Texas State Park | Port Aransas

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Texas State Park | Port Aransas - Mustang Island

Written by Shirley T

Monday, 05 July 2010 00:00

Formerly known as 'Wild Horse Island', this unique island on Gulf of Mexico was formerly home to the Karakawan Indians. In 1800s, it was renamed to Mustang Island after the wild horses, called 'Mestenos' brought to the island by the Spaniards.
Great place for weekend retreat

Located south of Port Aransas or less than 30 miles from Corpus Christi, the 5-mile seaside beaches of Mustang Island invites visitors for a perfect summer-at-shore retreat. Unlike the pristine beaches of five-star holiday resort bayfront, the coast of Mustang Island State Park is conservative, unique and described as a complicated ecosystem. Acting as frontier to the sea, sand dunes are among the prominent sight, with averagely reach between 15 to 20 feet. Sea oats, beach panic grass and soilbind morning glory are among the vegetation that hold these dunes in place. Interestingly, the land animals are dominated by rodents such as pocket gophers, spotted ground squirrels, grasshopper mice, rice rats and cotton rats.
Seagulls dominate the beaches at Mustang Island

Seagulls dominate the beaches at Mustang Island

Sand dunes sink some of the picnic tables

Several species of waterbirds and songbirds in addition to hawks also live here on permanent and migratory
basis. Residence to over 600 species of saltwater fish, the shoreline of Mustang Island also attracts avid anglers lining up along the beach front.
Sunshine and shade

End of last spring, I was there for first time. The coast that I imagined was totally unexpected. Completely
primitive if one goes beyond the picnic area, on the north and south of the park. What's perfect to do it here? Sunbathing, surfing, fishing, picnicking, running and birding. Personally, I would consider swimming and kayaking rather challenging due to my incapability to go against the strong waves. Kids are undoubtedly love this spot. Simply chasing the waves, collecting mussels or building as many sand castles as they wish!
Attract picnickers

Something to watch out for is the patches of wet beach grass. Appearing in brown to blackish color, they
reside along the coast. Mushrooming several yards away from water line and stretching over a few yards at some places. I believe this plant (whether alive or dead) is part of the natural ecosystem here. Insects were seen stopping by for meals. Texture is a bit coarse, wise to cross this area without bare foot.
Fans of sunshine and sea

Getting there?
17047 State Hwy 361
Port Aransas TX 78373
Phone: (361) 749 5246
Official Website: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/mustang_island/

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