South Florida vacation rentals

The Ultimate Florida Keys Packing List: What to Bring for a Perfect Island Vacation

May 25, 2026 No Comments

There’s packing for a normal beach vacation… and then there’s packing for the Florida Keys.

The Keys are unlike anywhere else in the United States. Between the tropical humidity, island lifestyle, endless boating opportunities, unpredictable afternoon rain showers, and intense sun exposure, visitors are often surprised by what they wish they had packed once they arrive.

Whether you’re planning a family getaway to Marathon, a fishing trip in Islamorada, or a relaxing escape in Key Largo or Key West, this Florida Keys packing list will help you prepare like a local — including a few insider items that most tourists never think to bring.

Florida Keys Packing Basics

Let’s start with the essentials everyone should have before heading south.

Lightweight Clothing

The Florida Keys stay warm year-round. Breathable fabrics like linen, moisture-wicking athletic wear, and lightweight cotton are your best friend.

Pack:

T-shirts and tank tops
Swimsuits (bring more than one)
Lightweight shorts
Sundresses or casual evening wear
Sandals and flip-flops
Water shoes

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

The Keys sun is stronger than many visitors expect, especially on the water where UV rays reflect off the ocean.

Choose reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the coral reef ecosystem.

Polarized Sunglasses

Not just for style — polarized lenses reduce glare on the water and make boating, fishing, and snorkeling much easier.

Hats With Chin Straps

This is your first “local” tip. Standard baseball caps fly off instantly on boats. A secure hat is essential for boating days and windy beach afternoons.

Reusable Water Bottles

Hydration is serious business in the Keys. Even winter visitors from northern climates can underestimate the humidity.

What Visitors from Europe and Northern States Forget to Pack

This is where most Florida Keys packing lists stop — but locals know better.

A Light Rain Jacket

The Keys get quick tropical showers, especially from May through October. These storms appear fast and disappear just as quickly. An ultra-light waterproof jacket beats carrying an umbrella.

Dry Bags

If you’re spending any time boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or island hopping, dry bags are lifesavers for:

Phones
Wallets
Passports
Towels
Cameras

Visitors from colder climates rarely think about how much water exposure happens in the Keys.

Anti-Chafing Products

The combination of saltwater, humidity, and walking can become uncomfortable fast. Locals never forget anti-chafing balm or powder.

Aloe Vera Gel

Even careful travelers get sunburned after a full boating day. Pack aloe before you need it.

Motion Sickness Medication

Many visitors assume the water is always calm. Windy days can make snorkeling tours and fishing charters rougher than expected. Better to have it and not need it.

Waterproof Phone Cases

A sudden rainstorm or rogue wave can ruin a phone in seconds. This is one of the most forgotten Florida Keys vacation essentials.

Boating & Beach Essentials for the Florida Keys

Life in the Keys revolves around the water.

If your vacation includes boating, fishing, snorkeling, or sandbar hopping, add these to your Florida Keys packing list:

Quick-dry towels
Snorkel gear
Rash guards
Portable phone chargers
Waterproof Bluetooth speakers
Cooler backpack
Bug spray for evenings
Beach wagon for families
Small first-aid kit

Don’t Forget Water Shoes

The ocean floor in parts of the Keys can be rocky or covered with coral fragments. Water shoes make entering the water far more comfortable.

What to Wear at Night in the Florida Keys

One thing surprises many first-time visitors:

The Florida Keys are extremely casual. Many waterfront restaurants welcome guests straight from the marina.

You do not need formal vacation wear unless attending a special event or wedding.

For evenings:

Casual resort wear
Sandals
Light button-down shirts
Summer dresses
Linen outfits

Family Packing Tips for the Florida Keys

Traveling with kids? These items make a huge difference:

Floaties or puddle jumpers
Extra swimsuits
Sand toys
Waterproof stroller fan
Electrolyte packets
Snacks for boating days
UV-protection swim shirts

Families often spend far more time outdoors in the Keys than they initially expect.

Why Staying in a Waterfront Vacation Rental Changes Everything

One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is booking a standard hotel room and realizing too late they wanted direct water access, dock space, or room for the whole family.

At SoFLA Vacations, we offer waterfront vacation home rentals throughout the Florida Keys that make island living effortless.

Stay at SeaGlass Cove in Marathon

Our newly-built luxury homes at SeaGlass Cove in Marathon are perfect for larger families and group vacations.

