Coast Life: The Reel 'Em Inn Guide to Rockport

Whether you're knee deep in the bay, cruising around town, or throwing back a cold one with friends, life is good down here in Rockport — and we know it. When you're ready to venture beyond your room, the pier, and the outdoor kitchen, here's our guide to making the most of the coast.

Get On the Water

Kayaks and paddleboards are the local way to explore the shallow flats. Coastal Bend Kayak has been Rockport's paddling headquarters for over twenty years, with quality rentals, guided trips, and even rod-and-reel rentals if you want to fish from the seat. Rockport Birding and Kayak Adventures rents kayaks and paddleboards too — and for something different, Glow Row runs nighttime tours in illuminated kayaks over Paradise Key. Ask us at the Inn and we'll point you to the right outfitter for your crew.

Cruise the Town

Rockport is a golf cart town, and joining the slow parade is half the fun. Several local shops rent 4-, 6-, and 8-passenger carts by the hour, day, or week — cruise the historic downtown art district, Fulton Beach Road, and everything in between. Some outfitters even offer a golf cart history tour through Old Rockport and Fulton. Text us and we'll help you line one up.

Fish Like You Mean It

Our private pier covers your trout, redfish, and flounder needs day and night — sixteen green lights keep the bite going after dark. Want to go bigger? Local guides run wade fishing and bay charters year-round, and boats can pick you up right at our pier for fishing trips and boat rides. Ask when you book and we'll make the introduction.

For the Birds

This stretch of coast is one of America's great birding destinations. From roughly November through March, endangered whooping cranes winter near the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, and boat tours like the Skimmer run dedicated crane and coastal birding trips. Goose Island State Park — home of the thousand-year-old Big Tree — is a short drive away. Bring binoculars; the birds come to you even on our pier.

Art, History, and a Cold One

Downtown Rockport has a genuine art colony streak — galleries, the Rockport Center for the Arts, and shops worth a slow afternoon. History buffs should tour the Fulton Mansion and the Texas Maritime Museum. And when the day winds down, grab a patio table somewhere on the water (dogs usually welcome) and watch the shrimp boats come in.

The best part? All of it starts from a room on the bay. Check availability and book your stay.