Best Packing For The Beach List | Summer 2022
There is nothing quite like going on an adventure to the beach.
You’ve got the sun, the sand, and the sea. The only other thing you will need is the perfect packing for the beach list to ensure your day is spent just the way you like!
Heading to the beach is one of the best ways to revive the soul and I have been on a journey to find the best beaches in the entire world for the past 15 years.
Of course, we all know the obvious items to bring to the beach, but what about the beach packing list essentials that can totally transform your experience?
Below are the absolute best packing for the beach list essentials and I promise there are several on this list you won’t find anywhere else.
Beach Day Outfit
Beach day outfits are the best! You can easily mix and match your pieces for different days when traveling, especially if you have limited space. The staple pieces for any beach day below will have you feeling both comfy and cute.
Sun Hat
Get yourself some sort of sun hat for extra protection on your pretty face!
These can easily make or break your day when chillin’ under the beating sun. Here are a couple of different options depending on your vibe and your outfit of the day.
Sandals
If you are a kick your shoes off the moment your feet hit the sand kinda girl you will want a pair of cute and comfy flip flops to roam the beach. Below are the top-rated choices on Amazon. they come in different colors and fit any budget.
Shorts
Some days you want to skip the “getting ready” portion of the day, toss on your suit, shorts and get your bum to the beach. These are the best (and easiest to pack) options for getting you to the beach and pretty much go with everything.
Beach Pants
These can be flowy, slightly warmer, and a fun alternative to add to your luggage. Beach pants are a great addition to any tropical travelers wardrobe.
Flowy Skirt and Sarongs
Tropical print, flowy skirt is such a vibe! It’s hard to go wrong in one of these and they always make the beach photoshoots that much more alive!
Sundress
Not only do these pack really well, but they also transfer well from just waking up to the beach to lunch super easily. Your packing for the beach list should include at least a few of these seaside sundresses.
Best Beach T Shirts
These are perfect for the roll-out of bed and stumble to the beach days. Below are the top-rated tanks and tees for adventure at the beach.
Best Beach Tank Tops
Roll a few of these up in your luggage for a casual everyday look. These beach tanks are adorable and definitely give off those sweet sweet summertime vibes.
Swimsuit
You will want a variety of swimsuits for your packing for the beach list. Obviously, the type of beach vacation you plan on taking will be the indicator of which type of suit to bring with you.
For example, if you are meeting up with your boyfriend’s family for a day at the beach you might want to wear something a little less revealing vs. island hopping on your honeymoon with just you and your love.
This is probably the most important part of your list so feel free to pack a few extras just in case. If the whole trip is centered around going in the water, it is not unusual to need a few swimsuit options per day. That way you can snorkel in the morning and change (hang your suit to dry) for lunch and have a different, maybe more adventurous option for the afternoon of jet skiing.
For something like this make sure the swimsuit is secure and not flimsy! I have definitely made the wrong swimsuit choice a time or two (or three!) and truly regretted it.
Packing For The Beach List Products
Self Tanner
When you live in the city (even though it is close to the beach) sometimes you simply don’t have the time to lay out before your trip. Use a self-tanner so you can arrive with a golden glow and keep your skin UV-free.
Scared to try a self-tanner? These are the best self-tanning products and make the entire process easy. The facial mist brings out a natural-looking glow and the tanning mit keeps you from getting streaks.
Reef Safe Sunscreen
Please start using reef-safe sunscreen. The ingredients in your sunscreen make a big difference for the ocean life and coral while swimming or playing in the water. We don’t realize how many chemicals that are proven to cause harm and kill coral go into sunscreens.
There are so many brands available nowadays and you can easily order or find reef-safe sunscreen at most stores. Just double-check on the bottle before you buy!
Cooler
These are such game-changers! If you have the room, pack it in your checked bag and head to the grocery store near where you are staying. Stock up on drinks, snacks, and ice for the day to save some money and time finding a restaurant nearby.
These are perfect for anyone wanting to post up in the sand and stay for the day.
Sunglasses
Any sunglasses are better than no sunglasses while at the beach. However, there are a few things that can make your shades a bit better for sunny weather.
Polarized adds extra protection from the sun and no-slip can be helpful if you’re playing in the water.
Visor
These are a fun way to switch things up and add some color to your packing for the beach list.
Portable Charger
Just get one of these. This one is solar-powered, can turn into a flashlight, and charges most devices. Pretty badass and will be your best friend on your all-day adventures.
Sand Free Towel
If you are still packing the traditional towel in your luggage I am not sure how you are managing to fit anything else in! Not only do they take up a ton of space, but they get dirty fast and hold onto all the sand.
Sand-free towels are easy to pack and the sand literally falls off when you are ready to leave the beach.
Check out the best sand-free towels on Amazon.
