What to Pack for an Emerald Coast Beach Vacation

Half of packing is knowing what NOT to bring. Most vacation rentals here already stock the basics, so the goal is packing light on things you can buy and heavy on things you cannot easily replace.

What your rental almost certainly already has

Skip these:

• Bath towels, sheets, pillows, and blankets

• Full kitchen with cookware, dishes, coffee maker, and basic cooking tools

• Washer and dryer in most homes and many condos

• Starter supply of paper towels, toilet paper, dish soap, and trash bags

• Hair dryer and iron

• Wi-Fi and streaming capable TVs

Always check your specific listing before you assume. Beach chairs, umbrellas, and beach toys vary property to property.

The beach bag

• Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, more than you think you need

• Rash guards or swim shirts for kids. Far easier than reapplying sunscreen on wiggly shoulders.

• Wide brim hats and polarized sunglasses

• Water shoes. The sand gets hot enough to hurt in July and August.

• Beach wagon or collapsible cart, which is the single best purchase for a family beach trip

• Beach towels, which are usually a separate item from bath towels and often not provided

• Insulated cooler or tumblers. No glass containers on the sand.

• Dry bag or waterproof phone pouch

• Aloe or after sun gel

• Sand toys, boogie boards, or a mesh sand free bag

Clothing

Dress code across the Emerald Coast is casual almost everywhere.

• Two to three swimsuits per person so nothing goes on damp

• Cover ups and lightweight shorts and tees

• One nicer outfit per person for a sit down dinner

• Flip flops plus one closed toe pair for state park trails and the boardwalk

• Light rain jacket or packable poncho for summer afternoon storms

• A light sweatshirt. Evenings on the water get cooler than people expect, especially spring and fall.

Health, safety, and comfort

• Insect repellent. Bayside and sound side properties can get midge flies and mosquitoes at dusk.

• Anti itch cream and basic first aid, including tweezers and bandages

• Motion sickness medication if you plan on a boat or fishing charter

• Any prescriptions, in original bottles

• Vinegar packets or sting relief for jellyfish season

Tech and travel

• Extra phone charging cables and a portable battery

• Waterproof camera or GoPro

• Beach friendly Bluetooth speaker, kept at a courteous volume

• Downloaded shows and audiobooks for the drive

For families with young kids

• Pack and play, high chair, and stroller if your rental does not provide them. Many local baby gear rental companies deliver straight to the property.

• Nightlight

• Swim diapers

• Sound machine

• Snacks that survive heat

What to leave at home

• Glass anything for the beach

• Heavy luggage full of towels and linens

• More shoes than you will realistically wear

• Formal clothing unless you have a fancy event to go to!

• Large beach umbrellas if you are flying. Renting on site is cheaper than checking a bag.

Buy it when you get here

Bulky and cheap items are not worth the suitcase space:

• Sand toys and floats - BUT BEFORE YOU DO CHECK OUT THE REUSE BINS LOCATED AT EVERY BEACH ACCESS ON OKALOOSA ISLAND.

• Umbrellas and chairs

• Sunscreen refills

• Groceries and drinks

Publix, Walmart, and local beach shops are minutes from most rentals.

Blu Vue Vacations manages a hand picked collection of homes and condos across Florida's Emerald Coast. Message us before your stay and we will tell you exactly what is already waiting for you at your property.

Sharon Thomas, Owner & Operator | 850-826-8005 | sharonthomas@bluvuevacations.com | bluvuevacations.com