Things to do In Rockport Texas
Welcome to our town, where your vacation will become a way of life! Rockport, Texas, is a small fishing village located on the Texas coast.
The town of Rockport was founded by cattlemen J. M. and T. H. Mathis in 1867. Originally a part of Refugio County, it became the county seat of the newly formed Aransas County in 1871. Shipping and fishing provided the primary economic base of the town in its early years. The railroad arrived in 1888, and with it came a decline in the shipping industry. However, shipyards were in operation during World War I and World War II. Rockport has been a famous recreation center over the years, offering a variety of things to do in Rockport TX that attract visitors. The significant sources of commerce in Rockport are still the fishing and shrimping industries and the tourist trade. So what are some things to do in Rockport TX?
Vacationers fish, swim, watch birds, relax, and visit the wildlife refuges. They also enjoy other attractions like Goose Island, Fulton Mansion, the annual Rockport Art Festival in July, Seafair in October, and the Rockport Art Center, which provides gallery space for the many artists who live in the area. The town has several historic homes from the cattle market days. The Sisters of Schoenstatt Convent (1959) and the Chapel of Our Lady, Star of the Sea (1958), the oldest church in the area, are in nearby Lamar.
Rockport is a thriving artist community and has been ranked as one of the Top 10 Artist Colonies nationwide by Coastal Living Magazine. Take a stroll around Rockport and find out what makes Rockport a destination for artists. There is the iconic Rockport Center for the Arts. “This non-profit organization has been instrumental in keeping the art scene alive in our community since its inception in 1969. Boasting three spectacular galleries, the center is not a museum but rather a place where both artists and those who just appreciate art can gather, view local art, participate in a workshop or just spend a leisurely afternoon getting inspiration from the gallery. Rockport Center for the Arts is also hosting the annual Rockport Art Festival that showcases nationally recognized and award-winning artists and plays host to more than 10,000 over the July 4th weekend each year. Now in its 46th year, the festival continues to draw visitors to the area all while supporting the art community.”