The Ultimate Cocoa Beach Weekend Packing List: What You Actually Need (and What You Don’t)
Your no-BS guide to not overpacking for Florida’s hottest, saltiest, sunniest beach town.
Packing for a beach trip should be easy… but somehow it always spirals into “Do I need eleven pairs of underwear for a three-day weekend?”
You don’t.
What you need is this list—written by someone who lives here, sweats here, and knows exactly what can make or break a visit to Cocoa Beach, FL.
Let’s get you packed right so you can stop stressing and start beaching.
The Clothing Essentials (Light, Breezy, Repeatable)
1) 2–3 lightweight dresses
Think linen, cotton, gauze—anything that breathes. These go from breakfast → beach → dinner with zero effort.
2) A classic oversized button-up
Your MVP. Wear it as:
A cover-up
A sun shirt
An outfit
A windbreaker
A shield against questionable beach chairs
3) 2–3 swimsuits
One is never enough.
Choose styles you actually enjoy moving in (the Atlantic has opinions).
4) Denim shorts + soft cotton shorts
One pair for “cute,” one pair for “comfort.”
5) A breezy tank or knit top
Perfect for dinner, drinks, and pretending you didn’t almost get sunburned.
6) A lightweight sweater or long sleeve
Nights can be breezy. Plus A/C in restaurants is dramatic.
Shoes That Make Sense Here
1) Flip-flops (beach-friendly)
Don’t bring your nice ones unless you enjoy sand exfoliation.
2) Slides or cute sandals
For shopping, walking, existing.
3) Sneakers
For morning walks, exploring, or if you want to get your steps in.
❌ Heels
You can, but Cocoa Beach sidewalks are… quirky. Proceed at your own risk.
Bags That Don’t Weigh You Down
1) A Beach tote
Holds everything, looks cute on the sand, dries fast.
2) A small crossbody or nylon shoulder bag
For dinner, wandering, and not losing your wallet.
Sun Protection That Won’t Annoy You
1) A hat (actually mandatory)
Bucket hat, baseball cap, wide-brim—pick your vibe.
2) Sunglasses
Ideally ones you won’t cry over if you lose them in the ocean (it happens).
3) Sunscreen that works
Florida sun isn’t cute. Bring your real SPF, not your wishful thinking SPF.
Beach Gear (Just the Good Stuff)
1) A quick-dry towel
Lighter, smaller, dries faster. Your hotel towel is not invited on this journey.
2) A reusable water bottle
You will get thirsty. Hydrate, beach angel.
3) A small pouch for sandy-wet things
Trust us.
4) Snacks you won’t regret
Fruit, nuts, chips… simple things that don’t melt instantly.
Toiletries You Actually Need
1) Aloe or after-sun lotion
Even if you think you don’t burn. (Spoiler: you might.)
2) Deodorant (yes, bring it)
Humidity is a beast.
3) Sea-salt spray or leave-in conditioner
Your hair will thank you.
4) Minimal makeup
It’s just going to slide off if you overdo it.
Final Tip From a Local
If you forget something or want to shop early for your trip? Medium Cool Goods is just a click away!