What to Pack for Your Florida Vacation
Expect sunny days and balmy nights in beautiful St. Pete-Clearwater. Here are some essentials you'll want to pack for your Florida getaway.
Relax by the pool at one of St. Pete-Clearwater's stylish hotels.
Are you the ultimate vacation planner? Do you take pleasure in being prepared for the needs of every person in your traveling group? This list is for you!
In fact, whether you're planning a family vacation, solo adventure, or romantic getaway, having the right gear can mean the difference between a good vacation and a great one. That's where having an essential packing list can set you up for success.
A quick note: If you're traveling by car, it's easy to take most things you need with you. But, if you're flying and like to travel light, never fear. You can buy (or rent) many of the items on our list when you arrive. Do what suits your personal style.
A Cute Swimsuit (or Two)
Suit up stylishly for your Florida vacation.
Pack a stylish swimsuit to lounge by the pool or take a dip in the calm, Gulf waters of America's Favorite Beaches. If you're particularly concerned about sun exposure, many swimwear lines offer coordinating swim shirts to provide more coverage. Swimsuits take up so little room in your luggage, it's really best to pack two. That way, you can alternate when you need to rinse and hang one to dry.
Feel like your swimwear is from another era? St. Pete-Clearwater has tons of beachwear shops that can help you get suited out in style. Try NautiGirl Beachwear in St. Petersburg or Dody Beach Boutique in Pass-a-Grille Beach.
Sunscreen, a Wide-Brimmed Hat & Sunglasses
Bringing the right gear can help you have a great vacation!
We know you know: You need sunscreen. Every day. But especially under our sunny Florida skies.
So, pack plenty of sunscreen with broad-spectrum coverage. Better yet, make it a water-resistant variety if you plan to head to the beach or pool. Want to take care of the marine environment? Buy a reef-friendly sunscreen to help keep our clear waters pristine.
If you're flying and traveling light, pack a "starter" sunscreen (travel-size or a bottle under 3.4 ounces) so you can take it through airport security without issue and then head straight to the beach. Or buy local when you arrive in town: "Florida Squeezed" sunscreen is available at many store locations in the area.
A wide-brimmed hat is another travel essential: It not only adds a touch of chic to your beachwear, but also provides additional protection from the sun. Similarly, you can protect your eyes and make a fashion statement with a cool pair of sunglasses. Polarized lenses are a must for reducing glare at the beach or out on the water.
Beach Chairs & Beach Umbrella
Madeira Beach is a great place to hang out with friends.
If you're coming from a cold and rainy place, you'll be thrilled to swap your regular umbrella for a beach umbrella. Pair it with a comfortable beach chair for a perfect day on the sand. If you don't have these items at home, it's easy to buy them at local stores. Or you can even rent umbrellas and chairs right on the beach in many locations. Rental cabanas are available, too, for even more sun coverage.
Snorkel Gear & Goggles
Island beauty and natural fun make Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin a big draw for families.
Our Gulf waters are typically clear, calm and relatively warm, making St. Pete-Clearwater's beaches a great place to snorkel. Bring along your snorkel gear, or purchase some when you arrive. You're likely to see small schooling fish, blue crabs, sand dollars and more.
Goggles are a good idea for the hotel pool if you're vacationing with kids.
Beach Toys & Beach Reads
Build a sandcastle with your kids.
If you're traveling with kids, beach toys are a great way to keep them entertained, plus the whole family can get in on the fun. Just be sure to fill moats and knock down sandcastles at the end of each day, particularly from late spring to early fall during sea turtle nesting season. Explain the reason why to your little ones, then make a game of it.
If this is an adults-only trip, or you're traveling with older children, chances are you'll have some time for a great beach read. Pick up a good book at Tombolo Books in St. Pete or at The Book Rescuers in Largo.
Clothing With the Three Cs: Cool, Comfortable, Cotton
Easy, breezy clothing is best for beach and sightseeing in Florida.
No one wants to be uncomfortable on vacation, so light and breezy clothing made with cotton or linen is the best choice. And remember that you're in a tropical paradise: Pack a few brightly colored sundresses, or shorts and tops that shout "I'm having fun on vacation!"
Flip-Flops & Comfortable Footwear
You could get away with packing only flip-flops for your next St. Pete-Clearwater trip (in our sunny locale, flip-flops are not just a shoe choice, they're a lifestyle!) So be sure to pack at least one pair for your beach and poolside time.
You'll find, though, that there's a lot more to St. Pete-Clearwater than just beaches, beautiful as they are. You'll want to pack a comfortable pair of sandals or walking shoes to stroll quirky Central Ave. (known as St. Pete's coolest street), visit our many top-notch museums, or discover our nature parks. And runners will want to bring their favorite running shoes to explore plenty of scenic pathways.
A Reusable Water Bottle
These days, folks are looking to travel sustainably. That means no single-use plastics, please! Bring your own reusable water bottle everywhere you go. You'll be helping keep our beaches, parks and waterways clean.