
Summertime is the perfect time for a beach vacation. Breaking away from your typical routine and taking your family to the beach can provide some much-needed fun.
Vacation time has been linked to improvements in overall well-being, both mentally and physically. However, those effects are only possible if your trip doesn’t present you with new stressful challenges to worry about.
Planning ahead is the best way to ensure a stress-free vacation. In addition to finding the perfect beach, you’ll also want to make sure you pack everything you need.
Preparing in advance will save you from running errands during your time off. To help, we’ve created a list of everything to pack for your dream beach vacation.
Beach Vacation Packing List
For your convenience, we’ve broken our list into five categories: Swimwear, safety supplies, sun protection, toiletries, and beach equipment.
Swimwear
You can pack several different articles of clothing in your beach bag, but the most important thing to bring to the beach is definitely appropriate swimwear.
If the beach is just a drive away, consider wearing bathing suits with cover-ups. If you are traveling far, place your swimsuits at the top of your suitcase so you can hit the water as soon as you arrive.
If you have babies or toddlers in tow, don’t forget swim diapers. This step will make changing easier, and some beach resorts require young guests to wear them to help keep the amenities sanitary.
As for shoes, we suggest flip-flops. They make it easier to rinse off your feet at the end of the day and reduce the risk of bringing sand into your car or hotel room. If you plan on playing water sports, consider investing in water shoes for the whole family. They’re designed to give you a better grip on slippery surfaces and protect your feet from rocks and other elements.
Finally, don’t forget beach towels to dry yourself off after swimming in the ocean and a change of clothes for a more comfortable journey home.

Safety Supplies
This category consists of non-negotiable items for your packing list. Though the focus of your vacation should be having fun, safety is always a priority. You’ll be able to relax better if you know you packed all the necessary safety supplies.
Make sure to bring a standard first aid kit. You may never have to open it, but if something happens, it’s best to be equipped with bandages and disinfectant so your family can return to enjoying the beach.
Another important item to bring is water. Heat stroke is no joke. It’s healthy to soak up vitamin D, but you must stay hydrated to do so safely. Pack a crate of water bottles, and don’t forget to use them.
The last safety supply we recommend is something you were probably already planning to bring: your cell phone. Phones function as our wallets, cameras, contact lists, and GPS, so make sure to bring a charger.
Bring a portable charger if you won’t have access to outlets during the day. To keep your electronics and other valuables safe from water damage, bring plastic bags.
Sun Protection
Items for sun protection are so important they get an entire category to themselves. Prolonged, unprotected exposure to the sun’s UV light can damage your skin and lead to an itchy, painful sunburn. To avoid that, pack sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor) and remember to reapply throughout the day.
Go the extra mile by wearing a lip balm with SPF. If you’re concerned about your sunscreen washing off in the ocean and harming the environment, use a reef-safe sunscreen.
For those with sensitive skin, wearing additional articles of clothing can increase your ability to avoid sunburn. Instead of a bikini or trunks, try a rashguard. A rashguard is a fitted, long-sleeve swim top that protects you from the sun. Also, consider wearing a sun hat to keep the rays from your face.
If someone ends up getting burnt, be prepared by bringing some aloe. Aloe vera is a cactus-like plant with healing properties and is most known for treating sun damage. You can use aloe vera in its plant form or purchase a gel or cream.

Toiletries
Sunscreen isn’t the only toiletry item you’ll need for a beach vacation. A few other items will ensure that you stay feeling fresh and hygienic.
Deodorant is a must when you’re out in the sun. Having it on hand will keep you smelling your best.
Along with deodorant, antibacterial wipes for your hands and body are helpful at the beach. Though not a necessity, they’re especially useful for wiping off sand throughout the day.
If one of your goals during your beach trip is to get a tan, don’t forget to bring sun-safe tanning lotion. When the day is done, pack a standard body lotion, too. After playing on the sand and in the waves, your skin will need to be tended to, and moisturizer is a good place to start.
For your shower after the beach, a typical body wash works just fine. Use shampoo and a comb or scalp scrubber to clean the sand out of your hair. Also, don’t forget to apply conditioner. Conditioner is important for moisturizing your hair after prolonged sun exposure.
If you’re embarking on an overnight trip, you’ll also need to pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and any other items included in your nightly routine.
Beach Equipment
The items in this final category aren’t beach essentials but optional items that could make your trip more fun for the family. For one, beach chairs and beach umbrellas can make your stay on the sand more comfortable.
Many beaches and resorts offer these items, but they may come with a small rental fee or be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If beach chairs aren’t your thing, plan to bring a beach blanket. When you set up camp on the shore, a simple blanket and umbrella can take your daycation to the next level.
Even though a beach trip should provide your kids with plenty of entertainment, beach toys never hurt. Pack the classic bucket and pail and maybe some inflatables like floaties and beach balls to keep your children distracted for hours. If you bring inflatables, be sure to pack an air pump as well.
With the kids entertained, consider bringing something for yourself, like a Kindle or your favorite book. If you have a portable speaker, bring that, too.
Treat yourself to cold, refreshing water by packing beverages in an ice cooler. Even though there will probably be dining options near the beach, feel free to pack a few snacks.

Using ResortPass for Your Family Beach Vacation
Alongside perfecting your packing list, ResortPass can be the key to a stress-free vacation. Deciding where to spend your time off can be tricky, especially during the summer, which is often the busiest beach season of the year.
Using ResortPass, you can browse over 1,000 hotels to purchase Day Passes for you and your family, providing access to these resorts’ pools, beaches, and other amenities. Within the United States, the three most popular beach destinations are California, Florida, and Hawaii.
Here are some resorts located in these coveted locations that offer ResortPass Day Passes, which will give you access to their beaches and oceanfront swimming pools.
California
The Golden State is famous for its West Coast beaches lining the Pacific Ocean. Here are some California spots to consider checking out:
- Loews Coronado Bay Resort
- Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa
- The Seabird Resort
- Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach
- Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina

Florida
Florida is called the Sunshine State for a reason. With sunny weather all year long, it’s famous for beaches. Here are some to look into:
- The Savoy Hotel & Beach Club
- Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel
- Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort
- The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami
- Carillon Miami Wellness Resort

Hawaii
The Aloha State is world-renowned for its tropical beaches. It can be tough to choose which Hawaiian island to visit first, but here are destinations for you to explore:
- The Kahala Hotel & Resort
- Fairmont Orchid
- Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
- Wailea Beach Resort Marriott Miami
- The Royal Sonesta Kaua’i Resort Lihue

With a ResortPass Day Pass in hand, get ready to experience the best beach day ever.