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Planning a beach holiday soon? Use this complete beach packing list to pack smarter and forget nothing.
There’s nothing quite like a beach vacation, and I say that as someone who has experienced just about every version of one. I’ve been on full adventure mode in Hawaii, total relaxation mode in Bali, hit the all-inclusive resort scene, chased sandy sunsets all over California, and spent perfect beach days on just about every coast of Mexico.
Though I love all kinds of travel, beach vacations are the trips I tend to return home from feeling *actually* rested. Anyone else?
However, when it comes to the packing process, I find that there are a lot of little things you wouldn’t think you’d need for a beach trip that actually make a big difference in the long run.
I’ve lived by the beach my whole life, so I’ve definitely nailed down the essentials that make packing a smoother and less stressful experience.
In this post I’m sharing my ultimate beach trip packing list that will help whether you’re jetting off to a tropical resort or taking your car for a weekend by the water.
Keep reading for all my beach trip packing staples, or skip ahead to my complete ShopMy beach essentials collection to see my favorites in one place.
What To Pack For A Beach Vacation
Quick Tips to Keep in Mind Before Packing for a Beach Trip
- Stick to a Light Color Palette: Wear lighter colors to stay cool in warm climates and look effortlessly chic. I’d avoid black clothing, which can get unnecessarily hot in direct sun.
- Materials are Key: Pay attention to materials and choose lightweight and waterproof/water resistant materials whenever possible. For clothing, linen and cotton are ideal, and fabrics like nylon work great for bags and accessories. Quick-dry fabrics will make a huge difference too.
- Don’t Forget Layers: Covering up is just as important as using sunscreen. Don’t forget lightweight layers for added sun protection especially during peak sun hours.
- Pack Based on Specific Activities: Make sure to think through your itinerary and the activities you plan on doing before packing. A relaxing resort stay requires different gear than an adventure-heavy beach trip. Bring the basics, but also pack according to your actual plans.
- Check in With Your Hotel or Villa: Before packing bulky items like beach towels, beach chairs, or umbrellas, check what your accommodation offers to save space in your luggage or car.
- Don’t Assume It Will Always Be Hot: Even warm destinations can get cooler evenings (and not to mention, rain). I also find that where there is heat, there is blasting AC inside, which can get uncomfortable fast. Always check the forecast prior to your trip to make sure you don’t underpack extra layers.
Items to Pack for a Beach Trip
Let’s get into the actual items you’ll likely need for a beach vacation. These are the essentials I’d pack on every coastal trip, but make sure to check your itinerary for specific activities that may require specialized gear.
1. Sunglasses
A good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes is a non-negotiable for any beach trip. They complete every outfit, but are incredibly important for protecting your eyes from harsh UV rays.
My go-to brands are Raen for 100% UVA/UVB protection, or Warby Parker when I need a prescription pair.
2. Sarong (That Doubles as a Beach Towel)
Bulky beach towels take up way too much luggage space and accommodations often provide them, so I always pack a cute sarong or thin Turkish towel that can double as a beach towel instead. Any item that can play double duty in my suitcase is a total win, and this is one of them.
I love Loomia or Teema for Turkish towels, and Revolve always has a ton of cute sarongs to pick from. I recommend choosing a thicker style if you want to be able to lay out on it.
3. A Good Beach Read
Wet, soggy book pages are never fun, so I typically bring my Kindle on trips where I’m flying. More lightweight so it saves room in your luggage and can hold a library’s worth of books. If you prefer a physical book, I’d choose wisely and just pack one (or as many as you will realistically read in a trip). Key word here: realistically.
4. Beach Tote
One fatal mistake of packing for a beach trip is including all the essentials like sunscreen and bathing suits, without actually packing the bag you’ll carry everything in on actual beach days.
Look for a beach bag that lies flat in your suitcase and is easy to shake sand out of like a woven tote, a mesh tote, or a canvas tote. I also highly recommend having a clear pouch for smaller loose items in your beach bag so you’re not constantly digging for things like credit cards and chapstick.
5. Headphones
Wireless earbuds are a staple in my luggage no matter what type of trip I’m taking. I pack my AirPods for long, lazy days at the beach, and they’re perfect for getting lost in a podcast or a favorite playlist.
6. Swimwear
Beach vacation or not, swimwear comes with me on almost every trip because you never know when a hot tub or pool will magically appear. For a beach trip though, you’ll definitely want a handful so you’re not forced to rewear a bathing suit that’s already been overtaken by sand and sea water.
Two to four suits depending on the length of the trip is typically good, and if you have laundry you can get away with fewer options.
