Beach Packing List: 33+ Beach Items to Prepare for Fun in The Sun

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What to bring to the beach? Scouring the internet for the best beach packing list? Are you getting ready for a beach trip or a beach vacation?

Don’t stress about what to bring – we’ve got the ultimate beach packing list for you. As proud members of the Beach Lovers Club, we know what to take to the beach. Skip the unnecessary items and focus on our valuable ideas.

Spring and Summer are approaching – it’s beach season! Our beach packing list covers whether it’s a spontaneous beach day or a planned beach vacation. Grab our printable beach packing checklist and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea hassle-free.

featured image with text | beach packing list

Our Beach Packing List covers the items you’ll need for a beach day trip or beach vacation. Print our printable beach trip packing list.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our full disclosure for details.

We’ve accumulated this stuff over time. Some of this has helped us make the most of our vacations and save money in the long run.

Table of Contents

Beach Packing List For a Beach Vacation or Day Trip to The Beach

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Beach Essentials

1. Swimwear

Heading to a hot destination? Pack summer essentials – tank tops, shorts, and summer dresses. Leave chunky sweats behind and prioritize swimwear as a must-have item.

2. Reef Safe Sunscreen

Protect your skin – bring sunscreen! Opt for nothing less than 30 SPF (consult your physician). Emphasizing the importance of reef-safe sunblock for the environment and marine life, we recommend purchasing in advance for both cost efficiency and availability.

On our Caribbean vacation in the Dominican Republic, a tube of sunscreen costs $30 at the resort, while Hawaii offered affordable options at pharmacies and markets.

3. Sunglasses

There are multiple reasons for wearing a good pair of sunglasses—not just for looking cool but also for protecting your eyes from sun sensitivity. Keep your eyes safe and stylish.

4. Hats

A sun hat is a must for your beach wardrobe – classic and functional. Ladies, it’s not just about style; it’s a lifesaver for hiding beach hair. I always bring one or pick up a “souvenir” hat during our travels.

5. Flip Flops | Sandals

Pack flip-flops or sandals – you’ll regret walking on sand in sneakers later. Despite some thinking they can do without a pair, it’s a must. Avoid complaints about hot, humid beach days with sand in your sneakers. Choose beach-appropriate, comfortable options.

I love Reef brand flip-flops – they are comfortable and last for a long time.

6. Beach Towel

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Beach trip with family? Don’t forget beach towels! Resorts and cruises often provide them, but it’s wise to check. Vacation rentals usually have them; if not, bring 1-2 packable microfiber beach towels, just in case.

7. Beach Bag | Travel Backpack

Bring a beach bag for towels, sunblock, and maybe a change of clothes. Our go-to options are a waterproof duffel travel bag for plane and beach travels or a packable backpack – light, water-resistant, and easy to carry and pack.

Beach Clothing and Footwear

8. Rash Guard

Invest in a rash guard for daily sun protection beyond sunscreen – a great choice for the whole family, especially the little ones. Ideal for activities like snorkeling, it adds an extra layer of protection. Consider it a worthwhile investment in sun safety.

9. Cover Up

If a rash guard isn’t your choice, choose a stylish cover-up for comfort. Perfect for slipping on between swims and easily worn to lunch with sandals. Ladies, there are countless cute options – consider packing a couple.

I have a floral dress cover-up that was perfect for my Isla Catalina beach trip – comfortable, soft, and ideal over a swimsuit. Keep an eye on material quality when ordering different colors!

Damage from the sun’s rays can lead to problems in the future. At least save your eyes from sun glare and bring something that will give you shade. That’s why a hat can work, too.

10. Water Shoes

Water shoes are optional, depending on your destination and planned activities. Not all beaches have soft, TV-commercial sand—some are rocky. Rocky beaches in places like Bonaire make water shoes helpful. Even on soft Bermuda beaches, water shoes come in handy for exploring rocky areas and cliffs.

