What’s on My Miami Packing List + Free PDF Checklist

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There is nothing like a trip to Miami whether you are in the mood for a relaxing time on the beach or wild nights on the strip! Of course, every dream trip starts with a well-packed suitcase full of travel essentials. To make sure your trip to South Florida goes well, I wanted to share my Miami Packing List.

I have made a checklist below that you can use to check off all the clothes, toiletries, and accessories I recommend packing. If you want a printable PDF of what to pack for Miami, I will email you one with my monthly newsletter here. I included things for both guys and girls to bring to Miami, so anyone can follow this list for putting together a packed and Miami-ready suitcase.

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Table of Contents

1. Miami Essentials

A Turkish Towel- A lot of people don’t pack towels for a beach vacation and just use the hotels. However, I find hotel towels to be small and uncomfortable. I recommend bringing a Turkish Towel, as these can fold up small and also repel sand.
Anti-Theft Crossbody Sling – I have never had any safety or pickpocketing issues in Miami, but I have heard of others who have. Just to be safe, bring an anti-theft crossbody if you plan to be in large crowds, like at a concert. You definitely don’t need to bring it to the beach or restaurants though.
Cheap Sunglasses – The sun is bright in Miami, so you definitely want to bring sunglasses, but don’t risk losing your designer shades! These cheap shades are the perfect things to bring. This way you do not have to worry about losing them in the ocean or forgetting them at a restaurant.
Flip Flops – For the pool or beach, a pair of flip-flops is a must! You can wear them all around town too (except when going out), so I recommend bringing at least one pair. I love this style and Andrew likes Rainbow brand flip-flops.
Sneakers – I also recommend bringing a pair of sneakers or comfortable shoes to walk around in. If you plan to go to Little Havana or Wynwood, you will be much more comfortable in classic sneakers like these.
Hat- It is smart to pack a hat, as the Florida sun is intense here! Whether you pack a baseball hat or a sun hat for the beach, this is one of the best ways to provide sun protection for your face.
Sunscreen – The most important thing to have on your Miami Packing List is sunscreen! I always bring spray and lotion of varying SPFs so I am ready for any activity. If you wear makeup and plan to go to pool parties, this weightless sunscreen can be applied over makeup
Reusable Water Bottle- You will definitely want to stay hydrated in the Miami heat, so bringing a water bottle is a must. Most hotels have places to fill up your water bottles, so you will always have some water for the beach or tourist attractions.
Rain Coat – A raincoat is essential for your Miami packing list! It rains frequently here from June through October, with August being the wettest month. Andrew and I both have Northface raincoats we love, similar to this.
Waterproof Phone Holder- This is a must for me when I travel. If you plan to go on any paddle or boat tours, a waterproof phone holder makes it so you do not have to worry about your phone getting wet. I also like bringing this to the beach, so I can bring my phone in the water with me and not worry about it getting stolen.
Portable Fan- If you are going to Miami between April through October, a portable fan can be a lifesaver. These will generate airflow and give you a refreshing breeze during Florida summers if you plan to be outside all day.
Packing Cubes – Another travel helper is packing cubes, which always make packing easier for me. By getting some of these for your suitcases, you can stay organized and fit more stuff!
Neck Pillow – This is a personal preference, but I like having a neck pillow for air travel! This one is comfortable and easy to transport.
Beach Read – I love bringing a book to read by the pool or at the beach. Something like the People We Meet On Vacation is ideal for a Miami trip.
Anti-Chafe Stick – One thing I have learned living in Florida, is that chafing can be an issue on hot days. If you aren’t used to walking around in this weather, I recommend packing an anti-chafe balm to prevent it.
Aloe Vera Gel – Hopefully, you pack enough sunscreen so you do not need any aloe vera gel! However, sunburns are common on vacation, so bring some to be safe!
Bug Spray – You don’t need bug spray in the city, but if you plan to take a day trip to the Everglades or other nature spots, definitely bring some! I like these bug spray wipes.
Cooler – if you are driving or have lots of room in your suitcase, I like to bring a collapsible cooler. That way you can bring cold beverages to the beach or pack a picnic for the gardens. It also can be helpful to have in the hotel room if the mini-fridge gets too full!
Athletic Greens – Ever since I started following Liz Moody, I have been a huge fan of Athletic Greens. I highly recommend bringing the travel packs on vacation to help your gut health and immunity. I often get an upset stomach traveling and eating different foods and a glass of this makes all the difference!