These stunning 5-bedroom waterfront homes feature:

Modern coastal design
Private pool
Spacious outdoor entertaining areas
Easy boating access
Room for multiple families

Marathon is also centrally located, making it easy to explore the entire Florida Keys island chain.

Executive Bay Townhomes in Islamorada

Looking for the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure?

Our waterfront townhomes at Executive Bay in Islamorada place you in the heart of the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World.”

Guests love:

Ocean access nearby
Family-friendly atmosphere
Close proximity to restaurants and marinas
Beautiful sunset views
Easy access to fishing charters and sandbars

Islamorada is ideal for travelers wanting a true Florida Keys boating lifestyle.

Oleander Hideaway Townhome in Key Largo

If diving, snorkeling, and reef exploration are on your itinerary, our Oleander Hideaway townhome in Key Largo is an excellent home base.

Key Largo offers:

Quick access to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Excellent snorkeling and scuba diving
Waterfront dining
Relaxed island atmosphere
Easy drive from Miami

It’s especially popular with couples and smaller families looking for a laid-back tropical getaway.

Final Florida Keys Packing Tips

Before you zip up your suitcase, remember this:

The Florida Keys are more about comfort, water activities, and outdoor living than dressing up.

Pack light, stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and prepare to spend most of your trip near the water.

And if you really want the full Keys experience, staying in a waterfront vacation rental gives you the freedom to enjoy sunrise coffee by the canal, sunset cocktails outdoors, and easy access to boating adventures right from your doorstep.

Book Your Florida Keys Vacation with SoFLA Vacations

Ready to experience the Florida Keys like a local?

Explore our waterfront vacation rentals:

Luxury 5-bedroom homes at SeaGlass Cove in Marathon
Waterfront townhomes at Executive Bay in Islamorada
Cozy island townhomes at Oleander Hideaway in Key Largo / Tavernier

Your perfect Florida Keys getaway starts here.

3 Best Miami Tours For Your Next Vacation

December 22, 2021 No Comments

Miami Tours from the air overlooking South Beach

Discover Miami’s hidden gem and take your next vacation in Coconut Grove! A lot has changed since its founding in 1825, but some of its history remains. From the Barnacle, Coconut Grove’s oldest standing house, to the lavish Vizcaya Gardens and Museum, Coconut Grove is full of secrets waiting to be discovered. Today the Grove is a vibrant center for art, food and entertainment.

Tap Tap Tours

Tap Tap Tours offers a walking tour that showcases all that the Grove has to offer! Murals, architecture and breathtaking Biscayne Bay will be on full display. Tours are 90 minutes and take place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 10 am every two hours until the last tour at 4 pm. Private Miami tours available as well.

Sailing On Biscayne Bay

Have you ever wanted to have your own tropical island? Well now you can have the next best thing, a tour of one by sailboat! Sailing on Biscayne Bay offers 2 hour to full day tours featuring snorkeling and paddle boarding that start at 10 am and continue throughout the day. Sunset tours are also available, starting between 3 and 4 pm. Photos and refreshments included, longer tours include food as well. Make sure to also inquire about their full moon tours!

Heli Air Miami Helicopter Tours

You’ve walked it, you’ve sailed it, now fly it! Heli Air Miami Helicopter Tours offer a unique glimpse of Miami and more! On your tour you will see South Beach, celebrity homes on Star Island and get an up close look at the Miami skyline. Seeing Miami from the air is a great way to scout your next adventure. Heli Air Miami offers 30-35 minute Miami Mega and Sunset Mega Tours, as well as a 1 hour South Florida Special Tour. Keep an eye out for Sharks, Dolphins and Manatees!

Book your Miami vacation rental today and get a glimpse of all Miami has to offer with these spectacular tours!

Where to See Christmas Lights in Coconut Grove

November 11, 2021 No Comments

If you’re taking a visit to South Florida this holiday season, you’re in luck! Miami has some of the best Christmas lights around. There are plenty of places to see spectacular drive-thru light shows when staying at a South Florida Vacation Rental. These shows have been rated some of the best things to do in Miami over the holiday season.

The Enchanted Place of North Miami is a South Florida fan favorite. Since 1988, it has been a community effort, with neighbors in the area decorating their homes with flashy Christmas lights. Not only can you drive-thru and see the lights, but you can also pose for photos with Santas, Christmas trees, and snowmen with your entire group. Find this light show at 1800 NE 137th Ter in North Miami.

