Here in the Coastal Bend, our world is approximately 90% sand- we have over 60 miles of sand in the Padre Island National Seashore alone! Then there’s the sand on all of our beaches, the sand in our yards, and the sand in our cars (it happens to everyone…resistance is futile).
All jokes aside, Coastal Benders really love that #beachlife…and we really love sand.
To celebrate this culturally foundational substance, the Coastal Bend hosts the SandFest every April on the Port Aransas Beach. At this annual festival, highly accomplished sand artists compete in the world’s largest native sand sculpting competition, transforming the beach into a bayside gallery of truly magnificent (and unique) sand sculptors.
Image courtesy of Texas SandFest webpage
Folks travel in droves from all across the country to enjoy the sand art, live concerts, a beer garden, sand-sculpting lessons, and probably more jewelry, craft, and food vendors than you can count.
To help you plan a sun-soaked, fun-soaked SandFest weekend, we’ve compiled a list of 10 awesome Port Aransas Airbnbs that are perfect for coming home to after a day at the beach!
3 Bedroom Oasis…And Cottage! $219/night
It was love at first sight when we saw this sweet little two-story home and matching cottage just a few blocks inland from the beach! It’s just as the listing says: “Immaculately lined with 29 palm trees, this property promises a delightful tropical retreat in the heart of Port Aransas.“ Less than a mile from the beach and a 5-minute drive from town, this beautifully appointed beach-chic home boasts all the makings of a perfect (vacation) home base.
Sweet Home Port Aransas $216/night
Modern and inviting, this 2-bed, 2-bath Port Aransas home looks perfect for relaxing with family and friends after a day of marveling at the out-of-this-world sand art down at the beach. With spacious living areas and built-in shiplap bunk beds, it sleeps 8 and comes with a fully-equipped kitchen for quick snacks or family-style meals. Hit the beach, lose yourself in the natural beauty of the Port Aransas Nature Preserve, or charter a fishing boat from Fisherman’s Wharf — it’s all within a 5-minute drive…so why not do it all?!
Beachside Gem $179/night
What better way to cap off a sunny day taking group selfies against a backdrop of towering sandcastles than an afternoon dip in a refreshing pool? Yeah…we can get behind that. This townhouse on Seashell Drive includes access to not only a generously sized pool, but also picnic cabanas and BBQ grills for a beach vacation that is truly Texan in every way. Just a short walk or drive is…well, everything! The beach, shops, dining, golf, and fishing piers…there’s no excuse for boredom around here!
Sunrise Villa $51/night
For couples or small groups, this 1-bedroom villa is just the thing! Adorable and oh-so-affordable, it’s the perfect relaxing haven. And the private patio area provides an optimal spot to catch the Coastal Bend breeze. Situated a little closer to the beach (although, let’s be real: everything in the Coastal Bend is “close to the beach”), this little home is just steps away from golden sands and turquoise waters.
Surfing Cow Cottage $215/night
Arrive hungry to the Surfing Cow Cottage, because this bright beacon of vacation house comes stocked with a gallon of Bluebell Ice Cream in the freezer! And that’s just one of the many charming quirks of this house on the southern end of Port Aransas. Beach meets cow in this home, and every room is a bovine version of “Where’s Waldo?”. With 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, this home offers plenty of space for larger groups.
Pura Vida $227/night
Wow. Just…wow. Rustic, whimsical, trendy, romantic…are there even enough adjectives to fully describe this incredibly unique house? Flooded with natural light, this open concept home feels warm and inviting from the moment you open the door. Special features include a bar, upper balcony, fenced in courtyard, and a charcoal BBQ pit. With a King, two Queens, two twins, and a sleeper sofa, this home provides luxuriously relaxing accommodations for up to 10. Bonus: it’s pet-friendly!
The Blue Roost $480/night
For front-row accommodations at the Sandfest, The Blue Roost is a top pick. With only 5 minutes of boardwalk between the door and the sand, vacationers can be on the beach and at the festival before the crowds. Yet as close as it sits to the beach, this spacious home with its two-story decks promises peace and privacy, tucked away in the La Playa neighborhood. Perfect for large groups, this home includes a one-of-a-kind bunk room with 4 twins, a queen, and an adjacent bathroom.
Turquoise Waters $249/night
This adorable (yet surprisingly spacious) cottage sits in the close-knit Pirate’s Bay community, which features a fire pit area and two pristine community pools. One is for guests who prefer to relax and unwind; the other for more energetic, splashier swimmers. The cottage sleeps eight and is thoughtfully appointed in a casual beach style that will make guests feel at home in an instant. Outside, enjoy a private breezeway to relax and an outdoor shower to refresh after all that Sandfest salt and sun!
Second Wind $399/night
When you know your Second Wind is waiting for you at the end of the day, you can leave it all out on the beach! This spacious nautical-themed rental meets its guests’ every need, from the heated pool to the outdoor living area with a firepit to the cozy reading nook. Walk to the beach or take a short drive to one of the coastal community parks in Port Aransas, then enjoy a meal at Stingray’s Taphouse & Grill. 
Bay Bliss $50/night
Finally, we round out our list we have this brightly decorated, absolutely adorable cottage less than a mile from the Sandfest site. With 6 beds split between 3 bedrooms (there are bunk beds, y’all!), this spacious home can host up to 10 guests, and there’s more than enough room for everyone to spend quality time together in the living and dining areas. And at $99 a night, it’s a steal!
If Sandfest and Port Aransas get you hooked on the Coastal Bend, Keller Williams Coastal Bend can help you find your dream home or vacation home! Buying a home for the first time? Download our exclusive Buyer’s Guide. Want to know your loan options? Speak with a local lender. And when it’s time to find the perfect home, contact an agent to help you make your dream home a reality.
