Do We Beach House

What to Pack for Your Fort Myers Beach Summer Vacation

Summer on Fort Myers Beach is its own world. The crowds thin out, the days stretch long past 8pm, and the Gulf water — that signature emerald green — sits bath-warm by July. If you’ve booked a stay at the "Do We" Beach House, you’re in for a slower, sun-drenched rhythm. Here’s what to bring to get the most out of it.

☀️ Sun Protection (non-negotiable)

Southwest Florida sun is intense May through September. Pack:

• Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ — the island’s marine life (manatees, sea turtles, fish) thanks you. Mineral-based zinc formulas work best and won’t irritate in the heat.
• A wide-brim hat — straw or canvas, something breathable. The afternoon sun at the pool or on the beach demands it.
• UV-protective rash guard or swim shirt — especially for kids who’ll spend hours in the water and won’t stop to reapply.
• Polarized sunglasses — cutting the glare off the water makes a huge difference for spotting dolphin fins and shell beds.

🏖️ Beach & Shelling Gear

Fort Myers Beach has some of the best shelling on the Gulf coast (especially after a summer storm churns things up). Bring:

• Water shoes or aqua socks — the sand gets hot by midday, and shell fragments near the waterline can be sharp.
• A mesh shell bag or a bucket — you’ll find lightning whelks, scallops, and maybe a junonia if you’re lucky. Let them dry before packing.
• A simple floating cooler — keep drinks cold without hauling them back and forth from the house. The beach is about 600 steps from "Do We".
• A light beach blanket or low-profile chairs — the house provides beach towels, but your own setup means you’re comfortable from arrival.

🌡️ Summer Weather Essentials

Afternoon thunderstorms are a daily ritual from June through September. They roll in fast, pour for 20 minutes, and clear just as quickly. The air stays thick and humid afterward. Plan for it:

• A compact travel umbrella — small enough to throw in a beach bag.
• Quick-dry clothing — linen shorts, cotton sundresses, moisture-wicking anything. Denim stays wet for hours in the humidity.
• An extra pair of flip-flops — the first pair will be sandy and damp within an hour of arrival.
• A light rain jacket or packable windbreaker — useful for evening walks when a squall blows through.

🐾 Pet Travel Kit (for guests bringing their dog)

"Do We" Beach House is pet-friendly, and Fort Myers Beach welcomes four-legged visitors. Pack:

• Pet life jacket — not all dogs are natural swimmers, and the Gulf currents can surprise even strong swimmers.
• Portable water bowl and extra water — the heat hits dogs fast. Keep them hydrated.
• Paw balm or booties — hot sand and pavement can burn pads.
• A familiar bed or blanket — helps nervous dogs settle in a new space.

🍽️ Kitchen & Dining Shortcuts

The house has a full kitchen, and summer meals should be easy. A few things that make vacation cooking better:

• A good insulated tumbler — for iced coffee on the lanai or cocktails by the pool. Ice melts fast in the Florida heat.
• Ziploc bags and reusable containers — for beach snacks, leftover grouper from dinner, or keeping shells organized on the way home.
• Your favorite spices or seasoning blends — the house has basics, but your go-to seasoning for grilled shrimp or fresh corn makes dinner feel like home.

🚗 Good-to-Have Extras

• A beach wagon or cart — if you’re driving, a collapsible wagon is a game-changer for hauling chairs, cooler, bags, and kids the 600 steps to the beach access.
• Reusable grocery bags — Publix and the local markets charge for bags, and the extra strength makes hauling provisions easier.
• Bluetooth speaker — poolside music and sunset tunes on the deck are part of the summer ritual.
• A good book you won’t feel guilty ignoring — the hammock chairs and the sound of the pool pump have a way of making even the best page-turner secondary.

What Not to Pack

Seriously — don’t overthink this. The house has beach towels, basic kitchenware, linens, a washer and dryer, wifi, and plenty of space. You’re on island time. Everything else can be bought at Publix or the Beach Hardware store on Estero Boulevard. The goal is to arrive, drop your bags, and be poolside within 15 minutes.

---

Book your stay at "Do We" Beach House through Coastal Vacation Properties — 4 bedrooms, private pool, hot tub, and a 5-minute walk to the sand. Summer rates are the best value of the year.

#fortmyers #comingbackstronger #FMBSTRONG #beachstyler #fortmyersstrong #fortmyersbeach #fortmyersflorida