The Complete Beach Packing Guide for Your Weeklong Getaway

After a long winter, the excitement for your first beach vacation of the year likely mirrors the childlike joy of counting down to the last day of school. However, as an adult, you can’t depend on your parents to pack your pool floaties anymore.

If you’re booked at a resort, you can generally leave behind items like beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels. However, if you’ve secured a coveted stay at an Airbnb beach house this spring break or summer, be sure to check with your host about what amenities they provide. To ensure you arrive fully prepared—and avoid overpacking—refer to this beach vacation packing list for everything you’ll need for a weeklong adventure.

Beach Attire

Simplify your packing with this straightforward method used by Wendy Mak, author of The Capsule Wardrobe: 1,000 Outfits From 30 Pieces: Just multiply the number of tops by the number of bottoms you plan to bring to determine how many outfits you can create (as long as each top works with each bottom).

“As a general guideline, for a seven-night beach getaway, I typically pack two to three swimsuits (to allow for drying time), a pair of shorts, a couple of skirts, four tops that coordinate with my bottoms, and a dress for any special outings,” Mak shared with Dinogo in 2017. This eight-piece collection will provide you with at least 13 outfits for when you’re not basking in the sun.

If you plan on exercising, remember to bring your workout clothes and sneakers. Even if the days are warm, check the forecast and include some extra layers for comfort during cooler evenings. You wouldn’t want to miss out on a beach bonfire, right?

Items to include in your packing list:

• 2–3 swimsuits (We recommend Summersalt suits, priced at $45–$125, made from recycled polyamide fabric and available in sizes 0 to 24.)
• 1–2 swim cover-ups
• Rashguard for extra sun protection while swimming
• Polarized sunglasses, such as the Maho Positano shades ($195), featuring discreet yet effective grips to keep them secure on your face while in the water.
• Sun hat (a wider brim offers better protection)
• Four T-shirts or casual tops
• Three pairs of shorts or skirts
• Pants for the evening
• Sweatshirt or light sweater for cooler nights
• A nice outfit (dress or button-up with slacks) for dining out
• Socks and underwear
• Sleepwear
• Small purse or belt bag
• Workout clothes and running shoes

Footwear essentials:

• Flat sandals for daytime, like Nisolo’s woven huaraches, available in both men’s and women’s sizes ($138–$150), crafted from Leather Working Group Certified leather that is also water-resistant.
• Flip-flops or other rubber beach sandals (Indosole offers rubber sandals, priced at $26–$60, made from recycled tires, suitable for men, women, children, and toddlers.)
• Dressier shoes for evenings out (Espadrilles like the Soludos classic wedges, $115, elevate your outfit while remaining lightweight and breathable for warm climates.)
• Water shoes to shield your feet from rocks and coral.

Beach Essentials

Before packing, verify what amenities your hotel or vacation rental offers. Most will provide beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels for your use during your stay. If not, be sure to include the essentials for keeping you and your family entertained, hydrated, and comfortable throughout your day on the beach.

• Beach bag
• Waterproof portable speaker, such as the JBL Clip 3 ($50), featuring a handy built-in carabiner clip.
• Beach blanket
• Cooler
• Reusable water bottle
• Insulated travel mug (With more resorts eliminating single-use cups, we love keeping our rum punch chilled in a reusable Yeti 20 oz. Rambler, $35.)
• Snacks
• Reusable utensils
• Beach games and sand toys
• Books, magazines, or an e-reader
• Dry bags, like Osprey’s Ultralight dry sacks (starting at $18), available in multiple sizes to protect your valuables from water or to separate wet clothes from the rest of your items.
• Power bank and charging cables
• Anti-theft beach bag or lock box

If your accommodations don’t supply them, consider bringing these items:

• Beach chairs
• Beach umbrella or tent
• Beach towels (We recommend the Nomadix Original Towel, $40; its lightweight, quick-drying micro-terry fabric is made from recycled materials.)

You might also find useful:

• Snorkel gear (Tour operators might offer them, but if you prefer your own for hygiene, it’s best to bring your own.)
• Underwater camera, such as the GoPro Hero12 Black ($350), which is waterproof up to 33 feet and includes accessories like a floating hand grip if you purchase it directly from GoPro.
• Inflatable floats for relaxing in the water
• Swim floaties for toddlers if you’re traveling with small children
• Swim diapers for infants

Beach Toiletries and Hygiene Essentials

Alongside the usual travel necessities—like your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and razors—it’s crucial to include toiletries that shield you from the sun and any germs you might encounter at the beach. Opt for a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher, is water-resistant, and offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVB and UVA rays.

Make sure to choose a reef-friendly formula that avoids oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are prohibited in places like Hawai‘i and Key West. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, most adults should use about one ounce of sunscreen to adequately cover their body and should reapply every two hours or after swimming.

Toiletries to bring:

• Sunscreen
• SPF lip balm
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes for disinfecting your hands and removing sand before eating
• After-sun lotion

You might also consider:

• Insect repellent for the evenings (Kinfield’s Golden Hour mosquito repellent, $22, is DEET-free and effective. It features a delightful blend of citronella, lemongrass, and clove.)
• First-aid kit, such as the Welly Human Repair Kit ($10), which comes with adhesive bandages, ointments, hand sanitizers, and more in a convenient refillable tin.

• After-sun leave-in conditioner for hair, like Sun Bum’s Revitalizing 3-in-1 Leave-In Treatment ($13), which helps detangle, nourish, and shield hair from the sun and saltwater damage.

  This article was initially published in 2019 and was last updated on March 1, 2024, with the latest information.