The holidays are coming and you, savvy traveler that you are, have already begun making plans for an escape to Port Aransas, guaranteeing that your celebrations this year will be all that much sweeter. Offering warmer weather, the beauty and serenity of Gulf beaches, and when you choose our La Mirage Port A vacation rentals, all the comforts of home, your holiday getaway is sure to be one that you will never forget. And because we don’t want you to forget anything, we have created this essential packing guide for your Port Aransas holiday escape, taking the chaos and uncertainty out of packing for a family and leading you to a vacation that is sure to be nothing but smooth sailing in calm waters!

Looking for Studio Rentals in Port A? Click Here!

Casual Is Key

Part of the joy that will encompass your Port A holiday getaway will come from the casual vibe of our island home, and that casual appearance will lend itself to easier packing. Will you want to tuck a couple of dressier outfits into your bag, perhaps planning on a special occasion dinner at some of our higher end restaurants, especially if your visit is one that takes place over New Year’s Eve? Of course, you will, now that you know that Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill offers a special prixe fixe menu on New Year’s Eve, ushering in 2026 in all the most delicious ways!

But with mild weather and golf cart adventures, we can assure you that t-shirts, shorts, and jeans will be your main clothing needs, even over the Christmas holiday. Flip flops, sandals, and tennis shoes are going to be what’s on your feet, so feel free to leave the leather loafers and stiletto heels behind, and ladies, sparkly flip flops are always the right choice for a night out on the town.

No Puffer Jackets, No Winter Hats or Gloves

The mild weather we mentioned above (highs that reach the 70s and lows that dip into the mid-50s) will enable you to skip having to pack the bulkier items in your closet, including winter coats, hats, boots, and gloves. A lightweight and waterproof jacket will be all you need, and the waterproof part may not even be utilized as November and December are two of our drier months, but being prepared isn’t just for the Boy Scouts. Baseball or straw hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen may be necessary to guard your skin against the rays of the still bright sun, so don’t forget to add those items to your packing list. Winter is more a state of mind than a reality in Port Aransas, which is probably one of the reasons you chose our town for your holiday adventures!

Will There Be Beach Days?

Although you probably won’t be swimming in the Gulf unless you packed a wetsuit, you will still want to bring a swimsuit for soaking in the community hot tubs of our La Mirage holiday hideaways. And just because you won’t be swimming in the saltwater, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beach day! Many of our retreats will offer chairs, umbrellas, and coolers, ensuring that there will be even less items for you to be concerned about when filling your luggage. Relaxing under the winter sun, sipping margaritas you whipped up in the blenders in our kitchens, and letting the roar of the surf lull you into a dreamlike state may end up being the activity that stands out the most in your mind, even more so than the wonderful presents you opened on Christmas morning. Pack a plastic sand toy set (or pick up one at one of our local beach shops) and create more memories as you build a sandcastle with your tiniest travelers.

The Family Christmas PJs

The cozy warmth of our seaside sanctuaries only calls for casual wear; no need to get fancy for us! If you are celebrating Christmas in our island town, feel free to roam your space in the matching family Christmas pajamas you brought along for the occasion. It’s easier than ever to find matching PJs for your family, so who knows, maybe you will pack a different pair for every night of your stay. As you watch “It’s A Wonderful Life” on our state of the art televisions, sip hot cocoa as you play board games around the dining room table, or sit comfortably on plush sofas and chairs as you watch your kiddos gleefully tear into the stack of presents you so carefully wrapped, your Texas holiday adventures will reach new levels of wonderful! (You shouldn’t have to pack the gifts or wrapping paper; those are things you can find right here in Port Aransas.)

Reserve your favorite La Mirage holiday hideaway today!