I will be going down to Port Aransas for the first time in a couple of weeks. I'm going with a couple of other friends and we are looking for a place to stay. We don't need anything really fancy however we don't want to stay in a dump either. We would also consider staying in Rockport. Also, Where do you all recommend eating down there? Thanks in advance.

We stayed at sportsman Manor in Rockport last month,was reasonable,clean and location was good.As far as where to eat you cant throw a rock and not hit a restaurant in Rockport.We ate several places and never had a bad experience .

Near Rockport there used to be a place called "The Big Fisherman". It was great. The Boiling Pot used to be a great place too.

Trout Street in Port Aransas is good, and Jay's Seafood and Spaghetti Works is also a great place.

If you can plan ahead, you can schedule a stay at any number of places such as the Sea Mist or Sea Side condominiums through stayinporta.com

Several years ago, the Tarpon Inn was remodeled. I was staying in a condo but hung out with a friend who was staying there. It seemed nice for a place just to lay your head at night before going fishing.

Hope that helps.

If you are not going out with a guide in a boat, check out the North Jetty via the ferry to St. Joseph's Island that leaves our of Fisherman's Warf at 6:30 a.m. It costs around $12.00 a person. The boat goes out every two hours until 6:00 p.m. Better catch that last boat back or you are spending the night. No bathrooms. Take plenty of water. Plan your trip so that you are there during high tide. Take plenty of steel leaders and shiny artificials for catching Spanish Mackerel on the surf side 1/2 way out the jetty. I like to fish live shrimp with a tiny split shot for trout and other surprises. You never know what you are going to catch. Have fun!

www.soakandstay.com for Port Aransas. Nice home right on the water, great rates, great house and location!

Kon Tiki Resort - very quiet & comfortable but out of the way.

Long 20 mile drive to Port Aransas, you have to take the ferry and it can take 45 minutes if you don't make good time and catch the ferry just right early am.

VRBO. Some nice houses at decent prices.

some good canal houses can be had for weekly @ holiday beach/acres as you're coming into Rockport on Tx35, ck craigslist
otherwise, captains quarters on the Island is fisherman-friendly
& not so bad, price wise
Pop's burgers @ the goose island turnoff is not to be missed
as is Moondogs in "downtown" rockport.
if you hit the boiling pot in non-peak hours it's good.
heard that Shemp's is excellent, regardless how it looks!