The ULTIMATE Family Beach Packing List For 2024 (+ FREE Printable Checklist)

Our family loves taking a beach trip, and we actually make a beach packing list every time. Because, while I LOVE sticking my toes in the sand and the ocean, packing for it can be daunting.

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that going on a family beach vacation to the surf and sand is great for all kinds of reasons. It’s fun, relaxing, and a great way to spend time with family. Whether you go in the summer or for spring break, it’s a great place to be!

Our family beach vacations are where we spend a lot of time bonding, having fun playing sports, building sandcastles, taking bike rides, and playing board games. Enjoying a simple family beach house vacation is one of my favorite ways to vacation with my family.

There are actually many moving parts and beach essentials you need when you pack for your vacation full of sun and sand. Even if you are just going for the day!

Whether you’re going on a relaxing vacation to Anna Maria Island, Florida, or a destination experience like Beaches Sesame Street in Turks and Caicos, or even taking a day family beach trip, WHAT to pack for the beach is a common question. And, without a good list, it can be easy to forget something important.

It’s a good idea to have a beach vacation packing list because it’s easy to forget something when you’re packing for the whole family. Family beach vacation packing can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! But my ULTIMATE family beach vacation packing list is here to help!

This beach vacation checklist includes the essential items you need to pack for a road trip to a family beach holiday or a plane ride to an exciting destination.

This Ultimate Family Beach Vacation Packing List contains affiliate links which means I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase using this link. See my disclosures.

Why Go to the Beach for Vacation

Nauset Beach is one of the best beaches on cape cod — Cape Cod is one of our favorite places to enjoy family time at the beach.

Our family loves going to the beach, whether it’s close to home in Cape Cod, Ogunquit, Maine, or Martha’s Vineyard or a place further away like Maui or San Diego. A family beach vacation is the perfect way to spend time making memories with your family while enjoying the sunshine and sand.

Beach Vacations are About the Experience

kids making sand castles for beach packing list family — Photo credit: stock image via CANVA

Beach trips are all about the experience. I love the simplicity of hunting for seashells with my kids and making sandcastles by the frothy ocean.

My husband and boys love kicking a soccer ball or throwing a football in the sand on our family trip, my daughter and I love hunting for perfect seashells, and we all love surfing the waves on the boogie board on a beach trip! A family beach vacation is a special way to spend time together.

Even visiting the souvenir stores and boardwalks and shops and playing post-dinner minigolf is all part of the fun. It’s about eating the freshest seafood and experiencing sites that only a beach destination has.

Whether you’re diving on a coral reef, snorkeling in crystal clear waters, collecting seashells, touring a lighthouse, or watching the kids race down a boardwalk for saltwater taffy, a beach vacation refreshes you like no other trip can do.

Beach Trips Allow You to Escape Your Busy Life and Relax

family sitting on the beach and playing in the water for beach packing list family — Photo credit: stock image via CANVA

Often, beach vacations are just what you need to get away from the business of daily life by letting go, relaxing, and spending family time.

Whether it’s relaxing by a bonfire, playing family travel board games, reading great books, or just lying in the sand soaking up fun in the sun – the ocean washes all your worries away for a while.

And when it comes time for dinner at sunset, there are few places as beautiful as a waterfront restaurant watching the sun go down over the ocean horizon on a beach trip.

Beach Trips Create Lasting Family Memories

family posing on the beach - beach packing list family — Photo credit: stock image via CANVA

The carefree life of the beach is special. Watching the time go by when everyone is having so much fun playing in the sand or exploring tide pools together creates the best memories.

There’s a reason why so many people take those family photos at the seashore you see on your holiday cards on a family beach vacation!

It’s also a place you can see your kids grow up. From little ones as toddlers smashing the sandcastles they just built in Turks and Caicos to now, taking surfing lessons and snorkeling in Maui, our family finds that the beach is our happy place to enjoy life and important milestones.

And what better place is there for creating lasting family memories than at the beach!

Family Beach Packing List: Tips and Advice

kids standing by car with beach essentials for beach packing list family — Photo credit: stock image via CANVA

So now you are ready to hit the beach, let’s talk about tips and advice for planning your packing and what to put in your bag. When you start to think of the things you need on your family beach vacation packing list, there are several things to consider:

Ultimate Family Beach Checklist Advice For Your Suitcase

Make sure you check the local weather to be sure you pack the right clothing and supplies. This will help you plan your summer travel outfit ideas for your trip.

