What to Pack for Tampa: 10 Must-Haves in Your Suitcase

Be beach-ready and club-ready and anything-ready with this Tampa packing list.

Know what to pack for tampa while enjoying the sun with this Florida [vacation must-have](https://www.amazon.com/Sunscreens/b/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&node=15239990011&linkCode=ll2&tag=stm07a5-20&linkId=f76507561e3fddd58be10159bd515e43). Nothing ruins a beach vacation more than a bad sunburn.

You’ll live in them, so [choose](https://www.amazon.com/RB2132-605258-Transparent-Polarized-WAYFARER/dp/B01LR0D1UM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?imprToken=b1nQ8KzT6.6ZfOUWKUBnRA&slotNum=8&s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1519458304&sr=1-1-spons&nodeID=7141123011&psd=1&keywords=sunglasses+ray+ban+wayfarer+polarized&psc=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=stm07a5-20&linkId=f00e124deb7d1aaa32e0071c54bdd04d) wisely.

A nice bathing suit and a [cover up](https://www.amazon.com/Jeasona-Bathing-Swimsuit-Swimwear-Crochet/dp/B06XZWY9N1/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=stm07a5-20&linkId=3e8be8465e84ed30fa554e8e066fc1e0) should be the first things on your list of what to pack for Tampa. Both [men](https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_ss_tl?url=search-alias%3Dfashion-womens&field-keywords=mens+rashguard&rh=n%3A7147440011%2Ck%3Amens+rashguard&ajr=0&linkCode=ll2&tag=stm07a5-20&linkId=81a791696428b7043dcea4463241cffc) and [women](https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_ss_tl?url=search-alias%3Dfashion&field-keywords=women%27s+rash+guard&rh=n%3A7141123011%2Ck%3Awomen%27s+rash+guard&ajr=0&linkCode=ll2&tag=stm07a5-20&linkId=18dc223de56846b7d4172215bf907e25) should consider rash guards if they're going to be in the water a lot.

Everyone loves the beach but hates the sand that comes with it. Avoid getting sand everywhere with a [microfiber towel](https://www.amazon.com/Microfiber-Towel-Travel-compact-absorbent/dp/B00W22FZAY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=stm07a5-20&linkId=b32078aa9eba247db35018a08ed5934b). They dry quickly, are lightweight, and sand doesn’t stick to them. They’re truly obsession-worthy.

Florida is the land of alligators and mosquitoes, and only the former can be avoided. Invest on a [good repellent](https://www.amazon.com/REPEL-Eucalyptus-Natural-Insect-Repellent/dp/B004N59OFU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=stm07a5-20&linkId=0fe53954653929e2944975441ce44e46).

When deciding what to pack for Tampa, people often forget to include an outfit they don’t mind getting wet and dirty. Choose [something fun](https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Letter-Printed-Pullover-T-Shirt/dp/B01HEPE2IO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=stm07a5-20&linkId=26738550e79d7ef63835da17ed0d1c74) or [casual](https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_ss_tl?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=t+shirts+for+men&sprefix=t+shirts%2Cundefined%2C130&crid=2I1OEZ1B1WCUO&linkCode=ll2&tag=stm07a5-20&linkId=f809c8c2556c45dbfc75b8d84673ff44) that will withstand the inevitable splash attacks at Busch Gardens or the Florida Aquarium.

After a day of sunbathing or an unfortunate run-in with mosquitoes, a little [aloe](https://www.amazon.com/Aloe-Vera-GEL-Organic-MONEY-BACK/dp/B00XTTFI6K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=stm07a5-20&linkId=b18e2d3368fd19eaeb987945bb276502) will be a real lifesaver.

When you’re under the scorching sun, you need to keep hydrated. Save yourself the trouble of going on water runs with a [collapsible water bottle](https://www.amazon.com/HYDAWAY-Collapsible-Pocket-sized-Travel-Bottle/dp/B073R12BC4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=stm07a5-20&linkId=13a406abef2d85ad478cbf2eae49cea3).

Protect your gadgets from sand and water with a handy [lightweight case](https://www.amazon.com/Earth-Pak-Waterproof-Dry-Bag/dp/B01GZCUCO0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=stm07a5-20&linkId=ba1d995a85eb64aef4210deff998971b).

Though Florida will deliver on its promise of sunshine, you can also expect frequent [rainfall](https://www.amazon.com/Fidus-F009-Pink-Fidus-Ultra-light-Mini-Compact-Travel-Umbrella-Windproof-Portable-Parasol-Sun-Rain-Outdoor-Golf-Umbrella-With-95-UV-Protection-for-Women-Men-Kids-pink/dp/B075K75HS9/ref=as_li_ss_tl?th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=stm07a5-20&linkId=c898724c894ef86a194fed8a3e6820d1) throughout the year. Don’t let it catch you by surprise.

• Tampa Destination Guide
• The 10 Best Hotels in Tampa
• The Best Cheap Hotels in Tampa for Budget Travelers
• The 10 Best Tampa Beach Hotels
• 10 Fun Things to Do in Tampa
• 10 Must-See Tampa Attractions
• 10 Best Beaches in Tampa
• The Best Cheap Eats in Tampa
• The 10 Best Restaurants in Tampa
• 10 Great Tampa Restaurants on the Water
• What to Wear in Tampa
  
  – Original reporting by Mariana Zapata