Zoo Light at Zoo Miami is another favorite, especially when staying in Coconut Grove vacation rentals. This show features almost one million animal-shaped lights. Families are welcome to walk through the park and admire the lights while hopping on a carousel ride or two. You’ll also get to see and hear carolers, and an amazing 26-foot LED tree. Want a family photo with Santa? He’ll be there too – with milk and cookies!

Santa’s Spectacular: A Drive-Thru Musical Extravaganza is Miami’s first Christmas drive-thru. Get a look at Santa, Mrs. Claus, North Pole Elves, and Rudolph. It’s a spectacular light show you don’t want to miss! The show runs from November 28 to December 23. Tickets cover the costs of one vehicle for six people and will run $45 per vehicle.

South Florida Beaches You Need to See – Even in the Winter

November 10, 2021 No Comments

Who says that winter has to put a damper on all the fun? In Florida, there’s no such thing as a bad season, and the weather is always nearly perfect (except for the occasional hurricane, of course). When you think of visiting Florida Keys vacation rentals, fall and winter are probably not the seasons you think of when visiting. However, there are breathtaking beaches all over that you should make a point to check out before spring break rolls around.

Delray Beach’s downtown area is directly located on the water. You won’t find anywhere else like it within the entire country. Visitors get a surreal feeling of being in the water without actually being in the water. Get a view of the famous Atlantic Avenue and its many shops, restaurants, and bars. Delray Beach is home to three million visitors in a single year.

Sebastian Inlet State Park is three miles of surfing and fishing. If you are the outdoors type, this one’s for you. Enjoy snorkeling, surfing, fishing, swimming, beachcombing, and more (note: some of these excursions may not be available at all times of the year.)

During your South Florida vacation rentals stay, be sure to also check out Calusa Beach. It’s located on Big Pine Key and is a smaller beach, so if you’re looking for a quiet getaway, you’ll love it here. It has plenty of beautiful views and includes showers and changing rooms, so it makes a great place for families.

Love dogs? Sombrero Beach in Marathon, FL, is dog-friendly! You can also try your hand at beach volleyball while you soak up the sun.

South Florida Winter Vacation Ideas

November 8, 2021 No Comments

Yes, even in the year’s coldest month’s South Florida continues to be a safe haven for those who enjoy warmer weather. While Florida may not be what you picture when you think of an idyllic Christmas town, it’s full of plenty of wonderful things to see even when it’s colder outside. Thinking of a Christmas vacation? Try one of our South Florida vacation rentals!

In Key West, you can enjoy temperatures of around 70 degrees and a nice ocean breeze. In winter, when you stay at one of our Florida Keys vacation rentals, you can still enjoy all the summer fun. Diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, swimming, sailing, and jet-skiing are some of the many excursions visitors and locals alike enjoy.

In Miami, there is always an abundance of things to do. South Beach is known to be a great place to grab a drink outdoors, and art lovers can take a look at the many galleries happening during the winter months. Santa’s Enchanted Forest is a great family activity, including rides, kid-friendly activities and entertainment, and food, all while capturing the feel-good Christmas spirit.

If you love the outdoors, the Everglades National Park offers tours even in the winter through the wetlands of Florida, where you can take a peek at some of the state’s endangered species.

Just because the temperatures are dropping doesn’t mean the fun stops! In Florida, you will find a sunny getaway at any time of the year. Looking to escape to warmer weather in the winter? Take a look at our vacation rentals. Booking and availability can be shown online.

Outdoor Dining Experiences not to miss when visiting Coconut Grove/Miami this Winter

November 5, 2021 3 Comments

When visiting Coconut Grove and Greater Miami during the winter you have to dine outdoors. I mean, the weather is one of the reasons you are visiting so why not enjoy it even when dining? There are some amazing restaurants in Coconut Grove/Miami to enjoy culinary delights while taking in the reason you came in the first place…..the South Florida winter weather! Here are our five favorite outdoor dining spots while vacationing this winter in Miami.

Peacock Garden Resto Bar + Grille (2889 McFarlane Road, Coconut Grove): Located on the ground floor of Hotel Arya in the heart of Coconut Grove, the Peacock Garden features a tranquil setting with culinary delights that you most certainly will enjoy. This “secret garden” offers the most relaxing of environments with offerings that include a seafood and raw bar, fresh fish, prime steaks, hearty pasta dishes, fresh salads and daily specials. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner you will enjoy what Forbes Magazine dubbed Miami’s “Hidden Oasis”.

