What to Pack for the Beach: Make It Your Best Beach Day Ever

Everyone loves a beach day, and the Bradenton Area is the perfect place to experience some of Florida’s most impressive beaches. From leisurely lounging under a beach umbrella to building a spectacular sandcastle, you’ll never run out of activities on Anna Maria Island or Longboat Key. Here are some important beach items and tips for a day at the beach:

Pack Like A Pro

While everyone has different needs, you’ll want to consider a few beach-day essentials that ought to be on everyone’s list:

• Non-aerosol, reef safe SPF sunscreen
• Reusable water bottles with plenty of water
• Soft beach towels
• Hats, sunglasses and coverups
• For parents, consider a few beach toys, like buckets and shovels
• A few Beach Bites (and a bag for your trash)
• Your phone to document the memories—and to share on Instagram!

Be The Early Bird

Many locals suggest that the best time to arrive at the beach is 9 a.m. or earlier. By arriving early, you’ll have choice parking at any of the public beaches, and you’ll easily find a picture-perfect plot of sand. Think of this time as having your own private beach for the next hour!

While you’re at it, don’t forget to schedule time away from the beach. Give your body time to recover from the sun and heat. We suggest exploring places to eat and drink, checking out local events and shows, or immersing yourself in our thriving arts and culture scene.  

Your Very Own Beach Suite

Beach chairs and a bag full of beach toys aren’t very ‘overhead bin’ friendly when flying, so leave them at home—Beach Suites has you covered. Think of their staff as luxury beach concierges, bringing and setting up your very own suite on the beach. From simple spreads to extravagant setups, you’re sure to find the suite that suits your needs. Browse their website, place your order, and then arrive at your favorite beach spot with your popup suite already set up and ready for your arrival.

Sunscreen: Spray vs. Lotion

Sunscreen with a high SPF is a beach bag essential. While spray-on sunscreens offer some convenience they can release airborne chemicals into the environment, damaging sensitive ecosystems. Although they can sometimes help you cover hard-to-reach places, sunscreen sprays don’t typically offer as much coverage as a lotion. Instead, reach for gel or cream protection, especially reef-safe and biodegradable options which offer the same protection. You’ll find nearly every shop on the island offers these environmentally friendly sunscreen options, and you’ll feel better about it, too. In addition to being good for the environment, they’re better for your skin protection. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every hour.

Bring Some Water… For Your Feet?

There’s something special about the soft sand that spreads across the shorelines of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. This unique, powder-soft sand is actually made of extremely small quartz crystals, which is perfect for building sandcastles and sifting through your toes. But, it’s also very good at clinging to your wet feet and making its way onto the carpet of your car. Bring a container of fresh water and give your feet a quick splash before stepping into your car. Voilà, sand-free feet!