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Vacation in Rockport-Fulton - Texas
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Jump to:
Overview,
Things To Do,
Transportation,
Climate,
Accommodations,
Cost
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Area Overview
Surrounded by the sparkling waters of Copano and Aransas Bays and bathed year-round by soothing Gulf breezes, nestled among ancient, windswept oaks and steeped in a colorful community of cultures, Rockport-Fulton is in a class of its own. Rockport and Fulton are two communities in Aransas County; one of Texas’ smallest counties, in terms of land.
Labeled the “Charm of the Texas Coast” Rockport-Fulton is a Fishing Paradise, with Unique Shopping, Delectable seafood, Unlimited Outdoor Recreation, and Exclusive Attractions. Having a thriving art community, it has been named one of the top 10 Coastal Art Communities. Nearby Aransas National Wildlife Refuge has been named the #5 National Wildlife Refuge and Birdwatching destination in the USA. Hundreds of species pass through the area and the endangered Whooping Crane makes a winter home here. Rockport Beach, with a mile-long stretch of manicured beachfront was the first Texas Blue wave beach. The Rockport-Fulton area hosts at least one major event a month such as: Seafair, Oysterfest, and festivals of Wine, Food and Art. Vacation time is a year-round affair. A place to do everything, or relax and do nothing, the area has earned the title given by USA Today as one of the “10Best” Best Small Coastal Town in America.
Includes Cities/Towns: Fulton, Rockport.
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Things to Do |
Recreation & Fitness
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51 Things to Do
1. Fulton Mansion & Education History Center - The 1870’s French Second Empire structure is the former home of cattleman George W. Fulton. Innovative for its time, the house features several modern conveniences such as indoor plumbing, central lighting and heating. Call (361) 729-0386 for hours & fees.
2. Texas Maritime Museum - Experience the rich maritime heritage of Texas from Spanish exploration to the search for offshore oil and gas. You can experience how Texas has relied on the sea to become the great state it is today. Fee. Located across from Rockport Harbor. Call (361) 729-6644.
3. Rockport Center for the Arts - Rooms filled with monthly changing exhibits. Member’s gallery room displaying the many talents of local artists. No admission fee. Call (361) 729-5519 for hours.
4. Rockport Beach - Visit Texas’ first one-mile-long Blue Wave Beach with picnic cabanas, restroom facilities, wildlife sanctuary, boat ramps, fitness trail, Saltwater Pavilion, Beachfront Pavilion fishing piers and a fantastic playground for the children or play a game of volleyball. Call (361)729-6661
5. Aransas Pathways – Are you looking for adventure…birding, history, trails, kayaking! Visit the new Pathways Center and bridge. Interpretive signage. Located north of Walmart on the west side of Hwy 35.
6. Connie Hagar Wildlife Refuge - Step on the platform at the Rockport Beach Park or across from McDonalds and look over at the tremendous number of bird species living on the small islands in the bay.
7. Tour The Many Art Galleries - Take a gallery walk.
8. Memorial Park and Dog Park – Go to www.cityofrockport.com
9. Fulton Pier - The fish are waiting for you at the Fulton pier located at Fulton Navigation Park.
10. Windmill In The Tree - During the Hurricane of 1919 what is believed to be the blade of the Fulton’s windmill is lodged in the tree behind the Fulton Mansion.
11. City Parks - Visit our city parks for fitness trails, playground equipment, tennis and basketball courts and picnic areas. Pick up a parks brochure at the Chamber Visitors Center.
12. Spirit Columns - Located on Laurel Drive between the festival grounds and the ski basin, Rockport’s first public art was created by world-class sculptor Jesus Bautista Moroles in honor of the volunteers of Aransas County.
13. Bay Education Center – Learn about our bays & estuaries. Exhibits are open Tue-Sat 1pm to 4pm. “Science on a Sphere” programs are Tue-Sat at 2pm. Admission is FREE. Call 361-749-3161.
14. Shop ‘til You Drop - Visit the many stores in the Austin Street downtown Rockport area, Harbor Oaks Shopping Village, Live Oak Plaza, SeaAire Shopping Center, Fulton Beach Road, downtown Fulton area and many others throughout the community.
