The Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List

Sunscreen's a given, but it's not the only necessity.

Wrriten by Madison Flager and Meghan Kenny

Finalizing a beach vacation packing list requires a slightly different strategy than other kinds of trips: For one, preventative measures like sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are non-negotiable. Then there’s the sand, the wet clothes, and the keeping-kids-happy, if you’re traveling with young ones, to factor in. Before you jet off on your next beach vacation, be it to Miami, Maui, or the Maldives, consult our ultimate beach vacation packing list below—it's filled with all the essentials you might forget, from the waterproof tech bag that’ll protect your cell phone to the best towels for every kind of beach trip imaginable.

Beach trip essentials:

Clothing & shoes

  • Lightweight clothing
  • Cover-ups
  • Robe
  • Swim goggles
  • Water shoes

Accessories

  • Sun hat
  • Beach tote
  • Reusable bag
  • Sunglasses
  • Dopp kit
  • Water bottle

Skincare & beauty

  • Sunscreen
  • After-sun lotion
  • Bug spray
  • SPF lip balm
  • Antibacterial wipes

Interested in learning more? Read here.

LAST UPDATED

February 7, 2025

Written by
Photo thumbnail Blog Author

CNN

Media Mentions from CNN

Instant breaking news alerts and the most talked about stories.

Explore More Content

Media Mentions

Whether for gardening, mowing or warm evenings outside, we found Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent to be an excellent choice in every setting.

Health
Media Mentions from Health

Media Mentions

The efficacy of DEET without harsh chemicals. Sawyer Picardin Insect Repellent is our go-to skin protection against mosquitos and ticks. We prefer the lotion to the spray-on, which lasts 8-14 hours.

Adventure Alan
Media Mentions from Adventure Alan

Media Mentions

We recommend this lotion from Sawyer for its effectiveness, thorough application, and easily transportable bottle.

Real Simple
Media Mentions from Real Simple