Photo: William L. Farr / CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons (representative coastal Texas marsh boardwalk)
Boardwalks and trails through the island's tidal wetlands
Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie's Pasture
A free city nature preserve of boardwalks and trails through tidal flats and wetlands — Port A's best easy-access birding.
Verified 05/22/20261 min read“Ten minutes from the beach and a different world — boardwalks straight out over the marsh.”
Where to stay nearby
Similar spots
Joan & Scott Holt Paradise Pond
A small freshwater pond that punches far above its size — one of the Texas coast's celebrated migrant-bird traps. Free, with a boardwalk.
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
Mustang Island State Park
A Texas state park with five miles of natural Gulf beach, camping and a paddling trail — the wild, uncrowded side of Mustang Island.
Port A South Jetty
The Port A South Jetty is a wonderful spot for fishing or for simply taking in your surroundings and appreciating the magnificent view and diverse wildlife.