15. Master Gardeners – Coastal Oaks Garden See how our gardens grow. FMI Call 361-790-0103
16. Aransas County History Center – Corner of Cedar and N Church Streets. Exhibits and special presentations. www.Aransashistorycenter.org
17. Big Tree - Visit a 1,000+-year old tree measuring more than 35 feet in circumference. Take Park Road 13 in Lamar and follow the signs.
18. Copano Causeway Pier - Have you driven by or fished from one of the longest lighted piers in the world? Take SH 35 north and travel approximately eight miles.
19. Zachary Taylor Tree - This historic landmark is the site of where Gen. Zachary Taylor and his troops camped during 1845. Located at South Pearl Street and Bay Street.
20. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Take Highway 35 North to FM 774 turn right and follow signs. (35 to 40 miles) Interpretive Center. 361-286-3559
21. Schoenstatt Shrine – (Lamar) off Park Road 13 lies a beautiful, authentic shrine of Sisters of the Schoenstatt. Sunday service in facility area. Chapel open for daily prayer.
22. Stella Maris Chapel - (Lamar) The first church built in Aransas County still stands. Over 150 years old. Original altar in place.
23. Lamar Cemetery - (Lamar) for history lovers; see burials from Confederate Army and some from 1700s.
24. Windswept Oak Trees - See these live oak trees permanently leaning due to the prevailing winds of the southeast.
25. Seafood - Have you treated yourself to a delicious seafood dish at one of more than 30 restaurants? Try the stuffed shrimp…Yum!
26. Whooping Crane Boat Cruise - From November through March take a sightseeing boat to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and see the whooping crane and other species of bird and wildlife.
27. Rockport Cemetery - Visit the graves of most of the family of George Ware Fulton, as well as self-taught ornithologist Connie Hagar. In the spring, the wildflowers are beautiful.
28. Community Pool and Skate Park – The park houses an 8 Lane, 25 yard pool and diving area, a whale shaped zero depth entry children’s pool with slides and sprays, a bathhouse and a 6000 sq. ft. modular skate park. It also has a playground, picnic area and a ¼ mile nature trail. 361-727-9989. FMI www.cityofrockport.com.
29. Visit the Big Blue Crab – Rockport’s famous landmark from the 60’s & 70’s has been recreated & has a new home by Little Bay, close to the entrance to the Rockport Beach. Be sure to stand under it & get your picture taken.
30. Meeting Facilities - On Fulton Harbor see where square dancing began in Aransas County at the Paws & Taws the Fulton Convention Center. Find out about many Winter Texan events held here December through March. On Rockport Beach discover the Saltwater Pavilion which is a great meeting place with ample amenities and a great view of the beach. We have many more meeting facilities; call the Visitors Center for more details.
31. Canal Subdivisions - Drive to see areas such as Key Allegro, Harbor Oaks, City by the Sea, Palm Harbor, Holiday Beach, Bahia Bay, Copano Ridge and others.
32. Golfing - Pick up a listing of area golf courses at the Visitor Center.
33. Fishing Guide to Rockport-Fulton – Stop by the Visitor Center for a list of local fishing guides.
34. Compass Rose Labyrinth - Visit the labyrinth in Triangle Park. Spring brings wildflowers. Located on Hwy 35 across from Little Bay.
35. Saltwater Pool - At the north end of Rockport Park; take a dip in a natural saltwater pool! Cabanas located nearby.
36. Paint-a-longs - Visit some of the art galleries in the downtown area and witness “paint-a-longs” as artists get together and paint.
37. Watch The Sunrise - The sun rising over the bay is truly remarkable to see and photograph. (Oh, the sunset is great, too!)
38. Aquarium at Rockport Harbor and Education Center - See and learn…Thurs – Mon Free admission Open 1-4pm 361-727-0016.
39. Interpretive Nature Trail - Demonstration Garden & Wetlands Pond Experience the sights and sounds of nature in a wetland environment in the midst of our town. 19 interpretive stops lead .8 of a mile (one way).
