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The Ultimate Family Beach Vacation Packing List (with Free Printable)

Home / Beaches / The Ultimate Family Beach Vacation Packing List (with Free Printable)

SheBuysTravel, Updated March 8, 2023

suitcase in the sand image for beaching packing list post
Photo Credit: Canva
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Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Everything You Need: Packing List for a 7-Day Beach Vacation+−
    • DOWNLOAD THE PACKING LIST HERE
  • Personal Items to Pack for the Beach
  • What Clothes to Pack for a Beach Vacation
  • Toiletries for Everyone+−
    • DOWNLOAD THE PACKING LIST HERE
    • Don't Forget the Medicine
    • Anti-Covid-19 Hygiene Items to Pack
  • Beach Essentials for that Perfect Beach Day
  • Beach Trip Packing List: Entertainment & Technology+−
    • Beach House Packing List
  • Things to Bring to the Beach House or Buy There+−
    • For the Car Ride
  • Home Checklist+−
    • DOWNLOAD THE PACKING LIST HERE
  • More Beach Info You Need
  • Which Beach is Best?

Ready to feel the ocean breeze on your face and the sand between your toes? First, youโ€™ll have to pack. Ugh. Itโ€™s the part of a family beach vacation that everyone hates. But, weโ€™ve made it easier for you. Download our complete packing list first. Then put on some beach tunes, pull out the suitcases and youโ€™ll be listening to the waves crashing in no time!

Everything You Need: Packing List for a 7-Day Beach Vacation

The lure of wide open spaces, endless sunshine and lapping waves calls to us every year. But packing for a week at the beach with a family? It makes us miss the good old days when all we did was throw a bikini in a backpack.

Alas, we need more stuff now โ€” so much stuff that itโ€™s hard to remember it all. This beach vacation packing list makes it easy. From tank tops and rash guards to electronics and disinfectants, this list is designed to ensure you never again get to the beach only to discover you forgot something you really need.

DOWNLOAD THE PACKING LIST HERE

Personal Items to Pack for the Beach

These personal items may seem like a no-brainer, but are often some of the most forgotten items:

  • Drivers Licenses
  • Credit Cards or Debit Cards
  • Cash
  • Health Insurance cards
  • Auto insurance cards
  • Rental/Hotel Confirmation Information

Pack all of those things in your carryon and keep them close by on the beach with a cell phone case that holds cards. SheBuysTravel contributor Nasreen Stump says with four kids she hates juggling a purse. She swears by Smartish card holder phone cases.ย  They comfortably hold 3 cards and are made by an Austin, Texas company. With price tags on most under $16 itโ€™s a worthwhile buy for beach or every day.

Read More: Check Out Floridaโ€™s Panhandle Paradise: Best Destin Resorts

What Clothes to Pack for a Beach Vacation

A trip to the beach requires much more than just swimsuits and flip-flops. Make sure youโ€™re prepared for the activities after you dry the water and shake the sand off with the following items:

  • 2 bathing suits each (If swimsuit shopping makes you shudder weโ€™d like to mention Miraclesuit swimsuits. The tummy control on them will have you saying โ€œWhat is this sorcery!โ€ And here is our favorite collection of kids swimsuits.)ย 
  • Swim cover ups or sarong
  • Rashguard with SPF sun protection
  • Underwear & bras
  • Socks
  • Belts
  • T-Shirts
  • Shorts
  • Sundresses/skirts
  • Jeans/capris
  • Dinner outfits
  • Light jackets/wrap
  • Running/Tennis/Workout Clothes/Workout Bras (Try these yoga pants with a pocket for your phone!)
  • Running GPS
  • Pajamas
  • Robe
  • Sanuk Yoga Mat Flip Flops
  • Water shoes (We like these from Aleader.)
  • Sandalsย  (investing in a good pair of sandals that can be used for a variety of activities is a good idea, we love this pair!)
  • Sneakers โ€“ Tennis & Running
  • Good sun hat (Try this sun hat. Itโ€™s simple and super cute!)

And bring along some dryer sheets โ€” they are great for brushing off the sand when you leave the beach. Itโ€™s just one of the ingenious uses for dryer sheets on vacation!

