Beach vacations are the best! Sunshine, ocean breeze, and stunning sunsets! Because you’ll spend most of your time playing on the sand, swimming in the ocean, and cooling off in the pool, you must pack all the right beach things. I always want to ensure I have enough essentials and activities to keep my family occupied, safe, and comfortable. But need to balance it with what can fit in my luggage — no need to overpack with items we won’t use or could buy once we arrive.
Factors when considering what beach things to pack:
- Can it fit in my luggage? Will it take up a lot of space?
- Can I easily buy it at my destination?
- Will we use it right away?
- It is an essential item?
After I go through those questions, I determine what will be in my luggage and what I will purchase at my destination. Below are some suggestions for gear and accessories you might want to pack for your family’s next beach vacay.
Family Beach Things
- Activ Flyer Frisbee | This is seriously the BEST frisbee! It is so easy to throw and catch and takes up no space in your luggage.
- Waterproof Speaker | We always travel with a small wireless speaker. They are perfect for the beach, pool, and hotel room! This one clips onto your beach bag!
- Pool/Beach Bag | There are so many bags to choose from. This bag is mesh, so it dries easy and folds up nicely in your luggage. But no matter what bag you choose – just make sure you have one.
- Waterproof Pouch | You’ll want at least one to keep your phone or valuables dry!
- Pool Floaties | Perfect for lounging in the pool or the resort’s lazy river! Keep flat, and then inflate upon arrival. When departing, give to a new family to enjoy.
- Water Balls | They float, bounce, and skip across the water. So much fun in such a compact size!
- Waterproof UNO | Waterproof card games are genius! You can use these in the airplane, hotel, and by the pool — and never have to worry about them getting wet!
Toddler Beach Gear
- Collapsible Sand Bucket | Collapsible buckets save so much space. So, if you have the room, then these are a great option. But I also know many destinations have sand toy sets readily available.
- Floatie with Canopy | We had one of these for our son and used it on every vacation. Keeps them happy in the water and safe from the sun.
- Life Jacket | We have always used this Body Glove jacket for our casual pool and beach time because it is Coast Guard approved.
Essential Items
- Rash Guards | I prefer ones that zip up because they are so much easier to get off and on.
- Reef Safe Sunscreen | We like Sun Bum, but there are many brands out there.
- Face Wipes | Because no one likes sand on their face or salt in their eyes.
- Water Shoes | Make sure you have shoes that can get wet and are good for the beach.
- Sun Hats | Sun protection for the whole family is a necessity.
- Medicine | After a day in the sun, make sure you have supplies to treat sunburns, bug bites, and stings.
Beach Things for Your Furry Friends
- Frisbee | This Chuck-it frisbee is soft, flies great, and floats!
- Water Bottle | Dogs need to have fresh water at the beach. The Tuff Pupper Flask is so easy to use and guarantees refreshment for a happy, and hydrated pup.
- Dog Wipes | Pups will for sure get dirty at the beach. So, use these wipes to keep them clean.
What to Buy Upon Arrival
- Beach towels and blankets | Unless you’re driving, this is something that just takes up too much space. If you’re staying at a resort or vacation rental, they will likely provide you with towels. If not, you can purchase them there.
- Sunscreen | I always bring some with me to have hand in case we want to jump right into the water upon arrival. But then I can restock once we arrive.
- Shade Structure and Chairs | If you’re staying at a vacation rental or resort, they will likely have these available for rent.
I hope this list was useful and sparked some ideas for what you’ll need on your family’s next beach vacation. Cheers to building memories one vacay at a time!