These are my favorite water shoes because they look like sneakers and my husband prefers his Speedos.

Beach Leisure Necessities

11. Beach Towel Clips | Beach Towel Bands

Planning to lounge on a beach chair? Bring some beach towel clips – they’ll come in handy. Trust us! We recommend these handy accessories after multiple annoyances with towels slipping off chairs during cruises and beach trips.

12. Beach Blanket

Consider skipping a beach blanket if you plan to rent a lounge chair on your beach vacation, but it’s a great idea to pack one for a spontaneous local beach trip. Perfect for picnics and enjoying the sun and waves. These blankets are easy to keep in your car to be ready to go.

13. Beach Chairs

Heading to the beach for a day trip? Bring a couple of beach chairs or a comfy inflatable couch. Set it up with an umbrella and a cooler for a perfect beach setup.

14. Beach Umbrella or Beach Tent

Pair your beach chair with an umbrella – essential for shade on your beach day.

15. Collapsible Travel Cooler

Add a collapsible travel cooler to your beach trip packing list. It’s perfect for packing beach snacks and drinks, especially after snorkeling and swimming. A collapsible one is convenient so you can save space in your luggage.

Cruise-Friendly: For cruise trips, opt for a small, collapsible cooler, as large coolers are not allowed. Cruisers will stop at a market after they get off the ship to fill it with canned soda and bottled water to take on their daily adventures once off the ship.
Vacation Rental Stays: If you stay near the beach, your host may provide a cooler. Reach out to them in advance to check.

16. Water Bottle

Hydration is crucial – always bring a water bottle when leaving your cruise ship or hotel. Our go-to is Hydro Flask – keeps ice frozen and water cold all day. Available in various sizes and colors, plus it’s eco-friendly. We’ve supported and trusted this brand for years.

17. Handheld Misting Fan

Don’t forget a handheld fan – fantastic to use when sunbathing and when it’s too hot. A quick way to cool off without a trip to the ocean. A must-have for staying comfortable.

18. Water Shoes

Water shoes are optional, depending on your destination and planned activities. Not all beaches have soft, TV-commercial sand – some are rocky. In places like Bonaire, rocky beaches make water shoes helpful. Even on soft Bermuda beaches, water shoes come in handy for exploring rocky areas and cliffs.

These are my favorite water shoes because they look like sneakers and my husband prefers his Speedos.

Beach Health and Safety Kit

19. Security Lock Box

As a couple at the beach, we’d worry about leaving certain important items behind when we’d go swimming together. We then found a solution – a portable lockbox that we secured to a beach chair or table. Though not foolproof, it adds an extra layer of security. While not 100%, it deters quick and easy thefts as they would have to drag a table or resort chair with them if they want it so badly.

20. A Waterproof Dry Bag

If you are worried about leaving anything behind on the beach or getting your things wet on a beach excursion, a waterproof dry bag is the perfect solution. It provides secure storage for your valuables, keeping them safe from sand and water and ensuring a worry-free and enjoyable beach experience.

21. Sun Burn Relief

Sometimes, as much as we apply sunscreen and wear an extra layer to protect us from the sun, it’s not always successful. We discovered this after sun moisturizer in Kauai, and we love it.

22. Mosquito Spray or Wipes

Avoid being a mosquito’s meal – add mosquito repellent to your beach packing list. Personally recommended, Natrapel works wonders and is easy to carry with convenient wipes.

23. Evian Facial Spray

Experience the refreshing goodness of Evian Facial Spray on hot days. More than just for the beach, it’s a versatile pick-me-up for your skin. Keep one in your bag for instant hydration and toning whenever your skin needs it.

24. Hand Sanitizer Wipes

Hand sanitizer wipes are incredibly useful for various reasons – you never know when you’ll need them. Use the wipes to:

Clean your hands before and after snacking
Clean off picnic tables
Disinfect your phone
Disinfect things in your hotel room or car rental

25. First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is essential to have on hand. Whether you’re traveling or enjoying a beach trip near home, keep it accessible. You never know when you might need a bandaid or other first aid essentials at the beach.

