A beach packing list is essential for travel to a tropical destination because there are just some extra things you’ll want to have on hand for fun in the sun.
Planning a beach vacation is exciting, but as busy moms, we’re all too familiar with the last-minute scramble to pack. Whether you’re heading to a tropical island, a cozy coastal town, or a fun-filled family beach resort, having a packing list ensures you bring everything you need.
To take the stress out of your trip prep, I’ve put together the ultimate beach packing list. From sun protection and swimwear to beach day must-haves and a few often-forgotten items, this list covers it all.
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Why do I Need a Beach Packing List?
You might already have a great vacation packing list and are wondering why you need another packing list specifically for the beach.
- The beach is different from other inland vacation destinations. There are lots of different activities happening on a beach vacation and if you don’t pack correctly you will end up missing important items that you need all day like sunscreen, flip-flops, waterproof phone pouches or beach towels.
- If you don’t have what you need at the beach the prices of ordinary items will shock you! Beach destinations are really popular and they hike up the prices because of the large number of tourists.
- It helps with planning ahead, in case you need to order swimsuits or a beach tent online. Your list helps you plan early and spot anything you need to buy, borrow, or clean before departure.
- As you’re packing for your kids, a list makes it easier to keep track of all the extras—snacks, water bottles, floaties, changes of clothes, and more. As kids grow and learn how to do different things (like swim), they need different things for the beach, so even if you went last year, they probably need something different this year.
What do I Need to Pack for the Beach?
Whether you are going on a week-long trip or a day trip to the beach, these items will come in handy.
Here are some items we always take when we are going on a road trip to the beach:
- Flip Flops and/or Water Shoes
- Sunglasses
- Beach Towels
- Beach Chairs—these are great if you don’t want to lay down all the time
- Goggles—keep that salt water out of your eyes
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm with SPF—don’t forget lips can burn too!
- Snacks and Water Bottles
- Cooler
- Waterproof Dry Bags for our Phones
- Beach Toys
- Wet Bag—we change out of our swimwear before heading home
- Hats—helps protect our heads from the hot sun
- Extra Plastic Bags—great for putting our trash in
- Huge Beach Bag—it can never be too big, LOL, get a sand free bag for the best experience
- Wet Wipes and Tissues
- Floatation Devices/Kickboards/Kneeboards
- Insect Repellent—yes there can be bugs at the beach
- Free printable beach scavenger hunt—as a fun activity while you’re there
—these are great if you don’t want to lay down all the time
—keep that salt water out of your eyes
—don’t forget lips can burn too!
for our Phones
—we change out of our swimwear before heading home
for the best experience
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Beach Tips to Make Your Day More Enjoyable
Even if you love the beach, there are certain things that make a day at the beach more enjoyable.
I have gone to the beach enough times to have some seriously good tips to make your trip better.
Here are some of my favorite beach tips:
- Reapply sunscreen often—you can’t overdo sunscreen at the beach. A burn will ruin your trip and it’s bad for your skin’s health.
- Stay hydrated—make sure you drink plenty of water. You can also try coconut water, fruit-infused water, or diluted juice, but avoid alcohol and sugary drinks, which can worsen dehydration.
- Learn about rip currents and teach your kids. This could save a life.
- Don’t walk around barefoot. You should always wear flip flops or water shoes on the beach and in the water to protect your feet because there’s no way to see what’s under the sand and getting cut or stung makes for a bad day at the beach.
- Scout out the area and know where the bathrooms are and where the nearest lifeguard tower is located. We like to sit within easy reach of a lifeguard especially if the kids are with us.
- Have a family safety plan already set up and make sure everyone understands the rules for the day. One rule we always follow is that no one goes into the ocean alone.
- Put leave-in conditioner in your hair before you go to the beach. Salt water and sun are really damaging to hair and the conditioner helps to protect it so you don’t look fried the next day.
- An umbrella or pop up tent are really nice especially for younger kids. The sun is HOT and having some shade can make a long day much better.
are really nice especially for younger kids. The sun is HOT and having some shade can make a long day much better.Equipment Needed / Helpful Tools for Printables
Printer: This one is a great budget printer. If you’re willing to spend just a little more though, this is a better option. And if you’re looking for an all-in-one home office machine, this one does it all, has high reviews and includes 2 years of ink.