40. Kite Flying - Winds over Aransas Bay are great not only good for windsurfing and sailing but kite flying, too! Great kite flying area at Rockport Park.
41. Kayak Launch Sites - See nature up close and personal with over 15 launch sites. Go to: www.aransaspathways.com
42. Goose Island State Park - Great for fishing, touring, camping and sightseeing. Huge lighted fishing pier. Seasonal birding tours. 361-729-2858.
43. Family Picnic on the Beach - More than 50 picnic cabanas are available for picnics.
44. Bingo - During the winter months, the game of bingo can be played at different places almost every night of the week and some year-round! Call the Visitor Center for locations
45. Boat Rentals - From small to large, barge style to flat fishing, there is a rental for you. Contact the Visitor Center for details.
46. Rockport Harbor Lighted N Jetty & S Jetty Pier - Travel to the end of Rockport Harbor & walk or fish along the jetties late in the evening or early in the morning; the S Jetty Pier is at end of Market St.
47. Fulton Harbor - Walk along the harbors and maybe get a glimpse of shrimp boats arriving and unloading.
48. Fulton Schoolhouse Museum – Free Tours. Open Saturday and Sunday 1:00pm – 4:00pm (or by appointment). Original 1 room schoolhouse set up with original artifacts. Located at 205 N. 7th Street in Fulton. For group tours call 361-729-5533. FMI www.fultontexas.org.
49. Fulton Trolley – Come on and take a Free Ride! Air-conditioned and fun for sightseeing or visiting the local businesses in the Town of Fulton. FMI on routes 361-729-5533 or stop by the Visitors Center for the brochure. Rockport Trolley Coming Soon! Watch for details.
50. Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce – Stop by our Visitors Center and view the Aransas County Timeline, shop in our gift shop, pickup up brochures about our area and talk with our “Charming” volunteers that will be here to help you.
51. …OR JUST RELAX AND DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!
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Cultural Activities
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ART / ROCKPORT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Aransas County has long been recognized as one of the Top Coastal Art Communities in the country. Local art can be found in many of the area shops and other businesses. Rockport Center for the Arts houses works by internationally acclaimed and local artists alike. The facility is made up of a main gallery, educational classrooms, a gift shop and a 10,000 square foot outdoor sculpture garden.
AQUARIUM AT ROCKPORT HARBOR
Stop in and experience this unique aquarium featuring bay and gulf marine life, artifacts, shell collections and special displays. Nearby Aquarium Education Center features "Bay Talks" and other programs throughout the year.
FULTON MANSION
This structure, built in the 19th century, was an anomaly of its day. It was one of the first in the area to have indoor plumbing-with hot and cold running water, gas lighting and central heating. Renovations will be staged until late 2015 to preserve this prime example of French Second Empire architecture
FULTON SCHOOLHOUSE MUSEUM
Stroll down memory lane on a visit to this original one-room schoolhouse. It was rebuilt in the 1940s after being damaged by a hurricane. It is cared for by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, who were also responsible for turning the facility into the public museum.
HISTORICAL MARKERS
Rockport-Fulton and Aransas County have a rich history that's commemorated in these plaques that dot the landscape. Trying to locate all of them makes a fun - and free - educational outing for the entire family.
HISTORY CENTER FOR ARANSAS COUNTY
Showcasing local heritage, this facility displays indoor exhibits telling the stories of the real and historic people of Aransas County and outdoor exhibits with interpretive signage and gazebo. Each December, take part in the Historic Tour of Homes event and stroll through historic homes throughout the county.
HUMMERBIRD CELEBRATION
Each September, the community comes together to commemorate the fall migration of the Ruby-throated hummingbird as it makes its way through the area to Central and South America. Guests from all over the nation learn about birds and nature related items from lectures, vendors, field trips, narrated boat and bus trips, hummingbird gardens and much more
ROCKPORT ART FESTIVAL
July 4th weekend, is a fun weekend to be in Rockport and Fulton. One of the reasons is to attend the Rockport Art Festival. More than 120 juried artists display their fine art for sale on the festival grounds at Rockport Harbor. There's live music and delicious food, children's art tent and more just steps away from Aransas Bay and Rockport Beach.
