Tips & Tricks for Packing for a Port Aransas Vacation
Today is both the start of Memorial Day Weekend AND National Road Trip Day, making it a very happy Friday indeed!
If you’re taking a cue from National Road Trip Day and planning a road trip to Port Aransas sometime this summer, there’s no need to stress about what to pack. Just use this handy guide and you’ll be making your way to Port A in no time!
One pro tip? With all the great local shops and boutiques, you might want to bring an extra suitcase—you might just find yourself leaving with more than you came with!
What to Pack
Swimsuits (Obviously)
This one is self-explanatory, but you’re coming to the best beach in Texas! You’ll want to hit the sand and the sea as soon as you arrive, so be sure your swimsuits, cover-ups, and beach towels are at the top of the bag. If you’re looking for something to freshen up your beach look, shop at local stores like Coastal Closet, BoardHouse Surf & Skate, and Georgia’s Children’s Boutique for beach-ready outfits for the whole family.
Car Seats
You’ll want to rent a golf cart while you’re down here for easy beach cruising and to keep your car sand-free for the duration of the trip. Don’t forget, though, that golf carts are motorized vehicles and road laws still apply, so make sure you have age-appropriate car seats and all its accessories for your kiddos!
Golf Cart Rentals
Sandy shoes, messy hair, forgotten towels–it’s all good! Riding around Port A in a golf cart makes everything easy. It’s a golf cart town, and…
Sun Protection
Port Aransas is a sunny seaside destination, and sometimes the emphasis is on sunny. Be sure to bring plenty of adequate sun protection, like sunscreen, sunglasses, rash guards, and beach hats to make sure you can have fun in the sun all vacation long! If you forget any of these items, though, don’t worry—you can always pick up whatever you’re missing locally.
Flip-Flops or Sandals
Pack some shoes you don’t mind getting a little sandy! Sandals or flip-flops are a great option for shoes that will easily transition from beach to an evening of live music or from a day of shopping to an ocean-view patio dinner.
Your Camera (or phone!)
…and their respective chargers! Generations of Texans and beyond have made Port Aransas their tradition, and it’s important to capture the memories made here. That’s why you’ll want to make sure you bring a camera, or at the very least your phone, so you can capture candid moments as you snap away all vacation long! Another great way to make vacation memories is to book a family photo session with a local photographer that you can frame and look back on for years to come.
Cash
Some restaurants and other businesses in Port Aransas only accept cash payments, so you’ll want to make sure you have some on hand just in case! While several ATMs dot the island, there are only a few physical banks.
What Not To Pack
Now that you know what you should be packing, here is a quick list of things you can leave at home.
Beach Chairs
Save room in the car and leave the outdoor chairs and canopies at home. Why? You can rent fabulous beach setups right here in Port Aransas, with no need to worry about setting up, cleaning up, or trying to cram sandy chairs back into the trunk. You can rent chairs, beach umbrellas, and even palapas with ease. Click here for options.
Gear Rentals
Even though Port Aransas is just a short drive from home, your worries will feel like they’re an entire world away. Make your vacation stress-free by…
Your High Heels
Port Aransas is a casual place, and there’s really no need to pack your stilettos for a vacation here (unless you really, really want to). A very sandy island and abundance of wooden docks makes high heels a less-than-ideal choice for vacationing in Port Aransas. Blend in and live the true island life—leave the heels at home.
Tons of Beach Toys
Sure, you can toss in a couple all-time favorites, but your kids will absolutely want to pick up rad beach toys that keep them occupied all day long from great beach stores like The Islander and Jackfish Cart Rentals. From spike ball games to mermaid beach balls, these stores bring the fun in the sun.
And last but not least…
Your worries. Leave them at home—you’re on island time now!
Happy National Road Trip Day! Hope to see you on the road—or ferry—again soon!