Galveston and South Padre Island are arguably the most famous beach towns in Texas, but as much as we love them, they don't deserve to hog the spotlight. Much lesser-known, yet equally worthy of visiting, Port Aransas is an unspoiled island community that earned a spot on Travel + Leisure's list of the 17 best beach towns in the U.S. With pearly white sands, crystal-clear waters, and tons of activities for the whole family to enjoy, Port Aransas is a pretty special place and definitely among the best small towns in the U.S.

With 18 miles of pristine coastline, Port Aransas is aptly known as the "Fishing Capital of Texas."

Whether or not you're an angler, this charming beach community has a little something for everyone.

For those who do enjoy fishing, there are myriad public piers from which you can cast a line.

From offshore excursions to the city's very own bays and channels, the opportunities to make an impressive catch are endless.

Just south of the city, Mustang Island State Park is easily the most popular area attraction.

Sporting Gulf and bay access, the park's snow-white sands and crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming, surfing, building sandcastles, and all the other activities that make for a memorable day at the beach. Visitors can also embark on a 20-mile paddling trail that passes through some of the best shallow-water fishing around while also offering up-close views of a variety of native bird species.

If you're in search of a bit more peace and quiet than an often-crowded state park can provide, you'll be delighted to learn of all the unincorporated beaches within Port Aransas itself.

Spend your time relaxing with your toes in the sand, or unleash your inner adventurer by renting a jet ski or going parasailing.

In addition to the numerous beaches, Port Aransas also boasts five nature preserve sites.

These unspoiled destinations feature a wide variety of attractions, from hike and bike trails to dolphin-watching cruises on the Scarlet Lady.

The island is a birder's paradise, with hundreds of native species and many thousands of migrants.

Mustang Island boasts six sites on the Great Texas Birding Trail, so don't forget your binoculars!

Port Aransas is home to a quaint and charming downtown district that features shops selling everything from home décor to beachy clothing to souvenirs.

Rather than walking up and down the streets, why not rent a bike from Island Motor Bikes and cycle around town? It's such a fun way to explore all there is to see.

History buffs will love a trip to the Port Aransas Museum, which details the history of the island from its earliest years to the present day.

The museum also holds tours of the oldest consecrated church on Mustang Island, Chapel on the Dunes. If you're into art, there are tons of studios and galleries to peruse, plus a center featuring works by incredibly talented local artists.

All that time spent outdoors is bound to leave you starving, so it's a good thing there are so many incredible restaurants to choose from.

Castaways Seafood & Grill is among the most iconic of them all, serving up fresh island grub that's delighted locals and tourists alike for decades. They'll even grill up your own catch of the day!

Visit the Port Aransas tourism board website or Facebook page to learn more.

Have you ever been to Port Aransas? If so, what's your favorite thing about the town? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below, then check out our previous article for another little-known beach town in Texas worth adding to your bucket list.