Top 19 Things To Do In Rockport, Texas

Where to stay in Rockport, Texas

Since Rockport is a coastal city in the vast state of Texas, you’ll find that most activities showcase scenic bodies of water. Bay homes and other waterfront properties are popular choices among homeowners in Rockport and accommodations that are within walking distance of the beach and marinas are no stranger to its visitors. You can choose to enjoy the convenience of a beachfront hotel or the home-away-from-home charm of the many vacation rentals with pool in the city. If you are all for waterfront views and blending in with the close-knit community that comes with it, you’ll find yourself feeling at home with the marina lifestyle in Rockport.

Here are our top recommendations on where to stay:

• La Quinta by Wyndham

• Pet-friendly private bungalow

• Key Allegro waterfront house

1. Admire the works at Estelle Stair Gallery

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Are you a fan of the arts? If so, Estelle Stair Gallery might be one of the best places you’ll visit in Rockport. This art gallery aims to support local artists by exhibiting their works, may it be paintings, jewelry, and even photography. Some of the displays here include the Member’s Gallery and ceramic works by Michael Hodgson and Gaye Lynn. Not only do you get to broaden your horizon here, but you will also be supporting the local community!

Estelle Stair Gallery

Address: 406 S Austin St, Rockport, TX 78382, United States

Website: Estelle Stair Gallery

Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 11am - 4pm (closed on Sun - Wed)

2. Have a tasting at Winery on the Bay / Dog'Gone Brewery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Are you looking for someplace to hang out with your friends where booze is the main event? We’ve got you covered! Rockport’s best destination for such an occasion is Winery on the Bay / Dog’Gone Brewery on East North Street. This boutique winery offers wine tastings and beer tastings that may have you coming back for a custom-labeled bottle for yourself! There’s also a cheese plate that best complements your drink of choice. Guests must be 18 and above to enter.

Winery on the Bay / Dog'Gone Brewery

Address: 1007 E North St, Rockport, TX 78382, United States

Website: Winery on the Bay / Dog'Gone Brewery

Opening hours: Mon: 2pm - 6pm; Wed - Thu: 2pm - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Tue)

3. Experience life by the bay at Goose Island State Park

Do you ever wonder what is life by the bay like? If yes, you can stop wondering and experience it for yourself. Goose Island State Park offers the best experience of life by the bay. Lapping water and coast breeze will welcome you upon your arrival to the place. There’s a lot of fun activities you can do while staying here such as camping, hiking, birding, and fishing. On top of that, it contains the oldest live oak tree which is known as the watchman of the bay for centuries.

Goose Island State Park

Address: 202 S Palmetto St, Rockport, TX 78382, USA

Website: Goose Island State Park

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

4. Indulge in fun activities at Community Aquatic and Skate Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Community Aquatic And Skate Park is one of the liveliest places in Rockport, Texas. It is within a 12-acre (4.9 hectares) live oak forest which is open all year round. Its features include water and land activities such as swimming, diving, skating, and more. It has specific spots for children to use. In addition, it has picnic spaces ideal for families who want to have some bonding time.

Community Aquatic and Skate Park

Address: 2001 Stadium, Rockport, TX 78382, USA

Website: Community Aquatic and Skate Park

Opening hours: Tue & Fri: 9am - 5pm; Wed, Thu & Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)

5. Visit the historic building Fulton Mansion State Historic Site

Another iconic place to visit in Rockport is the famous Fulton Mansion State Historic Site. It has no admission fee which is open to the public; locals and tourists alike. Guests will see glimpses of the affluent family who lived there during the 1960s while touring the place. It is luxurious and extravagant. It’s a must-visit place if you like fancy things.

Fulton Mansion State Historic Site

Address: 317 Fulton Beach Rd, Rockport, TX 78382, USA

Website: Fulton Mansion State Historic Site

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)

6. Experience Texan waves at Rockport Beach

Enjoy the Texas wave only here at Rockport Beach. It is known as Texas first blue wave beach which attracts most of the visitors for its cleanliness and blue waters. It’s the perfect place to visit while you’re in Rockport if you want to get your tan or go swimming in its calm and warm coast. It has the prettiest sunrises and sunsets which you shouldn’t miss.