ROCKPORT LITTLE THEATRE
Get ready for some laughs and some suspense thanks to the talented troupe of actors who grace this stage. Performances range from classic plays to murder mysteries and more. The nearby Rialto Theatre in Aransas Pass keeps theatre and live entertainment complete with weekly performances and activities.
SCHOENSTATT SHRINE
Just a short drive to Lamar, visitors are immersed in tranquility and peace of mind at this sacred site dedicated to Jesus' mother Mary. Visitors can enjoy the Chapel, a replica of the shrine in Germany near Koblenz on the Rhine River, and a gift shop but most of all, the peaceful grounds on the waterfront.
SCIENCE ON A SPHERE
The Bay Education Center at Rockport Harbor projects presentations about the world's ecology onto a large globe suspended from the ceiling. Topics change daily and include the solar system, oceans and more. This unusual display provides a very entertaining way to learn about the planet we inhabit. Also, enjoy exhibits of local habitat while in the facility.
STELLA MARIS CHAPEL
The Stella Maris Chapel is currently located next to the old Lamar Cemetery. It is the first recorded church in Aransas County, and is reported to be the oldest church building still in existence in the county at more than 150 years old. It is currently being used as a church for the Lamar community.
TEXAS MARITIME MUSEUM
The history of Texas is a long and varied story told not only by the cowboys but by the sailors along its more than 300 miles of coastline. Come learn about Texas' rich maritime history from the early days of exploration and settlement by the Spanish and French to the modern search for oil. Discover a new side of Texas History at the Texas Maritime Museum, the official maritime museum of the state of Texas.
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Attractions
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ARANSAS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
World renowned (named # 5 in the U.S. by U.S.A Today) for birding opportunities. The refuge hosts the largest wild flock of endangered whooping cranes each winter. Other native species on the Refuge include the American alligator, javelina, roseate spoonbill, white-tailed deer, armadillo, and spectacular wildflowers.
AQUARIUM AT ROCKPORT HARBOR
Stop in and experience this unique aquarium featuring bay and gulf marine life, artifacts, shell collections and special displays. Nearby Aquarium Education Center features "Bay Talks" and other programs throughout the year.
ARANSAS PATHWAYS
Aransas Pathways is a 10-year venue project providing new or updated attractions for Aransas County. Projects focus on: History, Hike and Bike trails, Kayaking and Birding. Individuals can find information on Aransas Pathways venues at the newly erected "Pathways Center". This site includes a pavilion, an observation bridge, a nature and birding area, and trails. The pavilion houses kiosks which have photos, history and maps directing visitors to other Pathways sites such as: Linda S, Castro Birding and Nature Sanctuary, the History Center for Aransas County, the Airport Road Kayak Launch Site and much more.
BABES ON THE BAY TOURNAMENT
Grab a fishing pole, some bait and watch as the best female anglers in Texas vie for the biggest catch. With more than 1,300 women casting reels, the tournament is the largest, unrestricted one-day event of its kind.
THE BIG TREE / GOOSE ISLAND STATE PARK
Located north of Rockport in Aransas County, Goose Island State Park offers excellent birding, and fishing. Other activities include picnicking, boating (motors allowed), nature study, wildlife observation, and photography. The park offers programs throughout the year. And, don’t miss a visit to the Big Tree. This 1969 State Champion Coastal Live Oak reaches 44 feet high and is estimated to be over 1,000 years old!
BABES ON THE BAY TOURNAMENT
Grab a fishing pole, some bait and watch as the best female anglers in Texas vie for the biggest catch. With more than 1,300 women casting reels, the tournament is the largest, unrestricted one-day event of its kind.
THE BIG TREE / GOOSE ISLAND STATE PARK
Located north of Rockport in Aransas County, Goose Island State Park offers excellent birding, and fishing. Other activities include picnicking, boating (motors allowed), nature study, wildlife observation, and photography. The park offers programs throughout the year. And, don’t miss a visit to the Big Tree. This 1969 State Champion Coastal Live Oak reaches 44 feet high and is estimated to be over 1,000 years old!
