Surrounded by the sparkling waters of Copano and Aransas Bays, Rockport and Fulton are bathed year-round by soothing Gulf breezes, nestled among ancient, windswept oaks and steeped in a colorful community of cultures. Rockport boasts a wide array of activities including championship golf, bird watching, waterfowl hunts, unique dining, and shopping. Rockport also is home to one of the finest collections of artists and painters in the State of Texas. Additionally, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is a state treasure and is home to hundreds of migrating species of birds and wildlife. Escape the summer heat and head to paradise -- Rockport and Fulton -- experience a lifestyle that is no longer a dream away.
Recreation & Attractions
Shopping - Treasures are awaiting you in the Rockport and Fulton areas. There are two downtown shopping areas with a myriad of shops from antiques, collectibles, fine art galleries, jewelry, clothing, sea shells shops, and more. Our personalized service and friendly merchants will enable you to have an enjoyable and unique shopping experience.
Art - Rockport, Texas was named one of the “Top 10 Coastal Art Colonies” in the United States, according to the Coastal Living Magazine. Rockport and Fulton offer a special charm. The kind of charm that has led many prominent artists to make this area their home. As a result, the area boasts one of the best collection of art galleries you’ll find anywhere. The Rockport Center for the Arts is located on the Rockport Harbor and is a vibrant building with changing fine art exhibits and art instruction of all kinds.
Birds - The seascape that attracts artists also attracts our most famous winter visitors, the great endangered Whooping Cranes. The Whooping Cranes are not the only avian visitor to our area as on any given day of the year, over 75 different species can be spotted in the marshes, wooded inland areas and along the sandy beaches. While you are here visit the Chamber Visitor Center or online at www.rockport-fulton.org under press room for the 17 Hot Birding Spots driving tour to view the wildlife in their natural habitats.
Fishing - Remarkable describes the fishing and other water sports available in the bay itself. The area has been known for its Speckled Trout and Redfish among anglers “in the know”. Complete facilities from professional fishing guides to public piers and marinas are available. Professional fishing guides can help even the most novice of fisherman catch fish and return home with an even better fish story!
Points of Interest
Points of Interest abound with the Texas Maritime Museum, Fulton Mansion Historic Home, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, the Big Tree at Goose Island State Park, Aquarium at Rockport Harbor, Rockport Beach Park, Connie Hagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Copano Causeway State Pier, Memorial Park Walking and Jogging Trails, the Community Aquatic and Skate Park , Rockport and Fulton Harbors, Schoenstatt Shrine, Stella Maris Chapel, Windswept Oak Trees, Whooping Crane Birding Boat Excursions, Dolphin Excursions, Saltwater Pool, Rockport Country Club and 18-hole Golf Course and so much more!
The Bay Education Center
Explore an estuary in downtown Rockport, Texas. The Bay Education Center tells the story of an estuary with interactive exhibits that reveal the ecological and economic importance of the Mission-Aransas Estuary. The exhibits also highlight the role that the Mission-Aransas NERR plays in estuary research, education, and protection.
Science On a Sphere
Science On a Sphere (SOS)® is a room sized, global display system that uses computers and video projectors to display planetary data onto a six foot diameter sphere, analogous to a giant animated globe. Researchers at NOAA developed Science On a Sphere® as an educational tool to help illustrate Earth System science to people of all ages. Animated images of atmospheric storms, climate change, and ocean temperature can be shown on the sphere, which is used to explain what are sometimes complex environmental processes, in a way that is simultaneously intuitive and captivating.
Festivals & Events
Rockport and Fulton boasts that almost every month out of the year there is an event that will fit everyone in the family. The Gospel Festival in January, the Bountiful Bowl Pottery Fair and Clay Expo in February, Fulton Oysterfest in March, Rockport Festival of Wines Memorial Day Weekend, Rockport Art Festival in July, Patriotic Boat Parade and Wendell Fireworks Display on July 4th, Hummer/Bird Celebration in September, Rockport Seafair in October, the Rockport Film Festival in November and Celebration of Lights and Lighted Boat Parade in December are just to name a few.
Directions
Directions from San Antonio and Houston
If you are traveling from San Antonio take IH-37 south to Corpus Christi, and then take U. S. Highway 181 to Gregory; at Gregory take State Highway 35 into Rockport. From Houston, take U. S. Highway 59 to Victoria, and then, take U. S. Highway south to State Highway 239, and then, south to Tivoli, and at Tivoli, take State Highway 35 into Rockport.