I’m a huge fan of Hunza G (and have a few of their suits) because the fabric is super stretchy and flattering even if your size fluctuates.
7. Portable Speaker
Having a portable speaker to set the vibe makes beach days just more fun. JBL makes great compact, waterproof speakers like the JBL Go 5 that are easy to throw in your beach bag.
8. Wet Bag for Swimsuits
A small waterproof pouch or bag is one of those underrated items that can be really useful on a beach trip. Pack one for containing damp swimsuits and sandy items, so they don’t soak or dirty up everything else in your suitcase or purse.
9. Beach Cover-Up
A beach cover-up makes going from the beach to lunch, shops, or your hotel so much easier. Pack one or two that slip easily over your swimsuit.
Linen and oversized button-downs are some of my favorite types because they’re stylish and provide additional sun protection, while crochet cover-ups are a stylish way to spice up a simple beach look.
10. Small Pouch
Toss a pouch into your beach bag for smaller loose items so that they don’t get lost floating amongst the bigger stuff. I use mine to hold items like hotel keys, chapstick, hand sanitizer, and some cash so I’m not digging for them all day.
11. Tank Tops
Tank tops are lightweight, easy to layer, and don’t fill up much suitcase space. Toss in 3-5 in neutral colors so you can mix and match easily with everything else you’re wearing.
12. Pajamas
These are forgettable when you’re focusing on swimsuits and cute, beachy outfits, but don’t skip a lightweight pajama set.
13. Packable Beach Hat
I honestly hate packing hats as they get crushed and it never seems to go well. If you can’t live without a hat or want one for extra sun protection, find one that’s easily packable. I’ve had pretty good luck with bucket hats and you can elevate it with a raffia style like this one.
14. Portable Cooler Bag
When you’re road-tripping or spending full days at the beach, a portable soft cooler bag is helpful for keeping drinks and snacks cold. This one from Away packs pretty flat too.
15. Casual Beach Sandals
No beach vacation packing list is complete without a pair of flip flops. These are the ultimate beach day footwear and double as shower shoes in public restrooms. If you’d rather do a birkenstock type style that’s great for the beach, I’ve been obsessed with these platform sandals for a year now—the material is super easy to clean from sand and other grime.
16. Dressier Sandals
A sandal like a strappy flat or low-heeled mule is great to have for when you want to dress up for nicer dinners and evenings out. I tend to avoid heels on beach vacations altogether, but depending on your destination and how fancy you’re getting with nights out, you may want to consider packing one pair. One is enough though.
17. Sunscreen
Sunscreen should be at the top of your list for beach vacations, but it’s important to be mindful of where you’re visiting as reef-safe sunscreen is becoming the preferred type to help protect our oceans.
Some destinations like Hawaii, Palau, and certain areas in Mexico have even banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone, so do a quick Google Search and check the label on your sunscreen before packing it.
I love Primally Pure for a clean, non-toxic option.
18. SPF Lip Balm
Lip balm with SPF is one of the most forgotten beach essentials, but one that makes a huge difference. People often forget that your lips can burn just as easily as the rest of your skin. I have one that lives in the small pouch of my beach bag and another in my suitcase, just in case I lose it.
19. Lightweight Maxi Dresses
The unofficial uniform of beach vacations and one of the easiest things to throw on.
They work for anything from beach days and sightseeing, to dinners or sunset strolls. Bring 2-3 that you can rotate throughout your trip.
20. Lightweight Maxi Skirt
I always like to throw one maxi skirt in my bag that I can pair with tanks or even a bathing suit top for an easy beach-to-shopping look.
21. Insulated Water Bottle
If you won’t be at a beach club or resort, you’re going to want a way to stay hydrated. An insulated water bottle is key, because there’s nothing worse than sipping hot water while you’re melting on a beach towel. Yeti always makes some of the best products for keeping items cool.
22. Portable Power Bank
Between taking photos, playing music, and using maps, phone batteries drain fast at the beach. Having a portable charging power bank is one of those things you may not always need, but you’ll be happy you packed it when you do.
Just note that power banks contain lithium batteries, which are banned from checked luggage, so don’t forget to place this item in your carry-on.
23. Jean Shorts
A classic pair of jean shorts never goes out of style. They’re super versatile and pair easily with tank tops, swimsuits, and oversized button-downs for a cute, casual outfit. One pair is all you really need.
24. Hair Ties or Claw Clip
Pack a few hair ties and a sturdy claw clip for when it’s hot, humid, or windy and you want your hair up and out of your face.