Toiletries for Everyone

Save the trip to the local convenience store or hotel concierge by packing your own must-have bathroom essentials in a reusable toiletry travel kit or gallon-sized Ziploc bag:

  • Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Toothbrush (these are our favorite travel toothbrushes that we keep on hand for packing)
  • Toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Lotion
  • Aloe
  • Deodorant
  • Razors
  • Flat iron
  • Hairdryer
  • Brushes/Combs
  • Hair elastics and clips
  • Hair cream
  • Gel
  • Scarf
  • Shower Cap
  • Safety Pins
  • Contacts & case
  • Contact solution
  • Glasses
  • Makeup bag (Our SheBuysTravels rave about this Lay-n-Go makeup bag. It makes it easy to see all your stuff.)
  • Feminine products
  • Jewelry/watches
  • Perfume/cologne
  • Cotton swabs/cotton balls
  • Nail polish & remover
  • Nail clipper and file
  • Vaseline
  • Air freshener

DOWNLOAD THE PACKING LIST HERE

This packing list for the beach will ensure that you donโ€™t forget anything for the perfect beach vacation.

Donโ€™t Forget the Medicine

The last thing anyone wants on a vacation is to fall ill or get injured. However, it is always best to be prepared for emergencies by having medication handy:

  • Mine
  • Husbandโ€™s
  • The Kidsโ€™
  • First-Aid Kit โ€“ w/Band-Aids, ointment, after-sun burn treatments like aloe vera, etc. (Check out our DIYย beach first aid kit.)
  • Vitamins
  • Motrin
  • Benadryl

Anti-Covid-19 Hygiene Items to Pack

Travel has drastically changed since COVID-19 rocked our world. Now more than ever, keeping safe and sanitary is an absolute must, no matter where we go or how we get there. Make sure to have the following items at the top of your luggage:

  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Face masks
  • CDC approved cleaning supplies (Use these to clean the high-touch areas of beach house such as hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, phones, tablets, touch screens, remote controls, keyboards, handles, desks, toilets and sinks when you arrive. Bring these from home โ€” you canโ€™t be sure theyโ€™ll be in stores at your destination โ€” make your own bleach solution by mixing 1/3 cup bleach per gallon of room temperature water or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of room temperature water.)
  • Disposable plastic gloves (to wear for cleaning, then discard)
  • Large Ziploc bags (Put one TV remote inside each bag. The remote still works and no one is touching the germy, hard-to-clean remotes.)

Beach Essentials for that Perfect Beach Day

Now that youโ€™ve packed your suitcase with before- and after-beach clothing, itโ€™s time to prepare for the trip to the beach itself. Donโ€™t forget these essential items:

  • Sunscreen (These are our favorite sunscreens for kids and babies.)
  • Canopy/tent (If youโ€™re going to the beach with babies and toddlers, youโ€™re going to want one of these.)
  • Beach toteย 
  • Beach umbrella
  • Cooler with wheelsย 
  • Beach blanket (Beach blankets are super handy to have. We use our for far more than just beach vacations.)
  • Beach towels
  • Smaller portable coolerย (We likeย this collapsible cooler.)
  • Beach chairs
  • Reusable water bottles for everyone (We love our Simple Modern Water bottle)
  • Beach Cart/portable wheels (we NEVER leave behind our beach cart on a beach vacation)
  • Beach toys (or buy cheap ones there)
  • Swim goggles (our kids each have a snorkeling set, this keeps them busy for hours at the beach)
  • Floats
  • Dry bag for cell phones
  • Smaller beach bag or drawstring bag for kids to carry (everyone needs a pineapple beach bag!)
  • Beach blankets
  • Drinks
  • Food
  • Plastic-ware
  • Napkins
  • Bottle opener
  • Garbage bag/plastic bags
  • Waterproof sunscreen (check out this post on the best sunscreen for kids and babies)
  • Lip balm/protector with SPFย 
  • Insect repellentย (we like Sawyer Maxi-Deet bug spray)
  • Hairbrush
  • Hats
  • Sunglasses (donโ€™t forget your sunglasses! We LOVE this pair)
  • Hand sanitizerย 
  • Wipes
  • Portable Lock Box (this lockbox gives us peace of mind, we can all play in the ocean without worrying about our personal belongings getting stolen)
Chairs in a row on the beach for beach vacation packing list post
Enjoy the waves, sun and sand without forgetting a thing! This complete beach trip packing list has everything you need to remember in one spot. Photo credit: Canva

