Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A pedestrian-friendly waterfront, numerous worthy attractions, fishing boats plying their
trade and cute little downtown Rockport make the adjoining towns of Rockport and
Fulton an enjoyable stop on the coast.
The side streets between TX 35 and Aransas Bay are dotted with art galleries, espe-
cially in the center of Rockport; the towns claim to be home to the Texas' highest percent-
age of artists.
Sights & Activities
Coming from the north, leave TX 35 after you cross the LBJ Causeway and follow
shoreline-hugging Fulton Beach Rd south first through Fulton and then into Rockport,
where Austin St is the main drag of the walkable downtown. In either direction, avoid
strip-mall-lined TX 35.
Rockport Harbor
Crescent-shaped Rockport Harbor is one of the prettiest on the Gulf Coast. It's lined with
all manner of boats (shrimp, fishing charter, tour and pleasure craft) and a series of rustic
peel-and-eat shrimp joints and bait shops.
HARBOR
Texas Maritime Museum
( 361-729-1271;
www.texasmaritimemuseum.org
;
1202 Navigation Circle, Rockport; adult/child $8/3;
10am-4pm Tue-Sat, 1-4pm Sun)
Everything from fishing boats to offshore oil rigs to the story of
the short-lived Texas Navy is covered at this large museum on the harbor. Displays em-
phasize the human aspects of the Texas seacoast. Several old boats that were used to res-
cue people caught in storms are displayed outside.
MUSEUM
Aquarium at Rockport Harbor
( 361-727-0016;
www.rockportaquarium.com
; 702 Navigation Circle; admission free; 1-4pm Thu-Mon)
This
small volunteer-run aquarium has crabs and other local sea critters, including most of the
fish avidly sought by local fishers. You'll often see local artists just outside capturing the
colors of the sea.
AQUARIUM
Rockport Center for the Arts
CULTURAL CENTER
