{2024} A 30-something's Guide to Packing for a Florida Vacation

Planning a trip to Florida? Wondering what to pack for yourself for your vacation? Check out this mom's Florida packing guide - we'll walk through everything you'll need in Florida, from Disney World to the beach, and everywhere in between.

Disclosure: some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will make a commission, at no extra charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Updated March, 2024.

Wondering how to pack for your trip to Florida?

(SPC)

Having just returned from our wonderful one-week getaway to the Sunshine State (southwest Florida, specifically), I feel like I've spent the entire week giving my fellow Florida-bound Midwesterners trips on what to wear in Florida. There's no happier Hoosier than one who's just landed in Florida and removed her sweatshirt on the way to beautiful beaches, colorful cocktails, and a dinner of delicious seafood with an ocean breeze. Trust me, I can confirm.


I've spent my fair share of time in Florida, either at beaches or theme parks, but the transition from Midwestern gray to the warmer weather and that bright Florida sun is always welcome, yet stark. Packing for a Florida trip is often a repetitive exercise for me - I often find myself having to repack my bag several times, removing the dark colors and heavy sweatshirts that are the staple of my October-March wardrobe up north.


So, I've rounded up my complete guide to packing for a Florida vacation, from the Florida Keys, Key West, to south Florida, all the way up to the theme parks and the Pan handle. I've included a Florida packing list down at the bottom, so if you're in a hurry, feel free to scroll.

I foresee more deep-dive Florida packing articles down the line, especially as we get used to traveling more with the little one. But for now, let's just pack for us, the 30-something mama.

The Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande (JSB)

Rules to dress by in Florida:

​1. Bright Colors

Nothing looks more drab in the Florida sun than my slightly tired Midwestern winter wardrobe in February. Pack your suitcase full of bright, vibrant summer colors, no matter the time of year. Embrace your Florida self!

2. Breathable Clothing and Sun Protection

That said, it's always hotter in Florida than I'm expecting and you really should take 'the elements' into consideration when you're packing. Especially for trips where I'll be walking a lot or spending most of the time outside in the heat, I like breathable, athletic clothing.

Because of all of my health issues, I have to wear SPF clothing if I'm going to spend a lot of time outside. That said, I'm embracing it and loving: no sunburns, and the added protection against the heat. And they make cuter styles than they used to!

3. When in Rome...

Goofy puns, parrot heads, you name it - Florida is full of whimsy. You literally aren't in Kansas anymore. Don't dress like you're going to a funeral.

4. Find "Florida" stores

Here are a few of my favorite "Florida" stores where you can find the "right" pieces for your trip:

• Minnow (swim)
• Palm Beach Lately (blog)
• Lake
• Sail to Sable
• Tuckernuck
• Lilly Pulitzer
• ​Jack Rogers (shoes)

If all of this is overwhelming, plan to buy a few things in Florida that you can get a lot of wear out of on your trip - I always do! Pick up something hot pink that you'll never wear in Indianapolis.

What to Pack for Florida

Alright! Now that we've discussed our 'rules to dress by,' let's dig into the actual items you'll want to be sure to pack for your trip to Florida.

...a note on packing cubes

No packing post would be complete without a little plug for my favorite packing hack - packing cubes! Packing cubes keep your suitcase organized before, during, and after your trip. They can hold dirty clothes and dirty shoes for the trip home.

Florida Beach Essentials

Really no matter what your schedule for your Florida vacation, you'll need to be fully prepared for the beach and/or pool days.

​The most important element of this is obviously the bathing suit and cover-up. If you'll be spending the entire trip on the water (as opposed to, say, a theme park), I'd bring two suits and two cover-ups. I buy all of my suits from Minnow. They have great one-piece options (hello, new mom here!) that don't make me feel too frumpy.


If you're staying at a high-end resort, be sure you bring pool attire that's sufficient to cover-up in the lobby. Even in Florida, a lot of beach resorts don't allow bathing suits in the lobby, etc.


One essential item that I never skip is a good beach bag. If you're short on room in your suitcase, use your beach bag as your personal item/purse on the plane and put your real purse in there, along with all of your other travel junk.

beach essentials:

• bathing suit
• beach cover ups
• beach sandals
• good bug spray
• sunscreen
• SPF clothing
• collapsible water bottle
• waterproof phone case
• beach towels (if the place you're staying doesn't provide them)
• appropriate footwear/wetsuit for other water activities 

9+ Unmissable Attractions in Boca Grande, Florida

Everyday Wear in Florida

For everyday touring, shopping, eating lunch, and exploring, I'd generally recommend a pair of shorts (or a cute skort/tennis skirt) and a colorful, SPF top. I tend to bring a few pairs of shorts: generally one denim/white denim, one or two pairs of bike shorts, and a pair of athletic shorts.

