๐ Jump to:Beach Packing List | Clothing to Pack | Packing Tips
Heading out on a warm vacation and looking for a comprehensive beach packing list?
Trying to remember what you need to bring to the beach can feel like a huge feat. Especially if youโre in a different country or have kids in tow.
Lucky for you, Iโm a beach enthusiast (what can I say, I live in beautiful and sunny Puerto Rico), and Iโll spill the beans on the things to bring to the beach on your next trip, no matter where it is. Letโs dive in!
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Beach Packing Checklist
Beach Bag
Going to the beach means youโll want to pack a beach bag full of stuff you need for the day.
This Tortuga travel daypackfits up to 19 liters (40 pounds) of things and is comfortable to carry. Itโs also foldable, so you can easily store it away after your beach vacation.
Dry and Wet Bag
If youโre heading to the beach on a day trip, then youโll probably end up with a pile of wet clothes. A dry bag is the best thing to store your wet items until youโre able to wash them.
The Babygoal wet dry bags are great because they have two different pockets to store dry and wet clothes, and they keep smells sealed inside them.
Beach Blanket
A beach blanket is one of the best beach accessories that can level up your beach vacation. Not only does it provide comfort, but it saves you money on beach chairs.
This POPCHOSE large beach blanket is weightless and easy to carry in its portable pouch. But, this blanket is a favorite because itโs water-resistant, and sand-resistant, and it features weigh-down pockets.
Aloe Gel
Of course, sunscreen is step number one to not get a painful sunburn after an awesome beach day.
But, if you find you had a bit too many UV rays, then an aloe vera gel is the way to go. The Sun Bum aloe vera gelis hypoallergenic and lightweight. Besides aloe, this gel also has cocoa butter to soothe your skin.
Not only itโs essential for the beach, but also any outdoor adventure. You can include it in your hiking or Disney packing list too.
SPF Lip Balm
Straight up: having cracked lips in your beach vacation photos is not a good look.
OโKeeffeโs lip balm is essential for your beach packing checklist as it has SPF 35 to protect the delicate skin of your lips from the sun.
It also includes aloe vera to repair and keep your lips hydrated.ย
Filter Water Bottle
Being a huge problem for aquatic life, try to avoid bringing plastics on your beach trip if you can.
A great alternative to your usual plastic water bottle is a reusable water bottle. The GRAYL GeoPress water bottle is not only a high-quality and durable alternative, but it also has a filtering system that purifies tap water in seconds.
First Aid Kit
Accidents happen all the time on a beach vacation, especially if youโre traveling with kids. Thatโs why you need a first aid kit in your beach bag.
The first aid kit has a sturdy and waterproof case you can attach to your bag with a hook. The compact kit has 100 pieces to treat wounds, and it weighs less than a pound.ย
Portable Speaker
If you like to hear background music along with the waves and the wind, then a portable speaker should be part of your beach vacation packing list.
The JBL Clip 3is your best option for a beach trip because itโs compact, attachable, and has a long-lasting battery. But, what makes it ideal for the beach is its waterproof feature, which means you can immerse it in the water.
Waterproof Pouch
One of the top beach safety tips (especially in crowded areas) is not to leave your belongings unsupervised while you go swimming.
A waterproof pouch is necessary for your beach trip packing list so you can keep your peace of mind while swimming.
The AiRunTech waterproof pouch goes around your waist and seals 100% everything inside it. Its large size fits multiple of your items including your cell phone and passport.
Sunscreen
Sun protection is essential nowadays and sunscreen should always be part of your beach vacation packing list.
The Amazon Solimo Sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays with SPF 30 and is water-resistant.
This sunscreen is also octinoxate and oxybenzone-free, which means you wonโt leave harsh chemicals on the water.ย
Snorkeling Beach Gear
If youโre a snorkeling enthusiast, then youโll be keen to get under the surface and explore some majestic underwater worlds.
While you can rent snorkeling equipment in some places, you can save money by including a snorkel set in your beach gear packing list.
The Greatever snorkel set is the top of its kind, and its anti-fog material will allow you to see clearly while you swim.ย
Portable Cooler
Cold drinks are essential to every beach day, and to keep them that way, your packing list will need a portable cooler.
The Lifewit cooler bag is better than a traditional cooler because itโs easy to carry and collapsible. The interior material keeps everything cold for a long time, and the top zipper makes it easy to unload it.ย
Beach Toys
If you want to level up your kid-friendly beach day and keep the little ones entertained, then some toys will do the trick.
This Click Nโ Play beach toys set features 18 BPA-free pieces and comes in its own backpack, so your kids can carry it themselves.
Action Waterproof Camera
So many great beach destinations have unique underwater worlds, but your typical professional camera isnโt fit to capture it.
And so, your essential beach packing list needs an action camera such as the GoPro HERO10 Black.
This device is one of the best underwater cameras, as you can submerge it completely and take hours of video on one charge. You can also take high-resolution pictures with it too.
Beach Towel
You donโt have to finish your day carrying drenched beach towels back to your hotel.
The Rainleaf microfiber towelcan absorb water better than common beach towels and is quick to dry. Not to mention, itโs super light and easy to pack in its travel pouch.
