Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Jed W

2024-04

First, we visited in April and I think time of year is a big factor.Easy to get to, not a lot of parking, so busier time of year might be harder to find space, though probably you could park along the channel wall.We visited late March / early April. It was a lot of dry grass and dry waterways when we were there. There was one larger area of water where we saw fish jumping. No birds, but a few flowers and butterflies. There are nice paths to walk and I’m sure when the water is in and it is lush it would be very nice.Despite, next to it is the Aransas Pass Channel. We saw a huge tanker come through on its way out to the gulf. Despite the slow speed and it being empty it was fun watching the huge wave it created follow it and then slam into the stairwell and splash us all unexpectedly (so, pick what you think is fun and memorable.) There ferry is also nearby and it was fun to cross the channel on it (the kids especially loved it) and you can see dolphins, and such.

Alexandro Garcia

2024-03

A very nice park. The volunteers and staff at the visitor center are very friendly and knowledgeable. The hiking trails are very well maintained and there is a lot of wildlife to observe. I went warly on a Saturday and got a good look at a couple of whooping cranes. Before coming out, please know that this is a nature preserve with the intent of mainiting a natural environment for the wildlife. There is very limited cell phone reception and there are no food vendors on-site. There are mosquitos, so bring your bug spray.If you need a break while exploring the park, there is a nicely shaded picnic area with accessible restrooms. Overall, I was very impressed with the park and will definitely be back.

Jess B

2023-12

The park was not what I expected for the drive we made. But it was just fine. We had our trailer connected and were unable to complete the driving loop due to height and width restrictions on the auto loop. Wish we would have known that prior to visiting. So that was disappointing being we paid (not expensive) and couldn't even do the loop we intended to do. Also, the road going into the trail we wanted to hike was horrible. Pot holes everywhere.

Robin

2024-02

Update January 30, 2024 -I've been to this park 3 more times since my original review in August 2022.And absolutely LOVE IT every single time!No matter how many times you go, it's always a new experience. Many of the birds you see there are migratory, so if you go during different seasons, you're likely to see different animals.Note that the endangered Whooping Crane is one of those migrants & is only around during winter.I'd also like to address another review where the person made complaints regarding some lacking comforts.Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - It is a REFUGE/RESERVE and :No one will be spraying for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are FOOD for many of the animals that live there!Nope. No trash cans. You take it in. You take it out!No food vendors either. And not much nearby. Eat beforehand or better yet, pack a picnic lunch! (along with your bug spray)Adding several new pics from February 2023...........................Went to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge yesterday August 14, 2022).Stopped at the brand new Visitor Center & the employees were quite helpful on the best places to spot the wildlife.The weather cooperated & the rain mostly stopped while we were there.Did the auto loop & walked a bunch of the paths.Saw tons of wildlife! (Most at Jones Lake)2 BIG alligators.Several doe, fawns & 1 buck that was 6-8 points!Several breed of birds, including gorgeous Rosette Spoonbills!A small herd or family group of Javelina (7 that we could count)A stunning Live Oak Tree that the sign said was at least 500 YEARS OLD!An armadillo walking on the roadside.And even a few frogs crossing the road! (one appeared to be trailing a LOT of water as s/he was leaping)The pics are mostly maxed out on magnification, so not great. But good enough! ;)

Carl Partin

2024-01

Absolutely beautiful place and great fishing. We saw 3 whooping cranes, and there are only 600 left on earth!

Elizabeth Webb

2023-05

A national park with many opportunities to see wildlife up close. There is a well shaded picnic area with outhouse-style bathrooms and a great view of the ocean. The visitors center had knowledgeable and friendly staff. The gift shop was small but stocked with items showcasing the wildlife of the area. The viewing stands and observation tower were well built and made for a great view above the terrain to see nesting roseate spoonbills, herons, cranes, etc. We saw numerous alligators and deer also. Bring binoculars and/or a camera lens that will allow for seeing the animals in the distance. Clean bathrooms—and water bottle filling station—inside and outside the visitor center.

