Congrats! You got that beach vacation booked and now it is time to get packed! I love going to the beach (especially now that we live in Florida) but it requires A LOT of stuff. This family beach vacation packing list will help you remember everything you need for a week of fun in the sun.
Forgetting something essential like sunscreen or towels can put a real damper on the day. So let’s make sure you have everything you and your family needs to have a blast all day long on the beach.
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Beach Vacation Packing List PDF
Headed on your beach vacation a little later? Save this post to use when you’re ready!
Beach Vacation Packing List
Beach Essentials
There are the essentials you will want on the beach with you, it is a very similar list to a pool packing list with just a few additions.
Clothing to Pack for the Beach – Per Person
Toiletries
Electronics
Miscellaneous
Documents
- ID
- Wallet
- Credit Cards
- Cash
#1 Beach Must Have
Safety first, the most important thing to remember to pack has got to be sun protection! Being lobster red and in pain really sucks. So make sure you grab the sunscreen, the SPF lip balm, the hats etc. to protect yourself.
Beach Vacation Secret Weapons
Beach vacations are so fun but I’d be lying if I said they didn’t come with a few inconveniences. The first one is SAND.
Sand gets everywhere and it sticks to you when you leave which means you’re taking it back to your hotel room with you. To help cut down on sand contamination bring corn starch with you. This kitchen staple will take the sand right off your skin when you rub it on yourself at the end of your time at the beach.
I also recommend bringing a trash bag or two to pack wet clothing in for the drive or flight home. This way all your other clothes stay dry and everything doesn’t smell musty once you get home.
Beach Tips with Young Kids:
- The Ultimate Beach Packing List for Toddlers
- Beach Essentials for Baby You Definitely Need
- 11 Beach Essentials for Toddlers in 2023
Beach Packing Tips
- You may not need to bring everything on this list if your accommodations provide it. Many home stays and even hotels will provide things like beach chairs, beach toys and towels. Make sure you ask before you leave to cut down on what you have to bring.
- If you’re flying to your destination and your accommodations don’t provide these beach staples another alternative is to rent them! Local bike shops or stands at the beach will have beach gear you can rent for the day. It will most likely be cheaper than paying for the extra luggage!
- Another tip if you are flying to your beach getaway is to pack sunscreen towelettes! This way you don’t have to worry about liquid size requirements, spills or purchasing it once you arrive.
- Lastly, make sure you pack a swimsuit in your carry-on. This way even if your luggage gets lost you’ll have a swimsuit with you. Then you can head straight to the beach and forget about the lost luggage, at least temporarily.
What to Leave at Home
Leave your valuables at home, the beach is not the place for fine jewelry. If you can get away with not bringing your wallet then that is best left in your hotel room. Unfortunately theft does occur on the beach so the less there is to steal the better off you’ll be if you get hit.
Don’t wear jeans or socks. Just don’t. They aren’t comfortable in the sand or salt water and they’re hot which is not helpful on an already hot sunny day.
Family Beach Vacation Packing List
This beach vacation packing list should work for everyone in the family. You may need a couple extra items if you head to the beach with a baby or toddler, but otherwise you are set!
There are beautiful beaches all over the world so make the most of where you are going this time.
