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Surf Shack Cottage

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Welcome in. The vibe here is carefully curated. Enjoy!
Redone living area - April 2023
Redone living area - April 2023
Cute kitchen area
Kitchen area
Reviews
9.6

Exceptional

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 656 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
    KitchenKitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioningAir conditioning
  • Dryer
    DryerDryer
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • Washer
    WasherWasher
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor spaceOutdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Port Aransas, TX
  • Popular LocationIB Magee Beach Park14 min walk
  • Popular LocationHorace Caldwell Pier15 min walk
  • Popular LocationPort Aransas Beach17 min walk
  • AirportCorpus Christi, TX (CRP-Corpus Christi Intl.)47 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Back Room

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Front Room

1 Queen Bed

Living Area

1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Full bath with shower

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Surf Shack Cottage

***Pet fee is $100. Pet friendly doesn't mean we clean up after them and risk property damage for free. See more details below.***

The Surf Shack is a groovy beach bungalow located in a barely used easement between South Station Street and Trojan Street. There's a lot of privacy and tranquility since it's not a road with any thru traffic. Being Old Town Port A, most things of note are also in easy walking distance. This combination of quiet & privacy, with close proximity to all the action, will be hard to beat.

A walk to the beach will take 10-15 minutes and a walk down to several bars and restaurants is 5-10 minutes. Please see the map in the property posting to get a better idea of where everything is. Our neighborhood is also golf cart friendly. Many people elect to rent one and go everywhere in that.

Our quaint, funky cottage is perfectly imperfect and we are always making little improvements based on guest feedback and things we notice. We want families with pets to be able to take an affordable vacation and make happy island memories together. It is 600 square feet and thereby best suited for a couple or small family.

There is one small room with a Queen Bed and another bedroom with a Queen, twin and TV. The living area has a 50 inch TV (100+ satellite channels), fast Wi-Fi and a fold down sofa that sleeps 1 adult or 2 kids. The 1 bathroom features a large shower with solid water pressure and basic toiletries. There is a great stack washer/dryer unit in the utility closet too.

Kitchen has a gas range & oven, microwave, coffee pot, Keurig ☕ machine, crock pot and a fry daddy. There's TV trays on the side of the fridge so you can eat comfortably in the living area.

Outside there is an 8 foot privacy fence with plenty of shade for your pets. It's a great area to relax in whatever way you like without being bothered. The gas grill is ready to roll at a moments notice and there's comfortable seating for 4 plus a really sweet hammock to nap in. We recently rocked the yard so it is much cleaner than before and looks fantastic.

We improved our parking alcove so there's now space for 2 small (or 1 large) vehicles. Vehicles can also park tight to alley fences. We keep the areas mowed where you can park and provide a photo of the area when you book.

If you have more than 2 vehicles the they will need to park on nearby streets, as the city does not allow us more than 2 in our alley. The alley is all lit with motion detecting solar lights at night and is very safe. As long as other vehicles driving down the easement (very few) can pass by then it doesn't matter which way you choose to park. Again, it is not a road with any sort of thru traffic whatsoever. It is more helpful to think of it as a long driveway that only the homeowners on our block occasionally use to do chores in the back of their properties. All of our past guests have loved being tucked away from the often hectic island crowds.

We generally check for messages in the morning and evening, You may get an immediate reply or you may need to wait an absolute maximum of 24 hours. Once booked, you'll get a detailed welcome message with a contact number. This will become the preferred communication method for quick questions.

Well, thanks for your interest in the Surf Shack and we hope you'll choose us if you feel it fits your needs. Most people report that it exceeds their expectations. Basically we want chilled out folks to come have a nice time and leave our place in good order. Then we want you to come back again & again!

All the best, y'alls🤙🏿

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***We also rent a 2/2 with a huge livin area, full kitchen, 2 decks and an outdoor shower in the front of the property. It is a space & style upgrade over the Surf Shack. If you're interested it's called "Salty Livin". Nothing is shared between the 2 rentals. Each has totally private parking and yards.


https://www.vrbo.com/3130281
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*IMPORTANT PET & DAMAGE PROTECTION INFO*

Dogs are welcome and we love them. However, we needed to set some expectations after many difficult cleanings, damaged furniture, outdoor plants destroyed and holes dug in the yard.