Ink cartridges: Speaking of ink, this is where the cost of using printables can really add up! To save BIG on ink, buy it from CompAndSave.com. It’s substantially cheaper than anywhere else and they carry ink for all major printer brands and models.
Printer paper or cardstock: If you’re printing for one-time, quick use, print on regular printer paper. If you need the printout to hold up to being handled often or if you plan to laminate it to use it multiple times, choose cardstock.
Laminator: Laminating your printable is an inexpensive way to use it multiple times. Just use dry erase markers and wipe off when you’re done so you can use it again! Alternately, you can cover the printable with clear contact paper to achieve the same thing or place the printable in clear page protectors.
Binder or Folder: If you’re using page protectors for your printables, binders are such an easy way to keep them together and organized. I love this colorful set. If you prefer to stick with standard white though, this set is highly rated and very affordable. And if you need larger binders, this set is terrific. If you go with folders, I like these.
Storage boxes: I like to keep a collection of coloring pages and activity sheets for kids in these plastic storage boxes that I pull out whenever I need to keep kids occupied. I like to keep my printable checklists and packing lists in this file organizer.
Hole punch: If you don’t use page protectors but want to use binders to organize your printables, a hole puncher will be your best friend. This is the one you want if you’ll be punching holes in several pages at a time and want to do so easily. And this bargain option is ideal if you don’t mind limiting your hole punching to 2-3 pages at a time.
Markers and Pens: The right writing instrument makes a big difference! Depending on what I’m writing, I have different preferences. Here are my favorites for each type:
- Ball point pens – These are the ones I use for regular note taking
- Gel pens – My favorites for journaling
- Erasable gel pens – I use these for my calendar so I still have pretty colors but can easily change things if my schedule changes
- Fine point permanent markers – These are my favorite for coloring
- Felt tip pens – I use these on Post-It notes for my own reminders or notes for my family
- Markers – These are my favorites for kids since there are no caps to lose and the kids can easily open and close them on their own
Clipboard: I love this clipboard for on-the-go while I’m walking around the house and packing up what we need.
Download the Free Printable Beach Packing List
I am excited you are going on a beach vacation! My family has some wonderful memories of our trips to the beach.
You can download and print off this beach packing list for your own personal use by just filling in the form below.
Printable FAQs
Fill in the form above. After you submit the form, you’ll receive an email from “Wondermom Wannabe” with a direct link to the printable. If you do not see the email in your inbox within a few minutes, check your spam folder.
The most likely place will be in your computer’s Downloads folder. You can also select “Downloads” in your browser menu to see a list of your downloads, then simply select “Show in folder” below the file name to see where it is stored on your computer.
You’ll need a program that supports PDFS, like Adobe Acrobat (which is free). Open the program, click File > Print. Select your printer and set the number of copies you want to print. Double check your print preview, then click print.
Additional Ideas to Help You Enjoy Your Summer Vacation
Before you leave for vacation be sure to check out these other posts:
- Family Travel Tips Every Family Needs: These family travel tips are perfect for any type of family vacation, spring break, summer fun or holiday adventure. Simple and easy to implement!
- How to Enjoy a Road Trip on a Budget: Find out how to take a road trip on a budget so you can have all the fun without spending all your money. Simple, practical tips to save money.
- Free Printable Car Maintenance Checklist: Print & keep this car maintenance checklist in your vehicle to make sure you perform regular maintenance to extend the life of your vehicle.
- Printable Road Trip Bingo Cards: All you need are these printable cards and a crayon, pencil, or marker to enjoy a peaceful car ride while the kids hunt for signs and vehicles.
- Printable Summer Crossword Puzzle for Kids: Get ready for a summer of fun with our Printable Summer Crossword Puzzle! Perfect for keeping little minds engaged while enjoying the sunshine.
- 600 This or That Questions for Kids: These This or That Questions for kids are a fun way to pass time wherever and whenever you want.
Thank yiu
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy your trip to the beach. Thanks for commenting.
This is handy! Thanks for sharing… I always start a list on my phone but then wind up recreating it every year when I can’t find it… LOL!