Rockport and Fulton, or for those who simply want to learn more about these charming coastal towns.



The Town of Fulton Texas at sunset
The Town of Fulton Texas

Here are some additional links to help you explore the area

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We hope you found this page both interesting and informative. Use RockportFulton.com as your personal local guide to everything in the Rockport, Texas, and Aransas County area. We hope you remember us and come back and browse the many topics and areas of interest found on our page.


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