Summer 2025 Getaway: Mustang Island

Mustang Island is named after the beautiful horses that roamed the island for hundreds of years, although no one is sure exactly how they got there (it is widely believed they were brought over by Spanish settlers). Port Aransas is located on the island’s north end, and Mustang Island State Park makes up the rest of the island, which extends 18 miles in total. The Aransas Pass separates Mustang Island from San Jose Island. Mustang Island is a popular destination for spring breakers, snowbirds, families- everyone, really! The picturesque sandy shores coupled with the warm Gulf air make it a beautiful destination year-round. From geocaching to birdwatching, Mustang Island offers tourists a bevy of fun activities to keep them entertained and enjoying island time while in South Texas. If you’re looking for an affordable beach getaway for summer fun, look no further than Mustang Island, Texas.

Five ways to have fun on Mustang Island in 2025

1. 1. Go Geocaching. Download the geocaching app onto your smartphone and search for treasure while you enjoy the beauty of Mustang Island! Use the app to find the treasures hidden in the area and bring a trinket of your own to swap with whatever is left by previous geocachers. Perfect for cooler days when you don’t want to get in the water. 
   2. Build a sandcastle (with or without the help of a professional!). Bring your own supplies or buy them while on vacation and see what kind of castle you can create. Add towers, moats, different levels- the sky’s the limit when it comes to creating your seaside masterpiece! Find shells and other beach trinkets for a little added flare.
   3. Paddle the Mustang Island Paddling Trail. Grab your favorite kayak or paddleboard and head out on the water to bird watch, explore the coast and enjoy some time with Mother Nature. There are three different trails available in the area, each less than 9 miles, that you can enjoy solo or with friends. 
   4. Catch something good for dinner when you fish on Mustang Island. Experts say that spotted seatrout and Spanish mackerel are both fairly common catches near Mustang Island in the warm summer months. Whether you fish to enjoy the space around you or fish in the hopes of catching something great, you’re sure to enjoy fishing in the Gulf. 

• Rent a golf cart and have a ball on the beach. What is it about golf carts that screams “this is the good life?” Rent a golf cart and cruise from your rental to the beach and then to dinner in style. There are plenty of spaces where you can take in the scenery and the sunshine in a golf cart that makes getting around a breeze. Plus, it’s just plain fun to enjoy life from a golf cart!  

Mustang Island area lodging

Kick back island-style at Pioneer Beach RV Resort, an RV resort with everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable escape to the beach. Take the boardwalk to the beach, utilize the fish-cleaning house, chill out in the pool or hot tub and so much more. This spot has everything you need to enjoy life on island time.