Our Blog
All things Siesta Key. Stories, news, and event information about Sarasota, Florida's beautiful beach.
Top 10 Essentials to Pack for Your Siesta Key Vacation
While Siesta Key offers plenty of activities off the beach, the coastline and white-sand beaches really are the main event. When you arrive, you’ll want to check into your room at Best Western Siesta Key and head right for the beach. You won’t want to waste any time visiting a store to pick up an item you forgot to pack. We’ve compiled a list of all the essentials to create a picture-perfect Sarasota beach vacation.
10 Essentials for a Siesta Key Beach Vacation
1. Sunglasses
For days on the beach or out on the water, polarized sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection are a must-have item. If you plan to charter a fishing boat or go sailing, they’ll cut the glare from the sun’s reflection off the water. Polarized lenses also protect your eyes and vision from the sun’s harmful rays. Plus, they’ll look cool at the same time!
2. Sunscreen and Aloe
All-over sun protection is always important for preventing sunburn and skin cancer, but even more so when you’re around a reflective surface, like the ocean or a swimming pool. Be sure to lather on sunscreen and toss a bottle of aloe vera gel in your suitcase, just in case you get a little too much sun exposure.
3. Shade & a Hat
On the beach, the sun’s plentiful and shade is scarce, so you’ll want to pack your own. Bring a beach umbrella or a wide-brimmed sun hat to make your own shade when you can’t find a tree.
4. Flip Flops
When visiting the beach, be sure to wear the appropriate footwear. Flip flops and other sandals are perfect. Just be sure to choose shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and sandy.
5. Beach Bag
Like your shoes, your beach bag’s going to get sand on it, if not in it, and could get splashed. Be sure to pack a bag for the beach that won’t be harmed by a little sand. Better yet, you can get a bag specially designed for sandy beaches. Some are made from special fabrics that prevent sand from collecting within but rather allow it to drain out.
6. Bathing Suit
Whether you plan to swim in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico or just relax on the beach, you’ll feel most comfortable in a bathing suit. Remember that swimming in the ocean is salty, which can be rough on a bathing suit. Bring a suit you don’t mind getting a little wear and tear.
7. Cool Clothes
Whatever you’re wearing, you’ll be able to catch the cool gulf breeze, but you’ll be happiest in cool, breathable fabrics. Pack light colors and loose clothing. We recommend items that can double as a cover-up for a bathing suit.
8. Water Bottle
When you’re in the sun all day, it’s important to stay hydrated to prevent heat exhaustion. Pack a water bottle that you can carry with you everywhere you go.
9. An Easy Read
A huge part of a Siesta Key vacation is relaxing and unwinding in a beautiful location. We recommend doing so with a great book!
10. Goggles and a Snorkel
If you prefer to play at the beach, remember to pack goggles, a snorkel, and maybe even some sand castle essentials like a shovel and bucket.
Whether you plan to spend every day of your Siesta Key vacation at the beach or enjoy other local activities, too, you’ll definitely want to come prepared. When you arrive at Best Western Siesta Key, you’ll be happy to have packed all the essentials for your Sarasota beach vacation.