My happy place has always been the beach. Any beach will do, but a really beautiful beach with clear, blue water is even better! This past week, Zack and I finally rode over to Rockport Beach, TX for the day. WOW! Why did we wait so long to go? The white sand beach and the blue green water were just perfect, and it’s only eleven miles from where we are staying!
How much does it cost to get into Rockport Beach?
As you arrive at Rockport Beach, there is an area of beach at the south end that you are able to enjoy for free. This is also the only area where dogs are allowed. There is a guard station just down the road where you will have to pay to enter. You can purchase a day pass for $10 or a yearly pass for $40. The yearly pass is good for the calendar year.
Can you swim in Rockport Beach?
There are several areas for aquatic activities in Rockport Beach. The North and South beaches are one mile of beautiful sandy beach along the Aransas Bay. The gentle slope keeps the water shallow for some distance making this a perfect beach for families with small children. There are small waves to add some excitement, but don’t be expecting it to be a surfer’s paradise.
Alternatively, the saltwater pool at the northern end of the island offers another option for dipping your toes in the water. These calm waters make it a great place for swimming or just floating around. You can also just enjoy soaking up some sunshine on the sandy shoreline.
If your swimming is geared more to activities with boats and jet skis you’ll enjoy Little Bay. This area behind the peninsula of the beach area provides a perfect spot for water skiing or enjoying other towable toys. It is also a nice area for kayaking. This is also where the boat landing is located and provides access to the open water of Aransas Bay.
Are there jellyfish in Rockport Beach?
Rockport Beach, like any other beach located on the coast, has a wide variety of marine life present, jellyfish included. However, depending on the type of jellyfish, they can be found more abundantly at certain times of the year.
The moon jellyfish and stinging nettle tend to be more plentiful in gulf waters and bay areas in late spring through mid-summer. Cabbagehead jellyfish are more abundant in late summer and early fall.
The sting of a jellyfish can be quite painful. Making a paste of unseasoned meat tenderizer and water and applying to the site of the sting can help reduce the pain temporarily. Other options include regular vinegar or one (1) part bleach to ten (10) parts water to help reduce pain at the site of the sting.
Is Rockport Beach Clean?
Rockport takes great pride in its beach and it shows. The beaches are groomed daily and the facilities are well maintained. The water is tested twice a week for bacteria and results are posted on Texas Beach Watch.
In addition to the beach (as if that weren’t enough!) the kiddos can play on several playgrounds located along the beach and families can relish a meal at one of the many picnic areas.
Volleyball courts can be found on the beach for those who seek some sporting competition, and the ¾ mile walking path along the shoreline of Little Bay offers a less intense alternative activity.
What does Blue Wave beach mean?
Rockport Beach Park is the first beach in Texas to earn the Blue Wave designation. We were curious as to what that meant. As it turns out, it is the first national environmental certification for beaches and issued by the Clean Beaches Coalition (CBC).
In order for beaches to receive this designation they must demonstrate their commitment to adopt and encourage visitors to follow the Blue Wave Ethics. These ethics promote a healthy lifestyle, respect for nature and other visitors, and safety.
Is Rockport Beach blue water?
The water at Rockport Beach is generally quite clear. The shallow waters at the shoreline provide a window to the bottom and any treasures hiding there. It is a beautiful site looking out over the horizon as the water color changes from the clear pale green to the deeper blues as the depth increases.
Does Rockport have a pier?
Enjoy some good fishing from the 800-foot pier located at the north end of Rockport Beach. Walking to the end of the pier also provides a wonderful view back to the beach and along some of the coastal area of Rockport.
Can’t wait to return!
Zack and I didn’t know quite what to expect on our first visit, but Rockport Beach certainly delivered! We gladly paid for the yearly pass and plan to make many more visits. The relaxing sound of the gentle waves on the beach are so enjoyable and I can’t wait to take a swim in the saltwater pool.
We both remarked about how clean and well-maintained the beach was; they have certainly displayed why they are the first Blue Wave beach in Texas! I’ve always loved the clear waters of the Gulf and Rockport Beach certainly maintains that reputation. I’m also looking forward to getting a line in the water off the pier. Nothing beats some freshly caught seafood!
Have you visited Rockport Beach? Let us know in the comments what you thought or tell us your favorite beach.
You might also enjoy visiting The Big Tree at Goose Island State Park while in the Rockport area.