23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Rockport (TX)

In search of the best and fun things to do in Rockport, TX.

Rockport is a city in Texas located on the Live Oak Peninsula (which separates the western shore of Aransas Bay, an arm of the Gulf of Mexico) and the eastern coast of Company Bay.

Rockport is a well-known tourist destination and is also known for its endless recreational possibilities and pleasant weather.

Rockport is acknowledged among the top retirement spots in the nation by America’s Best Places to Retire. Rockport is a unique and fun place to go for a vacation.

Below are the top amazing things to do in Rockport, Texas

Things to Do in Rockport

1. Visit Rockport Beach

One of the top fun things to do in Rockport is spending some quality time at Rockport Beach. Rockport Beach offers its visitors varieties of water sports, including swimming and other fun activities.

Rockport Beach is a beautiful place to visit with your friends and family as it is a place for everyone, including kids.

Rockport Beach is a solid mile of attractive recreational bayfront. It was the first beach in Texas distinguished as a “Blue Wave Beach” as it meets the environmental standard set by the National Clean Beaches Coalition.

They are facilities available for visitors to have a wonderful experience on the beach, such as a bandshell and four pavilions, many picnic sites, restrooms, and others.

Rockport Beach opens every Sunday through Thursday from 6:00 am to 11 pm and from 6:00 am to 12 pm on Friday through Saturday.

Enjoy the scenic view of the beach as you spend fun time with your loved ones. Also, do not forget to take lovely pictures on the beach.

Address: 210 Seabreeze, Rockport, TX 78382

2. Goose Island State Park

In Goose Island State Park, you will enjoy fun activities like fishing or watching people try to catch fish, watching the birds and nature, walking through the parks, and other things you will want.

Goose Island Park has two different areas; one area features the live oak and red-bay woods, where you will find the white-tailed deer, squirrels, rabbit, raccoon, fox, armadillo, and more than 300 varieties of birds.

The second part of Goose Island State Park is an oyster shell island that consists of marshland and a shell ridge.

The marshland in the park has a wide range of native plants and grasses, including sea purslane, wolfberry, sea-ox-eye daisy, Baccharis, seashore dropseed grass, and others.

Facilities in the park are 25 wooded area tent campsites, 45 bayside campsites, 57 wooded area campsites, lighted fishing pier, kayak/canoe launch, and boat ramp.

Address: 202 S Palmetto St, Rockport, TX 78382-7922

3. Fulton Mansion State Historic Site

Fulton Mansion State Historic Site is a restored and fantastic home built for George and Harriet Gulton as there are many modern features in the house.

The center for visitors has informational and engaging displays on the history of the families.

The people in Fulton Mansion are welcoming, informative, polite, and helpful as they will help guide you through the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site.

The Fulton Mansion is situated in the resort area of Rockport-Fulton. The mansion must have appeared astonishing in1877 even now with its ornate trim and mansard roof and other refined refinements in the house.

You will have the opportunity to discover about the 19th-century innovations, a brief history of the life of a prosperous family in the late 1800s, take a walk through Harriet’s lovely flower garden, hear stories concerning living in a grand Victorian villa, and many others.

A visit here will open you to history, definitely one of the top things to do in Rockport for history lovers.

Address: 317 S Fulton Beach Rd, Rockport, TX 78382-7864

4. The Big Tree

The Big Tree is one of the vast and famous live oaks globally after being called “Texas State Champion Virginia Live Oak” in 1969.

The Big Tree is a known species of oak called “Quercus virginiana” The Big Tree has lived approximately 1,000 years and has survived many different weather conditions.

It is a peaceful and serene setting and an excellent place for thoughtful reflection and reading.

The Big Tree rests in a fenced-off area to protect it. Some branches are supported with tensions and ropes as it is ancient.

You will find sidewalk access to the tree and a nice parking lot before the tree. This is one of the best free things to do in Rockport for fun, it’s a great way to spend some outdoor time in the area.

Address: 1622 12th St, Rockport, TX 78382-7828

5. Winery on the Bay

Do you need a pleasant place to go for excellent wine tasting with your friends? Are you in search of a good site with the finest wines? The Winery on the Bay is the right place to visit.

