The Ultimate Beach Trip Packing List
Are you ready to hit the shore and soak up some sun? Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a week-long vacation by the ocean, packing for a beach trip can sometimes feel overwhelming. You want to make sure you have everything you need to enjoy your time in the sand and surf without overpacking. From the essential sun protection items to fun beach toys and snacks, a well-prepared packing list can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable beach trip.
In this article, we’ve compiled the ultimate beach trip packing list to help you cover all your bases. We’ll walk you through everything you need to bring, from must-have beach essentials like swimsuits and sunscreen to those often-forgotten items that can save the day, like a first aid kit or a reusable water bottle. With our comprehensive guide, you won’t have to worry about leaving anything important behind, allowing you to focus on making the most of your time by the water.
So grab your beach bag and get ready to pack smart! Whether you’re lounging under an umbrella, exploring the ocean with snorkel gear, or playing beach games with friends and family, this packing list has got you covered. Let’s dive in and ensure you have everything you need for the perfect beach adventure!
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The Ultimate Beach Trip Packing List
What to pack for your fun beach trip:
Beach Essentials
- Swimsuit – Bring more than one if you’ll be swimming frequently. I generally bring 1 swimsuit per day but that is probably overkill.
- Beach Towel – Large, absorbent, and quick-drying. But check before packing beach towels if your hotel, resort, airbnb, rental, etc include beach towels that you can use. Because that can save a lot of room in your car and/or suitcase if needed.
- Sunglasses – UV protection for your eyes.
- Hat – Wide-brimmed for sun protection is the best.
- Flip-Flops/Sandals – Easy to slip on and off.
- Beach Bag – Spacious and sand-resistant.
Clothing
- Cover-Up – For when you’re not in the water, I like to opt for cover ups that fully cover the swimsuit so I can run into restaurants or stores with it on if needed.
- Lightweight Clothing – Shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops.
- Extra Undergarments – For after swimming!
- Sweater/Light Jacket – For cooler evenings, remember that often coastal towns can get pretty chilly at night.
Accessories
- Beach Blanket – For lounging of course- there are sand resistant ones as well that are a great option.
- Beach Umbrella – For shade if you aren’t staying at a property that has free or rentable beach umbrellas.
- Portable Chair – Lightweight and foldable are the best!
- Snorkel Gear – Mask, snorkel, and fins.
- Waterproof Phone Case – Protect your phone from sand and water. There are clear plastic bags on lanyards (I am pretty sure you’ve seen them!) that work fantastic too. But make sure it fits your specific phone size.
Entertainment
- Books/Magazines – For relaxing reading. I swear by bringing a kindle loaded up with easy reads on it!
- Portable Speaker – For music (water-resistant is best) that more than just you can hear if that’s the vibe of your beach trip.
- Beach Games – Frisbee, beach ball, paddleball, etc.
- Inflatable Toys – Floats, rafts, or rings. Make sure to check out regulations on the beach you are attending though before packing them.
Health and Safety
- First Aid Kit – Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, etc.
- Reusable Water Bottle – Stay hydrated. I like to fill mine to the max with ice so it stays colder longer and you have more cold water throughout the day when the ice melts.
- Insect Repellent – Especially for evening beach bonfires. But if mosquitos love you like they love me, then you will never regret bringing bug spray with to the beach.
- Hand Sanitizer – For cleaning hands before eating.
- Prescription Medications – In a waterproof container so you don’t have to worry if they get wet.
Snacks and Drinks
- Cooler Bag – Insulated for keeping food and drinks cool. Depending on your group the size of this will vary but keep in mind how heavy it can get when you have the cooler filled up with drinks and snacks.
- Ice Packs – To keep items cold in the cooler.
- Snacks – Fruits, chips, granola bars are some of my go to’s. Depending on the beach town you are headed to there could be limited access to grocery stores so keep it in mind.
- Picnic Lunch – Sandwiches, salads, etc, whatever you are wanting for an easy lunch while hanging out on the beach.
- Reusable Utensils – Forks, knives, spoons. I also swear by bringing silicone straws for drinking out of on the beach.
Electronics
- Camera – Waterproof if possible makes a beach trip extra fun. I am a huge fan of bringing a physical camera in addition to your phone.
- Chargers – For your phone and other devices. I recommend making a list of all devices you are bringing so you know what chargers that you need to bring.
- Power Bank – For charging on the go. This is so helpful when you are spending all day at the beach and wanting to use your phone for entertainment, play music, take pictures and videos, etc! I swear by the Anker brand power banks– I have taken it on a ton of trips and it lasts for so long.
Hygiene and Comfort
- Wet Wipes – For quick clean-ups. Want to clean your hands or a family members before eating? Wipe down chairs/surfaces? Clean off any sand? Wet wipes are the way to go.
- Lip Balm with SPF – Protect your lips from the sun.
- Toiletries – Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
- Sunscreen- this seems obvious but I had to include it to help remind you not to forget it!
- Hairbrush/Comb – For after swimming, I recommend using a wet brush because it’s better for your hair after being in salt water.
- Plastic Bags – For wet clothes or trash, whichever ends up being needed.
- Baby Powder – To remove sand from skin easily. Trust me this will come in handy way more than you think. If you end up walking a lot too it can help with avoiding chaffing between your legs that can be made extra bad when your legs/clothes are wet.
Korra The Explorer
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