Beach Packing List: Essentials for Your Beach Vacation

It’s finally summer, and that means everybody is dreaming of a beach vacation. But before you head to the coast, you need to decide what to pack. I’ve rounded up all the things to pack for a beach vacation in my ultimate beach packing list!

The sun-kissed shores and refreshing ocean breeze await! But before you sink your toes in the sand, you’ll need to pack all the beach essentials.

Whether you’re heading beachside in the USA, relaxing in the Caribbean, enjoying the quiet beaches of Europe, or island hopping in South-East Asia, my list of beach essentials will cover everything you need. Use this ultimate beach packing list to prepare everything from what to wear to the best travel gear to pack.

TOP PICKS: 3 BEACH VACATION MUST-HAVES

Don’t have time to read the entire article? Here are the 3 must-have essentials to pack for your beach vacation:

A mesh beach bag for all your beach gear
A beach towel
Plenty of reef-safe sunscreen

Post Contents

Things to Pack for a Beach Vacation

Ready to take the ultimate beach vacation? Whether you’re a seasoned beachcomber or a first-time traveler, my comprehensive beach packing list has you covered! You can also download my FREE beach packing list here.

The Beach Basics

For a great beach vacation, you’ll want to pack a wardrobe that is light, breezy, and comfortable. You’ll need to be prepared for hot summer weather during the day.

But keep in mind that many beaches often get chilly when the sun goes down, so bring a light jacket for that cold wind coming off the ocean.

Don’t forget your bathing suit! You might consider bringing two swimsuits so you always have a dry one to wear. Rash guards and swim leggings are also a great option for keeping your skin protected from the sun while you swim.

For shoes, you’ll want to pack flip-flops, sandals, water shoes, or lightweight tennis shoes.

A wet clothing bag will come in handy for any swimsuits and other clothing that didn’t fully dry before you have to pack up and head home. Nobody wants a suitcase full of damp, sandy clothes! You can bring plastic grocery bags for this purpose or buy special water-resistant bags just for your wet things.

Choose a dedicated mesh or nylon beach bag and have it packed and ready to go with all your beach gear. It’s even better if your beach bag has waterproof pockets inside or a waterproof pouch for storing your keys, wallet, and cell phone.

Stock your beach bag with plenty of sunscreen, bug repellant, sunglasses, a hat, a beach blanket, and towels.

Beach Entertainment

Come prepared with things to do while at the beach. What you pack really depends on your beach style.

For some people, a beach chair and a good book is all they really need. If this is your style, you may also want to bring along a sun shelter or an umbrella to provide a little shade.

Kids will love to stay entertained at the beach with sand castle tools and other fun beach toys.

Other great beach entertainment include snorkel gear, floats (my donut inner tube is my favorite thing!), boogie boards, swim goggles, a waterproof camera, and a portable waterproof speaker.

And don’t forget the snacks and water! It’s always important to stay hydrated at the beach. You can pack it all into a soft-sided insulated cooler bag that will be easier to carry than a bulky cooler.

Beach Clothing to Pack

As I’ve mentioned, you’ll want to pack comfortable but light-weight clothing suitable for warm weather. This could include shorts and skirts, t-shirts, short sleeves, and summer dresses. You’ll also want to have a light sweater or long sleeve shirt for the cooler nights so you don’t get too chilly.

A swim shirt or rash guard is a great thing to pack if you don’t want to spend all day reapplying sunscreen or if you expect the water to be chilly. Swim leggings are also useful for this purpose.

If you’re planning a romantic beach trip with your significant other, you should pack some dressier outfits for a romantic night out or if you decide to go to a fancy restaurant.

In addition to your beach flip flops and sandals, be sure to pack tennis shoes and socks and any other active wear for any strenuous activity. If you’re looking for beach adventure, like a zipline or horseback riding, these activities may require closed-toed shoes.

And don’t forget to pack your pajamas and underwear! These items are so easy to forget once you start focusing on your beach packing.

Toiletries

Remember to pack beach-specific toiletries in addition to your regular toiletries.

Since the sun, sand, and salt water can wreak havoc on your hair and skin, make sure you bring along a good moisturizing shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, and face lotion.

You should also pack plenty of sunscreen, of course. And don’t neglect the SPF lip balm or Chapstick. Be sure to bring along some aloe vera gel as well for any sunburn that might happen.

Beach Essentials List

Swimsuits
Cover-ups
Rash guards/Swim leggings
T-shirts
Shorts
Sun dresses
Sandals/Flip-flops
Water shoes
Lightweight tennis shoes
Sun hats
Sunglasses
Light jacket or sweater
Sunscreen
Aloe vera
Shampoo/Conditioner
Body wash
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Deodorant
Razor/Shaving cream

Beach towels
Beach blanket
Beach bag
Beach chairs
Umbrella
Cooler
Water bottles
Floats/Innertubes
Snorkel gear
Books/Magazines
Beach games (e.g., frisbee, volleyball)
Waterproof phone case
Wet clothing bag
Portable waterproof speaker
Travel documents (ID, passport)
Wallet/Cash/Credit cards
Camera
First aid kit
Snacks

Beach Essentials FAQ

What items do you pack for a beach trip?

For a beach trip, some essential items you’ll want to pack include sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimsuit, beach towels, a beach bag, flip-flops, a beach blanket or towel, a reusable water bottle, some snacks, a first-aid kit, a portable charger, and beach-friendly clothing.

What not to bring to a beach?

Some things you’ll want to leave behind when you go to the beach include items that are easily damaged, are hazardous, or pose a safety risk. Don’t bring glass containers, expensive jewelry, delicate fabrics, and unnecessary electronics. You’ll also want to check local beach regulations regarding items like alcohol and loud music.

What clothing should you avoid wearing to the beach?

When at the beach, you’ll want to avoid wearing clothing made of heavy, non-breathable fabrics like denim or wool. You’ll also want to leave the overly formal or restrictive clothing at home. And you may not want to wear clothes with elaborate embellishments or jewelry that could be damaged by the sand or saltwater.

More Packing Tips

Check out these top packing guides to help get you ready for your next vacation.

Ready to take a vacation? Plan your trip with these tips.

Find cheap accommodation: Use my tips for finding cheap accommodation for travel every time.
Book your flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
Pack for your vacation: Make sure you’ve packed everything you need by checking out my packing list resources.

Cheers!

Paige

Beach Essentials List: Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List

Did you find this beach essentials list helpful? Will you be using this beach packing list? Let me know in the comments!

Beach Packing List: Essentials for Your Beach Vacation