What to pack for a stay at The Island Resort
Pack beach gear (sunscreen, reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, sun hat, sunglasses and a lightweight cover-up), a few evenings outfits, toiletries, and chargers. Bring walking-friendly shoes, items for kids (if travelling with family), any prescription medicines, and a printed or digital copy of your reservation and photo ID for check-in.
In this guide
Essentials to bring
Bring a photo ID and the credit card you used to book — the resort requires both at check-in, which begins at 4:00 PM. Keep a copy of your reservation and any contact numbers handy; BookResorts agents are available at +1 (888) 605-1350.
You should plan for a mandatory daily resort fee (it covers enhanced Wi‑Fi, beach access, pool/beach towels, daily entertainment and kids' activities), and the property may collect a refundable deposit at check-in.
- Photo ID and credit card (required at check-in)
- Reservation confirmation (printed or on your phone)
- Any required deposits or payment method for the refundable hold
- Prescription medications and copies of prescriptions
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Photo ID & credit card | Needed at check-in |
| Reservation confirmation | Speeds up front-desk process |
| Prescriptions | Not all pharmacies are on-site |
Beach and pool gear
The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach fronts about 600 feet of private sugar‑white sand and provides pool and beach towels with your stay, but many guests bring their own items for comfort and convenience.
The Grotto Pool has cascading waterfalls and a seasonal swim-up bar; the resort also maintains a year-round heated pool and an outdoor hot tub. Pool hours can vary, so check with the front desk or concierge on arrival.
- Sunscreen (reef-safe if you’ll swim in the Gulf)
- Swimwear, rash guard or swim shirt for sun protection
- Beach blanket or sand-friendly mat (resort provides chairs/umbrellas/rentals separately)
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag
- Flip-flops or water shoes
| Provided on property | You may still want |
|---|---|
| Pool & beach towels | Sun hat & sunglasses |
| Access to beach chair/umbrella rentals (on site) | Beach toys or snorkel set |
| Hot tub and heated pool | Waterproof speaker or book |
Clothing and footwear
Pack light, layered clothing for warm days and a light jacket for cooler evenings; seasonal temperatures vary and evenings can be cooler outside peak summer months.
Bring at least one set of casual evening clothes if you plan to dine at Sea Oats Kitchen & Bar, Cabana Cantina & Tequileria, The Beach Bar, or the other on-site venues; dress code for most on-site restaurants is casual.
- Day: shorts, t-shirts, sundresses
- Evening: casual smart outfit (polo/casual dress)
- Light sweater or windbreaker for breezy nights
- Closed-toe shoes if you’ll visit meeting rooms or event spaces
| Room types (examples) | Typical bed configurations |
|---|---|
| Standard Room | 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds |
| Junior Suite, with Sofa bed | 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed |
| Junior Suite, Multiple Beds | 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed |
Electronics, documents and money
Bring phone chargers, any travel adapters you need, and a portable battery. Free Wi‑Fi is included in guest rooms; the resort’s enhanced Wi‑Fi is part of the mandatory resort fee.
A small amount of cash is helpful for tips and small purchases, though most on-site restaurants and bars accept cards. Note that a card transaction surcharge may apply to card payments.
- Phone/tablet chargers and a power bank
- Camera or GoPro for beach photos
- Printed health insurance cards and emergency contacts
- Small amount of cash for tips and beach vendors
| Item | Tip |
|---|---|
| Phone charger & power bank | Pool and beach time drains batteries |
| Waterproof case | Protect devices at the shore or by the grotto |
| Payment card + backup | Card surcharge may apply |
Family, kids and pet items
The resort is family-friendly with kids' activities included in the daily resort fee and on-site recreation like mini golf. Pack familiar items to keep children comfortable during pool and beach time.
Dogs are welcome at The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach under the property's pet policy; a flat per-stay fee applies depending on the length of stay and a signed pet agreement is required.
- Kids: life jackets, sand toys, sunscreen for children, hat
- Baby/toddler: portable beach tent, swim diapers, stroller if needed
- Pet owners: leash, food, bowls, crate or bed, vaccination records and be ready to sign the pet agreement
| Guest type | Suggested items |
|---|---|
| Families with young kids | Life jacket, sand toys, snacks |
| Traveling with a dog | Leash, food, pet paperwork, crate |
| Teens & tweens | Portable charger, beach games |
In-room and hotel convenience items
Rooms include free Wi‑Fi and fitness-center access is included with stays. Guest laundry, ice machines, an ATM and a gift shop (The Island Market) are available on property if you need last-minute items.
If you prefer particular pillows or sleep aids, bring them along — while the resort provides standard in-room amenities, personal comfort items are not supplied.
- Sleep mask or travel pillow if you have specific preferences
- Small laundry detergent packets if you plan to use guest laundry
- Earplugs for light sleepers (pools and live music are part of daily entertainment)
| Amenity | What to bring if you rely on it |
|---|---|
| Fitness center | Workout clothes & shoes |
| Guest laundry | Detergent packets and a laundry bag |
| On-site dining | Any special dietary snacks you prefer |
