Heading to the beach? Use our Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List to ensure your trip is as stress free as possible. Packing can be a big concern, especially when traveling to a new and unfamiliar place. Save yourself the extra worry and money of last-minute purchases with this easy to use packing checklist for any beach vacation. Just click on the image below to download and print an easy-to-use checklist of all the items you’ll want to include.
What to Pack for a Beach Vacation
Below you’ll find a tried and true list of what to pack for a beach vacation from the must-have essentials to items that will make your beach getaway even better than expected. Check out the video at the bottom of this article for some need-to-know travel tips from our editors. There’s one specific travel hack that will keep you organized and neat throughout your entire trip.
Beach Essentials
Bathing suits
Whether you plan on exploring the low-key beach town, lounging in the sun or snorkeling for the day, be sure to pack a bathing suit, like this Trina Turk tropical one piece, on your beach vacation. Wear what you feel the most comfortable in, and be sure to pack some extras. No one likes putting on a wet suit!
Beach cover-up
For running back to the hotel room, grabbing a quick beach-side bite or just to protect your skin from the sun’s rays, a beach cover-up allows you to have some quick coverage. This simple Billabong Women’s Lovechild Cover Up is both effortlessly chic and effective at shielding your skin from especially sunny days. A favorite among men is this Columbia PFG Bahama II Long Sleeve Shirt, it’s both breathable, light and the material has UV protection, great for fishing trips and long beach days.
Sunglasses
Squinting in the sun is no fun! Make sure sunglasses are at the top of your beach vacation packing list. We recommend not toting your most valuable designer shades at the beach because sand and salt water can damage sunglasses. Bring along a cheap but stylish pair of shades for practical eye protection from the sun. These SOJOS Classic Aviator Mirrored Flat Lens Sunglasses are stylish and won’t break the bank, meaning you don’t have to worry if you drop them in the sand or lose them at sea.
Hat
Choose from a baseball hat or a big floppy sun hat. These accessories can be both stylish and practical, acting as a shield from the sun’s strong rays. For the best protection, pack a hat that shades your face, chest and shoulders. Make a statement with this fun embroidered sun hat.
Beach towel
Many hotels or resorts will supply beach towels. Check in advance that you’ll have access to beach towels at the pool before your trip to avoid over packing.
Beach bag
Don’t use your favorite purse or bag to tote your beach items back and forth! Opt for a large bag made especially for the beach, this one has compartments for all of your storage needs. You can find lots of cute and fun options that will prevent you from finding sand in your day-to-day bag for years to come.
Sandals/Flip flops
Ever put on soggy sneakers or shoes filled with sand? Avoid this beach faux pas by packing beach appropriate sandals or flip flops. The most practical options are easily washable, allowing you to hose off any unwanted sand after a long beach day, these Reef Fanning Mens Sandals are perfect for men, and they have a quirky bottle opener attached for those refreshing beach-side beverages.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated in the sun, but also stay eco-conscious. Add a reusable water bottle to your beach vacation packing list so you can just refill and be ready to go. Healthy Human creates a range of insulated stainless steel water bottles that stay cold for up to 24 hours!
Sunscreen/Sunblock
Apply and reapply SPF any time you are out and about to avoid skin damage and sun burn. Be sure to check rules and regulations for sunscreen and sunblock in your destination as many beach cities are ruling out harmful SPFs to protect the environment. Stream2Sea specializes in biodegradable sunscreen products that won’t harm the ocean.
Lip balm
Chapped lips? Keep your lips soft and smooth, even after hours on the beach. The sun, sea breeze and salt water can take a toll on your perfect pout. Pack a moisturizing lip balm with SPF to protect your smile. We recommend Sun Bum’s SPF 30 Lip Balm.
Aloe vera/After-sun lotion
So you’ve spent a little too much time in the sun? We’ve all been there! Be sure to bring along aloe vera to reduce the redness and sooth irritated skin. NaturSense makes an organic after-sun gel that soothes skin from all types of irritants from sun burn to razor bumps.
Insect repellent
In any tropical destination, there are often pests. Whether it be at dusk or on certain excursions, you’ll be grateful for a spritz of this bug spray.
Disposable wipes
On hot days, you’ll appreciate some refreshing cleansing wipes. These Biodegradable disposable wipes by GoodWipes are made with soothing tea tree and aloe, perfect for any mid-afternoon clean up.
Baby powder
Beach travel hack right here! Baby powder is a go-to for beach goers who want to remove the unwanted sand from their bodies, without rubbing their skin raw with a beach towel. Simply sprinkle on some Johnson’s Baby Powder, and the sand brushes right off.
Safety/Flotation devices (if needed)
You’ll probably want to float in the ocean at some point during your beach vacation. Get in on the giant swan floatie Instagram craze with Swimline’s Giant Inflatable Swan Pool Float. As always, we recommend that you never leave children unattended and never fall asleep on an unsecured raft.
Extras to Pack for the Beach
- Cooler
- Beach umbrella
- Beach blanket
- Chairs
- A good book
- Music player or speaker
- Snorkel mask & fins
- Water toys
- Beach toys
Items to Pack for Any Beach Vacation
Clothes to Pack for Your Beach Vacation
- Underwear
- Socks
- Undershirts
- Pajamas
- T-shirts
- Dress shirts
- Casual shirts
- Jeans
- Pants
- Shorts
- Dresses
- Skirts
- Sweaters/Sweatshirts
- Light jacket
- Casual shoes
- Dress shoes
- Belts
- Accessories
Toiletries to Pack for Your Beach Vacation
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Soap
- Deodorant
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Brush/Comb
- Hair products
- Moisturizer
- Contact lenses
- Saline solution
- Shaving supplies
- Makeup
- Makeup remover
- Feminine hygiene products
- Hand sanitizer
- Bandages
- Medications
- Pain reliever
- Vitamins
Travel Items to Pack
- Passport/Visa
- Copies of documents
- Other identification
- Medical insurance card
- Travel insurance card
- List of medications
- Emergency contact
- Cell phone
- Electronic chargers
- Voltage adaptor
- Itinerary
- Directions (printed out)
- Wallet
- Cash
- Credit/ATM Card
- Snack
What to Pack in Your Carry-On
- Books or e-books
- iPad or iPod
- Headphones/Pods
- Travel blanket
- Travel pillow
- Tissues
- Lip balm
- Change of clothes
- Snacks
- In-flight medications
- Valuables (jewelry)
- Passport & documents
- Pen & paper
- Cash
- Credit/ATM cards
- Insurance cards
- Itinerary
- Keys