Snorkel
If you travel anywhere tropical get one of these ahead of time. They easily fit in your carry-on and can add so much fun and beauty to your trip.
Head to a spot with coral or sea life and see what you find! Just double-check the conditions ahead of time!
Speaker
A portable, waterproof, floating speaker is one of the best packing for the beach list items you can get.
Take it kayaking, in the pool, singing in the shower or have it on your favorite floatie in the sea.
Water Shoes
Water shoes are so amazing and once you buy a pair they (usually) last forever. They can be used to walk down to the water when stepping on rocks, hiking to a hidden beach where you might step in water on the way, or even at water parks where you walk around all day.
Use your best judgment here on whether or not you need a cheaper/slip-on pair or a sturdier/longer-lasting sports water shoe.
Umbrella
You won’t be able to fly with one of these, but if you are taking a road trip or headed to the beach for the day, these are a must-have. Not only do they give you a break from the scorching sun, but they also keep your food and drinks cooler.
They’re also great (if you get a unique one) for use as a meeting point- “Go left and walk all the way down until you see the bright pink umbrella…” You get the point.
Packing For The Beach List – Beach Tent
These are the freaking best! Talk about nesting and napping on the beach for hours on end. You can turn these into an outdoor bed, use them as shade for your dogs, and more.
Canopy
If you travel in packs and want to claim a larger space on the beach, bring one of these. Your friends and family will appreciate the extra shade, space, and area you can make your own.
You can get a simple canopy or an upgraded beach cabana. It depends on your style. Both store easily and are quick to set up/takedown.
Floatie Toys
Floaties are not just for kids! They are also not meant to stay in the pool. Pack up your fav floaties for the beach and sink in on the sand or in the sea.
Packing For The Beach List – Frisbee
These are a fun extra way to spend your time and they are very easy to travel with. If you are headed to a beach close to home and prefer volleyball or soccer definitely pack those as well.
Water Proof Headphones
Waterproof headphones are the best. Especially the no-slip, extra grip kind for every sport.
These are also a great add-on if you tend to be a bit closer to the water. Play your favorite song while sailing, surfing, and jet skiing your way through the day.
Reusable Water Bottle
You will pretty much want to bring these with you everywhere, especially the beach. These reusable water bottles are the best options for keeping your water icy cold all day.
SPF Chapstick
Don’t forget about your gorgeous lips! Keep them moisturized and out of the sun with the best SPF chapstick and SPF lipgloss.
Camera
If you love taking photos you will want a nice camera to capture the colors and movement around you. These are some of the best camera options for beginners and are super easy to use.
I have both the Canon Eos and the Iphone 13 pro and my photos have definitely gotten an upgrade!
Kindle
My Kindle is literally my prized possession. I take it everywhere with me. It is the ultimate way to travel light and have continuous entertainment. It stores all of your books, you can play games, download apps, rent library books, and so much more.
This should be number one on the packing for the beach list! There is nothing like reading a good book while you soak up the sun!
Journal and Pen
A little self-reflection by the sea? Always a good choice. Bring a journal and pen to the beach when you are in need of some healing or to let your creative juices flow.
Aloe
The beach can often cause you to get caught up playing in the waves all day, by the time you get out you realize you haven’t applied sunscreen in hours. Oops!
For anyone who has experienced a bad sunburn, you know how good it feels to apply cooling aloe vera gel afterward. The reason I always pack aloe is…well, actually there are a few reasons.
One, depending on where you travel to they might not have any available. Two, the resort you are staying at might severely overcharge for a bottle (I’m talking $48 for ONE tiny bottle in Cancun last year- like, I can’t with that). Three, some of the stuff you buy just feels like gelatinous chemicals getting spread across your skin.
Below are some of Amazon’s best aloe vera gel options you won’t want to miss.
After Sun Care
Aloe is always a good option, but there are other brilliant methods to take care of yourself after baking in the sun all day.
Keep the cooling mist in the fridge and spray anytime your skin needs a bit of moisture. The Aveda after sun hair care will take your fried hair and bring back a softer texture. The Burts Bees is a lotion for immediate relief and helps hydrate burnt skin.
Insect repellent
This is a passionate subject for so many travelers. Mosquitos tend to hang out in tropical locations which can make any moment of paradise really annoying really fast.
If you are someone who tends to get attacked by mosquitos check out the latest post: 31+ Best Mosquito Hacks You Wish You Tried Sooner
Knowing these mosquito tips, tricks, and ultimate hacks can make or break your beach trip.
Packing For The Beach List – Beach Chairs
These chairs are the best for heading to the beach near my house. Cute prints, easy to carry and clean up what more could ya want?
Whether you are solo and chilling, laying out with your partner, or having drinks with your friends this packing for the beach list will absolutely ensure you have the best time ever.
This post is all about the best packing for the beach list.
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