Top 10 Beach Vacation Packing List

Planning a beach vacation? Don’t know what to pack for a beach vacation? Picture yourself lounging on pristine sandy shores, soaking up the sun, and savoring the gentle breeze. To make the most of your seaside retreat, here are my recommended top 10 beach vacation packing list. It’s essential to pack wisely. Whether you’re heading to a tropical paradise, a serene coastal town, or your local seashore, I’ve curated the ultimate beach vacation checklist for you. For all your beach trip essentials, this beach list will ensure your getaway is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

1. Sunscreen and Sun Protection

Nothing ruins a beach vacation faster than a painful sunburn. Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by packing a broad-spectrum safe sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Opt for a waterproof formula to withstand ocean dips and sweat. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a lightweight, long-sleeved cover-up for added protection during peak sun hours.

One of my favorite cover-ups is the Women’s Portocruz Big Shirt Swim Cover-up from Kohl’s because I like the ease of having the buttons down the front and it is lightweight. Go here to purchase: Women’s Portocruz Big Shirt Swim Cover-up

2. Swimwear and Beach Attire

Pack a variety of swimwear options, including swimsuits, board shorts, and cover-ups. Choose comfortable and quick-drying materials that allow you to move freely. Don’t forget to pack along a sarong or beach dress for easy transitions from the sand to a beachside café.

The men in our home highly recommend the Hurley One and Only Quickdry Rashguard Long Sleeve in white because the white detracts heat, it is UPF 50, and it dries super fast. Go here to purchase: Hurley One and Only Quickdry Rashguard Long Sleeve

3. Flip Flops or Sandals

Footwear is key when it comes to beach vacations. Flip flops or sandals are perfect for sandy walks and easily slipping on and off. Look for waterproof options with good arch support and non-slip soles for added comfort and safety.

My top recommendation for flip flops that are durable, comfortable, and look good are Olukai Ohana Beach Quick-Dry Flip-Flops. They are water resistant and have an arch to support flat feet. They come with a one year warranty and I literally have never had to use the warranty. I currently own 4 pairs of these! I use them everywhere. There are many colors/styles to choose from. Plus, this company has many men’s choices as well. Go here to purchase: Olukai Ohana Beach Quick-Dry Flip-Flops

4. Beach Bag

A spacious and sturdy beach bag or beach tote is a must-have to carry all your essentials. Look for one with multiple compartments to keep items organized. It should be large enough to fit your towel, sunscreen, water bottle, snacks, and other beach accessories. Opt for a water-resistant material that can handle exposure to sand and water.

The beach bag by iminuo is fantastic because it is a mesh fabric. The mesh filters out the sand so you don’t bring it home with you! It has many compartments for even the smallest things, it’s big in size overall, and has strong straps. It comes in 3 different colors. Go here to purchase: Beach bag

5. Hydration and Snacks

Staying hydrated is crucial under the sun. Pack a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day. Don’t forget to bring some healthy snacks like fruit, nuts, or granola bars to keep your energy levels up while enjoying the beach.

Walmart has you covered on all your snacks and drinks. With low prices, you can afford to stock up for any impromptu beach day. And, for your beach vacation packing list, snacks and drinks are a must! The heat can make you dehydrated before you even know you’re thirsty so make sure you stay hydrated with essentials like water. Shop here: snacks and drinks

6. Beach Entertainment

Make the most of your beach time with some entertainment options. Consider packing a good book or e-reader, a portable speaker for your favorite tunes, and a beach-friendly game like a frisbee or beach volleyball. A waterproof phone case or pouch will also protect your device while you capture precious moments by the sea.

Etsy has some really cool waterproof phone pouches that you can personalize with your name on it! What a great idea because it is see-through and handy with a lanyard. Go here to purchase: waterproof phone pouches

7. Quality Towels

High quality beach towels are a must for your beach vacation packing list. I hate bringing in sand into my car and home, therefore I have found the best towels and beach blankets from Tesalate that are sand repellant! This Australian based company carries beautifully designed towels and beach blankets that are super absorbent, durable, lightweight, and compact enough to place in your beach bag. These towels and blankets are also great for water parks, theme parks with water attractions, or at your home swimming pool! Furthermore, with a lifetime guarantee you can’t go wrong. Go here to browse & purchase: Tesalate

8. Beach Toys and Accessories

If you’re traveling with children, don’t forget to pack some fun things to bring to the beach like beach toys and accessories to keep them entertained. Sandcastle building kits, water guns, and inflatable floats are always a hit. Additionally, consider bringing a waterproof camera to capture the fun-filled moments shared in the water.

This 18 piece beach bucket set from Sam’s Club is so cute and has many pieces to keep the kiddos entertained for a while. Let their creativity thrive while having fun! Go here to purchase: beach bucket

9. Beach umbrella or Tent

Shield yourself from the sun’s intense rays by bringing a beach umbrella or a portable tent. This will provide a shady spot for relaxation, especially during the hottest hours of the day. Look for lightweight and easy-to-assemble options that offer UV protection.

Sam’s Club again has you covered on this. There are 2 choices that are great. If you want a beach umbrella, the vibrant color of the 8′ blue/green umbrella is a great choice for an extra large coverage of shade. Go here to purchase this one: beach umbrella

If you want even greater coverage, Sam’s Club has the 10′ x 10′ canopy that will do just the trick. This canopy only takes one person to set it up! It’s water resistant, fire retardant, and UV protected. If you have a large gathering, this canopy will serve for up to 12 people! Go here to purchase this one: canopy

10. First Aid Kit

Accidents can happen anywhere, including the beach. Prepare for minor injuries by packing a basic first aid kit. Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications. It’s better to be safe than sorry. And, although this may sounds a bit odd, pack a mustard packet. If someone were to step on a jellyfish, and at certain times of the year they are populated, mustard will ward off the sting. You just never know and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Go here to purchase: First Aid Kit, On-The-Go from Walgreens. I recommend this one because it has everything you can think of for peace of mind. Just add the packet of mustard!

Plus, right now for a limited time, this product qualifies for a special perk! If you spend $30 on Healthy Summer products you receive $10 Walgreens cash reward!

A beach vacation is a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the natural beauty of the coastline. By incorporating these top 10 beach vacation packing list travel tips you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience under the sun. From sun protection and swimwear to beach entertainment and first aid supplies, all these items will have you fully prepared for a memorable beach trip. So, gather your belongings, embrace the salty breeze, and get ready to create unforgettable memories on the sandy shores.

For an extra special touch to your summer this year, check out the Pura Vida products that are perfect for the beach! I personally wear them and love them so much that I became a Brand Ambassador. 🔆 Click on the photo below to check out all the awesome products! My favorite are the anklets!