Beach Activities and Entertainment

26. Snorkel Gear

Snorkel gear became a permanent part of our beach trip packing list after falling in love with Cozumel’s marine life. We regret not learning to snorkel sooner. Having personal gear beats renting. For germaphobes, investing in snorkeling gear is a smart choice.

Snorkeling is a free activity from the beach shore; no need to always go on a boat, although the best snorkeling will be from a boat. My Cressi gear fits well, but the best choice varies per person – do your research. While I’m not a fan of full-face snorkels, some love them; note that some tours deem them unsafe.

27. Portable Speaker

Enjoy listening to music at the beach or by the pool? This waterproof portable speaker can easily be clipped onto your beach bag. Just sync your phone Bluetooth to your favorite playlist on your phone.

28. Beach Toys

Bring some beach toys, a beach ball, a frisbee, a sandcastle-building kit for you or the kids, or a body board. These playful additions only enhance your beach experience and add more fun in the sun.

29. A Great Read | E-Reader

For a great vacation read, grab a book! Utilize quiet beach moments to catch up on your hoarded books. Pick up a couple at your local bookstore or download them to your waterproof Kindle with Wi-Fi. If you need inspiration, check out The Uncorked Librarian’s books for a dose of wanderlust. Sunbathe, read, and immerse yourself in island vibes.

Try Audible Premium Plus and Get Up to Two Free Audiobooks

Beach Tech Gear

30. Waterproof Camera

Consider recording those memories with a GoPro or waterproof camera on beach vacations. Compact and durable, shockproof, and waterproof to an extent. The high-quality photos and videos capture unforgettable moments and create great content.

31. Waterproof Phone Case

A waterproof phone case is a budget-friendly option to safeguard your phone and keep it within reach while capturing pictures or videos, eliminating the risk of it falling into the water.

32. Portable Charger

One of the things to bring to the beach is a portable charger. This is one of those things that becomes an afterthought until your phone dies from spending the day frolicking at the beach. Add it to your beach packing list.

Optional Additional items

33. An Extra Change of Clothes

Depending on your post-beach plans, an extra change of clothes is a good idea to pack. Whether you’re heading to a restaurant, exploring nearby attractions, or want to stay comfortable on the way home, having spare clothes will help you make a smooth transition.

Tips for Packing for a Beach Vacation

Here are some tips for packing for a beach vacation:

Make a packing list or print our beach packing list
Before you start packing, list everything you need to take with you. This will help you stay organized and don’t forget anything important.
Pack light
While this list may not seem light, pack only what you’ll need at the end of the day. Be honest with yourself as you go through each item. This includes checking with your hotel, cruise, or vacation rental to see if they provide a beach umbrella, cooler, beach towels…etc.
Don’t forget the essentials
Some essential items to pack for a beach vacation include sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a beach towel, a swimsuit, and comfortable sandals or flip-flops.
Don’t forget the extras that will make your beach time more enjoyable
Consider packing a good book, a beach umbrella, a cooler for drinks and snacks, and a beach bag to carry everything in.
Pack snacks and drinks
Bring snacks such as fruit, nuts, granola bars, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Consider packing a cooler with ice packs to keep your drinks and snacks fresh.
Plan for activities
Pack the appropriate gear, like a snorkel set or water shoes, if you plan to do water sports, take a tour, or do other activities.

Printable Beach Vacation Packing Checklist

We’ve created a printable beach packing checklist of all the items mentioned in this post. You can cross off anything you don’t plan to take to the beach and then check mark the items you do.

Print Beach PACKING LIST PDF

No need to bring everything on this beach packing list – prioritize what makes your beach trip comfortable. Travel preferences vary, and your needs may differ from mine. Use this beach trip packing list as a helpful guide.

Before you head to the beach, check out these related reads:

Kathy Ava

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.