Rockport Beach

Address: 210 Seabreeze Dr, Rockport, TX 78382, USA

Website: Rockport Beach

7. View the works of art at Rockport Center for the Arts

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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If you’re an artist or simply an art enthusiast, you might love to visit the Rockport Center for the Arts. It’s the home for many unique art pieces created by wonderful artists in Texas. Upon visiting the place, you will already see beautiful paintings hanging on the wall and other sculpted materials around the place. It is one of the go-to places of every artist looking for inspiration, so if you’re looking for some motivation, this is the place to be.

Rockport Center for the Arts

Address: 106 S Austin St, Rockport, TX 78382, USA

Website: Rockport Center for the Arts

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)

8. Visit Texas Maritime Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Are you one of those people who has a thing for history and art? Are you a maritime enthusiast? If yes, the Texas Maritime Museum will surely satisfy your eyes. Indulging in a tour here will widen your knowledge about Texas Maritime. It offers a variety of experiences fitting for both children and adults like the interpretation of artifacts, documents, and other materials which are of unique values in history. It’s one of the best experiences you should indulge in while you’re at Rockport.

Texas Maritime Museum

Address: 1202 Navigation Cir, Rockport, TX 78382, USA

Website: Texas Maritime Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)

9. Hike the trails of Pathways Center Pavilion and Bridge

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The best way to enjoy the beautiful sceneries of Texas is to take a stroll. Pathways Center Pavilion and Bridge is famous for tourists and locals alike for its hiking trails. It’s an ideal place to hike at especially if you want to work your muscles, at the same time see beautiful sites while doing it. In addition, Pathways Center has a lot of amazing picture spots where you can get your selfies taken. On top of that, it is serene and has the freshest air.

Pathways Center Pavilion and Bridge

Website: Pathways Center Pavilion and Bridge

10. Go bird watching at Connie Hagar Wildlife Refuge

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you want to see a beautiful and interesting view, Connie Hagar Wildlife Refuge is the best place to visit. It’s the best spot to go bird-watching with your little ones. Upon arrival at this Rockport tourist attraction, you will already hear the singing of hummingbirds. Watching the birds while simply sitting in your car is something that will make your day a little brighter and something to look forward to. It is truly magical and a rare sight to see.

Connie Hagar Wildlife Refuge

Address: 1401-1499 S Church St, Rockport, TX 78382, USA

11. Look at unique art pieces at Spirit Columns

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Spirit Columns is the perfect place to go to for art enthusiast while in Rockport, Texas. Upon going to the place, you’ll see all the different crafts and art pieces sculpted by the famous artist Jesus Morales who is known for monumental abstract granite works. All the pieces he creates are uniquely done and has different stories behind them. Spirit Columns is the first public art open for everyone.

Spirit Columns

Address: 4400 S M L King Jr Pkwy, Beaumont, TX 77705, USA

Website: Spirit Columns

12. Indulge in fresh seafood at 495 Chesapeake Eats

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

495 Chesapeake Eats specializes in Maryland cuisine and craft cocktails providing the best dining experience in Texas. Its menu items and cocktails use the freshest ingredients there is including local fresh shrimp, fish, free-range chicken, and grass beef. Some of its famous dishes you should definitely try are Maryland skillet fried chicken, Baltimore-style steamed shrimp, and Maryland crab cakes.

495 Chesapeake Eats

Address: 1008 E North St, Rockport, TX 78382, USA

Website: 495 Chesapeake Eats

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5pm - 8:30pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 9pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

13. Eat freshly cooked seafood at The Boiling Pot

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Boiling Pot Rockport is the freshest seafood-serving in Texas. It is the perfect place for seafood lovers. It promises a relaxing dining experience while enjoying the best seafood dishes with refreshing cold drinks to complete the meal. Also, it has a homey, fun, and laidback atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.