Beach Trip Packing List: Entertainment & Technology

Whether you want to get creative with your beach photos, play some sports in the sand, or be prepared for a rainy day, youโ€™ll want to come prepared with these items:

  • Waterproof Camera (if you want to get some cool underwater footage, it might be time for a GoPro)
  • Waterproof pouch for your cellphone (We like this one that floats!)
  • Selfie stick
  • Laptop
  • iPad
  • Extra power packsย for keeping everyone charged up
  • Portable speakers (this portable waterproof speaker is great for beach vacations)
  • Kidsโ€™ Kindle Fire HDย 
  • DVDs
  • Cords & chargers
  • Books
  • Magazines
  • Frisbee
  • Basketball
  • Nerf Football
  • Tennis Bag
  • Playstation 4 &ย video games (for rainy days)
  • Batteries
  • Deck of cards
  • Board games
  • Card games (Our kids LOVE the NEW Uno Flip card game)
  • Note pads
  • Pens & colored pencils

Beach House Packing List

Some beach house rentals are already supplied with all you need for your vacation. But just in case, have these extra items handy:

  • Pillows
  • Extra sheets for the pullout couch
  • Clorox disinfecting cleaning wipes
  • Portable hamper
Best Florida beaches for families - beach toys
Donโ€™t forget the beach toys on your beach trip packing list! Photo credit: Keri Baugh

Things to Bring to the Beach House or Buy There

To keep your beach house feeling fully-stocked and feeling โ€œlike home,โ€ add these items to your shopping list:

  • Paper towels
  • Napkins
  • Plastic-ware
  • Laundry detergent
  • Dryer sheets
  • Stain Removerย 
  • Food
  • Drinks
  • Water
  • Beer & Wineย 
  • Flashlight

For the Car Ride

If youโ€™re road tripping to the beach, you should consults our road trip packing list for everything youโ€™ll want. But definitely make sure you have these items handy to keep everyone satisfied and entertained (and to keep your car clean):

  • Car chargers
  • Snacks & drinks (check out our road trip snacks recipes)
  • Garbage/plastic bag
  • Portable items from Entertainment List

Home Checklist

Now that everythingโ€™s packed and ready to go, make sure you check off these items BEFORE you hit the road:

  • House sitter
  • Dog sitterย 
  • Dog food
  • Empty garbage
  • Empty fridge
  • Mail
  • Money
  • Bills
  • Thermostat
  • Lock up!

DOWNLOAD THE PACKING LIST HERE

Donโ€™t forget to put a penny in your freezer! Sounds strange? We promise it will ensure your family doesnโ€™t consume unsafe food upon your return.

Most importantly, pack your PATIENCE. Itโ€™s not a vacation โ€“ or much fun โ€“ if youโ€™re stressed. Almost everything on this list can be bought or replaced if forgotten. You can even order it from Amazon for delivery right to your beach house!

More Beach Info You Need

How to Plan the Perfect Beach Vacation

How to Salvage a Rainy Day at the Beach

Best Family Games to Play at the Beach

How to Clean and Pack Seashells from Your Beach Vacation

Which Beach is Best?

Best Beaches on the East Coast for Families

12 Best Beaches in California with Kids

Best Florida Beaches for Families

Filed Under: Beaches, Covid19, Kid Friendly Vacations, Packing, Products, Travel Tips Tagged With: beach vacation, summer

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jaime says

    July 2, 2021 at 11:40 pm

    Is this list printable somewhere

    Reply
  2. Luisa Perkes says

    February 8, 2021 at 2:10 pm

    Love this list!! And I love the links to products. Heading to St. John in 7 days! Can’t wait! Thanks for making me feel more prepared!

    Reply
  3. Alias Backpack Joe says

    January 31, 2021 at 12:44 pm

    This is such a great list! I am super impressed on my next vacation I will go on a beach vacation with my family.

    Reply
  4. Jennifer says

    August 29, 2020 at 11:56 am

    Wow! I just love how detailed and extensive this list is! This makes planning a beach vacation so much easier! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  5. ampmm says

    July 21, 2020 at 12:05 pm

    This is great and should help our family with our first beach trip with our toddler (first kid)! Thank you so much!

