Best Things to do in the Winter in Rockport

While summer is the usual time when people think they should head to the coast, there are many awesome things about Rockport that can only be experienced during the winter. 

Whooping Crane Watching:

The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is an 114,000 acre protected area on the San Antonio Bay along the Gulf Coast of Texas that is a breeding ground for many unique bird species. This makes Rockport the perfect viewing spot for waterfowl, egrets, herons, roseate spoonbills, pelicans, and the endangered whooping cranes. Birders travel from all over the country for a chance to see the majestic Whooping Crane. Port Aransas hosts the Whooping Crane Festival on Thu, Feb 25, 2021 – Sun, Feb 28, 2021.

Fishing:

Winter is a fantastic time for fishing in Rockport. Temperatures rarely go below 50 degrees in the winter, so you can put on a coat and head out to the fishing pier for a chance to catch some of these fish. 

Black Drum are a common winter catch and are best caught using shrimp. Flounder fishing is also great in the fall and winter and can be caught from the bulkhead of your rental homes. This is also the season for red fish migration and you can catch Bull Reds right off the end of your pier. 

Duck Hunting:

The winter duck hunting season runs from Dec. 12 - Jan. 31st. Primary species include pintail, widgeon, teal and redheads, with bufflehead and scaup ducks also plentiful. Rockport has many awesome hunting guides that you can find here. 

Drive or Walk on the Beach:

Rockport has many beautiful sunny winter days that will make you want to get out and enjoy the weather. Take a stroll down Rockport Beach or walk down the harbor and check out the sailboats.  If it is a little chilly out then grab a coffee at the Duck Blind and take a drive along Fulton Beach Road.