CEMETERIES
Strolling through the graves is a veritable local history lesson. Notable people from Aransas County, such as the family of George Fulton, Connie Hagar and several Confederate soldiers, lay to rest in historic Rockport, Fulton and Lamar cemeteries.
COMMUNITY AQUATIC & SKATE PARK
Enclosed by a 12-acre Live Oak forest, The park houses a 25-yard heated pool and diving area. a whale-shaped zero depth kiddie pool with slides and sprays, a bathhouse and a 6,000 square foot modular skate park.
FISHING
It's no surprise that because this is a coastal community, fishing is a popular pastime. Whether anglers are beginners or experts, there are plenty of holes that supply a great catch. Many flock to Fulton Fishing Pier, Copano Causeway and Rockport Beach. Sportsfishing anglers from around the nation fish the flats of local bays for mostly Redfish, Trout, and Drum. Blue Crab fishing is fun to do off local piers and in shallow inland bay areas.
FULTON OYSTERFEST
Spend the first full weekend in March shucking and slurping! Not only do the tasty mollusks fill thousands of bellies, crowds additionally watch a parade and live entertainment for four days. Proceeds benefit the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department. The oyster-decorating contest and the men's and women's raw oyster eating contest are just some of the many contests held throughout the weekend.
GOLFING
There are two private golf courses. Reciprocal privileges apply or check on special arrangements at the 18-hole Rockport Country Club Golf Course or the 9-hole Live Oak Country Club Golf Course. Nearby communities within a 30-mile driving distance have municipal courses available.
HARBORS
The charm of living or visiting the coast wouldn't be the same without the scenic view from area harbors. The Fulton, Rockport and Cove Harbors are an ideal spot for soaking up the sunshine, enjoying a breath of fresh air, watching lights twinkle on the water, dining or setting sail on a boat.
NAUTICAL FLEA MARKET
The first weekend in May, Rockport Yacht Club has hosted this flea market along Rockport Harbor for 20 years. Browsers can find a wide array of goods and refreshments are on tap. Although there's an admission cost for adults, children 12 years old and younger get in free.
PARKS
Along with Goose Island, other interesting parks exist in Aransas County. Memorial Park consists of more than 100 acres and includes 1.65 miles of Hike and Bike trails and a 3/4 mile nature trail with interpretive signage and benches. It includes soccer fields, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, playscapes and fitness stations. It also encompasses a 2-acre dog-friendly space with separate areas for large and small dogs. Other parks include: Compass Rose, a beautifully landscaped meditation park, Howard Murph Park, great for fishing and picnicking, and Zachary Taylor Park, home of the Zachary Taylor Oak where General Zachary Taylor rested his 3500 men while on his march to the Rio Grande River during the U.S.- Mexican War.
PAWS AND TAWS FULTON CONVENTION CENTER
Once an old-time Square Dance Hall, this facility is an ideal spot for weddings, parties, and gatherings both large and small. The facility is conveniently located on picturesque Fulton Harbor.
ROCKPORT BEACH
This beach proudly flies the “Blue Wave” Flag, signifying it as nationally certified by the Washington D.C. Clean Beaches Council. Private, covered picnic cabanas, each with a BBQ grill; three beach playground areas; two sand volley ball courts; four public boat launches; a fish cleaning stand; a bathhouse; a walking trail; a unique saltwater swimming pool, a bird sanctuary; an 800’ fishing pier; and plenty of boating and fishing space. There are also two indoor, well equipped waterfront facilities great for weddings, corporate meetings and events.
ROCKPORT FESTIVAL OF WINE & FOOD
Serving as a major fundraiser for the Texas Maritime Museum, the festival is a big hit with locals and visitors alike during Memorial Day Weekend. More than 100 wines, food demonstrations, vendor booths and live bands abound.