    Reply
  6. Eric says

    May 10, 2020 at 1:45 am

    Specially infographic will help the readers as a check list. I just love that.

    Reply
    • Kim Orlando says

      June 15, 2020 at 12:41 pm

      Good idea Eric! We will work on that!

      Reply
  7. Nichole says

    November 8, 2019 at 12:34 pm

    Thanks so much for this list. I got surprised with a Christmas vacation and have 6 weeks to plan. This list took alot of my anxiety away!

    Reply
  8. Sophie - Lifestyle Queensland says

    May 31, 2019 at 4:15 am

    Wow! What an extensive list!! Great if you going to make a big day of it, here in Australia we have a tendency to just throw a towel over our shoulder and sunscreen in the back pocket. Oh and don’t forget the surfboard on top of the head haha

    Reply
  9. Sarah says

    June 20, 2018 at 8:08 pm

    1st time Going to Santa Rosa Beach in July. Can’t wait. Any cool activities for 12 & 15 year old boys, besides beach?

    Reply
    • Tom says

      July 16, 2018 at 11:40 am

      Sarah
      Hope you and family had a great vacation. Many teen activities nearby in Panama City and Navarre/Pensacola Beach. Beautiful area!
      Also, vacations are for relaxing. Especially mom’s! Minimize your responsibility and Delegate! Everyone is responsible for their own items. Dad’s and kids.
      I would also add SUNBLOK to the top of every category.
      Thanks for your sharing ๐Ÿ™‚
      Tom

      Reply
  10. Bill Barron says

    March 30, 2018 at 7:26 pm

    There is nothing better than a great beach vacation. Thank you for putting this very extensive beach packing list together, I bet it has been a great help for many people.

    Reply
  11. Ellen says

    September 29, 2017 at 1:57 pm

    Thanks – such a thorough list. I needed one since my regular computer is being repaired and I did not have a copy of my packing lists. This helped so much.

    Reply
  12. Jo says

    July 8, 2017 at 1:04 pm

    Excellent list- it helped me keep my sanity before a last minute trip! ?

    Reply
  13. Jay says

    July 8, 2017 at 12:03 pm

    Thanks for the wonderful comprehensive list!

    Reply
  14. Bobby says

    June 23, 2017 at 12:52 pm

    Don’t forget a hairbrush!
    Do you really bring a PlayStation 3 to the beach?

    Reply
    • Jennie Dutton says

      August 2, 2018 at 8:54 pm

      PlayStation are great because they can be used for Netflux, Hulu, etc. And, like she said, they’re great for rainy days!

      Reply
  15. Frances Barrett says

    May 24, 2017 at 7:10 pm

    This is the best list I’ve EVER seen! Thank you!

    Reply
  16. Laurie Driskill says

    May 5, 2017 at 5:06 pm

    Thank you! What a lifesaver! I get major packing-anxiety too so this is great! I’ll go over this list several times before we leave!

    Reply
  17. kerra says

    July 13, 2016 at 9:13 pm

    this list was very helpful

    Reply
  18. Denise says

    July 9, 2016 at 2:02 pm

    Thank you! This will be very helpful!

    Reply
  19. Rhonda says

    July 6, 2016 at 6:09 pm

    Thank you so much! This was very helpful while getting ready for my beach trip.

    Reply
  20. AngeLa says

    June 5, 2016 at 4:05 pm

    Thank you for publishing this list! Most helpful and took away the initial stress of trying to think of things before the trip has even started!

    Reply
  21. VIC says

    May 27, 2016 at 4:32 pm

    Thanks SO MUCH!!!

    Reply
  22. Sabrina says

    May 4, 2016 at 9:26 am

    Take the candles off the list. Most rentals prohibit open flame candles.

    Reply
    • Maria says

      July 26, 2017 at 11:18 am

      Or you could just… not pack them. I’m sure not everything on this list is applicable to everyone reading it. Most people would just use common sense and skip the things they don’t need.

      Reply
  23. Eyea says

    August 15, 2014 at 11:36 pm

    Wonderful! This list was so thorough it helped me breathe and not panick thinking “did I forget something?! Am I forgetting a common sense item?!” Thank you (:

    Reply

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