Rainy Day at the Beach: What to Do!
Need a Rain Check on the Beach or Pool Time?
Here are our suggestions for what to do in and around Port A when the drizzle drowns out your plans to hang out on the beach or lounge by one of our amazing pools.
1. Explore Marine Life at University of Texas Marine Science Institute.
Take kids to the institute's newly renovated Patton Center in Port Aransas, located at 855 E. Cotter Ave. They will enjoy interactive displays and eight aquaria, keeper chats, and fish-feeding demonstrations.
Redesigned and rebuilt after the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the facility now offers an updated experience for families interested in learning about the local marine ecosystem and the institute's reserach. The refreshed, bright, bold space designed and built by Corpus Christi architect and builder happened with support from the Universtiy of Texas at Austin, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and philanthropists Bobby and Sherri Patton.
Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; utmsi.utexas.edu/visit/marine-science-education-center
2. Pick a Piece to Paint at Fire It Ceramics.
Select your piece and paint it. Leave it to be fired and return for your treasure. Visit the bright pink building at 611 S. Allister St. for some artistic downtime. No sculpting required!
The friendly folks at this landmark will fire your creation to seal the design. You can pick it up in one to three days, or they will ship it to you if your time on the island runs out.
Summer Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; call for holiday hours; www.fireitceramics.com.
3. Visit Winton's Island Candy.
This vintage candy store at 601 S. Alister St. is a Port A institution, with hard wood floors, old-fashion cars and more delight kids and adults. It's a family tradition to make a trip (or two!) during your beach vacay.
Sample the homemade fudge and fill a paper sack with favorite from overflowing bins! It's a trip back to a simpler time and place.
Mon.-Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; wintonscandies.com
4. Visit the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi.
View the tropical fish that teem around the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. See baby seahorses and jelly fish. Meet four resident sharks Liko, Schooner, Merlin, and Shadow. These are just a few exhibits at this gem that's just a short drive away from Cinnamon Shore. It's perfect for exploring while an afternoon rain shower passes.
Open Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; subject to change; www.texasstateaquarium.org
5. Salute the U.S.S. Lexington.
In addition to the chance to tour this floating museum celebrating a World War II-era aircraft carrier, you can also book new exciting new experiences aboard the vessel!
From Escape Rooms dubbed "Lockdown on The Lex" with different themes and challenges that you can choose from to riveting 3-D films, the Lexington has introduced new ways to learn about military history and to have fun at the same time. A Pearl Harbor exhibit involves a multi-media presentation of film, models, and rumbling sound and light. Or take your turn in the Flight Simulator, then marvel at the scale model collection of planes and ships, five years in the making, according to the Lex's website.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular Hours; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Memorial Day-Labor Day and Spring Break; usslexington.
Rain or Shine, Stay at Cinnamon Shore!
Check out the cottages, condos, town homes and beach homes available for couple, friends and families.
SEE WHAT'S AVAILABLE.
Published on Monday, April 17, 2023