There’s something magical about summer in Jacksonville. The salty breeze that greets you as you step out of your car, the sound of waves crashing rhythmically against the shore, and the golden warmth of Florida sunshine hugging your skin—it’s the kind of place that invites you to linger. But that same Florida sunshine that looks so inviting can also be merciless if you aren’t prepared.

When I first started spending summers on Jacksonville’s beaches, I learned the hard way that a day in the sun here demands more than just a swimsuit and good vibes. My first trip, I brought only a bottle of drugstore sunscreen and a towel. By the time I packed up for the day, my shoulders were bright red, my lips felt chapped, and I swore I’d never let myself be so careless again. Since then, I’ve built a packing list of sun-protection essentials that I don’t leave home without.

This isn’t just a checklist for me—it’s become a survival guide that has made every summer beach day in Jacksonville infinitely more enjoyable. Whether you’re planning to spread your towel at Jacksonville Beach, stroll through the quieter sands of Neptune Beach, or spend the day at Hanna Park where the ocean meets pine forest trails, these items will keep you safe, comfortable, and ready to soak up every moment without the sting of sunburn as a souvenir.

So if this is your first time heading to Jacksonville’s beaches, here’s my 10-point guide to the sun-protection gear you absolutely must bring.

1. High-SPF Sunscreen That Stays Put

I used to underestimate sunscreen, thinking one quick slather in the morning was enough. Jacksonville taught me otherwise. With the sun reflecting off the sand and water, UV exposure doubles, and without a reliable sunscreen, you’re toast—literally.

What I pack now: at least two types of sunscreen. For my body, I use a broad-spectrum SPF 50 lotion that’s labeled “water-resistant for 80 minutes.” For my face, I carry a lightweight mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide—it doesn’t sting when I sweat and doesn’t break me out.

A trick I learned is to apply at home, at least 20 minutes before heading out, and then reapply every two hours. If I’m in and out of the water (and let’s be honest, at Jacksonville Beach I always am), I set a timer on my phone to remind myself.

I once skipped a midday reapplication at Hanna Park because I was too busy paddleboarding. By sunset, my thighs were so burned I could barely sit. Never again. Sunscreen is non-negotiable, and it’s worth buying quality brands.

Booking tip for supplies: If you’re traveling by plane and don’t want to pack big bottles, I order sunscreen ahead through Amazon or even pick it up at Target in Jacksonville Beach. If you’re bundling your beach trip with flights or hotels, Expedia often lists travel packages that leave wiggle room in your budget for stocking up on essentials.

2. A Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat

I used to laugh at big floppy hats, but the joke’s on me—they’ve saved me from countless sun headaches. Jacksonville’s sun hits hardest on your scalp and face, and no matter how much sunscreen you use, a hat provides shade that sunscreen alone can’t.

On one trip, I bought a packable straw hat at a local boutique in Atlantic Beach. It had a chin strap (a must—the beach winds here can flip your hat into the ocean in seconds) and a brim wide enough to shade my neck and shoulders. I never go without it now.

I’ve tried baseball caps too, but they just don’t cut it for all-day protection. Wide-brimmed hats are fashionable, functional, and make those beach selfies way cuter.

Travel hack: If you’re flying into Jacksonville and don’t want to crush your hat, check Booking.com or Hotels.com for hotels that have on-site boutiques. Resorts in Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra often sell beach-ready gear so you can pick one up after check-in.

3. UV-Protective Sunglasses

There’s something almost blinding about Jacksonville’s sand—it’s white, fine, and reflects sunlight like a mirror. The first time I forgot sunglasses, I spent hours squinting and left with a headache that ruined my evening.

Now I bring polarized sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection. Polarized lenses are especially handy because they cut down glare on the water—perfect when I’m watching surfers at Jacksonville Beach Pier or dolphins off Neptune Beach.

I also learned to bring a backup pair. Once, while body surfing, I lost my sunglasses to a wave. Now I carry a cheaper second pair for water play and keep my nicer ones safe when I’m lounging.

4. Lightweight Long-Sleeve Rash Guard

This one surprised me. A friend recommended I buy a rash guard after watching me reapply sunscreen obsessively. I picked up a UV-protective long-sleeve swim shirt, and it completely changed my beach days.

In Jacksonville, the midday sun can feel relentless. Throwing on a rash guard lets me spend hours boogie boarding without worrying about burning my shoulders. Plus, the fabric dries fast and keeps me a bit warmer when the Atlantic feels chilly.

Now it’s one of the first items I pack. My favorite is a zip-up style that I can slip on and off quickly. Parents I’ve met at Neptune Beach love them for kids too—it saves them from chasing kids around with sunscreen every hour.

5. SPF Lip Balm

This is the most overlooked item on most lists, but believe me, burned lips are miserable. After one particularly windy day at Jacksonville Beach, my lips were cracked, dry, and painfully swollen.

