Family travel tips for Rockport

Plan around the heat

From May through September, midday sun on the Texas coast is intense. Schedule the beach and outdoor stops for morning and early evening, and use museums, the aquarium and lunch to fill the middle of the day.

Check hours twice

Many Rockport attractions are small and run by nonprofits or volunteers. Several close one or two days a week, often Sunday and Monday, and some keep afternoon-only hours. Call or check the website the day before.

Mosquitoes and biting flies

Marshes and wooded parks like Goose Island can be buggy, especially at dawn, dusk and after rain. Bring repellent and light long sleeves for evening walks.

Hurricane season

Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Rockport was badly damaged by Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and has rebuilt since. If you book during the season, choose refundable lodging and keep an eye on National Hurricane Center forecasts the week of your trip.

Family packing list

• Water shoes for every family member
• Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Binoculars (essential in crane season)
• Pop-up shade or umbrella
• Small cooler with water and snacks
• Vinegar spray and a basic first-aid kit
• Light jacket for breezy evenings and winter boat trips

Getting around

Rockport is about 35 miles northeast of Corpus Christi on State Highway 35. You will want a car for Goose Island, Fulton and the wildlife refuge, but downtown, the harbor, the beach and the museums are close enough to walk between.

Rainy day plan

Head indoors to the Texas Maritime Museum, the Aquarium at Rockport Harbor, the Rockport Center for the Arts and the Fulton Mansion's Education and History Center. Together they easily fill a wet afternoon.