Portland's location on two bays provides excellent fishing, boating, sailing, swimming, water skiing and kite surfing. Fronting Corpus Christi Bay and Nueces, the "Gem City of the Gulf Coast" is located seven miles from downtown Corpus Christi and is accessible by two major highways, US Highway 181 and State Highway 35.

Indian Point Fishing Park and Pier is a 333-acre public park that includes Sunset Lake. This ecologically rich wetland and saltwater lake area-- lined by a two mile hike and bike trail-- acts as a nesting ground for several migratory birds. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy birding, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming and sailing.

The pier and park received its name from the Indians who camped on the sandy spot to do their fishing. Pioneers also used Indian Point as a means of marking the beginning of the Reef Road that snaked its way across Nueces Bay. By following along the series of shallow oyster reefs, wagons and buggies could be driven across the bay at low tide.

Fred Jones Sanctuary, a hidden treasure on the outskirts of Portland, is a botanically rich protected area that is a hot-spot for birders looking for warblers, vireos, orioles and other songbirds during migration. The native vegetation - on an island amidst cultivated fields - acts as a magnet to draw in migratory birds. Spring and fall are excellent times to visit, however, many species inhabit the native brush and trees along the creek year around.

Spectacular Golfing

Golfing is another local Portland favorite and enjoyed by many visitors at North Shore Country Club, which offers 18 holes on 176 acres. Players leave the course talking about the four holes set against the stunning backdrop of Corpus Christi Bay and the downtown skyline.

Golf at North Shore Country Club

Visit the Portland Community Center, a state-of-the-art facility that offers a walking and jogging track, racquetball courts, weight room and exercise facilities, volleyball and basketball.

Parks, Parks & More

A new skate park, a 13,534-square foot skateboarder's paradise, offers a six foot kidney-shaped bowl, an eight foot vertical ramp, grind pad, flat bank rail and a double spine ramp. Rental equipment is available and several fee options are available.

Violet Andrews Park, the newest of Portland's parks, is ten acres overlooking Corpus Christi Bay and has been developed for the preservation of native wildlife. The two observation decks and the quarter mile hike/bike trail provide prime opportunities for viewing the coastal bend shoreline from Ingleside to Corpus Christi. The narrow sand beach, stretching along the water's edge, is a favorite for kite surfers from across the country. Ten species of shorebirds, many ducks, gulls and pelicans have been sighted in the area, with many more species being noted during migration. Check out the windsurf park, pavilion, showers and children's play area.

The Aquatic Center, open year around, consists of a 25-yard by 25-meter competition pool complete with a diving area plus a zero depth to four foot recreation pool. The recreation pool includes several water toys age appropriate for toddlers to teenagers.

Call the Portland Chamber of Commerce at 877-643-2475 or visit www.portlandtx.org