You're driving down State Highway 361, the salt spray is hitting the windshield, and you’re wondering exactly where on the Texas map you've landed. Most people just call it "Port A." But if you’re looking for the legal dirt or trying to figure out which sheriff handles the speeding tickets, you need to know what county is Port Aransas in before you cross the ferry.
It's Nueces County.
That’s the short answer. But the geography is actually kind of a trip. While the vast majority of the city of Port Aransas sits comfortably within Nueces County, there’s a tiny, uninhabited sliver of the city limits that technically creeps into Aransas County to the north. It’s one of those weird Texas coastal quirks that only surveyors and tax assessors really care about, but for the rest of us, Port Aransas is the crown jewel of the Nueces County coastline.
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Why Nueces County Claims Port Aransas
Nueces County is massive. It anchors the Coastal Bend of Texas, with Corpus Christi acting as the big-city hub. Port Aransas sits on the very tip of Mustang Island, separated from the mainland by the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. It’s a literal island outpost.
Being part of Nueces County means Port Aransas shares a legal and economic heartbeat with Corpus Christi, yet it feels worlds apart. You’ve got the high-rises and refineries of the mainland on one side, and then you’ve got the golf carts and "island time" vibes of Port A on the other. It’s a strange marriage. The county seat is in Corpus, so if you're doing anything official—like getting a marriage license or dealing with property taxes—you’re likely heading over the bridge or taking the ferry to the mainland.
People often get confused because "Aransas" is right there in the name. It’s logical to assume it’s in Aransas County, right? Wrong. Aransas County actually covers Rockport and Fulton, which are just across the bay. If you’re standing on the north end of Mustang Island looking across the Lydia Ann Channel toward the lighthouse, you’re looking at Aransas County. But the sand under your flip-flops? That’s Nueces.
The Ferry, the Island, and the Geography
Getting there is half the fun, or half the headache, depending on the line. The Port Aransas Ferry is operated by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and connects the city to Mustang Island from the Aransas Pass side. Aransas Pass itself is a town that straddles three different counties—San Patricio, Aransas, and Nueces.
Talk about a headache.
Once you hop off that ferry, you are officially in the city limits of Port Aransas. The town is small, covering about 12 square miles of land, but it punches way above its weight class in terms of tourism and ecological importance. It’s the only established town on Mustang Island. Everything south of the city limits on the island eventually turns into Mustang Island State Park and then drifts into the Padre Island National Seashore.
Real Talk: The Storm That Changed Everything
You can't talk about Port Aransas and its place in Nueces County without mentioning Hurricane Harvey in 2017. It was a "Where were you?" moment for every Texan. The eye wall slammed right into the island. Honestly, people thought the town was erased.
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But the recovery showed the grit of this specific corner of the county. While the mainland suffered, Port A was gutted. The rebuilding process has transformed the town from a sleepy, slightly weathered fishing village into a high-end coastal destination. You’ll see multimillion-dollar homes in Cinnamon Shore that look like they belong in the Hamptons, sitting just a few miles away from "Old Port A" cottages that have survived for decades.
The county played a huge role in that recovery. Federal funds and county resources poured in to fix the pier and the schools. It’s a testament to why the county designation matters—resources are tied to those lines on the map.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Area
A lot of folks think Port Aransas and South Padre Island are basically the same thing. They aren't. Not even close.
South Padre is hundreds of miles south in Cameron County. Port Aransas has a completely different vibe. It’s more "fishing shirt and a beer" than "spring break foam party." Because it's in Nueces County, it’s much closer to the major Texas metros. You can get from San Antonio to Port A in about two and a half hours. That proximity makes it the "go-to" beach for millions of Texans.
- The Fishing Capital: Port Aransas is widely considered the Fishing Capital of Texas.
- The Birds: It’s a massive birding hub, part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.
- The Carts: In Nueces County, Port A is famous for its golf cart culture. You can drive them on the streets legally.
