5 Things You Have To Pack For Your Trip to Southwest Florida

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If you’re planning on spending time in Southwest Florida, which is a must-visit destination, here are 5 things that you absolutely have to pack to be fully prepared for your trip. 

1. Reef-Safe Sunscreen (Yes, you will need more than you think)

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Starting with the most important thing which is sunscreen. Not just any sunscreen, but reef-safe sunscreen.

Southwest Florida is home to beautiful marine ecosystems, seagrass beds, and wildlife that needs clean water to survive. Using reef-safe sunscreen is essential because it helps decrease the amount of harmful chemicals washing into the Gulf. These kinds of formulas tend to be mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide. 

The sun in Florida does not play around. Even if the weather forecast says that it's a “cloudy” day, the UV levels can still be just as high. It happens quickly but you will feel fine until you all of a sudden don't. A Southwest Florida sunburn is the kind that could potentially ruin your skin for the rest of the trip.

Step it up:

• Bring a strong SPF reef-safe sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)

• Reapply roughly every 2 hours (maybe even faster if you’re in the water)

• Pack a hat or sunglass to protect your face/eyes

• Toss in a lightweight or thin cover-up for midday body breaks

2. Bathing Suits (Not one. But Two!)

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If you think you only need one bathing suit for a beach day, you must think again. 

Between beach mornings, boat afternoons, or going to the sunset, you’re going to want options. Southwest Florida truly does revolve around the water and sometimes even if you don't plan a beach day, you will somehow find yourself at one. Also you never know, something could happen at the beach. You will be surprised how many times we see broken bathing suits at the beach. Some of our most iconic and beautiful beaches include:

• Sanibel

• Captiva

• Fort Myers Beach

• Marco Island

• Bonita Beach

• Vanderbilt Beach

Sanibel specifically is known for its worldwide collection of seashells. You definitely will see plenty of people bent over at the shoreline, hunting for treasures within the sand. It feels like a sports competition here.

Pro Tip:

• Pack at least two swimsuits

• Bring a beach tote bag to carry the essential

• Have a quick try towel

• Flip flops are a mandatory need

Don't forget to also leave space in your bag for shells, you never know what you might find!

Here you don’t just go to the beach, you build your day around it!

3. An Steel Tumbler/ Water Bottle (Hydration is KEY)

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Long days in the Southwest Florida sun require one thing that you MUST have, and that's water.

It is incredibly hot and humid here. Between the mix of beach walks and boat rides, you dehydrate yourself much faster than you would think. A water bottle keeps water cold all day, which genuinely feels life-saving when it's 90 degrees and sunny. 

But in all honestly, it also doubles as

• Iced coffee holder for an early morning beach walk

• Flavored water for afternoon beach lounging

• Your favorite beachside cocktail container at sunset

Boat culture is a huge thing here, especially in areas like Cape Coral where there are hundreds of miles of canals. A tumbler with a lid means more enjoying of the drink.

Specific steps

• It helps to freeze the water bottles overnight before beach days

• Add electrolyte packets

• Bring extra water bottles for the car ride because traffic can get really slow when leaving the beach

• Keep your water bottle in a shaded spot to ensure water stays cold

Hydration is definitely not an option here, it really is a part of surviving. 

4. Your Camera (Nowadays It Didn’t Happen Without Proof)

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Southwest Florida sunsets are no joke. They are the most beautiful, breathtaking, cotton-candy sights ever.

Golden Hour hits differently along the Gulf side. The sky turns a variety of different colors including pink, orange, or purple. Most of the time, every single person at the beach pulls out their phone to capture that video at the same time.

If you're in Fort Myers Beach or Captiva, you will see silhouettes glowing and reflecting off the water. Even the most random canals light up in the evenings. 

Also, who doesn’t want to post a cute beach outfit with the sunset in the background?

Make sure to bring:

• A fully charged phone

• Extra storage because those pictures go fast

• A portable charger just in case

Don't just photograph the beach, try your best to capture it with the seashell collections, waterfront dinner views and glowing iced coffee drinks with palm trees.

Southwest Florida lighting really is unmatched so make sure to take advantage of it to the fullest.

5. An Appetite (This one is absolutely non-negotiable)

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You must arrive hungry and it's promised you won't regret it. Southwest Florida has tons of waterfront lunches and sunset dinners you will not want to miss out on. There is fresh seafood everywhere you look including grouper sandwiches, coconut shrimp, blackened mahi tacos, and sometimes even snow crab. 

One thing you will absolutely appreciate is the dining here isn’t rushed, it's slow and sunset timed. It is outdoor seating with fresh Florida air and live music in the background. 

Steps to get your meal experience right:

• Choose outdoor seating

• Time dinner about an hour before sunset

• Order the amazing seafood

• Stay for the full sky color change

You will find tons of dining options scattered all along Fort Myers, Naples, and Cape Coral especially along the water. 

Meals aren't just food here, they're experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. 

Final Packing Checklist

Before you make that final zip to your suitcase shut, 

• Reef safe sunscreen

• Multiple bathing suits

• Insulated tumbler

• Fully charged phone

• A serious appetite

Southwest Florida really is all about the sunshine.