A Local’s Guide to Your Essential Packing List for Your Florida Keys Vacation
Planning a vacation to the Florida Keys? As a local, I’ve got the inside scoop on the must-have items to ensure you have a fantastic time exploring this beautiful paradise. From practical essentials to sun-savvy gear, here are the top 10 items you shouldn’t forget to pack.
Water Shoes:
The Keys are renowned for their stunning coral reefs and aquatic life. Unfortunately, you will not find the soft cushiony sand that you will find throughout the rest of Florida. Much to many a tourist’s dismay, you will find our beaches a bit uncomfortable from the larger sand, the coral rock and the natural seagrass that washes ashore. A pair of comfortable water shoes will be your best friend for exploring the beaches and wading through the crystal-clear waters. No need to get fancy with your water shoes. Nick and I love these basic pair that rinse off easily and dries quickly in the sun. They are great for exploring our local sandbars and kayaking.
Sunscreen:
Nothing screams “I’m from the North” more than that cringe-worthy sunburn! With the subtropical climate, the sun here can be quite intense. Sunburns take approximately 30 to 45 minutes to develop when the UV index is around 3-5 … the average for the Keys is 7.2! Make sure to pack a good quality, high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from those glorious rays. Try one that helps us keep our Reef safe as well. Your skin (and our aquatic wildlife) will thank you!
Sunglasses:
Believe it or not, but sunglasses and swimsuits are the two most missed items when packing for vacation in the Florida Keys! A stylish pair of sunglasses not only complements your beach attire but also shields your eyes from the bright sunshine. Try a pair with polarized lenses and you will be amazed at the detail you will see in our waters! We love, love, love our Costas. They are well worth the price and have several polarized lenses to choose from that will allow you to have remarkable water vision.
Lightweight Clothing:
Think breathable fabrics and light colors. The Keys’ climate tends to be warm, so opt for airy clothing to stay comfortable while you soak in the sights. Most Locals stay away from heavy cotton fabrics as they seem to drink in the air humidity. Try a lightweight linen or an athletic quick-dry fabric for comfort. Shorts, tank tops and sundresses are all appropriate attire even at the finest dining restaurants in the Florida Keys.
Sandals or Walking Shoes:
Whether you’re strolling down Duval Street or exploring nature trails, comfortable footwear is a must. Sandals for the beach and a sturdy pair of walking shoes for other adventures. Unfortunately, I personally cannot get away with a cheap pair of flip flops from the drug store. A good arch support and some extra cushion will have your feet thanking you after a long day of adventure in the Keys! I swear by my Vionics as they have been my tried and true sandal for the last 5 years now, while Nick prefers Okulai as he loves having the option of folding down the heel of his shoes (especially after a day in Key West).
The Florida Keys are calling!
Hydration:
Staying hydrated in the Florida Keys is crucial, especially if you’re out exploring. It is easy to get caught up in all of the beauty and adventure and become dehydrated from the increased temperatures and sun exposure. Bring along a reusable water bottle to quench your thirst throughout the day. There are several great brands on the market, but we are partial to our Yeti Ramblers as they always keep our drinks ice cold on those tropical heat wave days.
Bug Spray:
Unfortunately, no single bug spray works for everyone, so it may take a bit of experimentation to find the one that suits you best. Just like sunscreen, it’s best to use it beforehand or suffer the consequences after it’s too late. Florida mosquitos and their sneaky cousins, no-see-ums, can be brutal after a good rainstorm or when there is little wind to keep them away. With the right bug spray you can enjoy the beauty of the Florida Keys without being bothered by no-see-ums and mosquitoes. While Nick and I have a variety of brands in our cabinet, we prefer the sprays with natural oils if we can get away with it.
Cash for Tips:
While many places in the Keys accept cards, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for tipping service staff, especially at local eateries and tours. Most employment here in the Florida Keys is tourist hospitality driven and you will never meet a friendlier or harder working workforce than in our beautiful island archipelago. We love to share our piece of paradise with our guests! Typical tip rates are 20% of the service or bill. This includes water excursions and tours.
Cooler:
Whether you’re heading to the beach or embarking on a fishing excursion, a cooler will keep your drinks and snacks refreshingly chilled. Don’t forget a separate cooler if you plan on storing any seafood that you may catch. If you are traveling by plane, you can always ship your cooler home using our local UPS Store (they are experts on this!). We recommend a sturdy cooler for your boat adventures and a collapsible cooler for those relaxing beach/pool days.
SPF Rash Guard Shirt:
Offering an extra layer of protection against harmful UV rays, an SPF rash guard shirt is a smart addition to your beach wardrobe. Many Locals will wear them while swimming to shield from any wandering jelly fish or water debris that may cross our path. Remember to check the SPF of your shirt brand as you may still get sun penetration through the fabric. Additional sunscreen under your shirt is never a bad idea.
Packing for a Florida Keys vacation is all about comfort, sun protection, and a touch of local savvy. With these 10 essentials in your luggage, you’re all set for an unforgettable getaway in this tropical paradise. Of course, we are always up for great product suggestions as well. Let us know in the comments below some of your go-to vacation items to pack!
