Beach Vacation Packing List

We’ve all been there. You plan out your entire vacation, schedule all your plans, book your hotel, make travel arrangements. Everything’s taken care of and it’s going to be an awesome trip…until you arrive and realize you forgot to pack something you needed. While it’s not the end of the world, it can still put a damper on your getaway. So to help you out on your next beach trip, I put together this Beach Vacation Packing List!

Use it to organize your packing or even to add something to your packing list that you may not have thought to take. I’m also including links to some of my favorite beach vacation necessities. And to make it even more convenient, I’ve included a PDF file of this list for you to download.

Swimsuits

Obviously, if you’re going on a vacation that involves swimming or laying on the sand, swimsuits are essential. And the type of swimsuits or how many you pack really depends on personal preference. But I will note a few tips that I keep in mind.

One: If you plan on running around with kids or doing any physical activity (like swimming or boogie boarding), pick something that’s functional. For me, I make sure I have a swimsuit that’s full coverage, feels secure, and won’t result in an indecent exposure citation if I get hit by a wave.

Two: I would never tell you that you need to purchase more than one swimsuit, but it can be convenient. For one thing, I don’t really enjoy putting on a damp swimsuit. So, it’s nice to have an extra if my first suit is still drying. For another, if you get a little too much sun, a different suit might be more comfortable or protective.

Personally, I like to find affordable swimsuits from Amazon, Shein, Target, and Wal-Mart.

Don’t forget swim cover-ups too! Maybe for you, that’s just a pair of shorts to slip on over your swimsuit, or maybe you’re like me and prefer kimonos and sarongs.

Clothing

Another obvious packing point, but chances are you’ll plan on wearing something other than a swimsuit at some point on your vacation. I’ll be the first to admit that I struggle big time when it comes to packing “light” and I’m often tempted to bring my entire closet. I mean, who knows what I’m going to be in the mood to wear? But, at the very least, I bring an outfit for every day of my trip plus something comfortable for traveling. For the beach, that means plenty of shorts, tees, tanks, lightweight dresses, and rompers. If I’m feeling motivated to be healthy, I’ll pack activewear.

A few other obvious essentials include undergarments, pajamas, and socks. For undergarments, I always err on the side of caution and bring way more than I should need- a pair of underwear and bra for every day plus a few extras in case of emergencies. And even if I plan to just wear sandals and flip-flops, I bring a couple of pairs of socks just in case.

I also like to pack a sweatshirt or cardigan just in case. Even when it’s really hot during the day, it can feel a little chilly next to the water at night.

Sun Safety

Probably the most important thing to make sure you have for a trip to the beach…sunscreen! Even if you’re used to spending time outdoors and have a tan, you’ll want to make sure you’re taking precautions at the beach. I typically use a much higher SPF at the beach than I will at home. This sunscreen I found on Amazon has been my favorite lately. And this is the facial sunscreen I use religiously.

Other sun essentials I always bring include SPF lip balm, after-sun lotion, aloe gel, hats, and sunglasses. These Liingo sunglasses are by far the best at blocking glare, but they are on the pricier side. I also linked several pairs I love below from Amazon and TopFoxx. (Psst…you can use code ALICIAR15 for 15% purchases at Topfoxx.)

Toiletries

I can’t count the number of vacations I’ve forgotten my razor or my shampoo or even my toothbrush! It’s not the end of the world to forget one of these; unless you’re vacationing on a deserted island you can probably find them at a nearby drugstore or gift shop. But it’s still annoying to buy replacements or use a substitute if you can’t get your hands on your favorite brand.

Many times, I find it easier to buy travel-sized versions of these beforehand or use travel bottles that I can fill with my products. They take up less room in your bags and you don’t have to worry about trying to remember to pack them at the last minute if you’ll need to use them before you leave home.

Makeup

Now, I know makeup isn’t exactly essential to the beach. But, sometimes a girl just wants to put on a little lipstick, you know? I tend to avoid overpacking my makeup bag and stick to bringing my most used and versatile products. My favorite tinted moisturizer is a must because it also contains SPF and doesn’t feel heavy. I’ll also bring my ride or die concealer, a good waterproof mascara, and lip gloss. If I know I’ll be going out to dinner or to events where I might want to look a little more glam, I’ll also take a setting spray, a small face and eye palette, and setting powder.

Beach Day Essentials

What you’ll actually take down to the sand also depends on you. Got the little ones with you? Don’t forget the sand toys, boogie boards, life vests, etc. Flying solo and looking forward to relaxing? Grab those books you’ve been meaning to read, headphones, or a Bluetooth speaker. And if you’re looking for some new books to take on your trip, check out my Summer Reading List.

A few other things you might want to include are beach towels, a handheld fan, a cooler for snacks and drinks, games, and a beach bag to carry it all.

Electronics

This category really goes for any vacation packing list, but I’m including it because there’s nothing worse than getting to your destination and realizing you forgot your phone’s charging cable! You’ll also want to make sure you have any charging cables for any other electronics, portable chargers or power banks for on-the-go charging, your laptop, Ipad, or any electronics that you may need.