The AOL Travel Identified 11 great American seaside escapes, from classic fun-in-the-sun California to Port Aransas Sand Castles.

The AOL Travel Article Said: " Enough with your fancy remote beaches.  The Maldives? St. Tropez? With the economy what it is , we'll be lucky to get to the next state on a $73 tank of gas.  We want close.  We want old-fashioned.  We want a town where we can park the car, drag a beach chair and book to the sand, and then shuffle down the boardwalk n our flip-flops for fried clams and an icy-cold can of beer:  a place with fireworks, friendly locals, and sticky scoop shops. So we dug up 11 great American seaside escapes, from classic fun-in-the-sun California to New England colonial charm to Port Aransas Sand Castles.  Because when it comes to precious summer weekends in the sun, there's no place like home".

The other beach towns included on the list were:

Haleiwa, Hawaii
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Santa Cruz, California
Coral Bay, St. John, U.s. Virgin Islands
Saugatuck, Michigan
Folly Beach, South Carolina
Newport, Rhode Island
Mexico Beach, Florida
Ogunquit, Maine

I have visited six of these beaches and it is exciting to have Port Aransas listed along side these beautiful spots.

Port Aransas was identified as" An 18 mile stretch of beaches, marinas, and seafood shacks on the Gulf of Mexico".  We locals know that we are that and so much more.  It is a great beach town that offers lots of  "local color" as well as great restaurants and unbeatable outdoor life.  What the article doesn't say is that fall is the best time to  truly enjoy this funky beach town without the crowds.

Port Aransas is a great beach town where you can park the car and jump in a golf cart or on a bike to see the town.  It will not take long to see the town but it takes a while to enjoy all that it has to offer.  Check out what the fishing boats are bring in, grab your binoculars and head to one of our many birding spots, hire a boat and captain and bring home fish for dinner, watch the boats sail by while enjoying a cool drink at The Back Porch or one of our other outdoor bars, or just sit on the beach and read a book.  You won't need fancy clothes but you will need some time to sample the great food at a variety of restaurants.  It is a great beach town with friendly locals willing to share their special places and activities with visitors.