Will you be going on an adventure like snorkeling, scuba diving, or hiking (you may need water shoes for)? Are you headed to a theme park during your visit and need good walking shoes?

Can your kids swim, and do they need any swim supports like life vests or floaties? These items can take up space so we used to pack them in an extra bag.
Will you bring or rent beach gear? You can, in many places, rent beach gear and even beach toys! If so, this will save room in your suitcase.

Will you buy a lot of souvenirs? We often pack an extra bag for those as well.

Planning is key – Preparing a couple of weeks in advance allows you to purchase the things you don’t already have for your trip, especially sunscreen. My ultimate beach packing list will help you on this front. Pro tip: print my packing lists to bring with you to the store so you know what you need.

Make sure you choose the right luggage for your vacation.

Pack minimal capsule clothing items that you can mix or match with other pieces so you can pack less clothing and make the process easier.

Bring lightweight clothing which not only keeps you cooler but they take up less space and your suitcase light, though remember a sweater or sweatshirt in case the weather chills in the evening.

Pack a dressier outfit, especially if you are on a cruise for nice dinners out with the family.

Choose the best way to pack that works for you, like rolling your clothes instead of folding them. Often your clothing comes out better that way after traveling. It also makes more room in your suitcase.

You may want to use packing cubes because they really help you pack like a pro and stay organized.

kids playing in the sand for beach packing list family — Photo credit: stock image via CANVA

Family Beach Checklist Advice For Additional Items

Be sure to check before you pack if your hotel or home rental you’re staying has a washing machine, then that makes things easier too because you can pack lighter and wear clothes over again.

I also suggest checking if your hotel or home rental has towels, sheets, beach toys, and supplies so you don’t have to bring them.

Print copies of this checklist so your kids can have their own packing lists. This way, they help you pack their suitcases (mom to mom tip – double-check their suitcases after they are finished.)

If you can’t check into your hotel or home rental early, have a swimsuit in your carry-on so you can at least enjoy the pool or ocean while you wait. This is important to have on your family beach vacation packing list.

kids wearing snorkel gear for beach packing list family — Photo credit: stock image via CANVA

Family Beach Vacation Travel Tips

Be sure to print paper tickets and keep them where they are easy to find and access. Even with most airlines going to digital tickets, you never know when technology will break down. Also, if you have a trip itinerary, you will want to be sure you have a printout of that as well (and it helps with your family beach vacation packing.)

The same thing can happen with money on your trip. In case your bank goes down, or something happens, you want to take some cash with you. This also helps if you need tips for hotel staff or airport staff who help you. Make sure to convert it to the currency of your vacation destination.

Also, keep credit cards in multiple places in case someone steals your purse or wallet. If your spouse has a credit card, you have one, and you keep one in the safe in your hotel or beach house, you can ensure you have backups. Be careful about bringing valuables to the beach.

It’s a good idea to keep your personal details on you like your name, address, next of kin, medical issues, etc., in case something happens to you and you end up in the hospital. Accidents happen even on vacation. It’s also a good idea to get travel insurance.

If you are flying to your destination, use your beach bag as your carry-on to save space.

Traveling with a toddler or a baby? Consider Instacarting diapers, swim diapers, formula, and baby food once you arrive to keep your suitcase lightweight. You can also buy sand toys at the destination at a local grocery store or from Target (I recently ordered three sand shovels from Instacart!) We also used to bring a waterproof blanket, a pop up tent for shade, baby sunscreen (we liked Babyganics brand) and if you are going to take them into a pool or a little in the water, a floatation device that is safe and suitable for this age.

If you are planning to travel with large adventure items like scuba equipment or a surfboard, check with the airline on how to check this as there may be a fee or you may need to put it in oversized luggage.

Complete Beach Packing Checklist for Families

See the essentials on my ultimate beach packing list for a week below, so you know all the essential items you need to take on vacation. You can also download my FREE Printable Beach Packing List For Families to make it easier for your planning!

