Beach Packing List From a Local Who Lives There
As full-time beach residents in Florida, we know a thing or two about what you need to pack for a good beach day!
We put together this list of beach gear for you. The right gear can make such a difference in your trip.
Our goal is to take the stress out of it for you so that you can focus more on the fun you’re going to have at your beach destination!
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this beach vacation packing list are affiliate links (including links to Amazon) providing us with a small commission if you make a qualifying purchase – at no extra cost to you. We greatly appreciate your support! As always, we share our honest opinion and everything is written by us.
Note: I do have this full list on my Amazon storefront for easy access
Beach Essentials
I know that packing light when you’re coming on vacation is essential, especially if you are flying. A lot of hotels and vacation rentals will have these things available either for free or a small additional cost, which can be worth looking into to save space.
Beach Chairs – I linked the style we really like but you can usually find them cheaper at Costco
Beach Umbrella or Beach Tent – Beach umbrellas and tents are great for protection on sunny days. Just be sure to check that the beach you are visiting allows tents if you go that route. Some beaches in the Tampa Bay area don’t allow them.
Wagon – You want a heavy-duty one with big wheels. The one pictured above has very small wheels and it’s kind of like pulling a sled through the sand. We have since upgraded to the one I have linked and it’s so much better. It can still be tough to carry at times but it’s much easier than carrying everything.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen and hopefully you won’t need it but if you do get burnt, aloe vera is really nice to have.
Water bottles for everyone
A good beach bag – we like one that is mesh or has large holes so that you can shake the sand out before you get to your hotel or car.
Towels – your hotel or vacation rental will probably have beach towels for you to borrow
Baby powder can help get the sand off your feet when you leave
Waterproof pouch for your cell phone
Bug repellant depending on the location. I actually have never personally needed bug repellant on the actual beach, even in Sanibel where they have been pretty bad ever since Hurricane Ian.
Clothes
Swimsuit
Beach cover-ups
Change of clothes – you can always change in your hotel room/vacation rental, but if you’re going straight from the beach to dinner, it’s nice to get out of your wet swimsuit first!
If you wear a wedding ring, switching it out to a silicone ring is a good idea so you don’t lose yours.
Sun hat or a wide-brimmed hat for extra sun protection
Sunglasses
Water shoes or flip flops – nice if the shoreline is rocky and for walking through hot sand
Ponytails
Entertainment
Goggles and/or Snorkel Equipment
A good book
Food
Snacks – a few ideas include sandwiches, fruit, nuts, granola bars, etc
Cooler
What to Pack for Kids
If you are going to the beach for a family vacation, you might need a few more things for the kids:
Beach toys: A few favorites are collapsable sand toys with buckets/scoops, reusable water balloons, beach football for catch, spikeball (though this is pretty big, so tougher to pack if you’re flying), and waterproof cards.
Swim diapers if you have little kids that aren’t potty trained. We also like to throw in a plastic bag to put dirty diapers in.
Also check out my more in-depth packing list for kids at the beach and this post on bringing a baby to the beach if you’re traveling with a baby!
We like to have rash guards for extra sun protection
Final Thoughts
These truly are our beach must haves after several years of living at the beach. This is a pretty extensive list that’s easy to tailor to your own needs.
Hopefully it makes you feel prepared for your next beach vacation!
