Whether you're spending a day at Naples Beach, shelling on Sanibel, or exploring Fort Myers Beach, having the right gear makes all the difference. Southwest Florida's sun is intense, the shelling is world-class, and the beaches are beautiful - be prepared to enjoy them fully.
Here's your complete packing list for Florida beach days.
Quick Answers: What to Pack for a Florida Beach Day
- Do not skip: SPF 50+, shade, and more water than you think you need.
- Most forgotten item: A full dry outfit for the ride home.
- Shelling beaches: Bring mesh shell bags, a scoop, and water shoes.
- Family setup: Shade + hydration matter more than extra toys.
- Windy days: Sand anchors prevent umbrella and canopy disasters.
Beach Essentials (Don't Leave Without These)
Sun Protection
Florida sun is no joke - you can burn in 15 minutes during peak hours. Protect yourself:
Sunscreen
- SPF 50+ broad-spectrum
- Water-resistant formula
- Reef-safe preferred (protects ocean life)
- Bring enough to reapply every 2 hours
Sun hat
- Wide brim (3"+ recommended)
- UPF-rated fabric
- Chin strap for windy days
Sunglasses
- Polarized lenses (cut glare on water)
- UV protection
- Floating strap recommended
Hydration & Snacks
- Water - At least 1 liter per person (more for hot days)
- Insulated water bottle - Keeps drinks cold for hours
- Cooler - For snacks and extra drinks
- Healthy snacks - Fruit, nuts, sandwiches
Beach Basics
- Beach towels - At least one per person (plus extra)
- Beach bag - Large, sand-resistant tote
- Flip flops/sandals - Sand gets HOT
- Change of clothes - For driving home
- Waterproof phone case - Protect your phone from sand and water
Comfort Items
Seating & Shade
Southwest Florida beaches often have minimal shade. Bring your own:
Beach chairs
- Lightweight, portable
- Low-sitting (better for beach)
- Cup holders are nice
Beach umbrella
- 7-foot diameter minimum
- Sand anchor base (wind!)
- UPF-rated fabric
Beach tent/canopy
- Pop-up style for easy setup
- Stakes and sand anchors included
- Great for families
Beach blanket
- Sand-resistant material
- Weighted corners
- Large enough for your group
Transporting Gear
Beach wagon/cart
- Wide wheels for sand
- Holds chairs, cooler, bags
- Folds for storage
Mesh bags
- Let sand fall through
- Perfect for wet items
- Keep shells separate
For Water Activities
Swimming Essentials
- Swimsuit (wear it or pack extra)
- Rash guard - Sun protection while in water
- Water shoes - Protect from shells, rocks
- Goggles - For clear underwater viewing
Snorkeling
Southwest Florida has excellent snorkeling, especially around Sanibel and the jetties.
Basic snorkel set:
- Mask (proper fit is essential)
- Snorkel (dry-top recommended)
- Fins (optional but helpful)
Paddleboarding & Kayaking
If renting isn't your style, bring your own:
- Inflatable SUP (stores easily)
- Inflatable kayak
- PFD/life jacket
- Paddle leash
Build Your Southwest Florida Itinerary
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Plan Your Week in Southwest Florida
Use these high-intent guides to plan where to stay, what to do, and what to book next.
Southwest Florida Guide
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Open GuideSouthwest Florida Events
Find festivals, markets, concerts, and local happenings for the week ahead.
Open GuideBest Things to Do in Southwest Florida
High-intent itinerary ideas for visitors and locals.
Open GuideSouthwest Florida Restaurant Guide
Find top-rated spots for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Open GuideSouthwest Florida Beach Guide
Find the best beach access points, parking, and sunset spots.
Open GuideSouthwest Florida Retirement Guide
Review neighborhoods, lifestyle fit, and retirement costs.
Open GuideKeep Planning in Southwest Florida
For Shelling (Sanibel Specialty)
Sanibel is the "Shelling Capital of the World." Be prepared:
Shelling essentials:
- Mesh bag - Lets sand drain, shows off finds
- Bucket - For sorting shells
- Shelling scoop - Easier on the back than bending
- Water shoes - Shells are sharp!
Shell identification:
- Field guide - ID your finds
- Smartphone app - iNaturalist or similar
Pro tip: The best shelling is at low tide, early morning. Check tide charts before you go!
For Families with Kids
Beach toys:
- Sand toys (buckets, shovels, molds)
- Boogie board
- Beach ball
- Frisbee
Safety items:
- Life jackets (coast guard approved)
- Swim diapers
- Shade tent (essential for babies)
- First aid kit
Entertainment:
- Waterproof playing cards
- Beach-appropriate books
- Portable Bluetooth speaker
For Photography
Southwest Florida sunsets are legendary. Capture them:
- Waterproof camera/housing
- GoPro or action camera - Great for underwater
- Tripod - For sunset shots
- Lens wipes - Salt spray is constant
- Extra batteries - Heat drains them fast
For Fishing
Many SWFL beaches allow fishing:
- Rod and reel - Surf fishing setup
- Tackle box - Basics for saltwater
- Bait - Live shrimp works best
- Cooler - For your catch
- Pliers - Hook removal
- Fishing license - Required in Florida (except on Naples Pier)
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Book a Beach-Day Excursion
Use your packing list for a dolphin cruise, shelling trip, or sunset tour in Southwest Florida.
