Planning a beach getaway to Destin Florida? Soak in the sun and bask in the emerald green waters that have made this region of Northwest Florida so popular. Destin Getaways is a local property management company throughout the region offering a wide range of Destin vacation rentals in Miramar Beach, 30A, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort®, Crystal Beach, and beyond. If you've already found the perfect beachside condo or private home for your Destin vacation, it's time to start packing for your trip.
Whether you like to stay hyper-organized or toss everything into your suitcase the night before, a packing list can be incredibly helpful to ensure you don't leave something important behind. Plus, it will help you be prepared during your stay so you're not in the middle of cooking a family dinner when you realize you have no seasonings!
From beach essentials to kitchen goods, here's our list of things to bring on your Destin vacation.
Stuff for the Beach
Sunscreen: Find a sunscreen that is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are the two main ingredients deemed to be harmful to aquatic life. Keep in mind that all 'reef safe' sunscreen is not created equal, as that term isn't technically defined or regulated. When looking at SPF, consider a 30 or higher and always remember to apply it about 15 minutes prior to being out in the sun and reapply often, especially if you are in the water.
Beach clothing and light layers: Depending on the time of the year you're visiting, you'll want to bring light layers and a few sweaters for cooler evenings.
Swimsuit: Bring at least two suits, especially if you're planning on spending all your time at the beach. And who isn't?
Reusable plastic bag for phones: Bring your phone to the beach or on the boat without worry by using a reusable plastic or silicone bag as a protector. You can also keep valuables in this type of container that you don't want to get wet, like cards, keys, etc.
Other things to pack for the beach:
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Oversized bag for the beach
Odds and Ends
Camera: While you might have a great camera on your phone, bring along an actual camera to capture the moments without being distracted by social media or app alerts. Plus, having a physical camera will remind you to capture the moment!
Biodegradable wet wipes: Wet wipes are helpful to bring with you on the beach to clean off before heading out to grab food or wander around town. Most wipes are made with plastic, so grab biodegradable ones so you can limit your waste on vacation. Not all biodegradable wipes are flushable though, so be sure to check the label for proper disposal.
SPF lip balm: Don't forget to protect your lips from the sun. No one wants sunburn on their lips!
Reusable water bottles: Reusable water bottles are a great way to be sure you're getting enough water throughout the day, which is especially important when you're out on the beach and in the hot Florida sun.
Shampoo, conditioner, and soap: Staying in a vacation rental means that you don't have room service to restock your supply of toiletries on a regular basis. Be sure to bring these with you on your trip or stock up at a nearby store once you arrive.
Items for the Bathroom:
- Tweezers
- Nail file
- Nail clipper
Kitchen
Seasonings: You may find basic seasonings like salt and pepper at your rental, but if you like to spice up your meals, grab some ingredients at the store or order grocery delivery to your rental with all the basic items you like to cook with at home.
Oil for cooking: Olive oil, butter, coconut oil, or another fat that you cook your foods in won't be included in your basic kitchen setup kit.
Snacks: Who doesn't like snacks? Make a list of all your family's favorites and stock your vacation rental with those goodies to bring with to the beach and have on hand between meals. Plus, you'll save a lot of money by not always grabbing food at convenience stores.
Canned beverages: Soda, sparkling water, sports drinks, and other pre-packaged beverages are also great to have on-hand so you're not buying them while out and you can bring them along in your beach bag.
Browse Our Wide Selection of Destin Vacation Rentals
Haven't found a place to stay yet? Browse our Destin vacation rentals to find the perfect place for your stay. Our rental homes in Destin can accommodate groups of all sizes and needs, and many include amenities like a private pool, hot tub, golf cart, direct beach access, and more.