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What do you need to pack for the beach? Whether you’re on a 3-day beach trip or a 7-day beach vacation, there are just some must-have items that you should never forget on your beach packing list. This includes essentials such as beachwear, sunscreen, and a beach blanket. In addition to these beach necessities, there are a few other things to take to the beach that may not seem as obvious. Don’t fret, though, because we’ve got you covered!
We have curated the ultimate packing list for beach vacation trips. Regardless, if you’re traveling as a family or going on a romantic Caribbean vacation for couples, you won’t forget anything if you follow this beach checklist!
The Ultimate Beach Packing List
Here’s a free beach packing list printable for your next beach vacation!
Beach Bag and Luggage
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Before heading to the sandy shores, consider the bag and luggage to bring with you. The size and shape of your bag depend on how long your trip is and where. If it’s a simple beach day or weekend trip, you can probably get away with using only a small duffle bag for all your items. Longer trips to a different state or country, on the other hand, will require a larger backpack or suitcase in addition to your carry-on luggage.
Now, for the actual bag, you’ll want something sturdy and roomy enough to fit your beach essentials. Opt for a beach bag made from either mesh or nylon, as these materials are known to be lightweight and durable. Moreover, they are also resistant to sand, dirt, and water. And thus are easy to clean. Besides a waterproof bag, you’ll need a separate dry bag or sack to protect valuables and electronics. Alternatively, you can use them to separate your wet clothes from the other contents of your beach bag.
Bonus Tip: Packing cubes are genius packing items every traveler must have to keep your beach and swimwear organized inside your luggage. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Product Recommendations:
- A duffle bag with ample space is great for quick weekend beach trips, while a large backpack with wheels is best for extended vacations.
- A roomy waterproof beach bag with plenty of storage space for your sunscreen, water bottles, towels, and other beach accessories.
- Keep your valuables and electronics separate from any wet clothes or towels with a dry sack.
- Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Beach Clothing To Pack
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No beach getaway is complete without sporting the appropriate beach vacation outfits. While some may say that a swimsuit and basic cover-up are all you need, there are still a few clothing items you want to bring with you. This is especially true if you plan on venturing away from the sand and hit up local attractions and restaurants. Casual button-downs, polo shirts, and chino shorts or wide-leg pants are some items to include in a gentleman’s beach packing list. Meanwhile, women certainly can’t go wrong by wearing chic, flowy dresses, rompers, and halter tops with high-waisted shorts.
Take note, if you’re staying at one of the beach resorts in the USA, make sure to check the establishment’s dress code requirements. Each resort has its own set of dress codes when roaming around the premises. This can range from resort casual to formal resort attire.
Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Product Recommendations:
- Men can pair casual button-downs with chino shorts or polo shirts with wide-leg pants as resort wear.
- Dresses or rompers allow for women to comfortably stroll through boardwalks or beachside stores and restaurants. Meanwhile, halter tops with high-waisted shorts are casual pieces ideal for ladies who plan on lounging by the sand but not getting into the water. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Swimwear
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Your beach packing list swimwear comes down to preference. Ladies can pick a one-piece bathing suit or a two-piece bikini, while gents choose swim trunks or board shorts, often with a tank top or swim shirt. Bolder options for less crowded shores include square-cut shorts, swim briefs, or thongs.
Pack at least one rash guard for extra sun protection in the water; matching ones work well for couple swimwear photos. For colder waters, bring a wetsuit to stay warm. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Product Recommendations:
- Swimwear for ladies can range from modest one-piece bathing suits to two-piece bikini sets.
- Lads can never go wrong with swim trunks or board shorts with a tank top or swim shirt for a dip in the ocean. Men can also opt to wear square-cut shorts or swim briefs, or even thongs.
Beach Footwear
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Flip-flops and sandals are the most common beach footwear. They protect your feet from hot sand and rocky shorelines. For additional protection, pack a pair of water shoes, which work well on the beach and traditional hiking trails. Choose a pair that is waterproof and sand proof, so you won’t track dirt back to your car or hotel room. They should also be lightweight, easy to slip on and off, and comfortable. When you’re not on the sand, you might also consider how to book round-trip flights with different airports to extend your coastal trip—but that’s a separate packing note.
Product Recommendations:
- Flip-flops and sandals are beachwear staples for many, but don’t forget to bring water shoes to protect your feet against any sharp rocks on the beach.
Beach Accessories To Pack
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When crafting your beach packing list you may want to include accessories such as waterproof watches and beach appropriate jewelry. A water-resistance timepiece comes in handy when snorkeling in Florida or surfing the waves of Maui. Make sure the timepiece you bring is impervious to scratches and can withstand exposure to seawater.
For ladies planning on bringing jewelry, stainless steel and plated or filled pieces are your best bet if you wish to look stylish but still be practical. Resin is another untarnishable material to consider, plus a more inexpensive option. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Product Recommendations:
- Waterproof watches that can withstand salt water and sand are essentials for many water-sports enthusiasts.
- Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but you may want to skip them for a beach trip. Instead, opt for simple gold filled anklet bracelets and acrylic resin earrings.
Swim and Beach Gear To Pack
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Depending on the hotel, resort or vacation rental you’re staying at, you may not need to pack much beach gear. Some lodging options already provide beach chairs, beach tents, or beach umbrellas for guests. Skip the beach towels too since they’re typically provided. If hygiene is a concern, pack one, or bring a beach blanket that doubles as one to save space. You’ll want sturdy beach towel clips to keep everything in place against the wind. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Planning water sports? Include your own diving and snorkel gear—rentals exist, but bringing your own ensures cleanliness and a better fit.
Product Recommendations:
- A beach umbrella with a large canopy will shade and protect you against harmful UV rays while reclining back on lightweight and comfy beach chairs. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for more privacy, a beach tent with a zippered front should be on your beach packing list.
- Ultra-lightweight, highly absorbent, and quick-drying beach towels are great to dry yourself off post-swim and wipe sand off with. Bring along sturdy beach towel clips to keep your towels from flying away.
- A sand-proof and waterproof beach blanket allows you to lounge on the beach without getting any sand and dirt stuck to your skin.
- A diving and snorkel gear set is a must for many who want to skip the line at gear rental facilities.
- Beach toys such as beach balls, water lacrosse sets, and frisbees are great beach activities for young ones and those young at heart.
Toiletries To Pack
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Many hotels and resorts provide standard toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, face and body wash, and toothpaste, so you may not need to bring your own. If you do, pack travel-sized versions or transfer them into refillable travel bottles.
Bonus Tip: Pack baby powder. Talcum powder’s hydrophilic properties absorb moisture, making it easy to brush off sand from hands and feet. Also, choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Product Recommendations:
- Travel-friendly toiletries for men and women packed in a leak-proof travel kit.
- Dusting baby powder on your skin is a convenient way to remove sand from your body.
Sun Protection
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No beach vacation packing list is complete without sun protection. When relaxing on the shores of the best California beaches you’ll need to keep yourself protected against harmful sun rays. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Note that some sunscreens can contain ingredients that are harmful to the marine ecosystem. Go for a reef-safe sunscreen that not only protects you from both UVA and UVB rays, but likewise keeps corals and other aquatic life safe.
Your lips will need some sun protection, too. As such, don’t forget to invest in a good SPF lip balm, as well. Want a summer glow while still protecting your skin against sun damage? The best tanning oils with SPF will achieve a healthy bronzy glow! On top of sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses are beach accessories that will provide you with added sun protection.
Product Recommendations:
- Keep your skin protected from adverse effects of UV rays with a reef-friendly sunscreen that is non-greasy, water-resistant, and formulated for all skin types. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Keep your lips smooth and hydrated with a lip balm with SPF.
- Get a healthy luminous summer glow with tanning oil with SPF.
- Polarized sunglasses are great for protecting your eyes from any harmful glares, while a sun hat with a wide brim will keep your scalp and face from burning.
Health and First Aid
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Always pack a first aid kit, even for minor cuts and scrapes that can turn serious if untreated. Include band-aids, gauze, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes, plus antiseptic, aspirin, and antihistamine for common emergencies. Add soothing aloe vera gel for sunburn, and bring insect repellent for dawn and dusk when beach bugs and sandflies are active. A travel pill organizer keeps prescriptions and vitamins sorted. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Bonus Tip: Carry a small container with vinegar for jellyfish stings—studies show the acid stops venom release and soothes burning. If you’re cruising, note that not all ships have medical facilities for every emergency, so check ahead if you need dialysis on board.
Product Recommendations:
- Mini first aid kit complete with essentials to help treat scrapes and cuts immediately.
- An insect repellent that provides protection from beach flies and bugs while also leaving your skin smooth and non-greasy.
- In case you do get too much sun exposure, aloe vera will help soothe your skin from sunburn.
- A travel pill organizer to hold your medicine and vitamins while on a 7-day beach vacation. Durable enough to withstand slight air turbulence or bumps on the road while traveling.
Toddler Beach Packing List
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Traveling with kids? Family beach vacations are fun, but not without the right gear. Besides the items mentioned above, bring beach and sand toys to keep little ones entertained. Introducing your baby to swimming in the sea? Pack swim diapers on top of regular ones if they aren’t potty trained yet. A life jacket and floaties are also beach essentials for babies and toddlers, so they can safely run around in or near the water. You’ll also want a pair of water shoes for kids to protect their feet against hot sand and pebbly shores. And while socks might not seem necessary, toddler socks with grips let little ones walk or run around hotel rooms without slipping.
Besides sunscreen for babies, pack a baby beach tent for added sun protection—toddlers’ skin is more sensitive than adults’. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Look for a tent that’s easy to assemble, lightweight, and offers UV protection. Other features to look for include stakes or sand pockets to hold it in place, even on a windy day. Proper ventilation is key to prevent overheating, so pick one with at least one mesh panel.
