Your Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List

Published: March 1, 2025

The days are getting longer, temperatures are rising, and your PTO bucket is calling your name. Whether you're escaping a cold climate or living in the tropics, nothing says "self-care" quite like a beach day. While booking flights or planning day trips might be the easy part, packing your beach bag often proves more challenging than expected.

Don't let missing essentials cut into your relaxation time - let's create the ultimate beach packing list to keep you focused on the waves rather than running to stores for forgotten items.

MUST-HAVE BEACH ESSENTIALS

Person holding the sunscreen in one hand and squeezing it onto another hand

Photo Credit: @batch_by_whs-

Sun protection tops every beach packing list. Pack reliable sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself from harmful rays. Include a cover-up for beach transitions and sun breaks. Here are our tried-and-tested sunscreen recommendations:

Planning to swim? While saltwater offers natural benefits, it can leave hair dry and prone to breakage. Pack a leave-in conditioner to moisturize and create a protective barrier against salt damage. Our top picks include:

After your ocean dip, tackle tangles with a specialized beach hair brush:

To capture your moments at the beach, pack a camera! You won’t regret looking back at pictures with these awesome cameras that give your photos a vintage look:

Bringing kids (or embracing your inner child)? Pack entertainment essentials like beach balls, floating tubes, and a portable speaker. Don't forget practical items like goggles and a speaker charger.

Beach comfort requires basics: a towel for drying off or lounging, or upgrading to a picnic blanket or beach chair for added comfort. Pack a water bottle and an engaging book for downtime. For snacks and drinks, consider these popular coolers:

Lastly, it’s important to come prepared in case anything happens on your day at the beach. Pack a mini first-aid kit for the unexpected - those seashells can be surprisingly sharp!

Now that you have your essentials lined up, pack them into an oversized beach tote, and you’ll be on your way to sandy adventures and sun-kissed skin!

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR BEACH TRIP

Lifeguard in red holding lifeguard beach buoy and flippers in the other hand walking on sandy beach

Photo Credit: @tomturbo

Whether you're a beach veteran or a first-timer, these beach tips ensure a successful day.

On particularly hot days, chill your sunscreen for a cool application, and reapply every two hours.
Stay hydrated before, during, and after your beach time.
We know it can be easy to disregard your surroundings when enjoying your beach day. Remain alert to your surroundings - watch for lifeguard signals and warning flags.
Keep track of belongings, and use beach lockers when available for valuable items.

PREMIER BEACH DESTINATIONS

TYBEE ISLAND, GA

Aerial view of lighthouse and vacation homes surrounding it with beach and ocean in the background

Located outside of Savannah, this charming island offers clean public beaches and is very budget-friendly. Watch for dolphins from the pier, climb the historic lighthouse, or hunt for sand dollars at North Beach! Enjoy local, fresh-caught seafood to end your perfect beach day at one of the many five-star restaurants in the area.

AMELIA ISLAND, FL

Sunset going down at beach with grassy land beside it

A coastal dream town awaits you at Amelia Island. Horseback ride along the shore, hunt for sharks' teeth, or explore Fort Clinch State Park. The island's historic district adds shopping and dining variety to your beach days.

LOS CABOS, MX

Resort pool with tan umbrellas and lounge chairs beside it

Where the desert meets the sea, Los Cabos has gorgeous scenery and endless activities. Snorkel at Lover's Beach, watch for whales in winter months, or kayak around the famous arch. Local markets offer authentic Mexican goods and beachside vendors serve fresh produce. This is a destination you must add to your bucket list.

To explore all of our beach destinations, click here!

A well-packed beach bag sets the precedent for a perfect day filled with sun, sand, and surf that we all dream about! Whether you're heading to Georgia's coast, Florida's shores, or Mexico's beaches, properly preparing will allow you to focus on making memories rather than hunting for forgotten items. Remember to respect local beach rules, protect the environment, and, most importantly - relax and enjoy your beach vacation. After all, that's what vacations are for!