Redfish by Chef Adrienne (9610 Old Cutler Road, Miami): Fan of the Farelly Brothers 1998 comedy classic, “There’s Something About Mary”? Then you know Redfish by Chef Adrienne! Located in the historic “coral house” within Matheson Hammock Park in southern Miami-Dade, the former Redfish Grille was battered by Hurricane Vilma in 2017 and stayed closed until it re-emerged in 2019 as Redfish with renowned, South Florida Chef Adrienne at the helm and the reviews have been spectacular. Feast on tasty treats from the land and sea while eating by the Matherson Hammock Beach……what could be better on a cool winter night in Miami?

Monty’s Raw Bar (2550 S. Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove): Opened in 1969 by Florida icon, Monty Trainer, Monty’s Raw Bar has served as a backdrop for some legendary TV shows and movies like “Miami Vice”, “Marley and Me” and “Burn Notice”. It also serves up the best frozen drinks, raw bar, tasty treats and scenic bayfront views in Miami under two massive tiki huts adjacent to the Coconut Grove Marina. This open air restaurant and bar’s menu still features Mrs. Trainer’s famous key lime pie recipe……a must desert when vacationing in Coconut Grove!

Cafe Bernie Waterfront Restaurant (5600 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach): Cafe Bernie Waterfront Restaurant is a new entry on our favorite outdoor dining spots. Why you ask? Maybe it is the sweeping views of the Indian Creek Waterway from the poolside, outdoor seating deck. Or maybe its’ Chef Bernie Matz’s creative, locally inspired menu featuring unique items like manchego croquettes, mango bang shrimp, sofrito based shrimp pizza or “like butter” boneless short ribs. Or maybe it’s the free valet parking offered at this Mid-Beach, “Millionaire Row” condo building. Whatever the reason, you won’t want to miss out on this waterfront eatery during your next Miami vacation.

The Rusty Pelican (3201 Rickenbacher Causeway, Key Biscayne): A Miami landmark, the Rusty Pelican is located at the Rickenbacher Marina and offers unmatchable waterfront views of the Miami skyline right from your table whether dining on the outdoor patio or indoor dining room. Offering an eclectic and impressive contemporary American cuisine and the freshest local seafood, The Rusty Pelican first premiered to natives and visitors in 1972 and was re-built in 1985 after a fire destroyed the structure but you can’t keep in a good thing down. Re-built and then a $7M renovation in 2011 has everyone talking about the Rusty Pelican. You can visit their website at: https://www.restaurantji.com/fl/key-biscayne/rusty-pelican-miami-restaurant-/

Visiting Florida This Winter? Here’s What You Need to Know

November 4, 2021 No Comments

Florida is filled with visitors all over any time of the year, but contrary to popular belief, it can still be packed full in the colder months. In the fall and winter, many flock to Florida to escape their home climates of brutal wind chills, snow, and below-freezing temperatures. In Florida, we don’t have any of those, so a South Florida Vacation Rental is the perfect way to escape the cold.

Beaches in Florida at this time of year are much less crowded than in the summer months, so if you want to avoid the crowds and get a really good look at the picturesque, world-famous beaches, winter (or fall) is the time to go.

When you head to the beach during your stay at Coconut Grove vacation rentals, you want to make sure you dress correctly. Tracksuits and beanies are some of the best things you can wear. Remember, beaches are pretty breezy, and when hitting the water, they can bring in moisture with the wind. Synthetic fiber clothing is recommended since they are great at blocking both wind and water. Dress in layers so you can add or subtract when needed. You probably won’t be getting in the water, so no need for swimsuits.

The sand can get pretty cold in the winter, so make sure you pack beach chairs to enjoy a relaxing day near the shore. Bring a beach blanket, too, so you can cozy up if needed. Again, beaches can get breezy, so having the extra layer of warmth can come in handy.

Miami Beach Family Vacation Ideas

September 24, 2021 No Comments

Miami is most commonly known for its nightlight and unique art district, but it’s a place filled with entertainment for anyone of any age. With a wide variety of things to do, things to see, and opportunities for education about the rich Latin American and Caribbean heritage here, Miami Beach vacation rentals are a great stop for your next family adventure.