Even in the heat of summer, I tend to avoid 'tank tops' as there's no better way to get an unexpected sunburn that with exposed shoulders. Lightweight t-shirts are the name of the game.

In the heat of the Florida summer, you aren't going to need many pairs of jeans and leggings. I would bring one pair of joggers and one pair of jeans (even white jeans) in the winter months (read: December, January). Be sure to bring at least one pair of long pants, regardless of season, for bugs in the evenings.

Trendy tunics

For mimosas by the pool, a casual dinner, or to throw over your suit, you can't go wrong with a tunic. Understanding that tunics can trend a bit older, a tunic-dress with sneakers read a little younger.

Perfect Hats for Florida

And speaking of sun protection, I'd strongly recommend bringing both: a sun hat for the beach and a baseball cap or two for walking around during the day. I always forget how hot the sun is down there, and find myself immediately reach for a hat upon arrival. Nothing ruins a beach vacation like a pesky sunburn.

a note on Florida bugs...

On our most recent trip to Florida, I forgot to embrace the warnings about 'no-see-'ems' after dark. I spent two lovely evenings drinking my wine on a non-screened porch and my legs are absolutely COVERED in bug bites. So be sure to bring a pair of long pants, a shirt with long sleeves, and some sort of bug spray.

Colorful evening wear

In the evening, ditch the tennis skirt for colorful dresses, white jeans, and patterned tunics. Be sure to check if anywhere you plan to eat dinner or grab drinks has a dress code.

Packing for Florida in winter:
Do I need a coat?

December-February, I'd bring a light jacket with you to Florida, for evening or early morning outdoor activities, just to be safe.

The right pairs of shoes for your trip to Florida

Ah yes, we have finally reached one of the most important aspects of packing for any vacation, especially a Florida vacation centered around theme parks: comfortable shoes.


For everyday wear, shopping, touring, walking, and, of course, time spent at any of the major theme parks, such as Disney World or Universal Orlando, I'd recommend some classic, clean, sneakers in basic, neutral colors, so you can mix and match outfits. I always bring two pairs of sneakers in case one gets wet or dirty, or in the event of blisters. Definitely break them in before to avoid this to the extent possible. I always walk so much more at Disney than I ever imagine I will.


For beach and pool days, some waterproof sandals are the name of the day. They don't have to be flimsy Old Navy beach flip flops. The Birkenstocks that are in style right now are perfect. Don't want to spend that much? Check out the version I grabbed from Target.


For evening or more fancy events, I like always like a Florida classic: Jack Rogers. Any type of leather sandal or espadrille will do the trick.

FAQ: What do I wear in Walt Disney World?

With good reason, one of the most discussed topics when packing for a trip to Florida, beyond theme parks in general, is what to wear in Walt Disney World, the happiest place on Earth, in the heart of central Florida! As a dedicated Disney devotee myself, I am firmly of the opinion that this topic deserves its own section, actually no, its own post! ...Which is why I wrote an entire post on it: Disney World Packing Essentials.

Styling in the Florida heat and humidity

It can be hard to look polished and put together on a Florida vacation, particularly in those boiling Florida summers, when your hair has taken on a life of its own in the humid climate. Regardless of the time of year, I say lean into the humidity and embrace some curly volume.

Tips for Millennials Visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando

The Complete Florida Vacation Packing List
{one week}

• Bathing suit
• Cover-up
• Beach bag
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
• Water Bottle
• SPF Clothing
• Bug protection
• Toiletries bag
• 3 pairs of shorts
• 1 pair of jeans/leggings
• Travel set for flight
• 3 dresses
• 2 pairs of sneakers
• 1 pair of nice sandals
• 1 pair of beach shoes
• 4 t-shirts
• 2 tunics
• Jacket (winter only)
• Wrap
• baseball cap
• sun hat
• Crossbody purse
• Purse for evening

Thanks for stopping by!

Gasparilla Island Lighthouse (JSB)

I hope you have a wonderful trip to Florida, and I so appreciate you coming by the blog to discuss what to pack for your trip! Stop by the comment section below to let me know your "going to Florida must-haves" and your favorite spots to visit. And while you're here, don't forget to subscribe to the blog newsletter, follow along on social media, and check out my other Florida travel resources!

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