7 Ways to get Your Family Beach Ready

By Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau on Jun. 02, 2025

With a little preparation, every family can have a fun and comfortable beach day in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach.

Before you go, check out our handy and practical list to help you pack the perfect beach bag, and read on for our top seven before, during, and after beach tips to help everyone have a great time.

1. Sunscreen

We all know how important sunscreen is—especially on Florida Gulf Coast beaches—so this is just a reminder to bring plenty of it with you, at least 30 SPF.

Spray sunscreen is great for kids who may not want to hold still for traditional lotion, but be sure you cover every inch of them.
Apply at least 20 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply after swimming, toweling off, and every 30 minutes or so, even if no one is getting wet.

Remember: sand is reflective so even when you're in the shade, you're in the sun.

2. Beach Safety & Awareness

Before heading to the beach, have a family meeting to reinforce safety measures, and when on the beach:

Keep an eye on tides and currents, even in shallow water, and be sure everyone knows how to recognize a rip tide, indicated by a gap in the surf where the water is darker and calmer and moving away from the beach.
Follow all posted safety signs.
Teach kids the “buddy system” when playing in or near the water.
Designate a meeting spot in case someone wanders.

3. Snacks & Hydration

Even if you’re planning to have lunch at one of the restaurants steps from the beach (and you should!), pack some snacks for the family:

Freeze grapes, fruit cups, drink boxes, ice pops, berries, nuts, etc., and use them instead of (or in addition to less) ice to keep your cooler lighter and mess-free
Freeze botles of water, juice, or sports drinks to keep everyone hydrated and replenish electrolytes.
Put the frozen drinks and snacks at the bottom of the cooler, add a thick layer of paper towels, then add the lighter items like sandwiches, chips, trail mix, etc., on top. The paper towels help prevent sogginess and double as a quick clean-up.
Don't forget a bag for trash

4. Picture Perfect

Family enjoying the shoreline at Stump Pass Beach State Park Improve your beach pics by making sure the sun is behind the camera. That is, if you’re taking a picture of someone, make sure the sun is behind you. If you’re taking a selfie, make sure the sun is in front of you.

Also, if you’re posting pics on Instagram, tag us @RealPureFlorida and include the hashtag #BestSideOutside to let everyone know where you’re having your amazing beach day. You may find your pictures on our homepage!

5. Leave the Sand on the Beach

Bring along a large mesh laundry bag to carry sand toys, wet towels, etc. The mesh will allow the items to dry—and provide a way for most of the sand to fall out before you get to your car.

6. Water on Your Mind, Not in Your Ears

Also known as swimmer’s ear, water left in the ear canal can cause all sorts of problems, including not being able to hear people compliment your lovely tan! Here are two tips to help:

Bring a balloon along, and once you’re all done in the water, blow it up gently. Any water in your ear should slowly and safely trickle out.
The second method takes some preparation but it's the best remedy: create a solution of half Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and half white vinegar and put 3 to 4 drops in the affected ear (with the head tilted to the side). In about 30 seconds, tilt to the other side to allow the solution to drain out. The alcohol evaporates the water while the vinegar prevents bacteria from growing.

7. Post-Fun Clean-Up

Pack a small container of cornstarch to help remove sand from sensitive skin with no irritation. Just sprinkle a bit on the sandy areas, brush off, and go!

Bonus Outdoor Fun

The area also offers incredible opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding, fishing, boating, waterfront dining, hiking, birding, biking, golf, and much more.

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach offers the quintessential Florida outdoor experience, and we can’t wait to welcome you! #BestSideOutside #WeAreBeachReady

Author

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau

The Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau was established in 1997. The Visitor & Convention Bureau supports local businesses by promoting Charlotte County as a premiere travel destination, domestically and internationally, to consumers, meeting planners, travel trade and sports-rights holders.
We advocate for and promote Charlotte County as a warm, welcoming, and beautiful destination with positive economic growth and a focus on the preservation of natural resources to build a sustainable future for visitors and residents alike.
Learn more on our About Us Page and visit our Events Page to stay up to date on happenings in the area.
Blog content is created and reviewed by our amazing staff, (locals of course!). Through our posts we share those “in the know” tips, the “where the locals go” info, and the “places not to miss” to inspire travelers to visit. We share our knowledge by highlighting activities and events, the area’s unique natural appeal, and our prioritizing of conservation, sustainability, and accessibility. Our social media, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube in particular, focus on all there is to do, see, and eat in the area. Social posts and videos are created and shared by the VCB, by visitors, and sometimes by sponsored travel writers (always disclosed).
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, the Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast is Florida’s premier ecotourism destination, free from crowds and off the beaten path yet still offering the comfort and amenities discerning travelers seek. Our location on Charlotte Harbor means endless miles of natural shoreline and outdoor assets like beaches, nature preserves, and waterways of all kinds. Visitors can find unlimited outdoor pursuits like sailing, boating, world-class fishing, paddling, birding, biking, dining and arts. Come find out why “Our Best Side is Outside℠.”