In Wynwood, experience the beautiful street art with colorful murals from street artists who flock to Miami from all over the world. Wynwood Yard in the daytime is an outdoor hub for kids to play in, full of fun experiences like an edible garden, live music, pop-up crafts, and food trucks.

Did you know Miami has a ton of Indoor Kid Zones? Beat the heat when staying at South Florida vacation rentals and plan a day of fun there. The Frost Museum of Science features many hands-on experiments, a touch tank, a planetarium (with laser light shows), and a massive three-story aquarium.

The Perez Art Museum has plenty of activity sheets, puzzles, and scavenger hunts to keep kids engaged for hours. FunDemnsion, an indoor playground and arcade, is another place you don’t want to miss!

The Everglades National Park is another great way to keep children engaged while seeing some of the best places in Florida. See a variety of wildlife on bike or by foot.

You can also find many kid-friendly beaches in Miami. Sabrina’s Beach, you’ll find a playground with a tailored, ADA-accessible dune crossing. It’s one of the most fun and inclusive beaches in Miami, and your kids are sure to love it!

Make Your Airline Travel to Miami Better With These 4 Tips

September 15, 2021 No Comments

For some, airports start all the excitement a vacation has to offer, taking in the business and waiting in anticipation at the gate to board their flight and officially begin vacation mode. For others, the airport is the worst part of traveling. In-flight issues, late flights, and crowded gates are enough to cause the dreaded vacation travel stress. Whether you are an experienced traveler or have never stepped foot on an airplane, these four travel tips will help make your experience much more enjoyable when heading to South Florida Vacation Rentals.

The most important travel tip is to check into your flight well ahead of time. This will save you a lot of time at the airport – so much so you may not have to arrive as early. Many airlines, like Southwest and American Airlines, will allow you to check in on your phone 24 hours before the flight. If you have bags, be sure to get there in plenty of time to check them in. Most airlines will only let you board 45 minutes before the flight, so do everything you can to save time.

Keep essentials in your carry-on (but don’t pack liquids over the 3.4 ounce limit). Pack toiletries in the appropriate sizes, sunglasses, makeup, chargers, and a change of clothes in your carry-on. You will need it if your bags get lost, delayed, or mixed up on a different flight (it doesn’t happen often, but it has happened before!)

Prone to motion sickness? The middle of the plane is your best chance of beating it. Planes move like a see-saw, so the middle has the least amount of motion. You’ll be ready to relax at our Miami vacation rentals the second you get off the plane!

Check the airport monitors for your flight information. Smartphone apps are a great way to stay updated, but the airport monitors update much faster, and if your flight is delayed or canceled, you’ll be the first to know. You can also check which gate your flight is boarding from, which can change for many reasons. When you get to the airport, check the monitors to see the most updated information.

With these tips, your next airport adventure is sure to run much smoother.

Visiting Miami Soon? Here’s Where You Need to Go

September 9, 2021 No Comments

Summer is for beach weather in Miami, but fall is when the social season kicks off. There’s a ton of fun and exciting things to do in Miami this September from museums to holiday events. Clear your vacation itineraries to make way for some of these events when staying at one of our South Florida vacation rentals.

On September 15, from 7 pm to 9 pm, head over to Time Out Market for Succulents & Sips. Plant gurus La Succulenta, along with Time Out Market, are hosting a night of do-it-yourself succulents accompanied with craft cocktails. You can learn how to make your succulent arrangements in upcycled pots. Tickets are $35 and cover the cost of crafting kits and succulents.

Ready for Halloween? The Museum of Illusions is hosting the Haunted Circus Festival from September 17 to October 31 in Ludlam/Tropical Park. Circus includes a traveling sideshow and carnival, along with an “unsolvable mystery” that the audience gets to try to solve (hint: a star goes missing). If you solve the mystery, you get a “creepy souvenir.”

On September 18, close to our Miami vacation rentals, the Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day will be hosted at multiple cultural institutions throughout South Florida. Entry is free to many attractions, and tickers are available online on the Smithsonian Magazine website.

From now until September 19, enjoy the Frost Art Museum FIU’s exhibit in Coconut Grove. The event/exhibit celebrates the history of Coconut Grove, including dozens of photographs that paint the picture of the thriving artistic community like the Miami Black Art Workshop in the historic Bahamian Coconut Grove of the 60s and the King Mango Strut Parade.

Category: South Florida vacation rentals