2. Clothes for Women to Pack

This next section is the clothes that I recommend women add to their Miami Packing List. This is generally what I pack, but obviously, preferences will vary. The picture below has an example of what I wear by day and by night when visiting Miami.

Keep in mind, that the weather is hot most of the year with the average temperature being at least in the high 70s. If you are traveling to Miami in November through February, there is a slight chance of a cold snap, but it is still unlikely. We went for New Year’s Eve and it was in the ’80s all week!

April through October, expect warm weather and high humidity in Miami. Most people do not like to even wear jeans this time of year. There is air conditioning everywhere, but don’t underestimate the heat outside. If you get cold in restaurants, definitely bring some sort of sweater because it can get cold inside! This list is a good base, and if you see the weather forecast looking unusually hot or cold, you can shift accordingly.

One Casual Outfit Per Day – I recommend bringing one casual outfit per day visiting. That could be shorts or jeans and a top, a sun dress, or athleisure. The lighter fabric the better!
One Going Out Outfit Per Night – I also recommend one going out outfit per night. I know it may seem absurd to bring two outfits per day, but often your clothes from the day will be sweaty by dinnertime. Miami is known for being the place to dress up and go out, so you might as well bring a cute outfit for it! I am no expert in trendy attire, but most people wear cocktail dresses, skirts, crop tops, white jeans, or cute shorts.
At least 2 Swim Suits – You can’t go to Miami without a bathing suit! Whether you like bikinis or one-pieces, I recommend bringing 2 in case the one from the day before is still drying. There are lots of opportunities for swimming in Miami.
Cover-Up – I also like to bring a cover-up to wear at the pool or after the beach. I just got this one from Amazon and am obsessed with the look and fabric!
Underwear – You can never pack enough underwater for a trip! I bring at least one pair per day, usually from Aerie.
Bras – Same goes for bras, I tend to pack one per day. Make sure to bring a strapless bra if you have a shirt or dress that needs it!
Socks – I always bring a mix of casual socks and workout socks. My favorites lately are the Bombas no-show socks.
Heels or Wedges – I mentioned bringing sneakers and a pair of sandals before, but ladies will want to bring a going-out shoe! Whether that be high heels, wedges, boots, or just cute sandals, this is a must-have accessory for Miami.
Workout Outfit – If you plan to work out on your trip, don’t forget workout bottoms, tops, sports bras, extra underwear, and socks! Most hotels have a gym and Miami has lots of running trails, so packing the right gear can be good motivation for your trip.
Pajamas – Make sure to bring whatever you like to sleep in on your trip! Pretty much everywhere in Florida has AC, so you do not have to worry about being too hot at night. I get most of my PJs from Aerie.
A Belt – I don’t really have any clothes that require a belt, but be sure to bring one if you do!
Laundry Bag- This is one item I have learned to always bring after too many times forgetting it. Definitely bring a bag like this one, to keep dirty clothes in and away from any clean clothes.
Light Jacket – if you are visiting in the winter months, it does not hurt to bring a light jacket. I love my jean jacket like this one.
Jewelry – Though things are casual here, I like to wear some cute necklaces and earrings to accessorize my outfits. I never bring anything too expensive when traveling because I do not want to worry about losing it somewhere!
Beach Bag- Whenever I forget to pack a beach bag on a trip, I always regret it! Even if you don’t plan to have much beach time, it is wise to bring a bag you don’t mind getting sandy to put your beach stuff in. This is also good for using the hotel pool too. I have many totes to choose from and like ones similar to this.
Backpack-. I recommend bringing a small backpack, like this, for the day. It is much easier than having to lug a tote bag around and usually keeps things more organized.
Purse – For nights out, a small purse can be smart to bring. I prefer a wristlet like this, but any easy-to-carry purse will do

3. What to Pack for Miami for Guys

Though I am not an expert on what to put on a men’s Miami packing List, I do help Andrew pack. As for clothes, I think a guy should follow a similar system as women, with an equal amount of day and night outfits.

