Congrats! You must have a beach vacation coming up. How exciting! If you’re here, you could probably use a bit of help with packing.
It can be super daunting and stressful making sure you don’t forget anything. Well, not anymore!
Here you’ll find everything you need and may want to add to your packing list for a beach vacation.
Not only we will provide a packing list, but also helpful tips, and links to products you may be interested in.
You can focus on the planning and excitement surrounding your beach vacation and leave the packing list to us!
For all those organized packers out there and those who throw things in a bag and call it good, we’re here to help.
Whether you enjoy packing and planning outfits or dread the process, this post will help you organize so that you won’t forget anything for your magical beach vacation.
Ultimate Packing List for a Beach Vacation
Now that you’ve put a little thought into your trip and what you might want to do while on your beach vacation, you’re ready for the ultimate beach vacation packing list.
Hopefully, you’ll feel empowered and prepared to take on the packing process by the end. It’s not as scary as it can seem.
In fact, take it one step at a time and focus on the essential things, and you’ll be golden.
Essentials to Pack
Let’s start with the only items you cannot leave without. You should pack these first because forgetting any of the items below could ruin your entire trip.
Unlike forgotten shampoo or a t-shirt, these items are not easy to replace while you’re somewhere else in the world If you start by packing these items, the rest will follow.
Anything else can be purchased on your vacation, whereas your essentials are more challenging to replace.
- ID/Passport
- Cards/Cash
- Medication, glasses, contacts, prescriptions.
1. Beach Bag
A beach bag is essential for a beach vacation. You’ll need something to carry your belongings in when you head to the beach.
This beach bag is perfect because it’s mesh so it won’t collect sand and track it into your hotel room or Airbnb. It can also easily fit all your beach items in it.
2. Backpack Cooler
This backpack cooler is an easy way to carry all your drinks to the beach, without having to deal with a massive cooler.
Let’s face it, your hands are probably going to be full with everything else you are bringing to the beach, so might as well make your job easier.
3. Wine Tumblers
If you are not a beer drinker, you are going to want something to keep your drink cool while you are soaking up the rays on the beach.
These wine tumblers are a great addition to any beach packing list. You will be happy you have them.
4. Pop Up Beach Tent
If you are going to be spending all day in the sun, you are going to want a break from it. This pop tent will help you and everyone else get some shade when they are ready for it.
It is lightweight and easy to carry down to the beach. Your skin will thank you for having it.
5. Sunscreen Diversion Safe
It is fun for everyone to go for a dip in the water all at the same time, but not always the smartest idea to leave your valuables on the beach unattended. This sunscreen diversion safe is a smart way to detour thieves from your valuables on the beach.
Go enjoy your swim while you know your valuables are protected.
6. Waterproof Speaker
If you are going to be spending the day on the beach you are most likely going to want some tunes to play. You want a good waterproof speaker that is not going to be too loud that your neighbors can’t hear their thoughts over it, but you also want a decent sound.
This JBL is great because it is small enough to throw in your beach bag but still puts out a decent sound.
7. Reef Safe Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must-have item. On a beach vacation, the sun will be warm and burn your skin if you’re not protected, especially if you’re not used to the sun.
When you choose sunscreen, make sure it’s reef-safe sunscreen to protect the ocean while you are protecting your skin.
8. Swimsuit
Ok, this one is a no-brainer, but just incase you were thinking about maybe leaving yours behind, I wouldn’t do it. One of the most essential items of all is your swimsuit.
If you are on your beach vacation for a week, you may want to bring several swimsuits.
9. Beach Cover Up
To go with your swimsuits, you’ll surely want coverups. They’re super light and airy and way more comfortable than having to put on jean shorts in the warm weather.
They also look stylish and super put together. There are tons of coverups to choose from, depending on your style.
10. Sand Proof Blanket
This is a great addition to add to any beach vacation packing list. Easy to throw down on the sand and make yourself comfortable. If you don’t want to deal with carrying big bulky chairs with you this will do.
11. Beach Chairs
Ok, if you really want to be comfortable on your beach vacation and you have the space to invest in some beach chairs, do it! Your back and your butt will thank you at the end of the day. After all you are on holiday, so might as well make the most of it.
12. Insulated Water Bottle
You are going to be on the beach all day long in the hot hot sun, you want to ensure you stay hydrated. The best way to do that is to ensure that your water stays cold.
Invest in a good insulated water bottle, so you will want to keep drinking water.
13. Beach Games
You may or may not be the type of person that gets bored sitting on the beach all day, or you may want something to entertain the kids while you enjoy your book.