Invite your friends to the Winery on the Bay for wine tasting as they offer sweet varieties of wine that will satisfy your taste.

Winery on the Bay offers over 30 varieties, including traditional red and white wines, award-winning dessert wines, and Fruit-infused wines.

For special occasions like corporate events, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, and others, Winery on the Bay produces individual wine with custom labels for the bottles.

The wine tasting is done in the tasting room, and they are served at a reasonable price.

You will also enjoy making your wine in the Winery as it is inspiring and exciting, or you can relax and enjoy a good glass of wine.

Address: 1007 E North St, Rockport, TX 78382-2645

6. Texas Maritime Museum

The Texas Maritime Museum is the official museum for Texas, situated across from the harbor in charming Rockport, Texas!

Texas Maritime Museum is committed to educate and excite the public about Texas Maritime history and artifacts. The museum has been educating and inspiring visitors about the rich maritime history of Texas for more than twenty years.

Texas Maritime Museum offers various engaging experiences to both adults and children by collecting, preserving, and interpreting items of historical interest for educational reasons.

The museum also performs other roles like recounting Texas maritime history through documents, artifacts, and additional historical value. It exhibits items to further the public knowledge, interest, and appreciation of related historical background and such material.

The Texas Maritime Museum is an exciting place. It covers areas like Maritime Commerce, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, the Texas Navy, Offshore Oil & Gas, and many more maritime regions.

Explore the Texas Maritime Museum as there are many exciting and educational things to discover, from exploration and settlement to shipbuilding and boat building, commercial fishing, and sports.

Address: 1202 Navigation Cir, Rockport, TX 78382-2773

7. Tule Creek Hike & Bike Trail

Tule Creek Hike & Bike Trail is a 1.08-mile trail that features a 10-foot wide concrete path that cuts through Live Oak Forest, running parallel to Tule Creek, and stops at Enterprise Boulevard close to Memorial Park.

In Tule Creek Hike & Bike Trail, there are fun and engaging things to do, such as hiking, biking, and you can also view the wildlife from the visitor nature center. You are sure to enjoy a wonderful experience as there are things to do for everyone.

Observe the signs and placards as they explain the history of the place and the work done in the Tule Creek Hike & Bike Trail.

You will discover ducks, deer, a Blue Heron, and other amazing animals. Enjoy a lovely walk with your loved ones on the trails or over a footbridge.

This makes what to do in Rockport for some exploration, quite a perfect addition to your bucket list of fun things to do in Rockport. TX.

Address: 2401 Highway 35 N 1 Block North of Wal-Mart, Rockport, TX 78382-5704

8. Rockport Art Center

Rockport Art Center offers a wide range of exhibits, education workshops and classes for kids and adults, special events, sculpture garden, performing arts, and many others.

Visit the Rockport Art Center, which opens every Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The center is accessible to the residents and tourists.

Rockport Art Center is the focal point for art-related activities in the community as it is actualized through educational activities, theater, literary endeavors, culinary classes, exhibits, musical performances, arts, and many others.

Rockport Art Center helps preserve and promote cultural enrichment and art education in the community, especially cultural tourism as it is also a major art destination for tourists.

Address: 106 S Austin St, Rockport, TX 78382-2604

Explore attractions and activities in Kentucky, check out our list of things to do in Lexington as well as things to do in Paducah for a fun time here.

9. Memorial Park

Memorial Park comprises more than 100 acres and features lots of unique and exciting activities to explore.

The Memorial Park is the center of the park system that comprises both activity centers and natural habitat conservation.

Memorial Park features 1.65 miles of hiking and biking trails, a ¾ mile nature trail with interpretative signs, and resting benches.

You will also find soccer fields, baseball/softball fields, off-leash dog parks, hiking, fitness court, birding, disc golf, basketball courts, playscape, birding sites, fitness stations, and other amazing things.

You can plan your picnics, get-together, and other events in the park as they have picnic facilities. Enjoy a fabulous time with your friends & family on the well-maintained walking trails.