Roamer222

2023-05

Amazing little known park (outside of the birding community) that has something for everyone. Trails, wildlife, fishing and of course birding. We didn’t get to see any alligators but we did see turkeys, tons of deer and wild hogs. We will be going back to do the trails when it’s not raining. Definitely check out the visitor center. Staff was knowledgeable and helpful. We can’t wait for the exhibits to be displayed.

Paresh Motiwala

2023-06

Good place! no food, not a single trash can! Trails riddled with mosquitoes; sprays didn’t help! The auto loop is genuinely avoidable! The board walk is nice. There is a metal staircase that takes you above tree tops to enjoy a superb view! But would I drive 75 miles from Corpus Christi to visit this place ? 100% NO! But we still did because we had nothing else to do!

Cory Shaw

2024-04

Beautiful and so worth the visit! Marshes are stunning and we saw whooping cranes, alligators, herons, deer, hawks and more.Dog-friendliness: Leashed dogs allowed - don't let them run - alligators are the real deal!

Andrew Sutalo

2023-05

My wife and I visited this past Saturday 10/1/2022. We enjoyed the serenity, the wild life and it was a much needed venture away from the city. The park ranger who assisted us in the welcome center was very kind and the staff operating the store were top notch. I recommend a visit and don't forget to pack a picnic and enjoy the view with your meal. Must visit now!!!

Kenneth Torres

2024-03

Nice but we have been to other NWR’s with better photo opportunities of wildlife.

Benjamin Moreau

2023-10

I came out to ANWR early on a Saturday. I visited a few spots during my visit. My favorite was probably the Wildlife Tower and its surrounding area. There is a lot to explore here though! If you are driving early in the morning, keep a close eye out for deer, I saw a lot of them on/near the road.

Sayantan Pramanik

2023-05

Has some good walking trails and bird watching spots. You will spot lots of pelicans and whooping cranes.There is also an auto loop trail where you could spot some javelins and deers.Restrooms: Has clean restrooms.Picnic area: There is a nice picnic area right beside the park road overlooking the beach with beautiful views of the sea.

Steve Stillman

2024-04

If you enjoy birding then you need to put Aransas National Wildlife Refuge on your to go list. Elevated walkways, lots of marshland/wetland, bring your binoculars. Very remote, bring water and snacks or food, relax and spend some quality time out here.

Jessica Marie

2023-05

Super fun outing for the family. I’d expect to spend 1-2 hours, depending on how long you take at each viewing place. Definitely pack bug spray because the mosquitos are plenty. We went mid-April and saw 1 large gator and 3 babies!!

Brian Flanagan

2019-05

This place is worth the drive! The scenery was beautiful and we got to see a lot of wildlife. We saw at least 5 alligators total. Jones Lake (or Pond) had one about 10 feet from the pier. The biggest one we saw had to be at least 12’ long. Most of them we saw were across a small pond. Be careful on the trails because they can be anywhere.There is a huge observation tower that is up above the tree line that allows you to see a huge span of marshland. We saw a lot of birds flying around below us. We were even able to see 4 or 5 Whooping Cranes. They weren’t very close...but it was really cool to watch them. I highly recommend making the trip out here!

Traveling With Spice

2022-05

You can easily spent a day here, we took most of the walking trails and viewing towers. This place is known for Whooping Cranes migrating from Canada. Take the walking trails through alligator swamp, you will see plenty of them, if you are taking unpaved trail, better watch out for alligator. Keep your eyes open..

Doug Farrell Godard

2023-05

Enjoyed a good mid-December experience at Aransas NWR. More birds & wildlife than expected, though maybe that's just me. Spotted many types of birds including Great Blue Herons, Whooping Cranes Great Egrets, Dunlins, and Turkey Vultures, as well as several deer and even a Javelina that dashed across the Auto Tour road. Love the new Visitor Center too!

helen springspirit@sbcglobal.net

2024-03

Wonderful boat tour and knowledgeable guides who id'd the numerous other species in our view. Guides also shared that Whooping Cranes were present near Big Tree. We drove there and were rewarded with 21 Whoopers, flying, calling, and one tiny dance. Plus a family unit feeding in the shallow bay about 30 yards away. Wonderful experiences.

