Wife and I usually head to Galveston and rent a nice condo with view for cocktails and balcony relaxing. I know, we are olds! Would like to try Port A this year and would greatly appreciate any recommendations for which condos to rent. Want beachfront views and as nice a property as we can afford.
Paging Sunchaser? Perusing the web, looks like Sandpiper and Princess are nice but haven't been to the area in 10+ years and photos/descriptions from condo mgmt. is not always reliable. Thank the all knowing Outdoor board in advance.

Our last time down there we stayed at 2020 Sand Point, not waterfront but easy walk and really nice. There are many others along that street that would give you a water view.

My family goes on an annual trip to Port Aransas / Mustang Island with the MIL and FIL. They stay at one of the big condo complexes on the beach. Usually, it's Island House or Gulfstream on Mustang Island.

The rooms are identical at either facility and fine for families.

A year ago, we went with the VRBO / Home Away experience and rented a home in the Lost Colony Beach Houses subdivision. We much more preferred renting a home rather than staying in one of the big complexes and the price was reasonable given the amenities, convenience, and quality.

I really like these. http://www.seabreezeportaransas.com/

Nice pool and outdoor area. All units face the beach and are in town next to restaurants and stuff.

my folks own a couple condos at the pelican. it's an older place, but it's got a pool, ocean views, is only a short walk from the beach, and is cheaper than the newer places. it's on 11th street in town.

The Dunes is one of those multi level condo's that is beach side.

Id check out VRBO or Air BNB.
Palmilla beach area is starting to develop nicely, may be worth looking into. WIll be similar to cinnamon shores but nicer and less congested.

Port Royale (which would be more hotel like- with restaurants, the large pools w/ slides and boardwalk over to the beach)

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Port Royale (which would be more hotel like- with restaurants, the large pools w/ slides and boardwalk over to the beach)

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ok, so not to thread hijack, but this place is currently named "Port Royal" without the "e" on the end. My parents have always pronounced it "royale" instead of "royal", and I seem to remember there being an "e" on the end when I was a kid, but that just might be my mind adding it in my memory based on how my parents have always pronounced it.

what say you, outdoors? has it always just been "port royal"?

Cinnamon Shores is nice.

We have always called it Port Royal.

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Cinnamon Shores is nice.

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depending on your budget

Sandpiper Condominiums is exactly what you are looking for. Request a room one of the higher levels (4 and up) for better views of the beach from the balcony.

www.sandpiperportaransas.com

MattKyle07 said:

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Sandpiper Condominiums is exactly what you are looking for. Request a room one of the higher levels (4 and up) for better views of the beach from the balcony.

www.sandpiperportaransas.com

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Room 302 is one we stayed in, when we went in April. Updated, great view, big kitchen, dining, and living room. Only downside is you're not in town, which I prefer.

Hi Clay! Not sure what your budget is, or how many people are going along with you, but my wife and I actually just built a vacation rental there - "Footprints in the Sand". The house was completed May 26, 2017. It's great for large groups as it sleeps 15.

Our house is 3,000 square feet in a cul-de-sac and about 500 feet from the water. Both floors have amazing panoramic, unobstructed views of the gulf! Each room has a water view. Each of the 4 bedrooms has a king size bed. There's also a gameroom with a twin day bed and 2 built-in bunks which are extra long twins. The kitchen is fully stocked and we have a private pool. Also, we are right across the street from the boardwalk which is wide enough for a golf cart.

The neighborhood (Porto Villageo) is nice and quiet and is located just south of Port Royal.

Check it out!
https://www.vrbo.com/4554513ha

Professional pictures will be added later this week.

Just stayed at Sandpiper the week of June 25th.

Stayed in Room 408. Very nice.

You guys are great. Thanks

Don't want to side track the thread but I am trying to get a bachelor party together for anytime in August/Sept/October. Would like to see if anyone had a recommendation for about 10-15 people with access to a private fishing pier with lights. We will likely take a guided tour one of the days but would like to be able to throw some lines out at night while bbq and drinking. TIA.

We usually stay at The Sandcastle. For the price it has always been our favorite option. Look on the website for the individual rooms and pick one that has been update, you can do this at just about all the condos. We have stayed at the sandpiper and mayan princess in the last couple years but the price difference wasn't worth it to us. We used to stay at the Dunes but that has been years.

CrawfordAg you might checkout VBRO or AirBnB in the Rockport area if you want a place on the water with a pier. We stayed at a place in Rockport 2 years ago with 10-12 guys. There was a lighted pier and we caught trout at night.

CrawfordAg said:

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Don't want to side track the thread but I am trying to get a bachelor party together for anytime in August/Sept/October. Would like to see if anyone had a recommendation for about 10-15 people with access to a private fishing pier with lights. We will likely take a guided tour one of the days but would like to be able to throw some lines out at night while bbq and drinking. TIA.

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Channelview condos would be perfect. They have 3 br units available, complete with full kitchen, dining room and living area. Private pier that is locked to keep stragglers to a minimum. It's an older place, but extremely good value for dollar.

http://channelviewcondos.com/

We close on this property on Friday.

Near town but not in town. Boardwalk to the beach. Slight ocean view from top deck. 82 5 star reviews with last owner. Booked out a ton but perhaps your vacation could fit in some openings:

https://www.vrbo.com/87740

Cinnamon shore is nice but expensive.

