09/02/2026
San Jose (often called St. Jo’s) is the barrier Island north of Port Aransas separated from Mustang Island by the Aransas Pass ship channel. Unlike the beaches nearby, St. Jo's is privately owned and remains undeveloped and inaccessible by road.
However, you can cross over by boat or jetty and spend the day along the beach. While the island itself is privately owned, Texas law generally recognizes public access along the Gulf-facing beach to the vegetation line. That means visitors can enjoy the shoreline for activities like walking, fishing, swimming, and exploring... but the private interior of the island is off-limits without permission.
