When I was young, free and single all I would need to bring to the beach was a pair of flip flops, a towel, and a surfboard. But these days with a couple of kids and a wife, I need to pack with a bit more care and planning.
It’s a sad day if you forget to bring one of your beach essentials on that family day out – I know it can totally dampen your day!
So, if you are planning a beach vacation or just a simple beach trip for the day, you are going to need to pack accordingly.
This list includes the obvious like a beach blanket, beach toys and beach towels, but there are a few other things you might not have thought of in this handy beach packing checklist.
Let’s dive in!
TL;DR (Too long didn’t read)
There are a few beach essentials you need (if you can’t read the whole guide)
Sun Protection: Sun hat, sunscreen, beach umbrella
Fun Stuff: Sand toys for the kids, boogie boards or surfboards
Necessities: Beach towel and blanket, bathing suits, water bottle
The Ultimate Beach Bag Packing List: Everything You Need for a Fun Day on the Sand
A perfect beach outing requires more than just a swimsuit and towel. To fully enjoy hours of sun, surf, and sand, you need the right supplies. Don’t get caught unprepared at the shore – use this comprehensive beach bag packing list.
With over 50 essential items covered, you’ll be completely equipped for a fabulous and hassle-free beach day.
What to Bring to the Beach: Sun Protection
Too much sun exposure to the sun’s harmful rays can certainly ruin beach fun and lead to painful sunburns. Pack these sun safety beach essentials if you are going to spend a bit of time in the hot sun:
Sunscreen
This is a mandatory beach bag item. I like to choose broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher and apply/reapply often – I think it’s better to keep applying rather than plaster a thick layer and hope you’re good.
I also try to use sun cream that’s reef safe – this way you know you are protecting our precious coral reefs.
If you are in the water a lot, use a zinc stick to protect your face – yeah it might look a bit weird, but your skin will thank you.
Sunglasses
They don’t just look cool. Sunglasses shield your eyes from bright sunlight reflecting off the water, sand, and seafoam. Polarized lenses also cut the glare too, and are especially nice to wear while driving.
Wide-Brim Hat
Keep the sun’s intense rays off your face and neck. A wide-brim design offers better coverage. Baseball caps leave vulnerable areas.
Sun Shirt or Cover-up
For extra protection from the UV rays, when not in the water, wear a lightweight sun shirt or beach cover-up. It’s best to plan your beach outfit accordingly – Especially if you burn easily.
Lip balm
Saltwater and sun dehydrate lips. Apply balm with SPF to prevent chapping.
Beach Umbrella
It goes without saying you need to bring a beach umbrella. Seek shade when you need a break from the sun. Look for a lightweight umbrella because they are easier to anchor into the sand.
Sunglasses Strap
Avoid losing your shades in the surf or wind with an eyeglass strap or cord. Dangle around your neck when not worn.
What to Bring to the Beach: Water Fun Equipment
The ocean is a major attraction on beach days. Remember what to bring to the beach so you will fully enjoy frolicking in the waves:
Bodyboard
Ride the surf like a pro with a bodyboard. Well, you can try at least. A bodyboard is a super fun thing to take to the beach, for the kids and big kids alike.
Bathing Suits
No-brainer, you need to take some sort of bathing suit or trunks if you’re hitting the beach. Don’t forget this one.
Snorkel Set
Explore the underwater sights using goggles, snorkel, and fins. Don’t forget anti-fog spray!
Inflatable Rafts
Float lazily on the surface of the water with a durable inflatable raft or inner tube.
Water Shoes
Protect feet from sharp rocks or sea creatures with water shoes. Sandals work, but these specifically designed shoes add traction across slippery rocks and reef and pebbles.
Life jackets
For non-swimmers or children, life jackets provide critical safety. Vital if you are out on a kayak or boat, and Coast Guard Approved vests are your best bet.
Waterproof Phone Case
Don’t risk electronics damage from water. A waterproof case or dry bag lets you safely take devices in the ocean.
Wetsuits
Depending on the time of year or the beach you are visiting you may need a good wetsuit. In high summer in California, you can probably go without a good wetsuit, but at other times of the year a neoprene top or jacket might be a good idea. Check the local temperature before you pack.
Surfboard
You can either rent beginner surfboards at most surfing beaches or if you already own one, remember to grab it. A surfboard can provide hours and hours of fun in the waves, depending on the conditions and how warm the ocean is!