Most guys I know prefer to wear shorts in Florida, especially in the Miami heat. Andrew tends to bring a mix of chino shorts, board shorts, and a nice pair of shorts. Most Miami clubs have dress codes, so men will want pants and closed-toe shoes for that. Usually, shorts work though as long as they look nice enough. In the image below, I have an example of a casual outfit and a going out outfit.

If you are traveling to Miami from April through October, definitely bring the lightest clothing possible. For guys who sweat a lot, don’t hesitate to pack extra shirts and underwear! If you visit in the winter, it is a good idea to pack a jacket or sweater, but very rarely will guys need cold weather clothes in Miami.

One Casual Outfit Per Day – Shorts and t-shirts or tank tops are ideal for exploring Miami during the day. Andrew packs one outfit per day and brings a couple of extra t-shirts.
One Going Out Outfit Per Day – For going out at night, make sure to look presentable with no beach clothes. A button-up shirt and chino shorts will be acceptable at most places, but bring a nice pair of pants or dark jeans in case you go somewhere with a dress code.
At least 2 Swim Suits – You can get away with wearing boardshorts around South Beach during the day, so definitely bring at least one pair.
Beach or Pool Shirts – This may fall under the casual outfit category, but make sure you bring a tank or t-shirt to throw on after a swim.
Underwear – Bring at least one pair of underwear per day and make sure it’s a light fabric!
Socks – Though shoes without socks are popular in Miami, don’t forget socks if you want to wear sneakers.
Going Out Shoes – Make sure to bring a nice pair of shoes in addition to your sneakers and flip flops! Often nice sneakers will work, but you may want to bring some oxfords or loafers.
Workout Outfit – If you plan to exercise on your trip, bring enough shorts and shirts to wear.
Pajamas – For those who wear pajama pants or shirts to bed, make sure to pack enough for the trip.
A Belt – I have found this is essential for guys! Andrew has forgotten to pack a belt a few times and always regrets it.
Laundry Bag – Again, a laundry bag to separate dirty clothes can be helpful.
Light Jacket – A light jacket can be smart to bring for chilly restaurants or potentially cool weather. I do not think Andrew has ever worn a jacket in Miami, but one like this would work.
Jewelry – If you wear a watch or jewelry, don’t forget to add that to your Miami Packing List.
Beach Bag – If you are a couple traveling, one beach bag will suffice. Make sure you have some type of bag you do not mind getting sandy.
Backpack – Andrew is into photography, so he almost always brings a backpack to carry his camera and other gear. If you have any gear you want to bring for day trips, I recommend a backpack like this one.

4. Electronics to Bring to Miami

Traveling these days involves taking all sorts of pictures and videos to share with friends. if you are as into photography as we are, this section has all the gear you could need. I also included some typical electronics to bring traveling to make your life easier.

Phone – I am sure this goes without saying for most people, but do not forget your cellphone! Whether you use it for calls, photos, maps, or internet browsing, a smartphone really does come in handy.
DSLR Camera – If you are a serious photographer, you may want to bring along a high-performing camera like a DSLR. We have a Canon Rebel that you can get here.
Phone or Camera Tripod – Another photography essential I always pack is a tripod! We have one for our phone that is easy to carry around and one for our camera. This way you can take pictures without having to use selfie mode!
Chargers – Don’t forget chargers for your phone, watch, headphones, camera, laptop, or any other technology you are bringing on the trip!
Portable Charger – If you have room in your purse, I always bring a portable charger in case my phone runs out of battery. This is especially handy to pack in your carry-on bag for long flights!
Headphones- Whether you are working out or want to listen to music on your travels, headphones are always smart to bring. I love the Apple AirPod Pros, but if you are worried about losing them, this brand is the best bet for a cheap pair.
Smart Watch – Andrew and I both wear our Apple watches daily while traveling too, so we can see how many steps we walk. It also is helpful if you happen to lose your phone, so you can ping it.
Portable Speaker- On a similar note, if you want to listen to music at the beach or in your room, bring a portable speaker! We love bringing our UE Boom, especially for Airbnb stays.
Drone – We love the DJI Mini for getting amazing aerial photos and videos. If you like taking videos, a drone is a must-have!
Underwater Camera- The waterproof phone holder can help get decent pictures in the water, but an underwater camera works 100 times better. I recommend getting a GoPro and a GoPro pole if you want to get awesome action shots.