Beach Tent
Although tents arenโt exactly beach necessities, theyโre great alternatives for beach blankets and beach chairs.
The WolfWise easy pop-up tent is the best to pack for a beach because itโs a pop-up that you weigh down by putting sand in the pockets.
Plus, it has UPF 50+ protection against damaging rays, providing safe shade from the sun.
Travel Insurance
Take a minute and consider whether travel insurance is a right fit for your beach packing list.ย Particularly if youโre taking an extended beach vacation, a lot of things can go wrong!
If you need a quote, you can compare dozens of them in minutes at a site like VisitorsCoverage.
Other Beach Essentials to Pack
- Facemasks
- Cash
- Driverโs License or Valid Official ID
- Copy of your Passport
- Health Insurance Card
- Toiletries
- Hairbrush
- Deodorant
- Medicationsย
- Hand Sanitizer
- Snacks
- Bug spray
- Trash bags
Clothing to Pack for Your Beach Packing List
Keep your beach day packing list light and simple. You donโt need to bring more than a change of clothes or multiple bathing suits unless you plan on doing a photo shoot.
But also keep in mind that different countries have varying standards when it comes to covering up at the beach, and always be mindful of local cultures.
So what clothing should you pack for the beach? Here is a quick standard clothing checklist for visiting beaches:ย
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 beach cover-up
- 1 ball cap or sunhat
- 1 pair of flip flops
- 1 pair of water shoes
- 1 pair of underwear to change
- 1 t-shirt
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 light sweater or jacket if staying until late at night
These are the essentials for your beach packing list. Letโs go into more detail:
Cover Up
After leaving the beach, itโs common practice in most places to get dressed again, and cover-ups are an easy and fast way to do so.
This Wander Agio beach cover-up has the same design as a casual dress so you can use it to visit other places after the beach.ย
Water Shoes
Walking barefoot on urban beaches means the possibility of stepping on sharp objects.
Your complete beach packing list must include a pair of water shoes to avoid cutting your feet.
The WateLves water shoes feature a strong rubber sole with a grip and they dry quickly.ย
Sun Hat
A trip to the beach always comes with harmful sun exposure, and having a hat among your beach items is a simple way to protect yourself.
The Columbia Bora Bora Hathas UV protection and is breathable. Plus, the hatโs ventilation is designed to keep your forehead dry.ย
Sunglasses
Squinting in the sun isnโt a look you want to be sporting in all your beach vacation photos. Protect both your eyes and your memories by wearing polarized sunglasses.
The PZ sunglasses are an option for everyone in the family because theyโre simple and have a clear frame.
Swimwear
Spotting your child in the water takes a few seconds. But, what if you had the same swimwear?
Your family beach day can be fashionable with this FFEI Family Matching Swimwear.
Not only does it help you to identify your family group more easily, but it makes it quick to pick your beach day outfits.ย
Tips on What to Pack for the Beach
Keep It Simple
The best tip for packing for your beach vacation is to keep it simple. Bringing too much to the beach will probably hinder the experience.
Beaches are paradises to unwind, and a simple swimsuit, sandals, and the gear mentioned in this list should be enough to enjoy them.
Check the Weather
Whether youโre taking a week-long vacation, or youโre just packing for a weekend trip to the beach, changing weather can affect your plans.
Before packing for the beach, check the local weather for possible rain showers or dangerous currents. Your packing list will change if you canโt swim in the water.ย
Leave Travel Documents Behind
If your hotel room has a safe, itโs common travel advice to leave your personal items and travel documents at the hotel.
Your passport and wallet can easily get lost at a beach and ruin a great vacation.
Skip the Fancy Jewelry
Beaches are one of the most common places where people lose their rings, earrings, and bracelets.
And losing something at the beach usually means losing it forever. When youโre packing for the beach, take off any valuable jewelry and leave it in your hotelโs safe.
Pack According to Your Company
Your family beach packing list wonโt look the same as your solo beach packing list. Make sure you consider your crew and pack accordingly.
For example, kids tend to need beach walking shoes, while your grandmother might need a beach chair.
Your packing lists should include the essential items for the people taking the trip.
Google the Beach Youโre Visiting
While some beaches have showers and others have lifeguards, a lot of beaches lack facilities entirely. Research the beach youโre visiting ahead of time.
This way youโll know if your packing list includes a beach chair or an extra gallon of water to wash the sand off your body.
FAQs About Packing for a Beach Trip
What do I need for a beach trip?
Beachgoers need a towel, sunscreen, a dry bag, a beach towel, and water shoes for a beach trip. Other beach essentials include a sun hat, glasses, and a cover up.
What should I pack for a 3 day beach trip?
Travelers should pack swimwear, cover-ups, sunscreen, sunhats, and water shoes for a 3-day beach trip. Beach towels, beach chairs, portable coolers, and snorkeling gear should also form part of the every 3-day beach trip packing list.
What snacks are good to bring to the beach?
Good snacks to bring to the beach include sandwiches, non-refrigerated fruits like bananas, and packed snacks like chips. Burgers and hot dogs are also good beach snack options.
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Youโve reached the end of my beach packing checklist! Next up, check out this comprehensive Mexico packing list. Have a great beach vacation!