What to Bring to the Beach: Play Toys For The Sand
Playing in the soft beach sand is another quintessential pastime. Pack these items to create fun in the sun on the hot sand.
Basic Sand Toys
Shovels, molds, buckets allow building epic sandcastles, moats, and sculptures.
Metal Detector
Ok, not your usual beach day item, but it sure is fun! Hunt for buried treasures with a metal detector. Adds excitement and discovery to any beach outing. You never know what might be found!
Frisbee
Toss the disc back and forth over the sand. A beach classic! Non-breakable plastic models work best.
Beach balls
Bounce and hit this playground staple to each other in the ocean or over a sand net.
Bocce Ball Set
Play this lawn bowling game on the beach. Palms and dunes make scenic courts.
What to Bring to the Beach: Classic Beach Gear
Here are a few classic beach necessities you don’t want to forget. Some items are absolute beach must-haves. Don’t hit the sand without:
Flip Flops or Sandals
Another item that is a no-brainer to pack for the beach.
Towels
Pack one beach towel per person. Microfiber towels are ultra-absorbent and lightweight. Spread on the sand to lay or dry off after swimming.
Foldable Beach Chairs
Relax comfortably on the shoreline with portable folding chairs. Look for ones with adjustable positions and cup holders.
Beach Blankets or Oversized Beach Towel
Designate your spot or eating area by spreading a large blanket on the beach. Skip the sand on everything.
Beach Cooler
Keep food and drinks chilled and convenient in an insulated cooler. Choose one that fits in your tote bag.
Reusable Water Bottles
The sun and saltwater cause dehydration. Refilling water bottles is cheaper than buying drinks at the beach bar.
Portable Speaker
Keep the good vibes going with a bluetooth speaker. Waterproof ones handle the beach environment best.
Nourishment and Refreshments
The combination of sun, swimming, and activity builds appetite and thirst. Avoid spending a tonne of cash and save money by packing these things for your beach trip or next beach vacation.
Grab Snacks
Make sure you pack snacks. Healthy snacks are best so things like fresh fruit, trail mix, protein bars, sandwiches. Anything non-messy works best.
Dry Snacks
Crackers, pretzels, granola. Items that hold up in the beach bag without spoilage or spillage!
Picnic Blanket and Utensils
For a beachside picnic, set up a tablecloth with plates, utensils, napkins.
Wipes or Paper Napkins
To easily clean your hands from sticky messes before and after eating.
Insulated Water Bottles
These are perfect for the beach – if you have a lot of people in your group try to go for around 32oz per person.
Watermelon
This juicy summer favorite is perfect for the beach. Cube ahead of time into a container.
Insulated Food Pouches
To help keep items like chicken salad and deli sandwiches chilled.
Frozen Water Bottles
Provide icy drinks and double as temperature controllers in the cooler.
What to Bring to the Beach: Comfort Extras
Cooler Bag or Box
A few special touches that make beach time more comfortable and convenient:
Inflatable Pillow
Rest your head in comfort on a waterproof blow up pillow.
Beach Cart
Haul all your gear easily from the car. Choose a folding design that collapses when not in use – a game changer if you have kids and a tonne of stuff to take to the beach.
Sand Anchor
Keep umbrellas and tents from blowing away by inserting anchors into the sand – another thing I never knew I needed until I bought one!
Camping Mat
For an instant picnic seating area, use foldable padded mats on the sand.
Insect Repellent
Bug sprays and wipes help keep pesky insects from ruining the fun.
Portable Battery Charger
Never have a dead phone with a pocket charger. Waterproof ones can handle the pack for a beach.
Cell Phone
You’ll most likely have this with you anyway, but a phone is handy in case of emergencies, taking pictures and ordering a cab at the end of the day!
Underwater Camera
Create epic memories with a waterproof camera or Go-Pro.
Lightweight Clothing
It goes without saying that lightweight, flowy cloting is best for the beach. Forget the leggings and denim when you’re on vacation.
Power Bank
You don’t want to run out of juice on your phone at the end of the day to capture those sunset selfies!
Reading Material
Books, e-readers, magazines fill relaxation time. Pack them in a waterproof bag.
Waterproof Backpack
Thes can be used in two different ways – to keep dry things dry, or wet things wet.
A totally waterproof backpack is an amazing thing to own – and you will find yourself using it for every trip to the beach if you buy a good one.
