From clothes, to gear, and everything in between, here’s what’s on my packing list for a day at the beach.
On first thought, you might think you don’t really need much more than a swimsuit to spend time at the beach. In reality, packing the right beach essentials can make or break your beach vacation, or even just a day at the beach.
When I’m preparing to spend time at the beach, I’m often ready to disconnect, relax, and enjoy outdoor water activities like paddle boarding. Having the right gear keeps me safe from the sun, helps me enjoy the water, and allows me (and my partner and child) to have an all-around stress-free, fun time together.
So, what do I bring to outdoor beach adventures and beach vacations? I cover all that and more here so you can make the most of your time in the sun without wishing you would have remembered to pack something.
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Apparel
When you’re spending extended time in the sun at the beach, you’ll want more than just a swimsuit throughout the day. Here are some beachwear items I recommend throwing in your bag.
Swimsuit: A quality, comfortable swimsuit is arguably the most important beach essential. Whether you’re looking for a bikini or a one-piece bathing suit, PrAna and Nani are my go-to brands for swimwear. Not only do they have fun designs and a ton of different styles, but they are also committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, which I love.
Rashguard: If you prefer a little more sun protection or coverage while you’re on the beach or out on the water, the Cruz Rashguard by Carve Designs is lightweight and comfortable. It’s awesome for paddling, surfing, and swimming because it breathes well, dries quickly, and provides UPF 50+ sun protection from the hot sun. For more options, check out these best sun protection shirts for women, which work well for many outdoor activities.
Quick-Dry T-Shirt: A moisture-wicking, breathable tee is a beach essential for any water-bound packing list. Patagonia’s Cool Capilene T-Shirt comes in both men’s and women’s versions as well as a long-sleeve option, too, if you want extra sun protection. I love this tee because it’s a flattering and well-fitting shirt that won’t hold onto sweat or odor as you’re moving around. It also doesn’t cling, which is great for hot sticky days at the beach.
Quick-Dry Shorts: For beach shorts, the Patagonia Baggies are versatile activewear shorts that also look cute for walking around town. They’re one of my tried and true favorites because they are durable, comfortable, lightweight, and even great in the water. They also make them in a men’s version.
Beach Cover-Up: A cute, lightweight, and packable beach cover-up is a great beach essential for traveling to and from the beach or when it starts to get cool. REI carries a range of swim cover-ups that are lightweight, quick-drying, and cute enough to walk around town when you’re finished with the beach. I also look for cover-ups that provide UPF sun protection and pockets to hold my essentials.
Hoodie: A good hoodie is a must for every outdoor adventure and something you won’t want to leave off of your beach vacation packing list so you can keep warm on chilly evenings or foggy mornings. The Coalatree Evolution Hoodie is super soft and cozy. It’s made from recycled coffee grounds and plastic bottles and is probably the most comfortable sweatshirt I’ve ever tried. It’s also odor-resistant, quick-drying, and has a handy zip pocket to prevent my valuables from falling out.
Windbreaker: It’s always a good idea to have a light windbreaker that you can stash in your bag or your car to protect you from the elements. Coalatree’s Whistler Windbreaker is my top pick because it’s featherlight and packs down into its own pocket, making it super easy to bring along on any of my beach vacations or outings in case the wind picks up.
Wearing my Nani Swimwear bikini on a trip to Italy
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Shoes
Planning to go barefoot? If so, this could be a mistake. There are often sharp rocks, shells, and other objects hidden in the sand, and the sand could burn your feet.
For these reasons, I recommend packing a couple pairs of shoes for your beach vacation:
Beach Sandals: Beach footwear is often subject to personal preference. Some people prefer simple flip-flops while others opt for more of a Teva-style sandal. I personally love the Teva Hurricane XLT-2 Sandals because they make it easy to walk through sand, they’re water-friendly, and I can take them on longer, more adventurous hikes. They also come in a men’s version.
Dressy Sandals: Depending on your itinerary, you may also want to bring along a pair of nice sandals for dinners out that are still practical for walking around town and easy to pair with your non-beachwear. I brought these Olukai sandals on my trip to Kauai, and I still recommend them to anyone who wants a cute, functional pair for traveling. As a heads up, they do stretch out a bit after a lot of wear, and I needed to punch an extra hole in mine.
For all my outdoor adventures (including the beach), my Teva Hurricanes keep my feet protected
Sun Protection
These are the basic sun protection items that I always pack for a beach day. If you’re planning any long walks or hikes during your beach vacation, check out these essential sun protection tips for hiking.
Sun Hat: Every road trip, beach vacation, and outdoor adventure needs a protective hat, and my go-to is the Wallaroo Sedona Hat. It’s my favorite wide-brimmed hat because it provides full sun protection for my neck, ears, and face, plus it’s cute and stylish. It’s also a great option for the beach because it has an inner drawstring you can cinch tight for those breezy beach days.
