Taft - is 25 miles W of Port Aransas and 18 miles N of Corpus Christi. Population 2,918 (as of 2018). The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. Taft, often called the "Friendliest Cotton-Pickin' Town in Texas", is not only rich in cotton, but also gas and oil resources. Taft was one the center of the million acre Taft Ranch, built and owned by Charles Phelps Taft, the half-brother of President William Howard Taft.
The
Blackland Museum houses everything from antique
farm equipment to personal and household items used by the town's earliest inhabitants. You can find here Early pictures of the area, Arrowhead collections, early Barb-Wire, Rocks & Gems, Seashells, a Blacksmith shop, a Boy & Girl Scout room, a military room, early doctor & dentist displays, & much more. Every year at Christmas time Santa leads a parade from his perch high atop a city fire truck, delighting residents and visitors of all ages.
What is nearby?
North Beach - 29 min drive
USS Lexington Museum on the Bay - 30 min drive
Texas State Aquarium - 31 min drive
Old Concrete Street Amphitheater - 31 min drive
One Shoreline Plaza - 32 min drive
Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History - 32 min drive
Whataburger Field - 32 min drive
Hurricane Alley Waterpark - 33 min drive
Corpus Christi Marina - 32 min drive
American Bank Center - 32 min drive
Art Center of Corpus Christi - 33 min drive
Arguably, one of the best things to do in nearby Rockport, TX, is going to Historic Downtown and wander around and explore. There's so much to see here, from fun local shops to some of the best seafood restaurants in all of Rockport. Most popular are Mi Ranchito Cafe for fresh homemade tortillas, Plazita Mexican and Taqueria El Mexicano.
Some great shops to stop by here include Magnolia's Two for vintage clothing and antiques, Goin' Coastal Outfitters, and Coast & Cottage. Many of these shops are run by locals, so perusing these shops and buying something from them is a great way to support local businesses when visiting Rockport.
Another of the best things to do in nearby Rockport, TX, is birdwatching. Believe it or not, there are actually quite a few places within Rockport, Texas that you can go birdwatching, including some tours. Some great places to try to find birds and go birdwatching include Memorial Park, Rockport Rookery, or the
Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary. At the sanctuary, it's also common to see butterflies and other insects!
The Aransas Wildlife Refuge is an absolute must-see on this list of fun things to do. It covers more than 100,000 acres right along San Antonio Bay, and you could easily spend an entire day exploring here. Try to plan your time wisely, or you will easily lose track of time. You can spot wildlife, go fishing, or even hike in one of the nature trails throughout the refuge. If you love birdwatching, there are also around 400 different birds that you can find throughout the park. Don't forget to bring your camera, because you'll want to photograph so many significant parts of this refuge silently.
Visit Fulton Mansion State Historic Site
This historic mansion that opened in the late 1800s is one of the most historic spots; visiting it is one of the best things to do in Rockport, TX. It's built in the Second Empire style of architecture and is considered to be one of the top architectural buildings in the area. The mansion was originally owned by Colonel George Ware Fulton and Harriet Gillette Smith, who spent a few years getting it built.
Learn at the Texas Maritime Museum
One of the best museums in Rockport is the Texas Maritime Museum. It's dedicated to educating the public on everything having to do with the ocean's history near Rockport and is great fun for all ages.There are tons of artifacts, exhibits, and more than tell visitors all about Texas maritime history, from oil drilling to pirates throughout the museum. Also, this is the perfect place to visit to learn more about the Gulf Coast. Because the museum isn't massive, you most likely won't need more than an hour or so here, making it a great activity to fit into your Rockport itinerary.
