What is there to do or see at the Refuge? Do I drive or walk?
Aransas NWR is open daily from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. There’s a 16-mile driving Tour Loop with several pullouts. The first five miles is two-way. Once you pass the Observation Tower, the tour loop becomes one-way for the remaining 11 miles. There are 8 walking trails of various lengths off the Tour Loop. Some are particularly good for birds, others for their vistas. The Tour Loop and walking trails are self-guided. Bicycling is a popular activity on the Tour Loop. We have a Visitor Center open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. except for Thanksgiving & Christmas. Exhibits, maps, information, group programs, and a gift shop are provided. There’s also a picnic area, Observation Tower (with free-use telescopes), and boardwalk. Wildlife you may see include Whooping Cranes from October through March, white-tailed deer, javelina, feral hogs, raccoons, herons, egrets, hawks, alligators and wildflowers.
