The Ultimate Beach Packing List for 2024

Are you ready to soak up the sun this summer? There’s nothing more relaxing than a beach vacation, but packing for the trip can be stressful.

To avoid the disappointment of leaving something important at home, make a thorough list before you start filling your suitcase. Here’s our essential beach packing list to get you ready to hit the sand.

Toiletries

These toiletries will ensure you keep up your hygiene while on vacation. Also remember to pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, makeup and any medications you need.

1. Sunscreen and Aloe Vera

Most people know sunscreen prevents conditions like sunburn, peeling and skin cancer. When picking a sunscreen product to bring on your beach vacation, don’t forget that your choice will also affect ocean life. You can upgrade your beach packing list by getting a sunscreen bottle marked reef-safe or eco-friendly.

It’s best to select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and remember to reapply it regularly, particularly after swimming or excessive sweating.

If you do get sunburned, be sure to have aloe vera cream to soothe and hydrate your skin. It helps to cool the skin, reduce inflammation and promote healing. Including both of these items in your travel kit ensures you’re well-prepared to enjoy your time in the sun.

Our Recommendations

CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50: $8.97 on Amazon

Banana Boat Soothing After Sun Gel: $11.94 on Amazon

2. Skincare

While sunscreen is the most important element of a beach skincare routine, there are other products that can keep your skin happy. Have a good moisturizer and cleanser to avoid dryness in the summer heat.

Sun exposure can lead to dehydration, while saltwater can strip away natural oils, leaving your skin dry and tight. A good moisturizer restores lost moisture and repairs sun-damaged skin. Choose a moisturizer rich in hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Apply it after showering, when your skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration.

Our Recommendations:

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizer with SPF 50: $16.69 on Amazon

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser: $18.39 on Amazon

3. Hair Care

If you’ll be swimming in the ocean, you’ll want to thoroughly wash your hair and prevent it from drying out. Pack any shampoo and conditioner you like, along with a leave-in conditioner to bring life back to your hair after soaking in salt water. Look for a product with UV protection, as well.

Our Recommendations:

Sun Bum Revitalizing 3 in 1 Leave-In Conditioner with UV Protection: $15.49 on Amazon

Streaam2Sea Reef Safe Leave-In Conditioner: $15.95 on Amazon

On-the-Beach Essentials

Here’s everything you need to set up the perfect beach day camp.

1. Umbrella or Canopy

Unless your vacation happens on a beach with plenty of shade, you’ll eventually get tired of being in direct sunlight. Pack an umbrella that’s easy to carry so you can take it to any location. You’ll spend more time on the dunes without increasing your risk of sunburn.

If you have a big crew, opt for a tent or canopy. Be sure to check if your beach has any regulations against tents, though.

Our Recommendations:

Aoxun 7ft Heavy Duty Beach Umbrella: $43.43 on Amazon

Neso Tents 7×7 Beach Canopy: $104.99 on Amazon

2. Beach Towels

You’ll want to have a few beach towels depending on how long your stay is. If you plan to go in the water and lounge in the sand, you might want two towels, one to keep dry and one that will get wet.

Our Recommendation:

Utopia Towels 4-Pack: $41.99 on Amazon

Fluffy Oversized Beach Towel: $23.99 on Amazon

3. A Cooler

Leaving the beach for lunch might feel fun at first, but you may not want to leave for every snack and meal. Add a cooler to your beach packing list to avoid that problem. A large heavy duty cooler is great for packing lunch for the whole family. If you don’t need a big one, opt for a cooler backpack that’s easy to transport. If your beach allows alcohol, bringing some from home will save you from spending money at a bar on the boardwalk.

Our Recommendations:

Coleman 316 Series Portable Cooler: starting at $47.79 on Amazon

Corkcicle Travel Pack Cooler: $138.00 on Amazon

YETI Roadie 24 Cooler: $250.00 on Amazon

4. Water-Resistant Earbuds or Speaker

The right playlist can make your beach day truly blissful. If you want to listen with your friends, invest in a waterproof bluetooth speaker. On a crowded beach, however, you might not want to disturb others, so go for a high-quality pair of earbuds.

Our Recommendations:

JBL Clip 4 Mini Bluetooth Speaker: $49.91 on Amazon

JBL Vibe Buds Wireless Water Resistant Earbuds: $49.95 on Amazon

5. Portable Phone Charger

There’s nothing better than listening to your favorite music while hanging out on the beach. Eventually, your phone battery might run low. Don’t head back to your hotel room and end your beach time early. Use a portable phone charger to boost your battery instead.

Our Recommedation:

INIU Portable Charger Compatible With iPhone and Samsung: $14.55 on Amazon

VERGER Mini Portable Charger for iPhone: $19.99 on Amazon

6. Beach Bag

You’ll need a bag to throw all your beach essentials in. Any tote will do, but one that zips closed can be great for keeping sand out. If you’ll be biking or walking a lot, go for a backpack.

Our Recommedations:

BAGSMART Tote Bag with Zipper: $26.39 on Amazon

Odyseaco Beach Backpack: $29.99 on Amazon

Waterproof Drawstring Bag: $18.99 on Amazon

7. Water Bottle

Stay hydrated all day long while you soak up the sun. Spending hours in the heat and engaging in activities like swimming can quickly deplete your body’s water levels, leading to dehydration. A reusable water bottle is eco-friendly and convenient, allowing you to have fresh water on hand at all times. Opt for an insulated bottle to keep your drink cool throughout the day.

Our Recommendations

Stanley IceFlow Fast Flow Water Bottle 16-50 OZ: $35.00 on Amazon

32oz Motivational Sports Water Bottle with Time Marker: $9.99 on Amazon

Clothing & Accessories

Here is our rapid-fire list of clothing and accessory essentials for a beach vacation:

On the Beach:

• Swimsuits (for a multi-day trip, we recommend bringing at least two sets)
• Sunglasses
• Sunhat
• Cover-up dress (choose something with a bit of coverage if you start to feel sunburned)
• Flip-flops
• T-shirt and shorts (needed if you might stop into a shop or restaurant when you leave the beach)

At the Beach House

• Pajamas
• Underwear and bras
• Socks
• Loungewear
• Sweatshirt and sweatpants

For Other Outings

• Workout gear (including sneakers)
• Lightweight cardigan or sweater (if it’s chilly at night)
• Demin or casual shorts
• T-shirts or tank tops
• Jeans or casual pants
• Sundresses or rompers (easy to dress up for dinner or dress down for shopping)
• Sandals
• Jewelry

Save Your Beach Packing List

Anyone can use this beach packing list to prepare for their upcoming coastal trip. You’ll have everything you need to vacation abroad and stay comfortable out on the dunes. Consider what you enjoy doing most while you’re sitting in the sun or splashing in the waves to bring the best items that will make you happy.

Updated on 5/20/2024