Beach Packing List (21 Things You Might Forget to Bring)

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Heading out on a warm vacation and looking for a comprehensive beach packing list?

Remembering what to bring to the beach can feel like a huge feat, especially if you’re in a different country or have kids in tow.

Lucky for you, I’m a beach enthusiast (what can I say, I live in beautiful and sunny Puerto Rico), and I’ll spill the beans on the things to bring to the beach on your next trip, no matter where it is.

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Beach Packing Checklist

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of this packing list here!

Beach Bag

Going to the beach means packing a beach bag full of essentials for the day.

This Tortuga packable backpack fits up to 19 liters (40 pounds) of things and is comfortable to carry. It’s also foldable, so you can easily store it away after your beach vacation.

Dry and Wet Bag

If you’re heading to the beach on a day trip, then you’ll probably end up with a pile of wet clothes. A wet-dry bag is the best thing to store your wet items until you’re 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 WEKAPO Beach Blanket is weightless and easy to carry in its portable pouch. But, this blanket is a favorite because it’s water-resistant, 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 have had a bit too many UV rays, then an aloe vera gel is the way to go. The Sun Bum aloe vera gel is hypoallergenic and lightweight. Besides aloe, this gel also has cocoa butter to soothe your skin.

Not only is it essential for the beach, but also for 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.

O’Keeffe’s 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. 

Filter Water Bottle

Being a huge problem for aquatic life, try to avoid bringing plastic 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 and stores tap water in seconds.

First Aid Kit

Accidents happen all the time on a beach vacation, especially if you’re traveling with kids. That’s why you need a first aid kit in your beach bag.

The first aid kit has a sturdy and waterproof case that 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. 

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 3 is your best option for a beach trip because it’s 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 won’t leave harsh chemicals on the water that can endanger marine life.

Snorkeling Beach Gear

If you’re a snorkeling enthusiast, then you’ll 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. 

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 it’s 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. 

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 N’ 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 isn’t fit to capture them.

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. It’s my favorite camera to take on day-trips as it works both above and underwater.

Beach Towel

You don’t have to finish your day carrying drenched beach towels back to your hotel.

The Rainleaf microfiber towel can absorb water better than common beach towels and is quick to dry. Not to mention, it’s super light and easy to pack in its travel pouch.

Beach Tent

Although tents aren’t exactly beach necessities, they’re great alternatives for beach blankets and beach chairs.

The WolfWise easy pop-up tent is the best to pack for the beach because it’s 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.

Portable Shower

Not all beaches have showers or bathrooms where you can wash off the sand.

The Gartol 2-Gallon Portable Shower is a great item to bring on a beach day trip. It lets you rinse off sand and sea salt before changing clothes and heading home.

With this portable shower, you no longer have to worry about whether the beach you’re visiting has proper facilities.

Anti-Chafe Balm

Nothing ruins a beach day like chafed inner thighs, especially if you’re hiking in your swimwear.
An anti-chafe balm can save you a lot of discomfort and let you fully enjoy the day, whether you’re in a bikini or wearing shorts.

Body Glide Anti-Chafe Balm is easy to carry, made with plant-derived ingredients, and safe for the whole family. Plus, it lasts all day, so you don’t need to reapply it constantly.

Sand Remover Bag

Getting sand off after a beach day won’t be a problem with this compact, easy-to-use sand remover.

The Pilotfish Sand Remover Bag is a hand-sized fabric cushion infused with aloe vera, vitamin C, and lavender. It effortlessly wipes off sand and is gentle enough for kids.

Each bag comes in a resealable pouch that you can easily attach to your beach bag, perfect for on-the-go use.

Scalp Spray & Hair Sunscreen

Many beachgoers forget to protect their hair and scalp at the beach, even though both the sun and saltwater can be surprisingly harsh for hair.

That’s why you should add a hair sunscreen (yes, that’s a thing!) to your beach bag.The COOLA Organic Scalp & Hair Sunscreen Mist is vegan, water-resistant, and safe for color-treated hair, so you can enjoy the sun without worrying about damage.

Travel Insurance

Take a minute and consider whether travel insurance is the right fit for your beach packing list. Particularly if you’re 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

• Cash
• Driver’s License or Valid Official ID
• Copy of your Passport (if in a foreign country)
• Health Insurance Card
• Toiletries 
• Hairbrush
• Deodorant
• Medications 
• 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 don’t 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: 

• 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 into
• 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. Let’s go into more detail:

Cover Up

After leaving the beach, it’s 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. 

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. 

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 Hat has UV protection and is breathable. Plus, the hat’s ventilation is designed to keep your forehead dry. 

Sunglasses

Squinting in the sun isn’t a look you want in all your beach vacation photos. Protect your eyes and your memories by wearing polarized sunglasses.

The PZ sunglasses are an option for everyone in the family because they’re 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 also makes it quick to pick your beach day outfits. 

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 you’re taking a week-long vacation or you’re 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 can’t swim in the water. 

Leave Travel Documents Behind

If your hotel room has a safe, it’s 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 you’re packing for the beach, take off any valuable jewelry and leave it in your hotel’s safe.

Pack According to Your Company

Your family beach packing list won’t 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 list should include the essential items for the people taking the trip.

Google the Beach You’re Visiting

While some beaches have showers and others have lifeguards, a lot of beaches lack facilities entirely. Research the beach you’re visiting ahead of time.

This way you’ll know if your packing list includes a beach chair or an extra gallon of water to wash the sand off your body.

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You’ve reached the end of my beach packing checklist! Next up, check out this comprehensive Mexico packing list. Have a great beach vacation!

🖨️ Get a free, printable version of this packing list here!