Sunglasses: Keep the sun out of your eyes with a good pair of polarized sunglasses. My go-to beach shades are the Oakley Feedback Sunglasses, but there are lots of great options out there. Just make sure you pack ones that have UV protection.
Sunshade: It can get hot at the beach, so be prepared with a sunshade to keep you cool and fresh. The Helinox Royal Box is a versatile choice designed with durable ripstop nylon and a 2-pole configuration for easy set-up. To maximize airflow, roll up the two sides or open them like wings to provide space for extra chairs, tables, or coolers. For a more budget-friendly option, check out the Neso 1 Sunshade. This tarp uses bags filled with sand or rocks as anchors and packs down into a convenient shoulder bag.
Sunscreen: Sunscreen is definitely a beach essential, and really an essential for any outdoor adventure. Be sure to grab a reef-safe sunscreen to protect the ocean (and the life within it) from harmful chemicals.
Standing on the beach at sunset while wearing my Wallaroo Sedona Hat
Gear
It can be easy to forget obvious items like towels when you’re in a rush to pack. Here are some other essential beach gear items you’ll want to make sure you bring with you to the beach.
Insulated Water Bottle: Ditch the single-use plastics and grab a reusable insulated water bottle before you head to the beach. I love the 32oz wide-mouth Hydro Flask water bottle. Its double-wall vacuum insulation keeps water cold for hours, and the wide-mouth design makes drinking easy and convenient. If you prefer a straw, it also comes in a flex straw lid option as well.
Beach Chairs: I travel with two Helinox Sunset camp chairs in my van but for sandy situations, the Helinox Beach Chairs are a better choice. Thanks to their splayed legs that help prevent them from sinking into the sand, you’ll feel sturdy and secure. These chairs feature a tall back for more comfort while relaxing on the beach. Plus, they’re super lightweight and pack down small making them easy to transport.
Sand-Free Towel: One of my least favorite things about going to the beach is wet towels embedded with wet sand. Thankfully, Nomadix has designed a sand-resistant All-Purpose Towel made from post-consumer recycled plastic that is equally soft and versatile but doesn’t leave your car damp and sandy. These towels dry super quickly so when you’re ready to pack up, simply shake out the sand and stash it in your bag!
Beach Mat: Make your trip to the beach a little less sandy with a CGear Multimats Sandlite sand-free mat. This mat is made from woven polyester, which allows sand to fall through the holes easily so the tiny grains don’t get stuck to your feet or other beach essentials. These mats come in three sizes – small, medium, or large – so you can find the perfect sand-free floor for your day at the beach.
Snacks: Consider meal-prepping ahead of time and packing some sandwiches or other items to enjoy on the beach. You could also throw in some easy snacks like granola bars, fruit, or vegetables to enjoy. Snacks will give you energy throughout the day, helping you enjoy your time on the beach!
Getting some work done at the beach in my Helinox Beach Chair
Bags
You’ll want to bring a couple of different bags to hold all of your apparel, sun protection, and other gear for your beach day. Here are the two types of bags I always bring to the beach:
Tote Bag: Every beach-goer needs a tote bag that is spacious with several pockets to keep things organized, water and sand-resistant, durable, and stylish to walk around town with. I recommend one that has an interior pocket to keep your wallet, phone, and other essentials safe and dry.
Cooler: If you plan on spending a couple of hours or even a full day at the beach, be prepared with a cooler to keep drinks and snacks nice and chilled. The RTIC Soft Pack 20 Cooler is my go-to beach cooler because it’s the perfect size to stash some beverages and lunch. If you need more room, they also come in two sizes bigger. All RTIC coolers are leakproof, puncture-resistant, and have 2 inches of foam insulation to keep ice longer. I like how they feature handles and a shoulder strap for convenient carrying.
Car camping on the beach? RTIC also makes heavier-duty coolers that offer more space.
Games and Toys
A day at the beach calls for some fun in the sun! I like to bring some games with me, especially when I’m with my son.
Whether you prefer to splash around in the water or challenge your friends to a game of cornhole, these beach games and beach toys will keep you entertained for hours.
Depending on the type of beach tote bag you bring, you could keep valuables like your phone, keys, and wallet inside an inner zippered pouch. If there isn’t one, you could get a waterproof pouch to protect your valuables from sand and water. I recommend tucking these items away in your bag and placing your stuff in an area that’s visible to you whether you’re in or out of the water.
What’s the best way to stay comfortable at the beach all day?
I find bringing beach chairs, a light blanket, or towels to hang out and relax is the best way to get comfortable at the beach. You could also bring an umbrella or pop-up tent for shade. Also, make sure you pack a cooler with plenty of water and snacks as staying hydrated and fueled will help you have a more enjoyable experience.
How can I pack light for the beach while still bringing the essentials?
If you need to walk a long distance to get from your car or lodging to the beach, consider packing items that serve multiple uses. For example, you might consider a towel that also doubles as a cover-up. Items like sunscreen also come in travel sizes, which will lighten your load!
With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.