What NOT to Bring
- Glass containers - Banned on most Florida beaches
- Alcohol - Prohibited on many public beaches
- Styrofoam coolers - Often banned, bad for environment
- Tents with stakes - Some beaches prohibit permanent structures
- Drones - Restricted in many areas
- Pets - Check beach rules; many prohibit dogs
Complete Packing Checklist
Absolute Essentials
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Sunglasses (polarized)
- Sun hat
- Water (1L+ per person)
- Beach towels
- Flip flops/sandals
- Waterproof phone case
- Cash (for parking, rentals)
Comfort Items
- Beach chairs
- Beach umbrella
- Cooler with snacks
- Beach blanket
- Change of clothes
- Insulated water bottle
Nice to Have
- Beach tent/canopy
- Beach wagon
- Bluetooth speaker
- Books/magazines
- Playing cards
- Snorkel gear
- Shell bag (for Sanibel)
For Families
- Sand toys
- Life jackets
- Swim diapers
- Extra sunscreen (kids)
- Shade tent
- Snacks (lots!)
Packing by Beach Type in Southwest Florida
Naples and Marco
- Pack a lighter setup and focus on comfort plus sun protection.
- Parking and walking distances can shape how much gear you should carry.
- Pair this with things to do in Naples and things to do in Marco Island.
Sanibel and Captiva
- Prioritize shelling tools, sturdy footwear, and organized storage.
- Bring extra water/snacks because quick food stops may be limited.
- Use best Sanibel tours and shelling for timing and route ideas.
Fort Myers Beach and Venice
- Pack for transitions: beach time, then dining or waterfront walks.
- Add quick-dry layers and a compact first-aid kit.
- Match your plan with things to do in Fort Myers and things to do in Venice.
If You Are Still Choosing a Beach Base
- Best SWFL beach towns compared
- Best beaches in Southwest Florida
- Best hotels in Naples
- Best resorts in Sanibel
Beach-Specific Tips
Naples Beaches
- Parking can be expensive ($3-5/hour downtown)
- Pier area gets crowded; arrive early
- Delnor-Wiggins has better facilities ($6 entry)
Sanibel Beaches
- $6 causeway toll each direction
- Bring shelling supplies
- Limited food options; pack lunch
- Low tide essential for shelling
Fort Myers Beach
- Very family-friendly
- Lots of dining options
- Can get crowded; pier area busiest
- Free trolley along beach
Marco Island
- Tigertail Beach has tidal lagoon (great for kids)
- Parking limited at Residents Beach (visitors need permit)
- South Marco Beach good for shelling
Related Guides
- Best Beaches in Southwest Florida
- Things to Do in Naples
- Best Sanibel Tours & Shelling
- Best Beach Gear for Florida
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pack everything I need for a Florida beach trip in a carry-on?
Yes, a carry-on-only Florida beach trip is very doable with smart packing. Wear your bulkiest items like sneakers and a cover-up on the plane, and roll lightweight swimsuits, shorts, and sun shirts to maximize space. Ship or buy sunscreen locally since aerosol cans are not allowed in carry-ons and liquids are limited to 3.4 ounces. Plan to purchase bulky items like beach chairs, umbrellas, and coolers at a local Target, Walmart, or beach shop after you arrive. A packable sun hat and compact microfiber towel take up minimal bag space and serve you well on the sand.
What should I NOT bring to Florida beaches?
Glass containers are banned on nearly all Florida public beaches and carry stiff fines. Alcohol is prohibited on many municipal beaches including parts of Fort Myers Beach and Siesta Key. Styrofoam coolers are increasingly restricted due to environmental concerns, so opt for hard-sided or soft coolers instead. Drones require FAA registration and are prohibited in most beach areas and state parks. Pets are not allowed on the majority of public beaches, though some designated dog-friendly stretches exist. Also skip the heavy jeans and dark clothing since lightweight, light-colored fabrics are far more comfortable in the Florida heat and humidity.
Where can I buy beach gear locally in Southwest Florida?
Beach gear is widely available at stores throughout the region. Target and Walmart locations in Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Sarasota carry affordable beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, sunscreen, and sand toys. For higher-end gear, check out Bass Pro Shops in Fort Myers or local outfitters. Beach-specific shops near popular access points on Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, and Siesta Key sell everything from shell bags to snorkel sets, though prices tend to be higher at these tourist-oriented locations. Publix and Winn-Dixie grocery stores also stock basic sunscreen, water bottles, and snack supplies.
What should I wear to Florida beaches and nearby restaurants?
On the beach, lightweight swimwear with a rash guard or UPF cover-up is ideal for sun protection. Water shoes or sturdy sandals are essential for walking on hot sand and shell-covered shores. For beachside restaurants, the dress code is almost universally casual. Clean shorts, a casual shirt, and sandals are perfectly acceptable at the vast majority of dining spots along the coast. A few upscale Naples restaurants on Fifth Avenue South or Third Street South may require closed-toe shoes and resort casual attire for dinner, so pack one nicer outfit if you plan to dine at higher-end establishments. Always bring a light layer for air-conditioned interiors, which tend to run very cold.
Which SWFL beaches need special packing considerations?
Sanibel and Captiva reward shelling-focused gear like mesh bags, scoops, and protective footwear. Fort Myers Beach is better for activity-heavy kits with quick-dry extras and small first aid supplies. Naples and Marco benefit from comfort-forward setups with reliable shade and hydration. If you are deciding where to go, compare locations in our best SWFL beach towns guide.
Do I need different packing lists for winter vs summer in SWFL?
Yes. Winter beach days often need a light layer for morning and evening wind, while summer trips require more aggressive heat planning, hydration, and rain backups. For seasonal planning, use our SWFL winter guide for snowbirds and summer in Southwest Florida guide.