5. Toiletries to Add to Your Miami Packing List

This last section contains all the personal care items that you should pack. You can find most of these items at drug stores or Target in Miami, but I find it more convenient to bring them with me. here are the last essentials to have on your Miami packing list!

Shampoo and Conditioner- Hotels usually have these, but I always pack my favorite brand of shampoo and conditioner in travel-sized bottles.
Soap- I am less picky about soap and will just use whatever the hotel has for body wash. But if you are staying in an AirBnb or camping, you may need to pack this.
Face Wash- A lot of hotels offer a bar of face soap, but I have a travel-size version I usually bring.
Brush and/or Comb- Whether you use a brush or a comb or both for your hair, you will not want to forget it.
Deodorant- Definitely do not forget deodorant when packing for Florida weather! Most people get sweaty in the warm temperatures here and those traveling with you will notice if you do not wear it!
Razor and Shaving Cream- If you plan to shave your face or body while traveling, do not forget your razor and shaving cream to do so.
Toothbrush/Tooth Paste/Floss/Mouthwash- Make sure to bring all the necessary dental hygiene items you use on your trip! I love the Quip Toothbrush and Floss.
Makeup- If you plan to wear makeup on your trip, pack your mascara, eyeliner, foundation, blush, eye shadow, lipstick, makeup brushes, makeup remover or whatever else you need!
Tweezers- I have found myself needing tweezers a few times when traveling and always regret not bringing them. They are small enough to pack so might as well!
Feminine Hygiene Products- For those getting their time of the month during the trip, don’t forget to bring pads and tampons. You never want to get caught without these on a trip!
Contact Lens Solution- Neither Andrew nor I wear contacts, but my sister does and always hates when she forgets contact lens solution. Definitely don’t forget this if you wear contacts!
Hairstyling Tools- Most hotels have hair dryers, but they can often be weak and of low quality. If I have room in my suitcase, I pack my own hair dryer. If you need a straightener or a curling iron, make sure to pack these too.
Hair Spray- The humidity down here can be a challenge, so bring some hair spray if you are worried about your hairstyle holding up!
Hair Gel- Andrew always packs hair gel, especially if we are going to a nice dinner. This is his go-to brand.
Lip Balm- On a similar note, I like to bring a lip balm with SPF to keep my lips from getting burnt. If you have chapped lips, you may want to bring some as well.
Hand Sanitizer- I used to pack hand sanitizer to use for staying clean on flights, but now I use it everywhere! With covid, you can never have too much hand sanitizer for keeping yourself germ-free.
Medication- If you take any medication, do not forget to pack this! I also pack Advil, Tums, Pepto-Bismol, and allergy medication just to be safe!

Know Before You Go: Miami Packing List Advice

No matter when you are going, this Miami packing list should have you covered for any time of year or experience! If you follow the list, you should have all the clothing options, electronics, and accessories you could need. Many of these items I have learned to bring through past experiences! Here are a few other things in mind to know before you finish your Miami packing list.

Plan for hot weather if you are traveling to Miami between April through October. It is almost always over 80 degrees this time of year.
In my opinion, the ideal time to visit Miami is November through March. This is when the weather is less humid. It can be crowded during holidays and spring break though.
The rainy, hurricane season is July through October. Definitely make sure to have rain protection when traveling during this time! This includes shoes and accessories you do not mind getting wet.
The weather can vary greatly from November through March, so make sure to check the weather in advance. Things can change frequently though, so be prepared for whatever Florida throws your way!
If you plan to go to fancy restaurants or clubs, check ahead of time to see if there is a dress code. At a minimum, many upscale Miami spots do not allow hats, bathing suits, workout clothes, excessively ripped jeans, see-through attire, work boots, or baggy clothing.
If you are traveling to Florida from another country, make sure to bring some US dollars for cash on hand. However, for most of your spending, I recommend using one of my favorite travel credit cards with no foreign transaction fees!
For more tips on what to wear in Miami, I love the ideas from this Everygirl Summer Travel Capsule Wardrobe.

Did I miss any of your Miami packing list essentials? Let me know in the comments if I did! Miami Beach is one of the top places for a Florida vacation and there are so many fun things to do there. For more Miami travel tips, check out my Miami guide.

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