Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
A flagship Coastal Bend stop with expansive marsh, ponds, and roadside pullouts that can produce everything from wintering waterfowl to raptors and waders.
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is one of the premier wildlife destinations on the Texas coast and a cornerstone stop for visiting birders. The long driving route and multiple habitat transitions let you cover freshwater ponds, coastal marsh, prairie, and wooded edges in a single visit. It is especially rewarding in cooler months, when ducks, raptors, and cranes are most active, but the refuge can be excellent year-round for herons, egrets, shorebirds, and migrating songbirds.
Habitat
refuge drives, freshwater and brackish wetlands, ponds, prairie, oak mottes, bayshore
Species Highlights
🕐 Best Time to Visit
best at first light and late afternoon; productive fall through spring
Quick Facts
- Category
- 🦩 Marsh & Wetland
- Address
- 6907 Hwy 35 N, Austwell, TX 77950
- Entry Fee
- 💰 Fee required
- Restrooms
- 🚻 Available