Do We Beach House

A practical packing guide for first-time and returning visitors — what you actually need, what you can leave at home, and what the house already has covered.

One of the best things about renting a full beach house vs. a hotel room is that half the packing list is already handled. You have a kitchen. You have space. You have a washer and dryer. That changes what you bring.

Here’s what we’ve learned from years of guests arriving on Estero Island.

The stuff the house already has

Before you start packing, here’s what’s at the house so you can leave it behind:

• Beach towels. We provide them. Leave your bath towels at home.
• Pool floats and beach chairs. A handful of chairs and floats live at the house for guest use. If you need a specific number, let us know ahead of time and we’ll make sure there are enough.
• Basic kitchen gear. Plates, glasses, cookware, utensils, coffee maker, toaster. You don’t need to bring the kitchen.
• Cooler and beach bag. There’s a good cooler for beach days and a beach bag to carry it in.
• Grill. Propane grill on the lanai. Pick up fresh fish from a local market and you’ve got dinner.
• Washer and dryer. Pack light, wash and rewear. This is a bigger advantage than most first-timers realize.

What to pack: the essentials

Clothing

• Swimsuits. Bring at least two — one to wear while the other dries. You’ll be in the water more than you expect.
• Cover-ups and rash guards. The Florida sun is serious, especially midday June through August. A light long-sleeve rash guard means less sunscreen and more time in the water.
• Light layers. Evenings on the lanai can cool off with the Gulf breeze. A hoodie or light jacket is all you need from November through March. Summer evenings are warm enough without one.
• Comfortable walking shoes. For the beach, the pier, and exploring Estero Boulevard. Flip-flops are fine for getting around, but a pair of supportive sandals or water shoes helps for longer walks and shelling.
• One nice-ish outfit. A couple of restaurants on the island (Cōste, Doc Ford’s) are worth dressing up slightly for. Nothing formal — just not flip-flops and a wet swimsuit.

Sunscreen and sun protection

• Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+). The big bottle. You will use more than you think. Mineral-based (zinc or titanium) is better for the Gulf and your skin.
• Lip balm with SPF. Everyone forgets this until day two.
• Sunglasses. Polarized if you have them — they cut the glare off the water and make the gulf look incredible.
• Hat. Wide-brim or baseball cap. Makes a real difference on the beach.

Beach day extras

• Waterproof phone pouch. Ten bucks on Amazon. Keeps your phone dry on the boat, in the kayak, or just sandy on the beach.
• Reusable water bottle. Stay hydrated. The house has filtered water to refill.
• Book or e-reader. There’s no substitute for a paperback with the sound of waves in the background.
• Snorkel gear. If you have it, bring it. The water around the pier and Lovers Key has decent visibility on calm days.

What to leave at home

• Beach umbrella or pop-up tent. They’re bulky to fly with, and the afternoon Gulf breeze turns cheap umbrellas into projectiles. Rent one from a beach setup service — it’ll be there when you arrive.
• Hair dryer. The house has one.
• Paper towels, condiments, pantry basics. Publix is five minutes from the house. Buy what you need when you arrive.
• Formal wear. This is Fort Myers Beach, not South Beach. You won’t need it.

Seasonal notes

Summer (June–September): It’s hot. Mornings are beach-perfect, afternoons bring brief thunderstorms. Pack a light rain jacket or just embrace it — the storms pass in 20 minutes and the sun comes back. This is the best time for value rates and empty beaches.

Fall (October–November): Shoulder season with the best weather of the year. Low humidity, warm Gulf water, fewer crowds. Pack exactly what you would for summer but add one light layer for evenings.

Winter (December–April): Peak season. Daytime highs in the low 70s to low 80s. You’ll want a jacket or hoodie for evenings. The water is cooler — some guests prefer the heated pool over the Gulf in January.

Spring (May): The locals’ secret. Perfect weather, no crowds, great rates. Summer packing list with a light jacket.

The one thing we always say

The house has a full-size washer and dryer. Pack for three days, stay for seven. You’ll thank yourself at the airport.

Ready to book? Check availability at the Do We Beach House — private heated pool, hot tub, and 600 steps from the sand.