Address: 1600 Fm 2165, Rockport, TX 78382

10. Community Aquatic and Skate Park

One of the top things to do in Rockport with kids is a visit to The Community Aquatic Park . The Community Aquatic Park is a year-round open park that rests within a 12-acre live oak forest. Community Aquatic and Skate Park is managed by the City of Rockport.

Community Aquatic Park features an 8-lane, heated, 25-yard pool and diving area, a kid’s pool with slides and sprays, and a bathhouse. The lifeguards in the park are professionals and helpful.

You can also rent the pool at night for your events as they are affordable. Discover the picnic area, a playground, and a ¼ mile nature trail adjacent to the aquatic park.

The park is clean and well-maintained. The staff are friendly and helpful and commute to provide good services to their visitors to have a wonderful experience.

Exploring Community Aquatic Park is one of the unique things to do in Dodge City with the family, do consider an addition to your checklist.

Address: 2001 Stadium, Rockport, TX 78382-3243

11. Rockport Demo Bird Garden & Wetlands Pond

Explore Rockport Demo Bird Garden & Wetlands Pond to discover different bird species, ducks, deer, and turtles.

Rockport Demo Bird Garden and Wetlands can also be called the Tule Marsh East by Rockport residents. The area is a fantastic place to explore and view different varieties of birds and other wildlife.

Birds you will find in Rockport Demo Bird Garden & Wetlands Pond are Blue Grosbeak, Indigo and Painted Buntings, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore, Orchard, Ovenbird, Canada Warblers, Brown-crested and Great-crested Flycatchers.

Other bird species include American Goldfinch, Lincoln’s Swamp, Oranges-crowned Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Chipping Sparrows, Blue-headed Vireo, and many other amazing birds.

The 5-acre park is situated across the street from Walmart in Rockport. Observe the roadside park with shady parking.

Enjoy a nice walk with your loved ones along the boardwalk for a wildlife viewing.

Address: 2405 Highway 35 N, Rockport, TX 78382-5704

12. Bay Education Center

The Bay Education Center offers tourists an overview of the Mission-Aransas Estuary and the National Estuarine Research Reserve with engaging exhibits that explains their ecological and economic importance.

Bay Education Center provides interactive discovery discussions to its visitors, exploring interesting topics like air, space, land, and sea.

You will gain a lot as you explore the Science On A Sphere exhibit, a 3D digital globe designed by NOAA to illustrate Earth science concepts to everyone who visits.

You will be given the room to ask questions as the guided interpreters are knowledgeable and willing to answer and explain what you need to know.

The Bay Education Center is accessible to the public and opens every Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Visit this Rockport attraction for unique things to do in Dodge City.

Address: 121 Seabreeze Dr., Rockport, TX 78382

13. John Martell Photography Gallery

Are you in search of an excellent place to purchase fantastic photographs for your home or other purposes? Visit John Martell Photography Gallery as you will find several beautiful pictures to select,

John Martell Photography Gallery features beautiful and striking photographs and artworks that you will love to purchase.

John Martell Photography Gallery is located in the heart of downtown Rockport, Texas. John Martell’s stunning images are exquisitely printed on canvas, metal, and watercolor paper in different sizes varying from as small as 8×10″ to as large as 4×8′.

The fabulous photographs of John Martells are lovely and touch the heart. The gallery is well-maintained, and you will discover several selections of images as you walk through the gallery.

Visit the gallery to purchase stunning images you love for your home decòr and other events. This makes one of the fun things to do in Rockport for art lovers, consider an addition to your bucket list.

Address: 302 S Austin St, Rockport, TX 78382-2608

14. History Center for Aransas County

History Center for Aransas County displays local heritage at different times each year. It features outdoor and indoor exhibits which tell the stories of the people of Aransas County.

There are spaces for gatherings, meetings, workshops, displays, activity areas for children, a library of research books, and others in the History Center for Aransas County.

The center collects and preserves artifacts important to Aransas County, educates people interested in history with programs, outreaches, exhibits, and events. It also promotes historic preservation by uniting marketing ideas and history groups.

The History Center for Aransas County also identifies, protects, records, interprets, and acquires historical sites, documents and objects to share them with the public and appreciate history.