Product Recommendations:
- Watch your kids make sand castles with a castle mold set while you get your natural tan in one of the sun loungers.
- Prevent any untoward accidents while teaching your little ones to swim with diapers designed specifically to contain any mess while in the water.
- A pair of coast-guard approved life jackets and floaties and water shoes for kids allows them to safely splash around the waters.
- Back in your hotel room, toddler socks with grips will help prevent young ones from slipping when walking on hardwood floors or other smooth surfaces.
- Pop-up baby beach tents with a little dent in the middle of the bottom part, which you can fill with water, are great solutions to little ones still hesitant to go into the ocean.
- Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Gadgets and Other Electronics
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Many dream of beach escapades to unplug and relax. Although, there’s a myriad of gadgets that can make your vacation at the best pink beaches in the world even more enjoyable!
On top of the electronics on your beach packing list should be, of course, your smartphone. However, to ensure its safety and protection against accidental splashes of water, you will need a waterproof phone case. A waterproof pouch with a detachable lanyard ensures that you could keep your mobile phone with you even when you’re swimming 100 feet underwater. The best part? You can still use your phone’s touch screen while inside the pouch! That means you’d be able to take beautiful underwater photographs and videos. Not sold on the idea of taking your smartphone in the water? Go for a dedicated underwater camera instead!
Meanwhile, enhance your time on the shores by playing some of the best tunes out there on a portable speaker. Admittedly, it’s not what most people consider an essential thing to take to the beach. Nevertheless, we can’t deny a holiday vacation is certainly more fun when it’s accompanied by your favorite songs. For those who are planning on sneaking a little work while on vacation, your laptop and tablet should definitely be part of your beach packing list. Bookworms out there may want to consider bringing an ebook reader with them. Don’t forget to bring all your charging cables and a solar-powered power bank to recharge our phone and other gadgets. A travel adapter and converter will likewise come in handy if you’re traveling to a different country.
Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it generously before heading out, and reapply every two hours—or more often if you’ve been swimming or sweating. This simple step protects your skin from harmful UV rays while you enjoy the waves. For a seamless trip, consider how far is the cruise port from Fort Lauderdale’s main attractions if you’re stopping there; planning ahead saves time for beach fun. Also, if you’re flying to the coast, remember to add a trip to your Southwest account to earn points toward future getaways. These small logistics let you focus on the sun, sand, and surf.
Product Recommendations:
- A waterproof phone case and pouch will keep your phone safe while water skiing or parasailing while an underwater camera will capture all your underwater adventures.
- Jam out to all your and your friend’s favorite tunes all day long with a portable Bluetooth speaker with an impressive battery life.
- Leave heavy hardbounds or paperbacks of your favorite books and opt for a lightweight ebook reader instead.
- A solar-powered power bank will keep all your gadgets and electronics running until you get back to your accommodation.
- Power up your gadgets and electronics after a long flight overseas with a travel adapter and converter.
- Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Other Beach Miscellaneous
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Snacks and drinks are beach must-haves. Plenty of people turn to traditional coolers to keep food and refreshments cold. However, they can be too bulky for a beach vacation. Instead, opt for a cooler backpack for a hands-free way to transport ice, beer, and sandwiches. When choosing the best cooler backpack, look for one with thick and even insulation. It should have enough room for all your food and drinks, but still be lightweight and comfortable to carry. Padding on the back panel is also important since you wouldn’t want to get poked by whatever contents are inside.
Meanwhile, stay hydrated by packing a reusable water bottle. Don’t want to take up unnecessary space inside your cooler? Go for an insulated water bottle, so your water stays cold all day. If you’re traveling light, collapsible water bottles may be more suitable. Furthermore, bring disposal bags to collect any trash. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Product Recommendations:
- A cooler backpack is a great way to transport snacks while keeping them cool and safe to eat.
- Stay hydrated with a reusable, insulated water bottle.
What Not to Bring to the Beach
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Now that we’ve discussed what to bring to the beach, let’s take a quick look at the things you should definitely leave at home.
- Skip tight clothing items in dark colors made from heavyweight fabric, like denim.
- Avoid wearing sneakers and boots to the beach.
- Leave expensive or priceless pieces at home. After all, you wouldn’t want to lose your engagement ring or favorite pair of earrings.
Also, skip any sunscreen with an SPF lower than 30. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. While you’re at it, don’t pack your finest beach reads or heirloom towels—sand and salt will take a toll. And unless you’re planning to book round-trip flights with different airports right after, leave your travel documents and laptop in the hotel safe.
The Only Beach Checklist You’ll Need for Your Next Beach Vacation
Packing for any vacation can be daunting, especially when traveling with toddlers or teenage girls and boys. Refer to this beach packing list, so you don’t have to worry about what you shouldn't forget when packing for the beach. All you need to focus on now is basking in the sun and sand of the best beaches, whether it’s for a quick, cheap weekend getaway or a week-long holiday vacation. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
