How many times do you pack for a beach vacation and then once you are stretched out on your beach towel you think, “Man! I should have brought…”? Fill in the blank with items such as bug spray, your underwater camera, towel clips, or even extra sunscreen!
Let me take the stress out of the packing for you with ideas for your couples getaway, girl’s trip, or family beach trip packing list. Think sunglasses, swimsuits, shorts, beach balls, bug spray, and beach towels.
33 Brilliant Things to Pack for a Beach Vacation
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Hey Everyone! It is time to get some Vitamin Sea!
Throughout the years while traveling around the world, I have created packing lists for:
- International travel
- Domestic travel
- Personal handbag (backpack).
- Lists of the last-minute things to do before leaving the house
- Travel checklist for things to do leading up to your trip
- A cruise packing list
Each one is a little different.
And now, I have a beach packing list for when you are planning beachside getaways as a couple or for a family beach vacation. Your beach packing list is essential for enjoying days of sun, fun, and relaxation.
>> Related: 13 Features of The Best Crossbody Bag for Travel
This checklist offers ideas for exactly what you should pack for your tropical vacation when traveling to the Islands of Tahiti, Jamaica, or Costa Rica—or pretty much any hot, humid, and sunny beach destination!
Sun Care and Bug Spray
1. Sunscreen
I am a big fan of Sun Bum sunscreen and other Sun Bum products. Be sure to put them on your beach packing list.
They are:
- Vegan friendly
- Reef safe
- Provide broad spectrum moisturizing UVA/UVB sunscreen with vitamin E.
Applying sunscreen on the first day of your vacation and then often throughout ALL the days of your vacation ensures that you avoid sunburns and can enjoy every day at your dream destination.
I use a different sunscreen for my face—PCA Skin Active Broad Spectrum SPF 45—with a formulation that is water-resistant, has a lightweight finish, and offers broad spectrum protection. Because I wear it everyday, I know that I won’t have any kind of skin reaction to it.
According to the PCA website, this sunscreen:
- Provides protection for your skin for 80 minutes in water or while sweating
- Protects against UVA rays (aging) and UVB rays (burning)
- Won’t drip into eyes
- Does not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, making it compliant with reef safety laws.
This sunscreen is a winner in my opinion. While I wouldn’t use it all over my body (because it is more expensive), it is great for my face. If I am not swimming at the beach, it is a great facial sunscreen that protects all day long, especially on my European adventures.
2. Leave-In Conditioner
You may also be interested in Sun Bum Leave-in Conditioner for your beachside getaways—if you are curly haired, you’ll likely appreciate the anti-frizz qualities of the leave-in conditioner. While you are enjoying the sunshine, it can also dry your hair. Leave-in conditioner provides protection, conditions, and serves as a detangler.
3. After Sun Gel
In the event you do get more sun exposure than expected, the Sun Bum Cool Down Gel provides a cooling and soothing effect while helping to nourish your skin and prevent peeling.
4. Bug Spray
One thing you don’t always think about is the need for bug spray in paradise. It is a must for your family beach trip packing list.
I am a magnet for bites at home while my husband rarely gets bitten. After reading the recommendations from other travelers to bring bug spray, I did a little research and found the BUGGINS Original Gnat & Mosquito Insect Repellent with a light vanilla, mint and rose scent. I didn’t mind the smell at all.
Some tropical locations have mosquitoes and no-see-ums. Having been bitten by both, I prefer not to give those nasty bugs a chance.
5. Lip Balm
I carry Sun Bum Lip Balm with me wherever I travel. My husband says I am addicted. And maybe that is true. It is one of my travel essentials for my beach packing list.
6. Wet Wipes
You may be surprised how many times you use wipes as you travel or how often you will wish you had some…especially if you are traveling with kids.
7. Baby Powder
Bring along some Johnson’s baby powder for your day at the beach. The powder is great to help remove sand when it is time to pack things up and leaves the sand on the beach instead of in your car or at the beach rental.
8. First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is great for bites, scrapes and many non-emergency moments. You can buy pre-packaged kits or put together the essentials that you may need.
Swimsuits and Beach Clothing
You’re gonna want your clothing at the beach to be lightweight, easy to pull on and off, and easily foldable (or stuffable). Your beach packing list should include clothing and swimsuits for long days at the beach and dressier items that you can wear to dinner.
9. Tank Tops
Tank tops for men and women are great to wear as you travel to the beach or if you are sightseeing earlier in the day. Add it to your beach checklist.
10. Shorts
Similar to tank tops or a sundress, shorts are perfect to pull on over your swimsuit.
11. Flowy Skirt or Sundress
Go from the beach to sightseeing to dinner in a beautiful flowy skirt or sundress.