ROCKPORT-FULTON SEAFAIR
Marking its 40th year in 2014, this three-day event held the second weekend in October has no shortage of live entertainment. Festivities include the a parade, vendors, Gumbo Contest, Boat Show, Children's Activities, Desserts Contest, Cardboard Boat Races and the amazing Crab Races, where crustaceans scurry hurriedly to the finish line
SHOPPING TOURNAMENT
What a better way to raise money to support the Aransas County Independent School District Education Foundation than by shopping? "This fun event takes place in October. Think golf tournament with a shopping twist. Experience "shop 'til you drop" shopping with discounts at local merchants, costumes, prizes, food, and zany fun. Dress in costume"play a round" of shopping. At the end of the day, tournament winners are announced but the real winners are students of our school system.
TROPICAL CHRISTMAS BY THE BAY
Not all holiday traditions have to be spent in a winter wonderland. Rockport Downtown and Harbor area hosts Tropical Christmas with a day of live entertainment, contests, vendors, workshops, Santa and more at night the city lights up with fireworks and an illuminated land parade. Other holiday festivities throughout the month include: A Historical Home tour, Holiday Symphony By the Sea, an Illuminated Boat Parade, Caroling at the Fulton Mansion, and Christmas in Fulton, as the town of Fulton lights up the harbor.
TOUR OF HOMES
In mid-April, the Tour of Homes event features the best in Texas Coastal Living, providing a delightful self-guided tour through enchanting coastal homes. Volunteer docents in each home reveal information about architecture, design, and fine art that all contribute to the stories and visions of homeowners.
WHOOPING CRANE BOAT CRUISE
Spend the day on the water while looking for whooping cranes as they nest during the months of November through March. This sightseeing tour is highly popular and perfect for all ages. Dolphins and Sunset boat trips are also available in the summer months.
To help keep track of places visited or plan the next outing, the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce made available on its website "51 Things to Do," at www.rockport-fulton.org/what-to-do. Visit the Visitor Center at 319 Broadway across from Rockport Harbor for history, maps, local attraction and event information plus a special greeting from a “Charmer” - a volunteer greeter representing the Charm of the Texas Coast.
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Transportation |
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We are less than an hour away from Corpus Christi airport. We offer Trolley transportation in the town and city
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Climate |
Monthly Temperatures / Rainfall
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Low
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Avg
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High
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Rain |
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January
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44.7
F°
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53.6
F°
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62.5
F°
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2.6
"
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February
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48.2
F°
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56.7
F°
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65.3
F°
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2.5
"
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March
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55.4
F°
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63.4
F°
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71.3
F°
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2.4
"
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April
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63.5
F°
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70.1
F°
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76.7
F°
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2.1
"
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May
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71.2
F°
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76.8
F°
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82.3
F°
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4.2
"
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June
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76.4
F°
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82.1
F°
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87.8
F°
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3.8
"
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July
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77.5
F°
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83.8
F°
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90.0
F°
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2.6
"
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August
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77.3
F°
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83.7
F°
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90.1
F°
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3.4
"
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September
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73.3
F°
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80.5
F°
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87.7
F°
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5.5
"
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October
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65.2
F°
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73.2
F°
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81.2
F°
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4.2
"
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November
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55.0
F°
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63.6
F°
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72.2
F°
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3.0
"
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December
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47.0
F°
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56.1
F°
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65.3
F°
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2.1
"
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Best Time To Go:
Summer and fall.
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The year-round pleasant climate encourages visitors to sit back, relax and enjoy the coastal breezes and sunny days. The average temperature is 72 degrees
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Accommodations |
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Come discover for yourself why Rockport-Fulton is “The Charm of the Texas Coast”! Visit Texas’ first Blue Wave Beach or fish from the lighted Fulton Pier. Rockport-Fulton is a unique destination having a laid back small town feel, but with big city attractions! You’ll find fabulous seafood restaurants, unique shopping and delightful hotels, cottages, condos, B&BS and RV Parks! We’re a fisherman’s paradise, birdwatcher’s haven and an art lover’s destiny! Whether you’re searching for relaxation, or excitement, you will find both in Rockport- Fulton Visit www.rockport-fulton.org or call 1-800-242-0071.
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Costs |
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Additional Information
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Visitor Information
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Back to:
Overview,
Things To Do,
Transportation,
Climate,
Accommodations,
Cost
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