The Boiling Pot

Address: 201 Fulton Beach Rd, Rockport, TX 78382, USA

Website: The Boiling Pot

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri - Sun: 11am - 9pm

14. Grab a mic and sing at Sugar Shack

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you are looking for the best spot for a karaoke night while having cold drinks, Sugar Shack will suit you just fine. It has great live music and the most relaxing atmosphere. Its features include karaoke, live bands, lounges, and affordable drinks. This Rockport place to visit is where most locals and tourists alike go for a good time and a fine drink.

Sugar Shack

Address: 106 N Fulton Beach Rd, Rockport, TX 78382, USA

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 2am; Sun: 12pm - 2am

15. Chill out with a cold beer at Rock Bottom Park & Pub

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Located in Downtown, Rock Bottom Park & Pub is a known local bar in Texas. Locals and tourists love the place because of its great atmosphere and service. Its features include pool tables, video games, live music, and a small lounge area. On top of that, its food and drinks are all pocket-friendly, which makes it an ideal place to chill at if you’re looking for a good time without spending too much.

Rock Bottom Park & Pub

Address: 507 S Austin St, Rockport, TX 78382, USA

Website: Rock Bottom Park & Pub

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 2am; Sun: 12pm - 2am

16. Delight in the homemade items of Rockport Donuts

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Rockport Donuts is one of the best donut-serving joints in Texas. It has a plethora of donut dishes that you can choose from such as fancy, candy, and fritters donuts. It also serves breakfast and brunch combos including Sausage N’ Cheese, Ham Egg N’ Cheese with Croissant, and more. It’s a must-visit donut house to indulge especially with the family and the kids.

Rockport Donuts

Address: 401 TX-35 BUS, Rockport, TX 78382, USA

Website: Rockport Donuts

Opening hours: 4:30am - 2pm (daily)

17. Get your favorite cold dessert at Grandma B Sweet treats

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you are one of those people who have sweet tooth, Grandma B Sweet Treats is the place for you. Its interiors and decor are combinations of lively colors that make a great ambiance to the place. You can get every craving you have, from cold ice creams to sweet waffles. It’s something you shouldn’t miss especially during hot summer days in which you need a cold treat.

Grandma B Sweet treats

Address: 2716 TX-35 BUS, Rockport, TX 78382, USA

Website: Grandma B Sweet treats

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 8pm; Fri: 11am - 9pm; Sat: 12pm - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm

18. Kayak at Little Bay

One of the Rockport activities you shouldn’t miss is visiting the famous Little Bay. It’s the perfect spot for kayak and other water activities. Little Bay is one of the places many travelers and locals alike go to whenever they’re looking for the best place to enjoy the outdoor activities while spending time with their families.

Little Bay

Address: Rockport, TX 78382, USA

19. Discover the aquatic life at Aquarium of Rockport Harbor

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Don’t know what do in Rockport, TX, with the little ones? Located at Rockport Harbor, The Aquarium is a fun-filled place to experience to indulge in with your family who will truly appreciate the beauty of marine life. It’s a free-admission activity depending on volunteers for management, operation, and maintenance. It houses thousands of marine species and offers different activities the visitors will enjoy. While the experience is for the visitors’ enjoyment, The Aquarium also aims to give knowledge about the importance of marine conservations.

Aquarium of Rockport Harbor

Address: 706 Navigation Cir, Rockport, TX 78382, USA

Website: Aquarium of Rockport Harbor

Price: Free entry

In Rockport, only happiness exists

Rockport, Texas, is the place to go to if you want to have a fun-filled vacation where worries don’t exist. It has a lot of adventures and exploration waiting for your arrival. If ever you decide to visit this beautiful place, listed above are the things you can do while you’re in the area. Just be sure to book your preferred cabin rental or beachfront rental to make the most of your stay.