I’ve created the Ultimate Destin (or any Beach Vacation)pack list below with everything I think you need for a beach trip. I put necessities on the list as well as fun extra things that you might not think of needing until you get out to the beach. Enjoy!
Beach Items to Pack
-Beach Towels (two per person so they can dry in-between)
-Beach Towel Clips
-Beach Toys
-Sunscreen
-Sunglasses
-Wide-brimmed Hat
-Beach Chairs
-Beach Umbrella
–Beach Umbrella Sand Anchor
-Lightweight Beach Blanket with Corner Weights
-Inflatable Pillow (also great for airplane or car travel!)
-Cooler
-Beach Games (Such as Corn Hole)
-Frisbee (The Lighted ones are the BEST for night frisbee games)
-Real Book or Magazines (to avoid glare on tablets or e-readers) such as my guide book: The Ultimate Destin Bucket List: 100 Must-Do Activities in the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”. I would also suggest Destin Pioneer Settlers: A Land History of Destin, Florida, from 1819-1940 by a local author, or if you prefer a fiction novel check out You and Me and Us which is a great story about love and loss set in Destin.
-Mask and Snorkel (This is the one I have)
-Anti Fog Spray for Snorkel Masks
-Beach Bag
–Beach Sand Drink and Stuff Holders
-Mesh Bags for Shell Collecting
-Ocean Float Chair
-Float Chair Anchor (I fill this with sand and attach it to my floating chair to keep from drifting away with the currents
-Crab Hunting Flashlight (Red lights are Turtle Safe!!)
-Thermos
-Insulated Cup
-Waterproof Phone Case (ziplock bags also work)
-Baby Powder to easily get sand off feet
-Secret Valuables/Cash Holder (for when you leave your bag on the beach and go swimming)
-Lemon Juice for subtle natural hair highlights
-Kite
-Empty Gallon Water Jug (Fill with water and leave in car to rinse sand off feet after beach day)
-Sandcastle Building Supplies
-Starfish and Sand Dollars for Photo Props
Condo Basics to Pack
-Paper Towels
-Toilet Paper
-Laundry Detergent
-Dish washing Detergent
-Dishwasher Detergent
-Garbage Bags
-Aluminum Foil
-Saran Wrap
-Condiments/Food
-Laundry Bag
-Coffee/Coffee Filters
-Water (Destin tap water tastes like chlorine)
-Beach Scented Fragrance Candle (Fragrance anchors with our memories. Burn a scented candle during a trip and you will forever remember the trip when you smell that candle in the future. I use a different scent for every vacation I go on then keep the rest of the candle to burn later at home to take me back to that time in my mind)
-Ziplock bags (Essential for leftovers and packing sandwiches and snacks for the beach)
-Hangers
-Mesh Popup Laundry Hamper
-Wrinkle Release Spray
-Over-The-Door Organizer
–Ice Trays for Aloe Vera Ice Cubes (extra soothing for sunburn)
Clothing to Pack
-Two to three bathing suits per person (so suits can dry out between wearings)
-Flip Flops
-Water Shoes for climbing the rocks at the jetties or places in the harbor with sharp oyster shells. These are my new ones and I love them
-Socks
-Rain Jacket
-Beach Cover Up
-Casual Clothes
-Nice Clothes
-Sweaters (it can be chilly at night and also inside restaurants with the AC running)
-Workout clothes, athletic shoes, and socks (if you’re planning to work out)
-Robe for Hot Tub or Pool
Health Items to Pack
-Aloe Vera for Sunburn
-Tylenol or Advil for Headaches
-Dramamine for Boat
-Basic First Aid Kit
-Lip Balm with Sunscreen
-Prescription Medications
-Insect Repellent (commonly forgotten but often needed in summer)
-Hand Sanitizer
-Ear-Water Drying Drops (So helpful)
Activity Items to Pack
(For rainy days or an evening in the condo)
-Destin Jigsaw Puzzle
-Destin Children’s Activity Book
-Deck of Cards
-Board Games (Destinopoly is a great choice–available at the Destin Walmart and Walgreens)
Electronics to Pack
-Camera/Memory Cards/Battery
-Phones and Chargers
-Electronic e-reader and Charger
-Portable Speaker for Beach or Boat
-External Battery Charger
-Power Strip or Extension Cord for Room
-Selfie Stick
Other Necessities to Pack
-Cash for Tipping
-Printed Directions in case you lose cell phone service on drive (it happens a lot around here when it’s busy)
-Vacation Journal to record your memories (I created a Destin beach photography one here)
I hope you found this list helpful while you are packing for your beach vacation in Destin or the Emerald Coast. Is there anything else I should add?
Be sure to comment below if you have any questions or feedback. I love hearing from you and prefer to answer questions on here so my answers can help others as well. Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you don’t miss any posts!
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Hi, I’m Sarah–the creator, writer and photographer behind this site. I sell prints, books, journals, and calendars all made from my Emerald Coast photography and I also manage a few vacation rentals on beautiful Holiday Isle in Destin if you want me to be your helpful, knowledgeable host when you visit.…..🌴😃🐬 I have a few rentals including a large house with a boat slip, a 2-bedroom condo, and a 1-bedroom apartment. All are directly on Destin Harbor with private gated access to the most beautiful beaches in Destin. If you enjoy my posts, please consider supporting my blog by shopping my products. I appreciate every sale, and it helps me continue to put out quality free content for you. Thank you SO much 🙂
This is fantastic! I will be saving this. I am a Snowbird and you have things I never thought of. Thanks!
I’m glad you like it! I tried to think of everything you could possible need on a beach trip!
You did a great job with this! So many good ideas! Thanks!
You did a great job with this! So many good ideas! Thanks!
I love all these ideas, Sarah! I consider myself a professional packer! Lol. My husband swears I always bring too much. (I like being prepared). But I found several additional ideas that I need to add when we come to Destin this October with several of our children and their families. I especially loved the book and puzzle suggestions. I already own several, but the historical nonfiction and fictional book set in Destin both look good.
I am the worst over packer when I go on vacation. I like to have everything I could possibly need and more. The books are great Destin reads!
Thank you, I’m glad you like it!
I’m glad you talked about what we’d need to enjoy a beach trip. Recently, my wife and I decided we need a break, so we want to organize a trip with the family. We want to go for a whole weekend, so we’ll be sure to follow your beach gear guide! Thanks for the advice on beach necessities for our next vacation.
I’m glad you found it helpful, thanks so much for the comment!
Taking our very first family trip to the beach and was worried I would take stuff not needed and not have the things we did need. This information was very helpful in planning and packing!
I am so glad to hear that! Have a great trip!
This is excellent information. Thank you!
I’m glad you found it helpful!
Do you think it will be ok to travel 9/ 22 / 2021.Im nervous, Have not been anywhere since all this messed started
Sorry, I missed this one so I’m late replying but everything is operating as normal here!
So grateful I stumbled across your blog!! First beach-cation with growing and grown kids! Your tips and tricks are just what we are looking for. Thanks so much!
I’m glad you enjoy it, thank you!
Nice post!
Thank you!