We charge a one time, blanket (covers 2 dogs) $100 non-refundable pet fee. If you wish to bring more than 2 you must request first. If we agree then it will be an additional $50 per dog that will cover them for the length of your stay.

We also need you to agree that your dogs will not be left unsupervised to roam the house or yard if there's even the slightest chance that they'll be destructive. We are not suggesting a rigid policy here so use practicality over protocol. You know your animals best. Please put them in a crate when you're away if they're not to be fully trusted. That means inside or outside. We'd also prefer they not be allowed on any of the furniture or beds because it causes premature wear & tear and is unfair to future guests who may have pet allergies. Bring a dang dog bed please! We want to keep our stuff nice.

Finally, the pet fee is for the privilege of bringing your pet (extra rent). It is not to be considered a deposit on any potential damage, which will be assessed and charged separately. This is simply the cost of bringing your furry friend.

As for our damage protection deposit/insurance, nothing will ever charged/claimed as long as there's no property damage or missing items from the home, you clean all your dishes, take out all your trash and pick up after any pets (poo 💩 mostly). We trust you'll understand and be a responsible guest in this regard. Thanks!







Property manager

Tish

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)
Consider not letting your dog all over the beds.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Supervise your dog please. We don’t recommend leaving small dogs alone due to coyotes. Kindly pick up your dog's poo as well.
No fish or shrimp in trash cans. Use the provided trash can outside to put bagged trash in. Please don't put loose garbage in can. I dump it by hand.

Important information

Optional extras

  • Pet fee: USD 100 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Port Aransas

Located in Port Aransas, this cottage is in the city centre. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Port Aransas Beach and Mustang Island Beach. Roberts Point Park and Aransas Pass Aquatic Center are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Port Aransas, TX

What's nearby

  • Holiday Beach - 12 min walk
  • IB Magee Beach Park - 14 min walk
  • Horace Caldwell Pier - 15 min walk
  • Port Aransas Beach - 17 min walk
  • Roberts Point Park - 4 min drive

Getting around

  • Rockport, TX (RKP-Aransas County) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Whataburger - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Taqueria San Juan - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Coffee Waves P - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Port A Pizzeria - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Moby Dick's Restaurant - ‬4 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Surf Shack Cottage pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total). There's a fee of USD 100 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.

What time is check-in at Surf Shack Cottage ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Surf Shack Cottage ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Surf Shack Cottage located?

Located in Old Town Port Aransas, this cottage is within 1 mi (2 km) of Port Aransas Birding Center and Port Aransas Beach. Port Aransas Museum and Nature Preserves are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 126 out of 149 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 149 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 149 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 149 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 149 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Craig M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Spring Break
Great week. Perfect accommodations
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

4/10 Poor

Ken T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in
Disliked: Communication, location, listing accuracy
COMPLETE DISASTER !!!
This house does not have a street address. It is located in an alley behind a house with an address. 1. The ad claims there is parking for 2 cars. That is only true if you park one car in the alley. No lighting 2. The hammock frame broke. It was rusted thru and the metal rail hit my 10 yo granddaughter in the head 3. My son sat in one of the patio chairs and crashed onto the ground. Is he obese ? NOPE 4. The master bedroom is so narrow that you have to slide off the end of the bed, like in a travel trailer ! 5. The only place to eat is on tall barstools at a counter, very unsafe for children due to the concrete floor 6. The bathroom was very dark and small. The light in the shower was not working 7. No place to hang clothes or counter space in bathroom 8. There was no blender as advertised
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janet P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyed the Surf Shack
We were in Port A for the whooping crane festival and this was a quiet and relaxed place to stay
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aleia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing!
We had such a great stay at the Surf Shack! Place was cozy and super close to the beach and felt super private even though we were surrounded by other rentals. Property manager was very responsive to concerns. We will absolutely be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristoffer R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Surf Shack
Perfect for my needs with my dogs in town for project work.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Surf Shack is AOK
I literally grew up on the block, and the Surf Shack was the perfect weekend getaway for the 2023 annular eclipse. 100% as advertised and a great spot for friends to come and go as schedules allowed. We will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Maria

