Find Vacation Rentals in City-by-the Sea

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City-by-the Sea Information

Located on the southern peninsula of Aransas County, City-by-the-Sea is a very small community located on State Highway 35, approximately four miles southwest of Rockport. It is a small, lively community dedicated to fishing and farming. Visitors interested in visiting the city may find that they will spend more time in neighboring Aransas Pass, which is a more lively area and is known for watersports, fishing, birding, kayaking, and hunting.

The region is known for its Conn Brown Harbor and the largest hummingbird garden in Texas. Events such as the Shrimporee (three day event in June) and the Holiday Craft Show (December) are also well known in the area. The Community Park in City-by-the-Sea includes lighted baseball fields, picnic fields and tables, as well as the wetlands of the Aransas Pass Nature Trail. A new addition to Community Park is its Aquatic Park which features a competition sized swimming pool and kiddie pool for the entire family. Conn Brown Harbor Park spans five acres and has two concrete boat ramps with docks, park benches, barbecued grills, and fishing piers. The region’s San Patricio County Navigation District Marina is a 10 acre park housing a variety of boat docks and shelters for afternoons on the dock. Visitors can also fish from a lighted fishing pier, and the park also features a children’s playground.

Located about 20 minutes away by car is Corpus Christi, which is generally referred to as Texas’ “city by the sea” due to it being the state’s largest coastal city and gateway to Padre Island. Popular activities and things to see in Corpus Christi include The Bayfront (the heart of the city filled with family activities and nightlife), Corpus Christi Cathedral (the city’s first church), Art Museum of South Texas, Corpus Christi Museum of Science and Natural History, Texas State Aquarium, and Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures and Education Center. Visitors can also opt for a two and half hour drive to Texas’ second most populated city, San Antonio. The city has many things to offer, including its famous Alamo museum, the River Walk and downtown features such as the San Fernando Cathedral, The Majestic Theatre, HemisFair Park, Market Square, and The Spanish Governor’s Palace. You can also stay nearby and visit Port Aransas, which is the only established town on Mustang Island. It is located north of Padre Island, and is one of the longest barrier islands along the Texas coast. The city is well known as a haven for fishing, beaches, and resorts. Summer populations often reach 60,000 visitors or more. This trip takes about 40 minutes by car. Located about three and a half hours from City-by-the-Sea, visitors can opt for visiting Austin, the state’s capital city. Known as the “live music capital” of the world, Austin has a lively nightlife and an internationally-known variety of restaurants. The most popular things to do in Austin include visiting Zilker Park, Bullock State History Museum, Blanton Museum of Art, Sixth Street, Zilker Botanical Garden, and South Congress.

Accommodations in the region span from hotels, resorts, inns, bed and breakfast establishments, and vacation rentals. While City-by-the-Sea has various accommodations, most established accommodations will be located in neighboring Aransas Pass. Of course, renting a vacation home is the best way to experience a place and relax. Look for the perfect vacation rental close to the water to maximize your time at the beach!

Like any small waterfront town, the region is relatively walkable, so renting a car is not necessary. There are also bike rental options available as well as taxi services. If you’d like to rent a car, though, you’ll be able to explore other beaches on the Gulf and have more freedom in your day trips.