Among the busiest tourist spots in Texas, Port Aransas is a small city, but incredibly popular due to its excellent fishing and beaches. It's based on small Mustang Island, just off the Gulf Coast. Port Aransas can make the perfect location for a family holiday, but as it is also a popular destination for college students on spring break, you may want to check your dates before you book! A humid sub-tropical climate similar to South Florida is just one of the regions attractions, but the town's small size and the popularity of its beach means that hotel prices can be very high indeed. To get the most out of your stay in Port Aransas, consider instead renting a family friendly condo.

The beach at Port Aransas is one of its main draws, and you will probably spend at least a few days here, especially as you're allowed to drive cars and even park (if you have a permit) on the 18 miles of beach! Along with sunbathing and reading a good book, the beach provides opportunities for a wide range of water sports, such as water skiing, parasailing, surfing and windsurfing. You can also perfect your swing while the kids are swimming by trying out the course at the Newport Dunes Golf Club. It's a challenging course, and the views are truly spectacular out over the sea. But in addition to these predictable holiday pursuits, the authorities have also been aiming to build the city's tourism revenues by promoting eco-tourism, so there are also a great many bird hides, kayak paddling trails and there is also a large nature reserve under construction which will soon provide opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting.

The cost of condo rental in Port Aransas varies drastically, so be prepared to shop around. It's certainly possible to get a lovely condo with a view of the sea which will sleep a family of four or more for less than £600 for a full week, but you may need to investigate times other than the peak seasons (between October and March are probably the best value times to visit). The facilities are worth every penny, however, with tennis courts, swimming pools, and even fishing piers among just some of the available features. Whether you are going to the Gulf Coast just to visit Port Aransas, or whether you are making your stay part of a longer trip to Texas, holiday rentals will make you feel at home and help you relax and enjoy your holiday.