12. Tropical Dress Shirt
My husband loves to pack tropical shirts for casual to dressier evenings on vacation. They are the perfect tops to stay cool.
13. Swimsuits
Planning a beachside getaway? Your adventures will require that everyone in your family have a swimsuit. Whether you are on a cruise, at a beach rental, or swimming at a vacation rental swimming pool, you may want to bring a few extra suits, especially if you are in and out of the water several times a day or day after day. With a few swimsuit options, you won’t be putting on a wet swimsuit.
14. Beach Cover Up
Need something you can easily throw on or wrap around your waist as you go for a quick lunch? Swimsuit cover-ups are a great option for your tropical vacation packing list.
15. Lightweight Rash Guard
Think of rash guards as an extra layer of sun protection—often with SPF. You can wear them as you lounge on the beach or even as you swim to keep your skin from getting more sun. Amazon offers a variety of rash guards for men and women—do a little searching to find the perfect style for you and your family as you begin to create your beach packing list.
16. Flip Flops
Another beach packing list essential is flip flops. You may even wish to bring more than one pair if you need something a little dressier that doesn’t take up a lot of space in your luggage.
17. Water Shoes
If you are going on excursions, exploring or searching for sea shells, a pair of water shoes might just protect your feet from scrapes and bruises.
18. Floppy Hat or Visor
Whether I am hiking in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, enjoying a cruise excursion, or spending a day at the beach, I always bring a cap, visor or floppy hat. For me, it is an essential on my beach checklist.
19. Packable Jacket
While the beach is hot during the day, temperatures often drop as the sun goes down and you begin to feel the cooler ocean breezes. Bring a packable lightweight jacket and stay comfortable all day long.
Beach Gear
20. Beach Towel
More often than not, towels will be provided by the resort hotel where you are staying. If you happen to plan a snorkel excursion, hike to a waterfall, or search for a secluded beach, bringing your own towel is a great option. In fact, a microfiber towel will be perfect as they often dry quickly and absorb more. A sand proof beach blanket is also a great idea for spreading out at the beach.
21. Sunglasses
Protect your eyes as you enjoy your beachside getaway. Choose a timeless sunglass style like the Ray-Ban Erika that will minimize glare and shield your eyes from the sun all day long. Think of sunglasses as fashion and function all in one!
22. Snorkel Gear
These full face snorkel masks are new to us in the past couple of years, but we absolutely LOVE them. They make breathing underwater so easy, and if you get the seal tight enough, there is no worry of leakage.
My husband and I are easily able to talk to each other as well.
>> Related: 25 Pros and Cons of a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Tropical Snorkel Spots
23. Insulated Water Bottle
This water bottle has a secret section where you can store small items while enjoying the beach. You may also wish to bring additional water bottles that are easily refillable for everyone in your group.
24. Beach Tote Bag and Cooler
A beach tote bag comes in handy as you pack up your towels, sun screen, bug spray, tablet, snacks, etc. for a day at the beach. You many even want to consider a foldable, packable insulated cooler for keeping drinks cold and snacks from melting.
25. Beach Chair Clamps & Clothespins
I wished I had beach chair towel clamps and clothespins on my beach packing list for our recent trip to a Moorea and a Tahitian resort. The clamps would have been great for keeping my towel from sliding down my lounge chair all of the time. The clothespins would have been handy for hanging wet suits to dry.
26. Beach Toys
Have the best day at the beach with fun floating sling chairs, beach games such as croquet, sand toys, or a beach ball to maximize your fun in the sun, sand and waves.
27. Beach Umbrella and Chair
These are items that you would want to bring if you live close to the beach or maybe if you have room in your car on your road trip. Many vacation rentals also provide beach items so be sure to check. You’ll be grateful for the umbrella shade and comfortable chair as you enjoy your day at the beach.
28. Beach Wagon
If you live close enough to the beach or can pack this beach wagon for a road trip, you will love the ease of carrying all of your STUFF to the beach. Don’t forget your beach cooler, snacks, picnic lunch, drinks, cover ups, and beach toys.
A Few Extras for Your Beach Packing List
29. Underwater Camera or Waterproof Phone Case
You’d be surprised how many opportunities you have to use an underwater camera or GoPro. It creates fun shots of tropical fish as your snorkel or dive as well as family and friends playing on the beach.
30. Smart Phone
Don’t forget your smart phone on your beach packing list. It is great for taking pictures, listening to podcasts, or listening to music.
31. Tablet
Add an e-reader or tablet to your tropical vacation packing list, especially if you love to relax at the beach while reading a good book. The advantage of a tablet is be able to maximize space that paper books take up.
32. Speaker
Add some fun to your beach days with great tunes on your beach playlist. Speakers can be compact, portable, waterproof and still offer great sound. Toss one in your beach bag the next time you head to the beach.
