Rockport, TX

Rockport, TX 78382

Rockport Map

Rockport is a city in Aransas County, Texas, United States. The population was 7,385 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Aransas County. The coastal community has approximately 8000 citizens. Large windswept live oaks are a dominating feature of the area and the state's oldest live oak, "Big Tree," resides on nearby Lamar Peninsula. The towns of Rockport and Fulton intermingle and many refer to the combined communities as "Rockport-Fulton." The community has a Maritime Museum, The Fulton Mansion State Historic Site, art galleries and shops.

Rockport is a popular tourist destination for its beach, ski basin, and sport fishing. The city's beachfront park has won awards for "The Nation's Cleanest Beach". The city hosts several fairs and expositions each year including the Fiesta De La Playa, Seafair and a Wine Festival. There are also historic sites such as the Fulton Mansion and a Heritage district in downtown Rockport that offers a friendly and fun shopping environment. Key Allegro Marina is also a popular attraction, especially during The Rockport Offshore Challenge or The R.O.C.

Local operators offer wintertime tours of nesting whooping cranes in the large Aransas National Wildlife Refuge located nearby. Local birders and organizations such as the Aransas Bird and Nature Club have helped preserve unique bird watching reserves such as the Connie Hagar sanctuary and Aransas Woods that are easily accessible. Located along the migration route of several species of hummingbirds, the city hosts an annual "Hummer and Birding Expo" which includes tours of local residences where hundreds of ruby throated hummingbirds can be viewed at feeders.

Nearby cities include Fulton, Bayside, Aransas Pass, Port Aransas, Ingleside.