25. Wet Brush
Salt water and sun can be brutal on your hair – a Wet Brush makes detangling after a day in the water gentler and faster. Small, light, and totally worth packing.
26. Loose Pants
This is what you’ll catch me wearing most often on any beach trip. I love the silhouette of loose, wide-leg pants and a tank top, and they’re just incredibly easy to wear day-to-day or pull on over a swimsuit. Plus, you can dress them up if you want to wear something different than dresses to dinner.
Choose a style that is made from either 100% linen or some combo of linen and another material like rayon or viscose. Bring at least one pair that you can match with multiple tops.
27. Linen Button-Down Top
One of the most adaptable pieces you can pack. A linen button-down can layer over a swimsuit for the beach, tuck into linen pants for dinner, or be an extra layer to stay warm on the plane.
28. GoPro or Waterproof Camera
If you’re spending lots of time in the water, a GoPro or waterproof camera will capture the moments that your phone camera can’t. Make sure to bring extra memory cards and a backup battery if you plan on taking lots of footage.
If you don’t have a waterproof camera, I highly recommend bringing a waterproof phone case for ocean excursions.
29. Dry Bag for Ocean Activities
When partaking in water activities like snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, or paddle boarding, a dry bag is extremely helpful for keeping valuables and electronics dry. I’ve brought mine on boat trips, paddle boarding, and any time when I think my gear might need protection from the ocean.
30. Lightweight Sweater or Jacket
Yes, even when you’re heading somewhere warm, you need a lightweight sweater or jacket. Evening temps can be surprisingly cool in beach destinations and AC can be aggressively cold anywhere indoors.
A jean jacket or light sweater is usually my go-to.
31. Bug Spray
Where there is humidity, there will be mosquitoes, and these guys love me. I mean, LOVE me. It’s the biggest drawback of any warm-weather trip in my opinion.
The best way to not let it bring you down is by packing some high quality repellent. I love these TSA-friendly non-DEET insect repellent wipes because they’re easier to pack and don’t leak in your bag.
32. Snacks
No matter what type of trip I’m headed on, I never regret packing a few protein bars. GoMacro bars are my favorite for warm-weather trips because they’re delicious—and they don’t get melty and gross when temperatures spike.
33. Small Backpack
Beach vacations and boat days go hand in hand, but an open beach tote isn’t going to cut it on a moving boat. I’ve been using this exact backpack for 10 years to keep all my belongings safe and secure.
The material is recycled nylon (which holds up well in the elements), it’s incredibly lightweight, lies flat in a suitcase, and holds more than you think. I love it so much I recently repurchased it after the zipper finally gave out.
34. Hand Sanitizer
Public beach restrooms are notoriously unpredictable and often run out of soap. I like to keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer handy in case of hygienic emergencies.
35. Electrolytes
Dehydration sneaks up fast with lots of sun exposure and heat, so I always pack electrolytes to bolster my hydration. Instant Hydration packets are my favorite low sugar brand and it has delicious flavors that are honestly kind of addicting. Try the Paloma flavor—I’m actually obsessed!
36. Small Raffia Bag
A small raffia bag is perfect for dinners and evenings out when you’re staying at a nice resort or heading somewhere more upscale and need to spice things up a bit.
Whether it’s a clutch, envelope style, or mini tote, just something on the smaller side will work perfectly.
37. Travel Steamer
The one downside of many cute beach items? They wrinkle like crazy. A travel steamer is a game-changer for linen and cotton beach outfits that crease easily if you have room for one in your luggage. Here’s my favorite travel steamer that I’ve been using for years.
38. Extra Underwear
Here’s a beach trip truth no one talks about: how much underwear you go through. I always end up wearing more than one pair per day from constantly changing in and out of bathing suits and not wanting to put on an old pair.
When it comes to underwear on beach trips, pack at least two per day and definitely more than you think you’ll need.
39. Bras
Pack only what you’ll need according to the outfits you’ve packed and the activities you’re planning. Have an epic full-day hike on your itinerary? Make sure to toss in a supportive sports bra. Wearing a sexy strapless beach dress for nights out? Don’t forget a bra that works with that look.
40. Socks
Typically I never need a ton of socks on a beach trip (and you might be tempted to skip these altogether), but I’m always glad I had a couple pairs. You’ll want them for any tropical hikes and for travel days spent in colder airports.
41. Comfortable Footwear
Many tropical destinations I’ve been to feature epic waterfall hikes, coastal walks, rocky seaside terrain, and many more situations that require supportive footwear like sneakers or hiking shoes. I always wear these on the plane so they don’t take up so much room in my suitcase.
