Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tarpon Inn
( 361-749-5555, 800-365-6784;
www.thetarponinn.com
; 200 E Cotter Ave; r $90-220; )
Dating from
1900, this charming, rickety place has been rebuilt several times after hurricanes, most ex-
tensively after the 1919 big blow. The lobby has more than 7000 of the huge silver scales
that come from tarpon, the 6ft-long namesake fish. Most of the 24 rooms are small and
have no TVs or phones, but do have lots of character and rocking chairs on the verandah.
HISTORIC HOTEL
$$
Dancing Dunes
( 361-749-3029;
www.5dancingdunes.com
;
1607 S 11th St; r $120-225; )
Five funky beach apart-
ments in a small compound have two or three bedrooms each. Flotsam, jetsam and
wrecked rowboats decorate the grounds and decor like a holiday episode of
Laverne &
Shirley
. Guaranteed fun.
CABINS
$$
Condo Agents
A large proportion of the lodging around Port A is in condos. They range from simple
units in town and away from the water to imposing high-rises on the beach (11th St is
known as Condo Row). Many developments are south of town, beyond easy walking dis-
tance. There are units for virtually all budgets. Agents include:
CCMS
( 361-749-4141, 800-598-2267;
www.portaransas-texas.com
; 200 S Alister St)
Represents many of the
large condo buildings.
ACCOMMODATION SERVICES
Coastline Adventures
( 361-749-7635, 800-656-5692;
www.coastadv.com
; 107 N Cutoff Rd)
Has a variety of accommodations
listings.
ACCOMMODATION SERVICES
Eating & Drinking
Port A has a great selection of restaurants and divey bars, almost all as casual as a bunch
of sand in your shorts. Many have the kind of goofy vibe that helps make Port A the cool
beach town that it is. Note that there're a lot of humdrum seafood places that fry up frozen
fish: beware.
Avery's Kitchen
CAFE
$
