What to Pack for a Beach Vacation (+ Family Essentials)

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The first time we took Thomas to the beach, we quickly realized that he is a BEACH BOY! I had no idea if he’d like the ocean, but I had a feeling the sand would be a hit, considering how much he has always loved sandboxes. He ended up liking the ocean, but not as much as the sand, as expected!

I won’t lie, packing for the beach – and planning to take a toddler to the beach for the first time, no less – was a little bit intimidating. But a good packing list makes all the difference. Whether you’re heading to a resort, renting a beach house, or staying with family, it’s easy to forget the little things—or bring way too much. This guide covers everything you actually need for a relaxing beach trip, from essentials to nice-to-haves. I’ll share everything you need to pack to make your beach vacation safe, memorable, and stress-free. Well as much as possible anyway. 😉

We are still in the planning phases for this year’s beach trip, and I always come back to this list when it’s time to go!  

What to Pack for the Beach

Beach Gear

Beach Towels

Bring at least one per person, plus an extra for sitting. Turkish towels are lightweight and dry quickly. I love my Weezie beach towels so much (Use code TERILYN15 for 15% off).

Cooler

A soft-sided cooler or Yeti backpack holds snacks and drinks. Freeze water bottles overnight so they double as ice packs.

Beach Blanket

We use a waterproof, sand-resistant blanket with stakes to keep it from blowing away.

Beach Chairs

Low-profile chairs with shoulder straps are easiest to carry. If you have space, add a reclining chair for naps.

Umbrella or Tent

A pop-up tent or umbrella gives much-needed shade. Look for UPF protection and mesh sides for airflow. Or rent a Shibumi Shade like we did—it was totally worth it. (We always rent one from BabyQuip, along with cribs, high chairs, etc.)

Clothing & Shoes

Lightweight Clothing

Think breathable fabrics, loose silhouettes, and pieces you can mix and match: tank tops, t-shirts, linen shorts (although any of these denim shorts are beach-friendly), and gauzy pants.

Bathing Suits

Bring at least two so one can dry while the other is in use. If you’re looking for flattering, mom-friendly suits, I’ve got you covered.

Cover-Ups

Flowy dresses, button-downs, or sarongs work great from beach to lunch. I listed out my favorite casual summer dresses in this post.

Comfortable Sandals

Leather slides, Birkenstocks, or padded footbed sandals for walking to and from the beach. These are my go-to neutral sandals for summer.

Water Shoes

Quick-drying shoes are essential for rocky water entries, splash pads, or hot sand.

Accessories

Sun Hat

A must-have for everyone. Packable straw hats or breathable ball caps work well.

Beach Tote

Look for a beach tote that’s oversized and washable. I like mesh so the sand can fall out.

Dopp Kit

Pack a dopp kit and include all your travel toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, deodorant, razor, and face wash.

Waterproof Pouches

Use these waterproof pouches for wet bathing suits, sandy shoes, or dirty clothes.

Water Bottle

Reusable, insulated bottles keep drinks cold all day. Bring one for each person.

Beauty & Skincare

Sunscreen

Pack a mineral-based sunscreen and face-specific SPF. Reapply often. If you need help choosing one, I tested and reviewed my favorite non-toxic sunscreen options here.

After-Sun Lotion

Aloe vera or a calming lotion helps soothe sun-exposed skin.

SPF Lip Balm

Don’t forget your lips! Sunburned lips are the worst.

Bug Spray

Especially helpful at dusk, around dunes, or near marshy areas. This is the bug spray I use and I got this bug-repellant cream for my boys.

Antibacterial Wipes

For hands, sand-covered snacks, and cleaning off beach gear. I prefer the spray kind with little kids.

Entertainment

Portable Chargers

Your phone will drain fast with beach photos and videos. Bring a backup charger for peace of mind.

Portable Speaker

For music while you lounge. Keep the volume respectful but pack a portable speaker for good beach vibes.

Kindle or Books

E-readers are ideal in bright sunlight. Load up your beach reads ahead of time. I personally like to bring my Kindle so my beach bag isn’t as heavy with books.

Waterproof Phone Case

Protect your phone from splashes and sand with a waterproof pouch (or phone case).

Games

Pack a frisbee, pickleball set, or card games for downtime.

Beach Table

A low, collapsible table is great for keeping food, drinks, and phones out of the sand.

What Not to Bring to the Beach

• Expensive jewelry
• Anything sentimental
• Multiple bags—keep it simple
• Electronics you don’t need

Pool Essentials (If Your Beach House Has One)

Packing for a Beach Trip with Kids

If you’re bringing babies or toddlers, BabyQuip is your new best friend. I use it whenever I travel for bigger things, like a crib or high chair, and for the beach, you can even rent things like a Shibumi shade—which makes packing so much easier. Here’s what else you may need (depending on your kids’ ages)

Hot Tip: Use Plastic Tubs for Packing

Instead of bringing tons of random bags, we use large plastic bins with lids. It makes it easier to unload at a rental, stack gear in the car, and keep sandy things separated. I usually pack one tub for beach gear, one for kitchen stuff, and one for kid-specific items.

With a little planning, your beach vacation can be relaxing and stress-free. Print this out or save it to your phone before your next getaway—you’ll thank yourself when you’re lounging on the sand with everything you need and nothing you forgot.

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