Planning a trip to the Florida Keys? This string of islands off the southern tip of Florida is one of our favorite vacation destinations, and we try to visit at least once a year. Jonathan and I even got engaged in Key Largo many years ago! The Florida Keys are worth visiting due to their picturesque turquoise water, vibrant marine life, historic towns, laid-back island atmosphere, and variety of outdoor activities such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and kayaking.
Because we have visited so many times, we have acquired some tips we’d like to share about what to pack for a Florida Keys vacation. Planning ahead and packing smart is important–there can be limited shopping options on the smaller Keys. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a road trip, or a couple’s weekend getaway, we hope you find this guide useful in helping prepare so you can relax and enjoy your trip to the Florida Keys!
Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. All opinions are our own.
CLOTHING ESSENTIALS
Weather in the Florida Keys is generally warm year round, even in the winter, so lightweight attire is the way to go. On average, winter temperature highs are in the 70’s (Fahrenheit) and summer highs are in the 90’s. Temperatures rarely get colder than mid-fifties at night in the winter. We recommend bringing tops, shorts, rompers, skirts, and sundresses in breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton. A lightweight jacket or cardigan to layer with is a good idea if you will be going out in the evening during the winter. Don’t worry about dressing up — attire in the Keys is extremely casual and focused on being comfortable in the warm, tropical environment. Also, the Keys are very sunny, averaging over 240 days of sunshine per year, so don’t forget sun protection such as hats and sunglasses!
FOOTWEAR TO BRING
Comfortable flip-flops and sandals are your go-to for daily wear in the Florida Keys. These are versatile and can be worn at beaches and while shopping and sight-seeing. I personally love Reef’s Beach Flip Flops – they are easy to rinse off if you go to the beach and comfortable enough to wear all day.
Water shoes are also a must-have if you will be doing any water activities. Many of the beaches in the Keys have rocks, shells, and/or mangrove roots, and water shoes will help protect your feet.
Comfortable sneakers or slip-ons are also a good idea, especially if you plan to do extended walking or hiking.
What footwear can you leave at home? High heels — they are impractical for uneven surfaces, sand, and boat decks. You will also not need heavy, closed-toe shoes such as boots, as they are generally too hot and unnecessary for the island climate.
SUN AND HEAT PROTECTION MUST-HAVES
As mentioned previously, the Keys are sunny for most of the year, and due to the continuous sunshine, as well as the higher temperatures, planning ahead can help you avoid painful sunburns and heat-related health issues. We recommend always wearing sunscreen. Please make sure it is reef safe, as certain chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate damage coral reefs. Reef safe sunscreens use mineral blockers such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. We personally use Blue Lizard, but some other good reef safe brands include Badger and Thinksport. Whichever brand you choose, remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming and between the hours of 10am and 4pm when sun exposure is the strongest.
In addition to sunscreen, make sure you bring a hat and sunglasses to help protect your head and eyes. Polarized sunglasses are ideal because they reduce the glare of the water and decrease eye strain.
Also, due to the heat and humidity, make sure you carry water with you everywhere and stay hydrated. Especially during the summer months, dehydration can sneak up on you. Seek shade when possible to take a break from the sun, and regularly drink water. We recommend this Life Straw insulated water bottle because the filter removes chlorine and contaminants, so you can fill up anywhere, such as water fountains or sinks, and have fresh tasting water. This saves you money and also reduces plastic waste.
BEACH AND SNORKEL GEAR
If you are planning on going to the beach, snorkeling, or doing other water activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding, we recommend bringing a rash guard or swim shirt to wear over your bathing suit. A rash guard protects against the sun and saves you from having to worry about reapplying sunscreen every couple of hours. We also recommend bringing a beach bag to keep all your gear together, and a quick dry towel. We love the Bay Laurel turkish towel because it’s lightweight, shakes off the sand easily, and compact–it even comes with a travel bag.
If you will be snorkeling, consider bringing your own snorkel gear. If you are taking a guided tour, gear will likely be provided, and many places will have the option to rent gear. We personally like to have our own snorkel equipment, especially because not all masks fit the same, although if you are traveling by plane it may not be feasible to bring bulky gear.
Another tip, especially if you will be snorkeling on your own and not with a guided tour, is to bring a snorkel vest or other flotation device. Even if you are a strong swimmer, snorkeling a large reef in choppy water or strong currents can be tiring. Having a snorkel vest or flotation device allows you to relax and enjoy the stunning underwater world without worrying about growing fatigued.
If you will be renting a boat and taking it out to dive or snorkel, make sure you bring a dive flag. This is a crucial safety device that warns other boaters and watercraft that you are in the water so they can keep a safe distance.
We also recommend bringing an underwater camera to capture the beautiful reefs and wildlife you will see while snorkeling. We did a lot of research before our last trip to the Keys and ended up going with the GoPro Hero 13. It is not the most economical option out there but consistently received the best reviews. We’ve used it not only in the Keys but on other snorkeling trips since, and we really like the video quality, compact design, and how user friendly it is. For kids, we recommend the Ourlife Kids Underwater Camera. Our daughters have used their cameras on multiple snorkeling adventures and enjoy capturing their own pictures.
PERSONAL CARE
In additional to toiletries you normally pack for trips, we strongly recommend bringing insect repellant. Mosquitoes are possible any time of the year in the Florida Keys, but sand flies can also inhabit the sandy areas near shore and be a real nuisance.
If you will be going out on a boat at any point during your trip, consider bringing motion sickness medication such as Dramamine or Dramamine Ginger for a more natural option. Anti-nausea sea bands can also help with sea sickness if you want to avoid medication.
OPTIONAL/NICE-T0-HAVE ITEMS
Some items that may not be necessary but would be nice to have just in case include a rain jacket and/or travel umbrella. The rainy season in Florida begins in May and usually lasts about five months. During this time, afternoon thunderstorms are frequent and can occur with little warning. Even though these items will take up some space in your suitcase, try to find a good travel-sized one and bring it with you, or purchase a cheap one when you arrive. If you wait until you are caught in a storm, you may be stuck having to pay higher prices for whatever is available at your location.
We also recommend bringing a book to enjoy during your downtime or while relaxing at the beach. Although reading material is highly personal, we always like to learn about the places we are visiting. The Florida Keys have a fascinating history. The following are some books we recommend (both light-hearted fiction and more educational non-fiction):
We hope this guide has been helpful as you plan what to pack for a Florida Keys vacation! The Keys are truly unique and special. If you are looking for ideas for things to do while in the Keys, feel free to check out our article about best stops in the Upper Keys here!
Sarah
I am the main writer and website designer for Florida Unveiled. I love the parts of Florida visitors don’t often see: the tea-colored water that flows in cypress-laden rivers; the chorus of frogs after a hard rain; the rustle of palmetto as an unseen creature scampers by. Some of my favorite places in Florida are the Everglades, the Keys, Smyrna Dunes Park, Bok Tower Gardens, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, and St. Augustine’s Historic District.