Premium said:

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We close on this property on Friday.

Near town but not in town. Boardwalk to the beach. Slight ocean view from top deck. 82 5 star reviews with last owner. Booked out a ton but perhaps your vacation could fit in some openings:

https://www.vrbo.com/87740

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Im curious...why does someone with seemingly good rental history and income sell a place?

TXAGFAN said:

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Premium said:

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We close on this property on Friday.

Near town but not in town. Boardwalk to the beach. Slight ocean view from top deck. 82 5 star reviews with last owner. Booked out a ton but perhaps your vacation could fit in some openings:

https://www.vrbo.com/87740

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Im curious...why does someone with seemingly good rental history and income sell a place?

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We bought their Galveston house last summer. This was their last Texas house - moved to TN.

The owners are amazing. They coached us along the way and then obviously passed off great rental history and full bookings - and even referred guests for about a year.

We remembered they tried to sell the Port A house last summer but didn't - so we got in without realtor fees and well below that with a bunch of TLC needed. Nothing urgent, but things to do...

Got it, I've been looking at vacation rentals in New Braunfels the last few months.

Sorry....just saw the thread. I am not knowledgable regarding rentals in Port Aransas. There has been quite a bit of change in the last several years....very obvious if you head south on 361 to run over to Roy's on a weekend. There are new places everywhere......even a Dollar General. The little town that once said, "Port Aransas, Unchanged by 100 Years of Progress" has!

Our Association went to a "No Short Term Rentals" policy about three years ago. It's now a minimum of thirty days. I don't know how many places have done the same but we have been contacted by quite a few places regarding "how to & results."

Palmilla has a nice golf course. It's aggravating but worth the price

Decided to rent a condo at Sandpiper based on recs and research. Fits our needs and looking forward to seeing the area again after 15 year break, Thanks to you all but could use some dining recommendations if anyone has any. Wife really likes fine dining for dinner but any "local knowledge" tips are the best. Thanks in advance folks.

sunchaser said:

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Sorry....just saw the thread. I am not knowledgable regarding rentals in Port Aransas. There has been quite a bit of change in the last several years....very obvious if you head south on 361 to run over to Roy's on a weekend. There are new places everywhere......even a Dollar General. The little town that once said, "Port Aransas, Unchanged by 100 Years of Progress" has!

Our Association went to a "No Short Term Rentals" policy about three years ago. It's now a minimum of thirty days. I don't know how many places have done the same but we have been contacted by quite a few places regarding "how to & results."

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sigh. I miss the good ol days of Port A.

sunchaser said:

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Sorry....just saw the thread. I am not knowledgable regarding rentals in Port Aransas. There has been quite a bit of change in the last several years....very obvious if you head south on 361 to run over to Roy's on a weekend. There are new places everywhere......even a Dollar General. The little town that once said, "Port Aransas, Unchanged by 100 Years of Progress" has!

Our Association went to a "No Short Term Rentals" policy about three years ago. It's now a minimum of thirty days. I don't know how many places have done the same but we have been contacted by quite a few places regarding "how to & results."

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Yep. Even in Aransas Pass our HOA has gone to 6 mos minimum. It is, however, a reason why we purchased a home here.

TAMU77CLAY said:

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Decided to rent a condo at Sandpiper based on recs and research. Fits our needs and looking forward to seeing the area again after 15 year break, Thanks to you all but could use some dining recommendations if anyone has any. Wife really likes fine dining for dinner but any "local knowledge" tips are the best. Thanks in advance folks.

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Venetian Hotplate or Marcel's

Lisa Bellas is in Cinnamon Shores and she would like it. Get a reservation.
Venetian Hot Plate is another nice place. Reservation
Irie's is a local place for a great taquita type breakfast...no tables.
Miss K's is another local place....very good for lunch.

EATS for brunch. You're welcome.

Shells, Beach & Station Street Grill, and The Phoenix for dinner. You're welcome.

CrawfordAg said:

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Don't want to side track the thread but I am trying to get a bachelor party together for anytime in August/Sept/October. Would like to see if anyone had a recommendation for about 10-15 people with access to a private fishing pier with lights. We will likely take a guided tour one of the days but would like to be able to throw some lines out at night while bbq and drinking. TIA.

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Check out Copano Ridge area if you don't need to be in Port A. Many choices on piers and water front, lots of sizes. Plenty of guides going out of the area also.

+1 Lisa Bellas. Fantastic food.

La Playa for dinner if you like Mexican and killer Margaritas. Go early and take cash.

I went to LaPlaya for 4-5 years and tried to get someone to buy that $75 margarita and give me one sip. If I liked it I would buy the $150 one. At that time I didn't know the $150 was merely doubled in size. I split one last year and it might have been an OK drink but it was an awful margarita.....don't do it.

The best places to eat for me...

Breakfast.....Island Cafe & Irie's......EATS is on my never go again list.

Light lunch.....Miss K's.

Night Time...Lisa Bella's, Roosevelt's, Venetian Hot Plate, La Barrataria. These are all on the high $ end. If Mexican is your favorite. I like both LaPlaya & Taqueria San Juan and friends that have one or the other as a favorite.

It's hard for me to consider a place that is crowded, tiny and expensive that has a $14 Frito Pie on the menu.