The sun is shining, the birds are singing, there are no traffic jams, and the balmy ocean air is calling your name. Rockport-Fulton is the perfect place to be when Spring has sprung and you want a great day out with family and friends.
We spoke with Sandy Jumper of the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce about her favorite spring activities and some of the best kept secret events, Sandy likes to say she came on vacation from Mississippi and never left. She has now been a resident of Rockport-Fulton for 15+ years. Sandy’s ideal spring day might begin with a beach walk along the mile long Blue-Wave designated Rockport Beach. With palapas, picnic tables, barbecue grills, an 800-foot fishing pier, playgrounds, and hike and bike trails, this beach appeals to everyone, and is a gorgeous way to start the day when the temperature is perfect, and the gulls are flying overhead.
If you’re hungry after your refreshing beach walk, have some breakfast at one of Rockport’s fabulous restaurants specializing in morning foods like buttermilk pancakes from Our Family Kitchen, eggs Benedict and hash browns at JJ’s Café on Colorado Street, or try the waffles at Bakery Café. If you need a morning caffeine shot to get going, try Quirky Birds Craft Coffee or the Rockport Daily Grind.
After eating, you may want to visit the Maritime Museum which Sandy says is, “edutainment at its best.” Learn about Spanish galleons in Matagorda Bay, the fishing history of Rockport’s Vietnamese community, or see historical boats, documents, and artifacts that illustrate Rockport’s coastal history in a fun interactive way.
The Bay Education Center, a part of UT’s Marine Science Center, has “Science on a Sphere”: a display designed to teach how global patterns affect our world. This is a free experience at 2 p.m. daily that will entrance your kids and grandkids.
Of course, one of the things that makes Rockport so special is that it is on the water, so why not have a seafood luncheon at Charlotte Plummer’s where you can sit outside on a deck over the water and enjoy the infamous Crab Tower, a unique layering of guacamole, pico, and crab that delights adults and children alike. Or eat brisket nachos at Moondog’s Seaside Eatery, waterfront in Fulton with 12 beers on tap. You can also try some “marina munchies” at Paradise Key Dockside Bar and Grill. There are so many delicious and varied options that Sandy can’t choose just one place to eat!
In the afternoon, go kayaking or dolphin watching at Rockport Birding and Kayak Adventures? Dolphin watching begins in June. You can even rent paddleboards for the whole family!
You may be tuckered out and ready to wind down after a beautiful day on the ocean, so why not relax during a 1.5 hour sunset cruise from Fulton Harbor alongside San Jose Island? Or watch the magnificent color-streaked sky from Copano Bay and keep the kids entertained watching the anglers minding their lures as they bob along the waters of Rockport Harbor.
No day at the beach is complete without a fabulous seafood dinner and Rockport has so many restaurants and cuisine styles to choose from, it’s near impossible to pick just one, so here are a few options. Latitude 28º02” has Craig’s amazing crab cakes; blue crab meat served with chipotle or try their Shrimp Gilroy served on a unique garlic bread crust. At Chesapeake 425, famous for their Maryland style seafood, you can’t miss with the seafood mac-n-cheese; shrimp, crab, scallops in white cheddar and gouda bechamel sauce.
Kids not into seafood? There is always Bellini’s Italian for pasta, or scrumptious burgers and baskets from Pier 77, Japanese from Sushi Luck, and Asian American from Hu-Dat. If you are just too pooped to go out, relax, because The Food Caddy will deliver all of your favorite restaurant grub right to your door!
Another new Spring event is the first Rockport Foodie Trail from April 1 through 30th. Visit over 30 participating restaurants, check in via digital passport, and enjoy food specials and the chance to win exciting prizes. If you visit the most restaurants, get your name featured on a wall at the Chamber of Commerce!
No matter your age, Rockport in the Spring is an enchanting paradise on the Gulf with activities galore, extraordinary food, water sports and tours, educational exploits, and indulgent relaxation opportunities. Learn about new activities, annual celebrations, kid-centered fun, regattas, and more at the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce website and make your Spring spectacular!
