Have you been dreaming about walking on white-sand beaches, soaking up the sun and listening to the waves crash, only to start panicking about what to pack for you and your family? To help subside any packing anxieties you may be feeling, we’ve created this locals-approved packing list for your weeklong Florida beach vacation.

What to Pack for One Week at the Beach

Packing for Panama City Beach (PCB) can be a breeze, with average summer temperatures ranging from highs in the 80s to lows in the 70s. If you want to spend more time enjoying our emerald green waters and less time running to the store to pick up forgotten items, we recommend referencing this packing list for you and your family.  

For the Whole Family:

  • 2 bathing suits each 
  • 1 pair of sandals each 
  • 1 pair of tennis shoes each 
  • 5 pairs of socks each 
  • 7 pairs of underwear each
  • 4 pairs of pajamas or loungewear each 
  • 1 light jacket each 
  • 2 photo-friendly outfits each 
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • A rolling cooler
  • Wipes 
  • Beach towels
  • Beach blanket 
  • Beach chairs
  • Beach umbrella 
  • Beach bag 
  • Water Bottles 
  • Sunglasses 
  • First aid kit
  • Pack of toilet paper
  • Antibacterial soap
  • Clorox or antibacterial wipes 
  • Laundry detergent
  • Dryer sheets
  • Aloe gel for sunburns 
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste 
  • Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash 

For Parents: 

  • 1 date night outfit 
  • 1 pair of dressier shoes 
  • Drivers license and credit cards 
  • Swimwear coverup
  • Portable phone charger 
  • TV casting device 
  • Fishing rod 
  • Floating glasses  
  • Drink koozies 
  • Book

For Teenagers (ages 13-17):  

For School-Aged Children (ages 6-12): 

  • Coloring books and crayons 
  • Bodyboard 
  • Tablet 
  • Goggles
  • Snorkle kit 
  • Inflatable beach ball
  • Lifejacket 
  • Pair of water shoes 
  • Bait nets 
  • Kite

For Preschoolers (ages 2-5): 

For Infants: 

  • Reuseable swim diaper   
  • Pop-up baby tent
  • Baby rash guard
  • Portable beach fan
  • Sun hat 
  • Baby thermometer 
  • Baby moisturizer
  • Sound machine
  • Baby monitor 
  • Pacifiers 

What to Leave at Home 

Panama City Beach is a family-friendly beach destination located on the Florida panhandle.  When visiting, you’ll find a relaxed environment with a “beach casual” dress code. If you want to dress like a local during your stay, we recommend leaving your formalwear (e.g. dress pants, suit jackets) at home. 

What Activities to Explore

There’s plenty of family-friendly fun in Panama City Beach, which is why we recommend planning a non-beach day during your stay. From waterparks to golf courses, here’s a list of memorable non-beach activities for the whole family and parents too. Traveling on a budget? Enjoy extra savings with these local partners, when you book direct.

Fun for the Whole Family:

Fun for Parents:

When to Visit

Summer is a crowd favorite, but Fall and Spring can be the perfect time to visit! With cooler temps and fewer crowds, mid-August through October can be an ideal season, especially for families with younger children. Don’t shy at the chance to visit during April or May too. There is always time (and savings) for a last-minute beach vacation. Book direct today and save using one of our current offers. 

Where to Stay

With 13 family-friendly resorts to choose from, each of our rental condos is stocked with most household necessities, including kitchenware, towels, and bedding. This means you can leave the kitchen accessories at home, leaving more room for your family’s personal belongings.  If you find yourself running out of room for your family and your beach toys like chairs, kayaks, or paddleboards, we’re here to help! If you’re limited on packing space, our rental concierge service app makes it easy to rent the too-large-too-pack items.  Download: Printable Florida Packing List