Port Aransas Nature Preserve

We originally went to enter through the Pavilion where most of the trails originating from there have not yet been repaired from Hurricane Harvey. We went in off of 361 by the Port A RV Park. From that entry we were able to go on a beautiful walk that led to a tower for viewing. Worth the excursion.

I had the opportunity to observe a few parts of the Port Aransas Nature Preserve during a bird watching tour, and I have to say, it's just lovely. From what I've read there are hiking and bike trails within the park, which I did not explore as we were visiting specific parts of the preserve by tour bus. I did have the chance to visit their Pavilion, which was a great place to stop and see a plethora of local birds. No alligators during our travels, but I've heard from other visitors that sometimes you can spot them in the preserve!If you're an outdoorsy person, I highly recommend taking more time than I did to properly explore this beautiful stretch of nature. Salt marshes are vital parts of our planet's overall ecosystem, and the have a lot of amazing sights to offer. If I return to the area I will definitely be bringing my hiking shoes and checking this spot out in-depth!

This is a first-class preserve that you must really see to believe.In 2004, the City of Port Aransas allocated $2 million dollars in Certificates of Obligation to develop the Port Aransas Nature Preserve. In 2006, with the input from a consulting group and members of the Port Aransas community, the Port Aransas City Council adopted a preliminary set of design guidelines for the development of this major nature facility. Nature Preserve Design Guidlines On September 18, 2008, City Council approved the design/construction plans for Phase 1 of the Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie's Pasture.Overall View of Nature Preserve Groundbreaking for Phase 1 the Port Aransas Nature Preserve was held on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 10:30 am near the proposed site for Node 8, the main access point into the Nature Preserve along the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. Dedication of Phase 1 was held on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 2:30 pm at the Nature Preserve Pavilion.Phase 1 provides over 2 miles of hike and bike trails within the park. Amenities include the Pavilion, boardwalks over algal flats, crushed granite trails on the uplands, covered seating sites and a tower overlooking wetland areas around Salt Island. Groundbreaking for Phase 2 was held on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 2:00 pm at entry way in the 2600 block of Hwy 361 South. Dedication of Phase 2 was held on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 10:30 am at the trailhead of the new hike/bike pathway.A wonderful new amenity for the residents of Port Aransas as well as visitors.

Just FYI we went on Sunday on Columbus Day weekend and it was closed. Went to two different hiking paths and both were closed.

Wonderful walking experience. We are not bird experts but this was a beautiful habitat to experience nature. It is kept well and had several bird species, duck pond and very relaxing. Would go often .

So this could have been nice if there was not a "no pets" allowed sign. Our fur-baby is well behaved/trained and if she had an accident we clean up after her. So we were not able to fully explore this area do to silly sign postings. Also this one is actually called "Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie's Pasture"