The History Center for Aransas County provides various rooms with different displays showcasing different periods. The admission is open to the public. There are many rotating exhibitions such as quilting, military, fishing, and sporting, etc. The History Center for Aransas County is a self-paced museum that is worth the time to visit.

Visit the History Center for Aransas County as it is free, and you will discover lots of exciting histories and exhibits.

Address: 801 E Cedar St, Rockport, TX 78382-2914

15. Paradise House

Paradise House is one of the best places to visit if you’re shopping in Rockport, Texas, as it consists of different varieties of exceptional furniture, clothing, jewelry, etc.

Paradise House is a Tropical Shopping Experience, providing affordable prices for functional and fun treasures from all over the Pacific.

You will find beautiful vintage items, clothing, pottery, nice furniture, coastal jewelry, Dolphin and marlin carvings, and unique gifts of different types.

The staff in Paradise House are friendly and helpful. There are large and diverse inventories; and lovely things to capture your fancy.

Address: 1141 Highway 35 N, Rockport, TX 78382-3155

Planning a road trip in Texas? check out our checklist of things to do in Odessa, things to do in Round Rock and things to do in Denton for a fun road trip.

16. Busted Pot Junk Museum & Wells Discount Center

Busted Pot Antique Junk Museum and Wells Discount Center is a great place to buy house items, furniture, and other items you need.

You will find many unique, unusual, and exciting things ranging from antiques, new furniture, and collectible magazines.

You will also find fishing lures, poles, reels, sports memorabilia, jewelry, potter, books, records, DVDs, decorative items, and beach items.

Busted Pot Antique Junk Museum and Wells Discount Center open every Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and opens Sundays on special events or long weekends.

In Busted Pot Antique Junk Museum and Wells Discount Center, you will discover comics, ship’s wheels, glass buoys, silver, military items, new mattresses, vintage signs. Please stop by at Busted Pot Antique Junk Museum and Wells Discount Center for great shopping, as it’s worth it.

Address: 205 S Magnolia St, Rockport, TX 78382-2623

17. Estelle Stair Gallery

Are you looking for an excellent place to purchase lovely artwork and good photographs? Estelle Stair Gallery is one of the best galleries to visit in Rockport, Texas.

Estelle Stair Gallery is a unique gallery that consists of various art collections ranging from photography to paintings.

Estelle Stair Gallery features advanced arts with the utmost quality and sea-themed sculptures. In the gallery, there is something for everyone.

The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and are willing to share the history of the arts in the gallery as you chat with them. Visit the gallery as there is a wide range of unique art selections in the gallery to select.

This makes what to do in Rockport for art lovers, quite a recommended addition to your bucket list of things to do in Rockport for fun.

Address: 406 S Austin St, Rockport, TX 78382-2504

18. Rockport Fulton Market Days

Rockport Fulton Market is a great place you need to explore and enjoy an outstanding shopping experience as there are many vendors selling lots of things you will love to purchase.

Rockport Fulton Market Days operates on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, every 3rd weekend of the month. Friday is a preview of some of the best vendors for the early bird shopper, while Saturday and Sunday feature more than 140 vendors coming to the Festival Ground. The vendors operate for three days a month.

There are over 150 booths filled with exceptional arts, crafts, full service, and others. Rockport Fulton Market is a pet-friendly environment, and it also offers terrific live entertainment, food trucks, hand-crafted artworks, and fantastic outdoor creations.

You will also find a Travelling Bar with unlimited libations, a full hand-crafted butcher shop with signature meats, great hand-squeezed lemonades, jerky and sausage, free face paintings, Texas sweet teas, and many more.

It would be exciting if you explored the Rockport Fulton Market Days to discover fantastic things to buy and for a memorable experience.

Address: 100 Seabreeze Drive The Festival Grounds at Rockport Harbor, Rockport, TX 78382

19. Salt Flats Gallery

Salt Flats Gallery is a fun art gallery and home to the popular fantastic crane photos.

Salt Flats Gallery focuses on wildlife photography of animals around the Texas Coastal Bend.

With their skillful technique, they print the photos on metal to preserve them and to have a permanent look. The metallic sheen is used to make the colors of the birds, and other animals look fantastic.

