Goose Island State Park Fishing Pier
202 S. Palmetto, Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) Goose Island St. Park Fishing Pier Located at the West end of the Fishing Pier on Goose Island, this is an excellent beginners launch area. Protected from the prevailing SE wind it affords access to fishing and birding.
Aransas Woods
Aransas Woods, 4333, 4351 TX-35, Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) This site is home to Texas Coastal Birding Trail Site #47.Worked with FEMA and TDEM to replace the windmill and clear the miles of trails after the devastation from Hurricane Harvey. During “fallouts” coastal mottes such as Aransas Woods offer food and protection to thousands upon thousands of weary landbirds who might otherwise perish if forced to continue inland to the nearest contiguous forests. The site’s observation platform overlooks a complex of grassland, oak motte, and shallow wetlands, making this site attractive to birds and other wildlife year-round. Spring Species – Migrants along the woodland trails including Warblers, Orioles, Tanagers, Vireos and Flycatchers Fall and Winter Species – Marsh Wren, Sora, Swamp Sparrow, Common Yellowthroat Aransas Woods Hwy. 35 Bypass, about 1 mile north of 188 on the eastern side of road. Watch for the Great Texas Birding Trail sign. This location is a fresh water marsh surrounded by oak mottes and native grasses. Site has a windmill, walking tails and an observation deck. Aransas Woods has an ADA compliant walkway to elevated overlook.platform.plus grass maintained trails
Lamar – St. Charles Bay Boat Launch
175 Lamar Beach Rd, Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) 28°08’32.6″N 96°58’35.3″W Lamar Navigation District Dock AKA St. Charles Bay Boat Launch – Located on the East side of Lamar Beach road on Lamar Peninsula just South of Fourth Street, this site affords access to the West side of St. Charles Bay for fishing and birding. Located just off shore are shell reefs that attract birds and fish. The Aransas County Navigation District owns and manages this site and is willing to make a special access point for kayakers. Adequate parking is in place. Fishing just off the South end of the launch is a pier that has a shell reef 30 yards off the end.
Big Tree Kayaking
1600 Twelfth St., Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) 28°09’06.3″N 96°58’26.2″W located in Lamar Located at the east corner of the intersection of Lamar Beach Road and 12th Street on the Lamar Peninsula, this site has long been used as access to St. Charles bay for wade fishing and kayaking. There is limited parking thus making it a limited use site. This area is owned by Texas Parks and Wildlife but they have not made any improvements to it. A kayak trip north along the West shore line of St Charles Bay will encounter many fishing and birding sites.
Tule Creek Hike and Bike Trail
2429 Hwy 35 N, Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) Tule Creek Hike and Bike Trail is open from sunrise to sunset and is just over 1 mile (1.08 mi.) starting at the trail head at the north entrance of Walmart (turn right into the parking area in front of the gazebo) and connects via Enterprise Blvd. to the Memorial Park trail system.