When you’re coming to Anna Maria Island, there are many fun things to see and do. One of the most delightful destinations in the area, though, is the beach! Many of our Anna Maria Island rentals are steps away from the shoreline, so you must grab your beach bag and head down to the sand. But what should you pack in your beach bag to enjoy the ultimate afternoon near the water? That’s what we’re here to tell you! If you’re wondering what to bring to the beach, here are some of our most important recommendations.
Clothing and Accessories
To start, it’s essential to ensure that you have the proper clothing and accessories to make the most of your day on the beach.
Of course, some of the essentials are obvious, such as sandals, swimsuits, and hats. No matter what time of the year you visit, these items are sure to come in handy.
But there are a few other items you may want to have on hand just in case.
You’ll want to be prepared with all the beach basics, such as your swimsuit and cover-up, water shoes or flip-flops, and swim diapers for kids. You’ll probably also want an extra outfit to change into after you get done at the beach. Be sure to bring sun protection like sunglasses and a hat. Finally, a waterproof money holder and glasses or contact lenses (if applicable) should also make their way into your bag.
If you happen to be visiting the beach in the early morning or late evening, it can also be handy to bring a light jacket. Even though the weather in Anna Maria Island tends to be quite pleasant all year long, these unique hours are typically quite cool, and you might find yourself shivering if you head out in just a T-shirt and flip-flops.
Food and Drink Ideas
While you’re enjoying the beach, you’re sure to get hungry! Even if you don’t plan to be at the beach for a long time, it’s still best to bring some food and drinks. You want to ensure that there’s no chance of getting dehydrated or experiencing a drop in your blood sugar while you’re out in the hot sunshine all day. Plus, when you bring your own food to the beach, you can save money over having to visit a local restaurant. Just make sure you clean up after yourself!
In addition to bringing plenty of water, some easy beach snack ideas include sandwiches, charcuterie boards, veggie wraps, pasta salad, fruit, trail mix, crackers, and granola bars.
You can quickly head to a local grocery store on the island to pick up the ingredients to make some of these items yourself, such as homemade trail mix or sandwiches. Additionally, some vendors around the area sell pre-made snacks and meals, making it easy to grab some food and head down to the shore at a moment’s notice.
Equipment
This category is quite broad, but it’s essential to have the right equipment when you’re enjoying the day on the beach. To have as comfortable of an experience as possible, you’ll want beach toys and equipment to relax with, special equipment you may need for your meal, and more. While not every family will consider everything on this list as essential, we wanted to provide a wide range of options for you to consider. Plus, if you don’t want to purchase everything on this list, you will likely be able to rent some of the equipment from a local vendor.
First, bring electronics like cameras and cell phones and batteries or portable chargers. Beach accessories like a blanket, chairs, umbrella, towels, beach toys, a beach wagon, and a shovel and bucket are all helpful. For fishing or swimming, include a cooler and ice, fishing gear, goggles, a snorkel and fins, and life jackets.
If you decide that you want to head out on the water with a paddleboard or jet ski, you can rent this equipment from a local company. You’ll typically find vendors directly on the shore or just a short walk away.
Healthy and Beauty Items
We know you’re probably not wearing makeup to the beach, but there are still a few health and beauty items that you’ll want to consider throwing into your beach bag. When staying out in the sun all day, taking care of your body is essential. That way, you can enjoy the beautiful white-sand beaches with minimal risk to your health. Sunscreen should be an obvious option here, but you’ll also want to bring a few other items.
Aloe vera, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, contact solution (if needed), antibacterial wipes, and lip balm with SPF will come in handy. You might also consider bringing a comb or brush, deodorant or other personal hygiene items, prescriptions, and a first aid kit.
Extra Beach Essentials
Finally, there are a few miscellaneous items that you might want to consider bringing with you. Even if you’re not directly on the beach the entire time, it’s helpful to have these extra items during your stay. Of course, you might find that other items are more essential to you, but these suggestions include some of the most common things our guests wish they had.
You may want books to read at the beach, addresses of loved ones to send postcards, maps and directions in case you don’t have GPS, money in cash and ATM card, a travel journal, a travel pillow and blanket, and Ziplock bags to keep electronics dry.
Booking Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals
Again, it’s likely that you may not need every single thing on this list. We’ve created this resource as a starting point to give you an idea of some of the items you may enjoy having while you’re spending your time on the Anna Maria Island beaches. You won’t have to run back and forth from our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals to the beach because you forgot something!
Many of these items can be brought from home, purchased, or rented when you get here. If you have any questions about where to obtain some of these items, ask the staff here at Mike Norman Realty. In addition to helping you pick from our wide range of Anna Maria Island beachfront rentals, we can also help you make the most of your time in the area by offering advice or recommending things to see and do.
Plan Your Stay
Our team works daily to ensure your dream AMI vacation goes off without a hitch. Contact us today to learn more about our rentals and book your trip!
Mike Norman Realty is one of your best options for selecting a place to stay on the island. Our rentals are fully equipped with everything you might need for a magnificent stay, including flat-screen TVs, high-speed Internet, fully stocked kitchens, large bedrooms and bathrooms, ample living space, and much more. On top of that, our rentals are also conveniently located just a short journey away from any of the beaches or attractions throughout the island. Navigate by walking, biking, or hopping on the free Anna Maria Island trolley!