42. TOILETRIES
Just like any other trip, you’ll want to pack all the toiletries specific to your needs: things like makeup, toothbrush and toothpaste, floss, perfume, etc.
I find that having a cute toiletry bag to put everything in just makes packing it all up that much more enjoyable.
43. Travel Documents
This goes for any trip, but double and triple check you have necessary items like your passport (if headed out of the country), ID, visas and anything else needed for your specific trip.
44. Activity-Specific Items
If you’re partaking in any water activities like snorkeling, surfing, boat days, etc., consider throwing in water shoes and a rash guard or anything else you might need for your specialized itinerary. If hiking is on the agenda, don’t miss including some activewear and hiking shoes in your packing list.
45. Beach Games
This one is optional, but a little friendly competition always makes beach days even more fun. Here are some packable beach games that come with carrying bags and require little space:
- TidalBall Set – a mashup of cornhole and bocce ball
- Kan Jam – a collapsible disc toss game
- Waterproof Playing cards – just like regular cards but fully waterproof
46. Medications + First Aid
If you take any medication regularly at home, you’ll want to ensure you’re packing enough (and probably a bit extra just in case) for the entirety of your trip.
If you suffer from motion sickness, you don’t want to forget motion sickness meds! For those planning boat days, Dramamine will drastically improve the quality of your trip so you’re not miserable while everyone else is having the time of their life. Just make sure to order the less drowsy kind.
It’s also not a bad idea to throw in a small first aid kit with essentials like band aids, antiseptic ointment, and gauze just in case.
How Not To Overpack For A Beach Vacation
Stick to a Capsule Wardrobe Around a Cohesive Color Palette
Choose a few colors that go well together before you start packing – for example, white, tan, and blue – and only include pieces that are within that palette. When everything mixes and matches, you don’t need as many items to create a full trip’s worth of outfits.
Lie Out or Try Everything On Before Packing It
I like to try on every item before I pack it in my suitcase to make sure all the outfits work and that I’ll actually wear it. At the very least, lay out everything you’re planning to bring, step away from it, then come back with fresh eyes asking yourself, “Will I actually wear this?” This step alone can save a significant amount of space.
Prioritize Versatility Over Volume
Everything you pack should work for at least two or three things on your trip. A sarong is a towel, wrap, and a blanket. A dress can be a cover-up or an evening outfit. A linen button-down can be dressed up or double as sun protection on a hot day. If you can only use it for one thing, think about whether it should earn space in your luggage.
Use Packing Cubes to Stay Organized
Organize clothing by category in packing cubes to make things easier to find and keep your suitcase organized. Packing cubes have been my secret packing weapon for years and I’m always shocked when I learn that someone doesn’t use them—I just can’t imagine having all my items lumped together in my luggage anymore!
Packing cubes also give each category a set amount of space, so if it doesn’t fit, that’s your cue to leave it behind.
Leave Extra Room in Your Suitcase
If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably buy something during your trip whether it’s souvenirs, local handmade goods, or a cute new outfit. Leaving extra room helps to avoid overstuffed bags at the end of your trip.
Downloadable Beach Vacation Packing List
Here’s my full packing list in a downloadable version so you can print it before your trip to ensure you don’t miss a thing!
I hope this full beach vacation packing guide helped relieve some stress around packing for your next trip. If you have any questions or think I missed something, feel free to drop a note in the comments below.
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Pin It For Later
Planning a trip right now? Make your life easier with this checklist of my favorite travel resources.
Booking Accommodations:
Over the last decade of travel, Booking.com has consistently been my favorite site for finding great deals on hotels, boutique inns, home rentals and more. Plus, they have an amazing filtering system making it super easy to find the best accommodation that fits your needs. If you’re looking for unique home stays, no one does it better than Airbnb.
Booking Flights:
Skyscanner is always the first place I look to compare and contrast routes and find the best flight deals.
Find the Best Tours and Experiences:
Viator is always my go-to when searching for the best experiences around the globe. They have everything from group tours and private experiences, to airport transfers and much more.
Book Car Rentals:
Discover Cars is my favorite site for booking easy and affordable car rentals in any country I visit. They make the process super simple and transparent, so you know you’re getting the best price up front with no surprises later.
Stay Connected:
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Don’t Forget Travel Insurance:
World Nomads has personally saved me thousands with their flexible travel insurance. Don’t leave for an international trip without this one!
Lastly, wherever you go. Don’t forget to check visa requirements, make sure your passport is up to date and purchase any travel adapters you might need on the ground!
