Mustang Island in Port Aranas, TX — LaneVids & Dad Reviews

If you're looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Mustang Island State Park is the perfect spot. Located on the Gulf Coast of Texas, the park offers miles of pristine beaches .Whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, Mustang Island State Park is sure to please.

Mustang Island State Park is a Texas state park located on Mustang Island in the Gulf of Mexico. The park covers 3,954 acres and includes 5 miles of beachfront.

The island is a popular destination for swimming, building sand castles (my daughter’s favorite), fishing, camping, and picnicking. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, bird watching, and exploring the tide pools.

Mustang Island State Park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Mustang Island is a state park located in the town of Port Aransas, Texas. The park is situated on a barrier island that is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered whooping crane. Visitors to the park can enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing, and hiking.

Mustang Island State Park was founded in 1963 and covers an area of 3,000 acres. The island is named for the wild mustangs that once roamed its shores. Today, the island is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including more than 200 species of birds.

How much does it cost to go to Mustang Island State Park?

Admission to the park is just $5 per adult and children 12 and under are free, making it a very budget-friendly option for a day trip or weekend getaway in Texas. If you're looking for a fun and affordable beach destination in Texas, Mustang Island State Park is a great option. The park offers over 5 miles of beaches for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and more.

Why is Mustang Island closed?

There are many reasons why Mustang Island can be closed. If a hurricane comes through the area, the park can be closed due to the damage from the hurricane. The island was closed on September 3rd, 2017 due to Hurricane Harvey.

The hurricane caused significant damage to the island, including the loss of power and water, washing away portions of beach, flooding park facilities, and toppling trees. The island was uninhabitable and was closed. The island remained closed for several months while repairs were made.

Mustang Island reopened to the public in May 2018. Since then, visitors have been able to enjoy all of the island's attractions once again.

Another reason that the island can be closed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the nesting birds and other wildlife. The island is home to many different bird species, including the endangered whooping crane, as well as other animals such as sea turtles and dolphins.

The closure of Mustang Island is necessary to help these animals thrive and avoid human disturbance. By giving them a safe place to nest and raise their young, we can ensure that these species will be around for generations to come.

Do you need a reservation for Mustang Island?

If you're looking to experience all that Mustang Island has to offer, you may be wondering if you need a reservation. The answer is yes and no. While there are some activities that require a reservation, such as camping, there are plenty of others that don't.

In our case, we were looking to spend an afternoon/evening relaxing on the beach, you don't need a reservation. Just show up and find your perfect spot. However, if you want to camp on the island, you'll need to make a reservation ahead of time as space is limited.

The same goes for picnicking. If you're planning to have a picnic on the beach or in one of the parks, no reservation is required. However, if you want to use one of the pavilions for your picnic, you will need to reserve it in advance.

Is Mustang Island worth visiting?

Mustang Island is a beautiful barrier island located off the coast of Texas. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, and over 300 species of birds. Mustang Island State Park offers miles of pristine beaches, as well as opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping.

We stayed at an AirBNB in Corpus Christi, so it was only a 14 minute drive to Mustang Island State Park, and we did not have to take the ferry.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled getaway, Mustang Island is sure to please. So pack your sunscreen and swimsuit and head to this sunny slice of paradise!

Can you drive your car on Mustang Island?

Yes, you can drive your car on Mustang Island. The island is located off the coast of Texas and is accessible by a bridge from Port Aransas. The island is home to a state park and a national seashore. There are several miles of beach to drive on, as well as many trails for hiking and biking.

We did not end up driving on the beach because we stopped near the visitor’s center and just parked in the parking lot and walked to the beach.

Do you have to take a ferry to Mustang Island?

The answer is no, you do not need to take a ferry to Mustang Island. The island is accessible by road from the mainland to the south in Corpus Christi. There is a bridge that connects Mustang Island to the mainland. The bridge is open to vehicles 24 hours a day.

Are there still wild horses on Mustang Island?

Mustang Island got it’s name because of the wild horses that were living on the island. According to Texas Parks & Wildlife:

Mustang Island was named for the wild horses that roamed the island for hundreds of years. No one is sure how the mustangs got here. Spaniards might have brought them, or perhaps they swam from a shipwreck.

In the 19th century, ranches began infringing on the mustangs’ habitat. By the late 1800s, the herds of wild mustangs had disappeared from the island.

When we visited Mustang Island State Park in April 2022 we did not see any wild horses, although my daughter would have been so excited to see one because she loves horseback riding.

Are there alligators on Mustang Island?

The short answer is no, there are no alligators on Mustang Island. The island is located off the coast of Corpus Christi, Texas and is part of a group of barrier islands. These islands are not connected to any freshwater sources, so alligators would not be able to survive here.

However, that doesn’t mean that there are no dangers lurking in the waters around Mustang Island. There are several species of sharks that can be found in the Gulf of Mexico, including bull sharks, tiger sharks, and great white sharks. While attacks on humans are rare, it’s always best to be cautious when swimming in open water.

Are there sharks in Mustang Island?

Yes, there are definitely sharks in Mustang Island! People have been seeing them for years, and there have even been a few attacks. But don't worry, they're not out to get you. Here's what you need to know about the sharks of Mustang Island.

The most common type of shark found in Mustang Island is the bull shark. These guys can grow up to 11 feet long and weigh over 500 pounds! They're mostly harmless, but they have been known to attack humans if they feel threatened.

If you're swimming in Mustang Island, you might also see a tiger shark or two. These massive predators can reach lengths of over 20 feet and weigh over 1,000 pounds! Thankfully, they're not usually interested in humans and will leave us alone if we leave them alone.

So, there are definitely sharks in Mustang Island waters.

From the website Shark Attack Data, we can see that since 1987 there have been 8 shark attacks on Mustang Island. All of these attacks were non-fatal, and the activity that the person was doing include body surfing, wading, jumping and swimming. The most recent attack was from 2011, and this website has records of shark attacks in Texas all the way back from 1865.

Are there seashells on Mustang Island?

Mustang Island is a popular spot for beachcombers looking to find seashells. The island's sandy beaches are ideal for shelling, and the waters around the island are teeming with shellfish.

We found a few while we were visiting in April 2022. We have found the best time to find shells on Mustang Island is during the spring and summer months when the water is warmest.

Are there jellyfish at Mustang Island?

Yes, there are jellyfish at Mustang Island. The most common type of jellyfish found in the area is the moon jellyfish. These creatures are usually harmless to humans but can give a nasty sting if you're not careful.

We know this because while we were on the island, our son, Jacques, got stung by a jellyfish on his foot. It wasn’t too bad, but you can see in the picture how it’s a little swollen near his pinky toe. If you're planning on spending time in the water, be sure to keep an eye out for these guys!

Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Mustang Island State Park beckons. Located on the Gulf Coast of Texas, the park is a nature-lover's paradise, with miles of coastline to explore, dunes to climb, and wildlife to encounter.

Whether you're looking for a place to relax or an adventure, Mustang Island State Park is sure to please. So come on down and enjoy all that this special place has to offer!