Family Beach Packing Checklist: Essential Clothing

Underwear
Socks
Pajamas
Shorts
Tops
Shoes
Socks
Sandals
Flip Flops/Water Shoes
Sweater/Sweatshirt
Nice Outfit for Dinner
Cover Up
Swimsuits
Sun hat
Accessories/Jewelry
Sunglasses
Exercise Clothes and Sneakers
Light Jacket
Suitcase

Family Beach Packing Checklist: Hygiene and Toiletries

Essential Toiletries
Shampoo
Conditioner
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Hair Products and Hair Accessories
Hair Dryer (check to see if your accommodations have this)
Deodorant
Razor
Makeup/Beauty Products
Hand sanitizers
Glasses and/or contacts
Wet wipes
Contact solution

Family Beach Packing Checklist: Beach House Essentials to Bring

Extra sheets
Bath Towels/Turkish Beach Towels (unless the house has them)
Portable hamper
Clorox wipes
All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
Paper Towels
Toilet Paper
Stain Stick or Spray
Downey Wrinkle Release
Dryer Sheets
Laundry Pods/Detergent
Trash bags
Dish Detergent
Hand Soap
Ziplock bag supply
Disposable Tupperware or Plastic Containers
Plastic Wrap/Aluminum Foil
Card games
Board games
Drawing sets
Activity Packs

BVWK Tip

Check if there is Instacart or grocery delivery to bring groceries to your house. Also check with your beach destination if you can also rent beach items like beach chairs, a beach tent, wagons, floaties, a life jacket, and sand toys! You may also want to check with the Airbnb or hotel as sometimes the beach must haves are available for free so you don’t have to bring your own stuff.

Family Beach Packing Checklist: Beach Day Essentials

Wagon
Beach Canopy Tent (Beach Canopy that provides sun protection)/Umbrella
Beach Blanket
Towels (Turkish beach towel)
Portable Cooler with Ice Packs for cold drinks for your picnic lunch
Snacks
Beach Day Food/
Chairs For Beach/Beach Chair
Beach Bag (to carry stuff)
Sand Toys/Shovels
Seashell Collecting Bag or Bucket
Boogie Boards
Noodles
Floaties
Waterproof blanket
Beach Tent for Baby
Adventure items (snorkel and mask, scuba equipment, etc.)
Life Vest/Floaties for Swimming
Swim Diapers/Dry Diapers (for babies and Toddlers)
Portable outdoor games
Soccer Balls/Foot Balls/Beach Balls
Waterproof Camera
Wet Bag for Wet Items
Dry Bag for Dry Items
Sun Hats
Reef Safe Sunscreen/Sunblock
Bug Spray
Waterproof Speaker
Water Bottles
Small First Aid Kit
Book
Sunglasses
Swim Goggles
Lip Balm
Trash Bag
Recyclables Bag For Plastic Bottles, Plastic Containers, and Cans

Family Beach Packing Checklist: Electronics

Power bank
Portable charger
Chargers for electronics
Portable speaker
Digital Camera/Waterproof Camera/GoPro
Portable WiFi
Laptop or tablet
Batteries for games or devices
Roku, Amazon Firestick, etc
Phone

Family Beach Packing Checklist: Entertainment

Audiobooks App
Kid Activity packs
Kid Bag To Bring Stuff to Beach/Pool
Portable DVD Player
Music
Books
Travel Games
Sketchbooks
Colored Pencils
Clipboard with Paper
Headphones
Waterproof Camera
Binoculars

Family Beach Packing Checklist: Health and Safety

Health Insurance Cards
Traveler’s Insurance Info
First Aid Kit
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Doctors’ Contact Info
Medicine Pack
Essential Medicines
Prescriptions
Contacts/Glasses
Allergy Medicines
Motion Sickness Medicine
Thermometer
Pain Reliever
Upset Tummy Medication
PPE Cleaning Pack
- Masks
- Sanitizer Portable
- Sanitizer For Car
- Disinfectant Wipes
- Gloves

Family Beach Packing Checklist: Money and Travel Documents

Cash
Credit Cards
Traveler’s Checks
Coins for car parking, etc.
Travel Wallet
Travel Purse
Portable Safe
Travel Documents/ID/Passport
House/Petsitter Contact Info
Travel Itinerary
Flight Details
Accommodation Info
Activity Info
Tour Contacts

Family Beach Packing Checklist: Miscellaneous

Notepad and pen
Clothes Pins
Portable Lock
Clear Pouch for Phones, Keys, Money, Cards
Waterproof Neck Pouch To Protect Phone in Water
Stuffed Animals/Lovies
Travel Journal
Extra Purse for Evening

FAQs

Kids playing in the sand at the beach. — *Decide if you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a more active sightseeing experience when planning what to pack for beach vacations.*

What do I need for a family beach vacation? What to pack when going to the beach with kids?

You need the normal clothes you’ll plan to wear, as well as shoes like sandals, water shoes, sneakers, walking shoes, etc. You will also need toiletries, personal items, hair products, medicines, electronics, etc on your family beach packing list.

