Texas Maritime Museum

The guy at the front counter was very helpful snd knowledgeable. There was no fee and it was very small but quaint. I really enjoyed the exhibit about the navy.I loved the video about the texas navy and how informative it was. I learned a lot. The view from the top was very pretty. I think my favorite thing was the old life raft that I saw.I really liked the curator that we talked to and all. He was very knowledgeable about the maritime and the navy and the marine life. The stock less anchor was cool. The curator talked to us for about fifteen ti twenty museums. He was very knowledgeable. The restaurant paradise key is part of this area. I learned so much and want to learn more.

There is not a fee for this museum, but you are asked to fill out a quick survey (mainly about your stay in Rockport) before entering. The mature gentleman at the front desk was very welcoming and knowledgeable about Texas Gulf history. This place had many artifacts with explanation signs and history stories. There was also a nice lookout at the top with a beautiful view.

This museum was okay. They had lots of informative artifacts and art work. What I enjoyed most was going to the top observation deck for the beautiful views of Rockport. They also have a self guided map they give you. Some of the exhibits tried to be interactive but you can tell this place is due for a refurbishment. I saw a sign that said that new exhibits and touch screen displays are coming. Price of admission was inexpensive. If you are a nautical fan or interested to learn more about Texas coast history, check it out.

Cool Museum to check out if you are in the area. All the handmade boats are cool plus the view from the lighthouse. Educational & interactive.

Inexpensive outing to learn about the maritime history of Rockport. Takes about 1-2 hours depending upon how much you read. There are several sections that they are updating so will visit again next time we go.

This review is based strictly on the Rockport Wine Festival which is a fundraiser for the Texas Maritime Museum. We were excited about going to the wine festival since the list of wines that was advertised was plentiful. They also advertised beer and food but did not specify what kind of food would be available. The website information was extremely limited. There was no guidance about anything that would happen at the event nor the procedure to purchase tickets for tastings, the price of the tastings, the price of the food, Etc. There were no Maps regarding the festival grounds, if restrooms were available. Emergency info, first aid Etc. Normally for festivals you have a list of guidelines and an expectation of what will happen. This was extremely poorly organized. As a $25 ticket holder you were entitled to a personalized glass from the museum and 3 drink tickets. But they didn't tell you is that three tickets didn't buy you even a tasting. You were forced to purchase additional tickets at a dollar each. Also the wide variety of wines were a variety of prices. Some tasting ended up being 10 to $12. When I say tasting I mean approximately an ounce and a half. For example Cakebread Cellars chardonnay was $11 for an ounce. I realize that this is a fundraiser but expectations should have been laid out about what was going on. All tickets had to be purchased in cash and although there was an ATM machine on site the line was quite long because nobody anticipated cash only. In addition there was no statements regarding the lack of bringing pets and we did bring our mini Aussie with us. When we got to the front of the very long line there was a small sign that said no pets. One person in our party had to take our Aussie all the way back home and then return to the festival. A simple statement on the website regarding what to expect would have prevented much of this. Additionally those people that purchased ahead of time could have gone to another line but that was not stated. The line at one point was at least fifty people and they were the slowest ticket sales I've ever seen in my life. I realize most of this is run by volunteers but it seems like there could have been a little bit more understanding of the wines that were being served or the organization of the festival. Overall we were very disappointed and left quite early for what we spent. The first band that played was good and that's the only reason why we stayed around as long as we did. The tented area was extremely hot as is Rockport most of the time. There were no fans and no way to get cool. Overall it was just a poorly organized event and money not well spent in my opinion. I know there's a balance between a fundraiser and the quality of your experience but this was way wrong. Everybody, and I mean everybody was complaining about the lack of communication and the share price of being forced to buy additional tickets. Today Unfortunately we will not be returning for next year's event.

Ahoy, Y'all! This Rockport museum takes you through the Lone Star State's nautical history, going all the back from the times of the pirates who hung around off the coast to the modern oil rigs and drillers! This museum takes you through the long and interesting history of ships, lighthouses, navigation, and ship building techniques and navigation. Some of the exhibits are 'hands on,' where you can steer a big steering wheel, or change the speed of the propellers that navigate the museum. Overall, the museum is three stories- the top story gives you a sweeping view of the arts district, the marina, and Rockport Beach- you can scope it all out with their telescope! They offer a library on the ground floor, where you can do some research on old books about Texas ships. Many of the model ships look like they've been put together by local enthusiasts. Personally, I thought the most interesting things were the models of the off-shore oil rigs, drilling platforms, and tankers. I never knew how they assembled these giant rigs that can be taller than the Sears Tower in the Gulf of Mexico! Outside the museum, they have some examples of escape pods that oil workers use to flee from burning oil platforms. They look cramped and unpleasant to me. They also have a skiff that some local craftsman made that is the only example of this type of ship in all of Texas! Be sure to check out the nautical themed gift shop on the way out. They have lots of gifts and toys for the kids. The museum cost me $8 for admission, and there was plenty of parking and air conditioning here. It was a good way to spend a hot afternoon!

A small but nice museum on the Rockport waterfront area. Two levels with a variety of martime exhibits, including a large exhibit on La Salle's ill-fated La Belle ship that ran aground in Matagorda Bay, an exhibit on lighthouses, the commercial fishing industry, and oil & gas exploration in the Gulf.The exhibits have a few interactive features, but not a true "children's museum" -- may be a bit boring for young ones. Lots of reading and scientific information. I'd say best for older elem and up.Be sure you go up to the 3rd level and walk out to the viewing balcony -- great 360' view of Rockport and Aransas Bay.Admission is $6 per adult, $5 for seniors. Not sure about kid prices.Nice gift shop with some unique birding and coastal items.

Was very interesting. Lots of displays related to local area nautical history. Elevator makes all 3 levels easily accessible! Very discriptive displays throughout.

Very well done...lots of good facts, spans many decades, good overview of areas history, lots if interactive exhibits for kids, lots of opportunity to explore or just sit. Charming gift shop with quality finds