Larry Greenidge

2024-04

If you want the chance to see the rarest bird in North America, some of the 500+ specimens of migratory wild Whopping Cranes (Grus americana) left in the world call this refuge their wintering habitat. Proud to have them in Texas.

N V

2022-05

We stopped by the refuge on our way back home from Rockport, intending a couple of hours but ended up staying most of the day. Beautiful place. We went in the first week of March so the weather was cool, no mosquitos and hardly anyone there. Perfect!We took several hiking trails, as well as walking along the boardwalk and observation deck area. The boardwalk continues into a long and a short hiking trail too. There's restrooms at the picnic and observation tower areas, but just toilets only, no running water. If you're in a regular vehicle just take a jug of water to wash your hands.We saw gators, cranes, egrets, pelicans, deer, pigs and a lot of other wildlife. Visited their 400 year old oak that looks amazing. They also have a 9 mile auto tour loop that gives a great perspective of how these shallow marshlands protect the inland areas. The auto tour sign has a vehicle size limit of 25 ft long x 7 ft wide x 8 ft tall but there were no clearance issues with our 9 ft tall van. What they're essentially telling you is not to drive your 35 ft bus through there.Lots of fishing if that's what you like, but for us rv travelers its a wonderful stop. We ended having a late meal in their picnic area before hitting the road. Quiet and serene sitting under the oaks looking out at the bay.They're also finishing a visitor center that looks pretty nice, with gift shop etc. Highly recommended if you're anywhere in the area.

Adam Harriff

2022-05

Nice spot. Impossible to get close to the whooping cranes (unless they come to you) but you can catch an ok view with binoculars or a 600mm lens. Was told you sometimes need the knee high boots it’s so swampy on the coastal trails but this trip was nice and dry in February.

DRV

2023-12

Went to see the Whooping Cranes that are just arriving in the area for winter. Stopped at the Visitor Center first to get a map and ask about sightings. There is a fee unless you have a park pass. Volunteers were very friendly and helpful. Nothing to see in the center as the Refuge sustained damage during Hurricane Harvey, so they haven’t started putting in displays. There is a small gift shop and restrooms. We stopped at Heron Lake and saw Sandhill Cranes, Spoonbills and herons. Mosquitoes were terrible so use repellent. The tall lookout tower is great, we saw 3 Whooping Cranes. The auto loop drive was not worth it, didn’t see much. There is a nice picnic area and fishing pier. For the long drive out there, there wasn’t much. Next month there will bird walks and more cranes.

Kaitlyn Volk

2022-05

An absolutely amazing hidden gem! I have been a couple times now and it is always so much. If you are looking for a place to see tons of wildlife and beautiful views, this is an amazing place to go. From bird watching, to alligators hidden at every turn, to deer, boars and even bobcats.

Arul Selvan

2024-04

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Austwell, Texas is great for nature lovers. Home to variety of species of birds, it offers drive your own auto tour that’s great for adults. The observation tower provides spectacular views. Dont forget to walk to the back of the visitor center to see the aligators and the bald eagle nest along the auto tour. A must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.Picnic area: There is a picnic spot along the auto tour with restrooms but there is no trash can so you have to take your trash with you.

Bethyjean Hudson

2023-08

Really great place. Beautiful scenery. The perfect stop after a long drive for us.

Angelique Tober

2023-10

The trails were overgrown so I hiked the road and saw 1 baby boar. Deer at the exit overall ot could have been better.Restrooms: Very clean and stocked.Picnic area: It was ok

Walter Ballard

2023-11

I went for the archery hunt. It is very brushy and thick. I was amazed at the birds living in the area.

Meital Heber

2022-05

The refugee has Many trails and viewing points.We saw cranes, egrets, pelicans, seagulls and herons.Lot’s to see- You can spend the whole day there.

JTwny

2024-02

Beautiful place! Enjoyed it very much. The staff and visitor center were great, restrooms were very clean. This is totally staffed by volunteers and they deserve a big applause for having such a great refuge!