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) is also located right here. It was the first marine station on the Gulf of Mexico coast. It’s a world-class research facility that sits right on the edge of the ship channel, studying everything from seagrass to red tide. It’s a reminder that Port Aransas isn't just a place to get a tan; it’s a vital ecological gatekeeper for the entire Gulf.
Living in Port Aransas: Taxes and Logistics
If you’re thinking about moving here, you’re looking at Nueces County property taxes. They aren't exactly cheap. Because Port Aransas is a high-value real estate market, the tax base is a huge boon for the county.
The Port Aransas Independent School District (PAISD) is actually one of the best in the state, despite its small size. It’s a "Marlin" thing—the school mascot is everywhere. The community is tight-knit. You’ll find that even though the population swells to 60,000 or more on holiday weekends, the actual year-round residents only number about 3,500.
The Aransas Pass Confusion
Let’s clear this up once and for all. Aransas Pass is a city. Aransas County is a county. Port Aransas is a city.
Port Aransas is in Nueces County.
Aransas Pass is mostly in San Patricio County.
Rockport is in Aransas County.
If you’re navigating by GPS, just type in the zip code 78373. That’ll get you to the right place without having to worry about which imaginary line you’re crossing.
Deep Dive: The Ecosystem of Mustang Island
Mustang Island is a barrier island. Its job is to take the hit when the Gulf of Mexico gets angry, protecting the mainland and the Laguna Madre. The sand dunes here are protected by law because they are the first line of defense against storm surges.
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In Nueces County, there’s a big emphasis on "Leave No Trace." The beaches are public—a uniquely Texan thing thanks to the Open Beaches Act. You can actually drive your truck right onto the sand in most parts of Port Aransas, provided you have a $12 annual beach parking permit. That permit is sold by the city and is a major source of revenue for keeping the beaches clean.
You’ll see sea turtle nests marked off by the Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK). They do incredible work. If a Kemp's ridley sea turtle crawls up to lay eggs, the ARK team is there to protect them. It's a delicate balance between the massive tourism industry and the wild, raw nature of the Texas coast.
What to Do Next
If you're planning a trip or considering a move to this slice of Nueces County, you need to be strategic. The island is small, and it fills up fast.
- Check the Ferry Wait: Before you leave the house, check the TxDOT Port Aransas Ferry Twitter (or X) feed. In the summer, the wait can be two hours. Sometimes it's better to drive around through Corpus Christi and come up the "back way" through North Padre.
- Get the Permit: Don’t be the person who gets a ticket for parking on the beach without a permit. You can buy them at any local gas station or the IGA grocery store.
- Book Early: If you want a house for the Fourth of July, you should have booked it six months ago. Seriously.
- Explore the County: Since you’re in Nueces County, take a day trip to the Texas State Aquarium or the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi. They are only 30 minutes away and are world-class attractions.
Port Aransas is a special place. It’s a mix of salty old fishermen, wealthy developers, surfing teenagers, and world-renowned scientists. Now that you know what county is Port Aransas in, you can stop worrying about the map and start worrying about which taco stand to hit for breakfast.
Pro Tip: Go to Lelo’s Backyard for a burger or Moby Dick's for the kitschy island atmosphere. You won't regret it.
The reality of Port Aransas is that it’s a resilient, vibrant community that defines the Texas coast. Whether you’re there for the Deep Sea Roundup fishing tournament or just to watch the dolphins jump in the wake of the giant tankers in the channel, you’re experiencing the best of what Nueces County has to offer. Just remember to pack out your trash and respect the dunes. The island is small, and we’d like to keep it around for a while.
To make the most of your time on the island, download the Port Aransas "Sandcastle" app which gives real-time updates on beach conditions and local events. If you're looking for property data, the Nueces County Appraisal District website is your best bet for official records. Pack your sunscreen, watch out for the golf carts, and enjoy the ferry ride.