My ultimate beach packing list printable has everything you need to pack for your family vacation, so you don’t have to write anything down from this list.

If you are staying in a rental home or hotel, be sure and check what amenities are on-site or if you can rent items you might need including fun stuff kids love like beach balls, sand toys, etc. For example, if there is a washer and dryer, you can pack fewer clothes, but you might need laundry detergent.

On our recent visit to Anna Maria Island, our VRBO had towels, laundry, and a kitchen, and plenty of chairs, a wagon, and sand toys included for free. However, there was also a place to rent additional needs like a wagon and tent. So you may not need to bring these items with you, which will help lessen the items you need from your beach trip packing list.

What do you pack for 5 days at the beach? What should I pack for a 7-day beach vacation? What should I pack for an 8-day beach vacation?

vacation-rentals-for-families-beachhouse and beach chairs

Some of this is up to personal preference, and if you have laundry at your location. My beach packing list can be used to plan to travel for a 5-day beach vacation, a 7-day beach vacation or for an 8-day beach vacation.

But if you DON’T have laundry or a way to wash clothes on your beach trip, I recommend one outfit per day, including underwear, socks, etc., ESPECIALLY FOR KIDS. And, don’t forget a few days of pajamas.

Plus, I always add one or two extras, just in case. If you bring light clothing, often this can be hand washed and hung dry.

If you do have laundry, you can travel light, as clothing items can be reused. I always bring multiple swimsuits and coverups for myself and several for our kids, as they often take a day or two to dry.

What should you NOT FORGET to pack for a beach vacation?

couple looking at the beach on anna maria island

When you’re going on a beach vacation, there are some things that you don’t want to forget on your beach trip packing list, like:

Obvious items like swimsuits, sandals, sunscreen, beach bags (I prefer a shoulder bag), hats, sunglasses, etc.
Power bank and charging cords for electronics – extra-long ones are great for vacation
Trash bags
Things your beach house or hotel may not have like extra sheets, bath towels, beach towels, or beach gear
Prescription meds and first aid supplies
Contact Lenses/Glasses
ID/Travel Documents/Passport/Itinerary Info
Health Documents/Insurance/Travel Insurance Info
Phone
Games, books, magazines, and puzzles to entertain everyone
Portable speakers
Wet wipes/Hand Sanitizer
Foldable backpack for carrying things
Reusable water bottles
Portable cooler
Snacks
Beach Bag

My FREE PRINTABLE FAMILY BEACH PACKING CHECKLIST should help you have everything you need for your vacation.

What should I pack in my carry-on?

If you are flying to your family beach vacation, I recommend the following items in the adult carry-ons. And for the kids, check out my post (and grab a free kid packing list) for the best things to bring in your kids’ carry-on luggage.

BVWK Tip: Use your personal beach bag as a carry-on bag, so you don’t have to pack it in your suitcase. Here’s what I don’t leave home without in my carry-on, in case my suitcase gets lost:

1 change of clothes
Travel documents like your driver’s license and passport
Cell phone charger and Cell Phone
Valuables like jewelry, your laptop, tablet, camera, etc.
Medications you need, contact lenses, glasses
A water bottle
Books or magazines for the flight
Toiletry items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, facial cleaner, Chapstick, etc.
Blanket
Electronics like my laptop
Snacks – non-liquid and wrapped up

Check out my top things to pack in kids’ carryons!

What do I need to bring to the beach for the day?

While the exact things you take may be unique to your family, here are some things to consider taking with you for a day at the beach. Our family loves to use a wagon, but here’s what beach gear we bring on our beach vacations:

Wagon
Tent/Umbrella
Bags with towels, hats, sunglasses, extra sunscreen, cover-ups
Dry bags with dry clothes/Wet bags for wet clothes
Beach Bag for carrying personal items
Books or magazines
Waterbottles
Cooler with food and snacks
Sand toys
Small first aid kit
Beach towels or picnic blanket
Reusable utensils
Trashbag
Your wallet and keys
Beach chairs
Portable speaker
Phone

And other things on this ultimate beach packing list.

Final Thoughts on Beach Packing List For Families

After many family beach trip vacations, we created this beach vacation packing list, so we always had everything the whole family needed. This is such a great list so you remember everything you need!

You can change it depending on if you are flying or plan on taking a road trip to your beach trip vacation. But this ULTIMATE Family Beach Packing List should help you not forget all of the essential items on your next beach trip.