33. Portable Charger
Don’t forget to bring a portable charger. If you are listening to music all day long, taking pictures, or even playing a game or two, you’ll want to keep your phone charged.
Frequently Asked Questions
What you should NOT forget to pack for a beach vacation?
Well, everything on this list. But if I were picking one thing, I would recommend that you always remember the sunscreen. But really, you need everything on the list.
Can you pack a carry on for a beachside getaway?
We checked our luggage for a recent trip to Tahiti. And we overpacked thinking we would use our exercise gear and multiple shirts and shorts. Turns out, you spend a lot of time in your swimming suit and those are compact enough to fit in a carry on. Just be sure to pack the sunscreen and bug spray and after sun gel in TSA approved containers. You could also purchase sunscreen and bug spray at your destination, but they will likely be more expensive.
What don’t I need for my tropical vacation?
Anything that you would consider to be irreplaceable, valuable and flashy jewelry, books, a hair dryer (most hotels have them), and extra outfits that you might wear.
Is rolling your clothes as you pack them a good idea?
Yes! They stay much less wrinkled and don’t take up anymore space when rolled.
What is the most common item people forget to pack?
Chargers and cables.
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Final Thoughts on 33 Brilliant Things to Pack for a Beach Vacation
While you are happily soaking up the sun on your beachside getaway, try to avoid being burned to a crisp, getting sand in places that sand should never be, or swallowing mouthfuls of salty water as you try to figure out your snorkel mask.
If you can avoid all that, you’ll be set because you know what to add to your beach packing list. Print your beach checklist today to have the best time of your life.
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- 28 Ultimate Romantic Getaways for Couples
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With the snow storm here today, the beach look fantastic and warm :O)
Have saved these tips for my upcoming summer vacations. Can’t wait to hit the beach.
This is a great list! I’m the ultimate beach bum and love being prepared with travel essentials. Now I’ll add more to my list.
I love the sunbum products too. A waterproof case for your camera or phone is a great idea!
I absolutely always forget my underwater camera! Haha Definitely going to keep this handy this summer
Great list! Always a good idea to bring your own snorkel gear! Wish I were on a beach vacation now!
I always forget the beach chair clamps!! They take up next to no room and make a legit difference in my comfort when I am lounging on a beach!! Must remember them!
OMG THAT WATER BOTTLE IS A. MUST. HAVE.
This is awesome! Absolutely dying to get on a hot getaway! It’s been way too cold here recently for my liking! Thanks for sharing your tips!
I always forget my water shoes! Ha ha! I recently tried the face snorkel masks and they’re brilliant. Very helpful post!
Great list! I like how you have all the products linked. Thanks for sharing!
This is a very helpful and practical guide for beach vacation packing. I’m going to pin this for later so I can find it for my next vacation!
Great list! I came across Sun Bum suncream in Costa Rica and fell in love with it!
It’s freezing here in the UK today so now I’m dreaming of a sunny escape! Thanks for the great list of beach essentials!
Great list – loving the snorkel mask!
This is a helpful list of things to pack for the beach. I like the idea of the underwater camera. I would love to try one out sometime!
We just landed for our beach vacation and I wish I had looked at this post before I packed. It would have been a good reminder to pack after sun gel because we always end up buying a new bottle on vacation and we have so much at home now. The full face snorkel mask is something that I have wanted to try. But we did remember our clothes pins for the beach chairs.
I didn’t realize Sun Bum was reef safe! The struggle to find good reef-safe sunscreen has been so much and clearly I’ve been making it harder than it needs to be. Those full face snorkels look so convenient, you can see everything without worrying!
This is a great beach packing list. Digging the full face snorkel mask!
I’ve never used the full face snorkel masks – how difficult are they to get a good seal on? Great list!
We have never had a problem getting a good seal.
Great list! I like the idea of the water bottle with a secret space to hide things, very clever!
It’s so handy to have a list of all the things needed for a beach vacation all in one place. This is a very comprehensive list.
that is very useful.
it’s so good having a list so nothing gets left behind!! And, I definitely need one of those drink bottles, such a good idea
This is a great list – defo pack that bug spray as I find it expensive in a lot of places abroad. Thanks for sharing.
The full face snorkel mask sounds quite interesting; did you enjoy using this vs a traditional snorkel?
Great list! I never think to bring cooling lotion/aloe vera for after the sun. Typically, I load up on sunscreen, so I don’t get burnt but sometimes – especially water activities, no amount of sunscreen matters lol
you’re never too old for a beach wagon!!! much easier than lugging everything by hand
Thank you for this super-useful and well thought out beach-vacation packing checklist — I especially loved how you highlighted such a wide range of essentials from sunscreen, to snorkel masks and to underwater camera — so nothing gets forgotten for a sunny getaway!