Be sure to bring some sort of activity whether it is to keep you entertained, or others entertained so you can enjoy the day.
14. Good Beach Book
Nothing says vacation better than being able to read that book you have been meaning to read. So go ahead and be sure not to forget that reading material you have been putting off.
A waterproof bag can come in handy to avoid worrying about your items getting ruined by water, like your cell phone or camera. There are tons of options, including waterproof bags that float so you’ll never lose your belongings.
15. Leave-in Conditioner
Spending all day in and out of the ocean is not so friendly on the hair. Be sure you bring a good leave-in conditioner with added UV protection.
Your hair will thank you as you will be able to brush it without any damage.
16. Good Pair of Flip Flops
You want a good pair of flip-flops to wear to the beach, one that you don’t mind getting wet. A good pair of rubber flip-flops will help keep the sand on the beach and away from your car and hotel.
Be sure to wear rubber ones and not leather, as they tend not to do the best when wet.
17. Sun Hat
It is important to protect your face from the sun. Not only do you need to wear good sunscreen on your face, it is also important to protect it with some extra shade. No one wants premature wrinkles. For more ideas on the best sun hats for travel
18. Polarized Sunglasses
Not only is it important to protect your face, but also your eyes. Be sure to wear polarized sunglasses to ensure your eyes don’t get sunburnt. You only have one pair of them, so be sure to take care of them.
19. Underwater Camera
If you are snorkeling or partaking in other water activities, you may want to consider bringing a waterproof underwater camera. It’s a great way to take a snapshot of your underwater memories. They are not too expensive either, so it’s a great investment.
20. Portable Charger
If you plan on spending all day at the beach, you are probably going to want to bring an extra charger with you. Since there won’t be anywhere to plug in your phone on the beach. This will keep your phone battery charged all day.
21. Poncho Towel
This one is just a fun thing to have on the beach. It is easy to throw on, keeps the sun off of your back, and helps to dry you off. Plus, they are easy to throw in any beach bag.
Toiletry Items for your Beach Vacation
Below are toiletry items you’ll want to consider packing for your hair, skin, and body care. Obviously, you won’t be bringing these items to the beach with you, but they are good to have back at your hotel room for after the beach.
Hair Care
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Leave-in conditioner
- Hair gel
- Hair ties
- Hairstyling tools
- Dry shampoo
Skin Care
- Lip Balm
- Face wash
- Moisturizer
- Face serum
Body Care
- Deodorant
- Perfume
- Body lotion
- Toothpaste
- toothbrush
- Floss
- Body wash
- Eyeglasses
- Eye contacts
- Medication
- Vitamins
- Mini first aid kit
Clothing Items to Pack for a Beach Vacation
On top of the accessories and toiletries above, you’ll also need to pack clothes, of course. Below you’ll find a list of the clothing items and basics you’ll need.
From there, you can decide how much of each item to bring, depending on how long you’ll be vacationing at the beach.
- Bathing suits
- Coverups
- T-shirts
- Tanktops
- Shorts
- Skirts
- Dresses
- Pants
- Light rain jacket
- Light sweater
- Pajamas
- Sneakers
- Sandals
- Purse
Activities to Pack for the Beach Vacation
First of all, you should consider if you plan to go on any excursions during your beach vacation. Will you want to hike? Will you go scuba diving?
This will impact what you choose to bring on your trip. Below are some activities you may want to consider packing for.
Snorkeling – you may want to bring water shoes and an underwater camera.
You can rent gear or bring your snorkel and goggles with you
Scuba Diving – you can rent all the equipment you need
Hiking – don’t forget a good pair of shoes, water bottle, hat, and sunglasses to help keep you cool
Water sports – depending on what water activities you’re interested in, you may want a waterproof bag, underwater camera, and other water accessories
What Not to Bring on a Beach Vacation
- Be sure not to overpack! Save some room for souvenirs because no one wants to spend the end of their trip trying to stuff everything back into their bag.
- You should leave behind your bulky items. You won’t need a huge hoodie, boots, or a heavy jacket on a beach vacation. You only need one pair of sneakers and you should wear them on the plane or while traveling to save space in your luggage.
- Leave behind your expensive jewelry and anything valuable. You don’t want to lose these items or worry about them your entire trip.
That’s a wrap! Now you’ve got a list of everything you need so you can complete the packing list for your beach vacation and get ready to have an amazing experience.
Trust us. You’ll have so much fun once you get the packing out of the way.
There is no reason to worry about forgetting anything because everything is here for you on this list. Enjoy your beach vacation and happy packing!
