One of the best things about living in or visiting Port Aransas, Texas is that adventure is never far away. Just across the ship channel sits one of the Texas coast’s most fascinating places: San José Island, better known to locals as St. Jo’s.
Stretching roughly 21 miles along the Gulf Coast, San José Island is a largely undeveloped barrier island separating the Gulf of Mexico from Aransas Bay. Unlike Mustang Island, you won’t find condos, restaurants, beach roads or crowds here. The island is privately owned and managed primarily for wildlife, while visitors are permitted to enjoy the public beach area. (Texas State Historical Association)
A Little St. Jo’s History
The history of St. Joseph Island goes back centuries. French parties landed on the island in 1712 and 1718, and Spanish explorer José de Escandón explored the area in 1766. By the 1800s, the island played a surprisingly important role in Texas history. (Texas State Historical Association)
On July 26, 1845, the first United States flag said to have been raised over Texas territory was raised by U.S. troops on St. Joseph Island. A settlement named Aransas once prospered near the southern end of the island, and forts were established there at various times. The community eventually disappeared following the Civil War. (Texas State Historical Association)
The island entered another fascinating chapter in 1936, when legendary Texas oilman Sid W. Richardson purchased St. Joseph Island. Richardson developed it as a private ranch and retreat and established cattle herds there. (Sid Richardson Museum)
Richardson also commissioned noted Texas architects O’Neil Ford and Arch Swank to design his island residence. Completed in 1938, the unusual house incorporated materials from the island, including blocks made from cement, oyster shell and beach sand. Remarkably, the house has survived decades of Gulf Coast hurricanes. (Sid Richardson Museum)
The island became a retreat for some extraordinarily influential visitors. Richardson’s connections brought political and business figures to St. Jo, and historical accounts connect the island with Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lyndon B. Johnson and Dwight D. Eisenhower. (res.dallasnews.com)
That history makes the quiet island visible from Port Aransas feel a little different once you know what’s happened there.
How Do You Get to San José Island?
You can’t simply drive to St. Jo’s—and that’s a big part of its appeal.
From Port Aransas, visitors can take The Jetty Boat from Port Aransas Fishermans Wharf at 900 Tarpon Street. The passenger boat crosses the channel and drops visitors near the North Jetty on San José Island. (Port Aransas)
Boat schedules and pricing can change, so check the current schedule before planning your day. Return trips are limited, which is especially important to remember—you don’t want to miss your ride back to Port A!
San José Island visitor information and Jetty Boat details
What Should You Bring to St. Jo’s?
Think of St. Jo’s as a bring-it-in, bring-it-out beach day. There are no stores, restaurants or other typical beach services waiting for you once you arrive. (Port Aransas)
Pack plenty of drinking water, snacks or lunch, sunscreen, a hat, beach shade, towels and sturdy water shoes, especially if you plan to explore or fish around the jetty. A soft-sided cooler, dry bag, portable phone battery, basic first-aid supplies and trash bag are also smart additions. Bring binoculars if you enjoy birding, a shell bag for beachcombing, and your fishing gear if you’re hoping to cast a line. (Port Aransas)
Most importantly, remember that you’re visiting a privately owned island. Stay within the permitted public beach area, respect the wildlife and property boundaries, and pack out everything you bring in. (Port Aransas)
Why St. Jo’s Is Part of the Port Aransas Lifestyle
San José Island is a reminder of what makes living in Port Aransas so unique. You can spend the morning enjoying coffee in town, hop on a boat, and minutes later find yourself walking an undeveloped stretch of Texas coastline that feels a world away.
For beach lovers considering Port Aransas homes for sale, it’s these experiences—not just the houses—that make owning property here special.
At Bluefin Realty, we don’t simply help buyers find a coastal home. We help them discover the lifestyle that comes with it.
Thinking about making Port Aransas your home away from home? Contact Bluefin Realty and let us help you find your own place on the Texas coast.
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