There are other beautiful items you will also find in the gallery, including articles for home decòr hand-painted t-shirt, jewelry, and other local crafts which can help transform your home in no time.

The staff in Salt Flats Gallery are friendly and nice. Prices for the artworks and other items in the gallery are affordable.

Visit the Salt Flats Gallery to purchase quality and different sizes of lovely bird and animal photos for your cards or wall hangings.

Address: 415 S Austin St, Rockport, TX 78382-2544

20. Rockport Kayak Guide Services

Do you love paddling? Are you in search of a beautiful place for a fishing or kayaking adventure? Rockport Kayak Guide Services is the right place for you.

Rockport Kayak Guide Services is always available for all your paddling needs. They offer guided fishing trips, birding adventures, eco-tour, and kayaking.

You can also rent a kayak from Rockport Kayak Guide Services. If you do not know how to kayak, professional kayaking instructors will guide you on how to kayak.

The basic training and guides from the instructors are sure to make kayaking easier and more fun for beginners.

Visit the Rockport Kayak Guide Services to enjoy a superb experience kayaking as it is a great way to connect with nature in a personal way. You will also learn about the numerous birds, fish, and other marine life that occupies the marshes and local bays.

21. Rockport Birding and Kayak Adventures

Explore the Rockport Adventures as it specializes in offering Whooping Crane Tours and Coastal Birding.

You can go for Dolphin watching tours and sunset cruises in Rockport Birding and Kayak Adventures during Summer times.

Inland Birding Tours in Rockport Birding and Kayak Adventures provide visitors the opportunity to explore the vast array of species habitat it has to offer.

The atmosphere in the area is friendly, and you will enjoy it during the boat ride coupled with the lovely moonrise and lovely sunset. Discover Rockport Birding and Kayak Adventures for a nature tour as their prices are affordable.

For fun things to do in Rockport, add this to your checklist of places to visit in Rockport.

22. Coast & Cottage

Coast and Cottage feature a fantastic vintage, shabby and coastal decor, local artisan wares, and extensive do-it-yourself selection. The DIY workshop is always fun and exciting.

In Coast and Cottage retail shop, you will find hand-crafted and up-cycled furniture and other beautiful items for your home.

In Coast and Cottage, you will also discover a fine array of body and bath luxuries, tempting gourmet candies, unique candles, home fragrances, sea glass jewelry, memorable gifts for weddings, holidays, birthdays, and birthdays and other important events.

Coast and Cottage are open every Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5:00 pm & Sunday from noon to 5 pm.

Address: 510 S Austin St, Rockport, TX 78382-2506

23. Howard Murph Memorial Park

Amongst the top fun things to do in Rockport is visiting Howard Murph Memorial Park.

Howard Murph Memorial Park was initially known as Airport Park but later renamed after Howard Murph, a long-time resident of Aransas.

Howard Murph Memorial Park is situated directly behind the Aransas County Airport. The park is a fantastic waterfront part with stunning scenic views of Copano Bay.

Howard Murph Memorial Park is an exciting place for birdwatchers to have a glimpse of some of Aransas Counties’ species in one of the plenty shaded areas all around the natural oasis.

In Howard Murph Memorial Park, visitors are allowed to launch their kayaks from the shoreline, or they can enjoy picnics as there are picnic facilities in the park.

The several bird species you will find in the park are Spotted Sandpipers, Caspian, Royal, Greater Roadrunner, American Oystercatcher, Forster’s Terns, assorted Sparrows in winter, Osprey, Little Blue Heron, Green Heron, and Reddish Egret.

Explore more cities in Texas, check out our list of things to do in Abilene. things to do in Galveston and things to do in Killeen for a fun time

Start Planning Your Trip to Rockport, Texas

Rockport is a charming city in Texas and home to a wide variety of birds, wildlife, beautiful beaches, parks, playgrounds, sunsets, boat cruises, sports activities, hiking, biking, skiing, rich culture, and history, and many more.

Rockport’s access to several forms of marine recreation and attractions like fishing, duck hunting, boating, birdwatching, waterskiing, and many others attract tourists to the place.

It is an excellent adventure with loads of unique spots and a perfect destination to live and visit with your friends and family.