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
It was very secluded and quiet good location will rent again for spring break
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Frances G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Girl’s trip!
It was a nice place, it was smaller than anticipated based off of pictures and descriptions! But we did enjoy!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jared S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Space
This place was the perfect setup for me and my family. It was just enough space for our family of four. My son enjoyed the futon and my daughter though the bed was super comfy. We enjoyed the comfort of our bed as well. As far as the location it is perfect. Super close to the beach, grocery, and food. We took the golf cart around town most of the time. Communication was great we had questions when we got there and they were super responsive and helpful. Would definitely recommend
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Worked
Did the job. Listing was accurate. Had a good time.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Annette S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness
Birthday weekend celebration
Electricity went out a few minutes after arrival.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Surf Shack
A great place to stay in Port A! Excellent location close to all the places we wanted to go. Loved the private backyard in a pretty quiet neighborhood.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great little cottage
Will be back
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun place!!
Super cute fun island getaway! Definitely staying at the surf shack again!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda H., Liberty Hill, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just like home!
The photos in the don’t do the cottage justice! We fell in love the moment we walked in. This was the perfect place to go for our first vacation and we wanted to be close to the beach.We are looking forward to future vacations at the Surf Shack.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vicki I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beach Town Treasure
The Surf Shack is in the perfect location in Port Aransas! It is close to everything. It is the cutest little beach house with everything you need! Blake was super fast with answering texts. The back yard was awesome for our 2 pups and for an outside breakfast in the morning and relaxing under the stars at night! We took the secret short path to the beach they provided many times! We loved our stay and will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tina M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect beach bungalow
Loved a little piece of paradise! Tish is always there when we needed her. Can't wait to come back.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ethan J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Surf shack
Great place and great communication with the property manager.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ben E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay with friends
Great host, very helpful and accommodating. Had 4 guests and there was more than enough room. Very clean and great location close to beach.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ryan G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing
A cute small getaway
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Trudy S., Yorktown

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tish went above and beyond her duties of a host.
Tish was there every step of the way to make sure we had what we needed.
Stayed 27 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Grand stay at The Surf Shack
Perfect stay all around. Tish was always available when we had a question and helped us get settled in and suggested things to do while we were there. The place was perfectly clean. Wonderfully located. Biked and walked most everywhere. Hop, skip, and a jump to the beach. If we come back to Port Aransas, we will definitely stay here!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mini vacation
The surf shack was perfect for my party of 3 and our 3 dogs! It is located in a quiet neighborhood, close to the beach. The fenced in yard was perfect for the dogs. The house was equipped with everything we needed. Tish was super sweet and helpful as well!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Becky L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Christmas and cold snap holiday
Property was exactly as described and photographed in description. We stayed during a very cold front, owners offered for us to change to another weekend but we chose to go. Space heaters did not keep us warm but I’m not sure central heat would’ve been able to keep up with the weather we had. We enjoyed the surf shack and were able to get the relaxation we were looking for. Owners were very responsive to us with all our needs.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Adam S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beach getaway
A nice place off the beaten path. Everything you need for a short stay that's not a typical condo like a lot of surrounding port Aransas. Short drive/long walk to the beach. Close to downtown and all the touristy area of port a. Am experience right in the middle of the beach town
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

About the host

Hosted by Tish

Host profile image
We are a family that's been coming to Port A since the early 90s. We have owned lots, had an old boat in the harbor for deep sea fishing, done the RV thing, had a smaller house, bought a bigger house (this one) and endured Hurricane Harvey. 30 years on and our love for this island is as strong as ever. With any luck, we hope to play a small part in your enjoyment here as well.

Why they chose this property

Wonderful value for the money. It is not the ritz but it is clean, comfortable and has plenty of character.

What makes this property unique

Pets are welcome. However, after many difficult cleanings we now charge a $75 non-refundable pet fee. This is simply the price of bringing your furry friend, as we don't have time to evaluate a pet's impact on our property on a case by case basis. It was either charge a pet fee or do away with our dog friendly policy.
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