Now I carry a couple tubes of SPF 30 lip balm and keep one in my beach bag, one in my pocket. I reapply as often as I do sunscreen, especially after swimming or eating. Brands with a little tint are a bonus—they protect while giving you some color for those impromptu beach photos.

6. Portable Beach Umbrella or Pop-Up Tent

Sometimes the sun in Jacksonville feels like it has no mercy. Even with hats and sunscreen, I need a real shade break. A portable beach umbrella or a lightweight pop-up tent has saved me on countless occasions.

I once rented an umbrella right on Jacksonville Beach, but the price for the day was almost what I’d pay to own one. Now I travel with my own. They’re lightweight, fold into a bag, and set up in under five minutes.

At Hanna Park, I’ve seen families use full-on pop-up tents with mesh sides, turning the beach into a shaded living room. I don’t always go that big, but if you’re traveling with kids, it’s worth it.

Booking tip: Some local hotels and resorts include umbrellas or cabana rentals with your stay. When searching properties on Hotels.com or Expedia, check the amenities list carefully—you might save yourself the hassle of carrying your own.

7. Refillable Water Bottle with Insulation

Hydration is just as important as sunscreen. Jacksonville’s summer heat sneaks up on you. More than once, I’ve been so focused on enjoying the waves that I forgot to drink enough water, only to end up lightheaded.

I carry an insulated stainless-steel bottle now. It keeps water cold for hours, even when sitting in the sand. Some days, I fill it with electrolyte drinks to replace what I sweat out.

A tip I picked up: freeze half the bottle overnight, then top it off with water before heading out. By midday, it’s the most refreshing sip you’ll ever have.

8. Sand-Friendly Beach Mat

It might not sound like a sun-protection item, but hear me out. Lying directly on hot sand is uncomfortable and can even burn if the temperature spikes. Plus, when you’re uncomfortable, you’re less likely to reapply sunscreen properly because you’re constantly fidgeting.

I use a woven beach mat that shakes off sand easily. Unlike a towel, it doesn’t trap heat, so I can lounge comfortably under my umbrella. Some mats even come with built-in pockets for weighing them down with sand so they don’t blow away in the ocean breeze.

9. Aloe Vera Gel or After-Sun Lotion

No matter how careful I am, there are days when the sun sneaks past my defenses. That’s when aloe vera gel becomes my best friend. I keep a travel-sized bottle in my bag and a larger one back at the hotel fridge.

Applying chilled aloe after a beach day feels heavenly and helps calm skin before irritation sets in. I also like after-sun lotions with added vitamin E—they keep my skin from peeling and extend my tan.

One summer, after a long day at Neptune Beach, I forgot my aloe at home. My shoulders felt like they were on fire that night. Ever since, I never risk it.

10. A Lightweight Cover-Up or Beach Dress

The final item on my list is something stylish yet practical: a beach cover-up. Jacksonville is the kind of place where you’ll want to stroll from the sand to a nearby café, like grabbing fish tacos at TacoLu after a swim. A breezy cover-up protects your skin from more sun while letting you look put together.

I have a white cotton tunic that slips over my swimsuit. It’s breathable, covers my arms, and doubles as a casual outfit for grabbing coffee in Atlantic Beach. It’s also perfect when I’m waiting for rideshares or walking back to my hotel—the Florida sun doesn’t take breaks just because you’re done swimming.

Travel Platforms That Make Planning Easier

Packing the right sun gear is just one piece of the puzzle. When I plan a Jacksonville beach trip, I also think about flights, hotels, and even dining reservations. Over time, I’ve come to rely on a few platforms:

• Expedia: Best for bundling flights, hotels, and rental cars into one discounted package.
• Booking.com: My go-to for hotels with free cancellation. This is key if I’m watching the weather for potential summer storms.
• Hotels.com: Great for loyalty rewards—earn free nights after ten stays.
• OpenTable: Perfect for booking dinner reservations near Jacksonville Beach after a long day in the sun.
• Google Flights: Where I track airfare trends before locking in flights to Jacksonville International Airport.

Using these platforms has helped me save money and avoid the stress of last-minute scrambling.

Why Sun Protection Matters in Jacksonville

Jacksonville’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in Florida, but the combination of Atlantic reflection, strong UV index, and high humidity makes sun protection non-negotiable. The gear I’ve listed above isn’t about looking prepared—it’s about staying safe, healthy, and comfortable enough to actually enjoy the trip.

I’ve had trips where I came home glowing with memories of sandcastles, fish tacos, and dolphin sightings. I’ve also had trips where a missed reapplication of sunscreen left me wincing for days. The difference between the two was simply being prepared.

So when you pack for Jacksonville this summer, take this list seriously. Bring the wide-brimmed hat, the rash guard, the aloe vera, and the insulated bottle. Trust me—future you will thank you.