Looking for a family beach vacation packing list? After years of traveling with my sons, I compiled a list of essentials plus packing tips to help you out.
Key Takeaways
- Packing for a family beach vacation can be overwhelming, but some preparation and organization will work wonders.
- The most important things to bring are clothing, beach gear, toiletries, travel gear, and personal items.
- Don’t panic if you forget something! You can always buy or rent it when you get there.
Table of Contents
⚠️ Heading to the beach with baby for the first time? ⚠️
Check out these posts for everything you need to know:
Tips for Taking Baby to the Beach
Best Beach Hacks for Toddlers and Babies
Best Beach Wagons for the Sand
Sun Safety Tips for Baby
Family Beach Vacation Packing List
Tolietries
Hair:
- Shampoo, conditioner
- Brush / comb
- Hair styling tools
- Hair styling gels / creams
- Hair ties
Face:
- Face wash
- Moisturizer
- Toothbrush / toothpaste
- Face products
- Contacts, case, solution
- Glasses
- Makeup and makeup remover, cotton balls
Body:
- Deodorant
- Soap / body wash
- Shaving tools / creams
- Feminine products
- Lotion
Medicine bag:
- Medicines
- Pain relievers
- Bug spray
- Aloe vera
- First aid ointment
- Pain relievers
- Lip balm with SPF
- Diaper cream
- Bandages
- Q tips, cotton balls
Clothes
Basics:
- Underwear
- Socks
- Bras
- Sleepwear
- Lounge clothes
For the beach:
- Bathing suits
- Rash guards / swimsuits for kids
- Coverup
- Sliders / flip flops
- Swim shoes
- Sunhats
- Swim diapers
- Sunglasses
Daywear:
- Shorts
- Skirts
- Tanks
- T-shirts
- Dresses, rompers
- Sandals
- Hats
Evening Wear:
- Dresses
- Dress shirts
- Jeans/pants
- Light jacket
- Belts
- Shoes
- Jewelry
- Purse
Beach Essentials
Before packing any of these, check with your hotel or rental about whether they offer any of these items!
- Beach bag
- Sunscreen
- Beach tent
- Beach blanket / mat or fitted sheet
- Soft cooler
- Water bottles
- Beach toys, balls, frisbee
- Goggles, swim floats / vests
- Baby powder
- Plastic bags for trash, wet suits, and towels
Kid's Stuff
- Diapers, wipes (I would bring a few for a couple of days but buy more when I got to the location)
- Comfort items like stuffed animals or blankets
- Formula/bottles or pumping items
- Pacifiers
- Toys
- Bath products
Gadgets and Fun
- Tablets
- Chargers
- Camera
- Kid’s toys
- Books
- Portable speakers
Travel Bags
- Wallet – cash, credit card, insurance cards, ID, etc.
- Cell phone, charger
- Tablet, charger
- Headphones/ear buds
- Travel pillow, blanket
- Snacks
- Toys
- Diapers and wipes
- Extra outfit and socks
- Clear / ziplock bags for dirty diapers or clothes
If You're Driving
Road trip time! If you’re driving to your destination, here are a few things to bring so that you don’t have to buy, borrow, or rent when you get down there.
- Beach chairs
- Large umbrella / canopy
- Beach wagon
- Large cooler
- Food and drinks
Ways to Save Space in Your Luggage
- Bring travel sized toiletry items. But before doing that, check online to see the type of toiletries they offer. If you’re staying at a rental house, contact the host to ask what will be available.
- Buy diapers and wipes when you get there. If kids live in the city that you’re visiting, then they sell diapers and wipes there. Or, you can order them on Amazon to be shipped when you get there.
- Bring outfits that mix and match. While it’s fun to bring all of your favorite outfits and every adorable outfit your kid owns, bring less items that all match each other. And staying somewhere with access to a washer and dryer makes it easier to not have to bring a different outfit for every day.
- Perfect your packing technique– I use the rolling method and it really is more efficient.
- Get packing cubes! They really do save a ton of space and they keep all the clothes organized.
FAQs: Family Beach Vacation Packing List
What to pack for a beach vacation with kids?
The most important things to bring on a beach vacation with kids are:
- Clothing
- Toiletries
- Beach gear like swimwear, coverups, sun protection, footwear, and toys
- Personal items like your wallet, medicine bag, and gadgets
Planning goes a long way in ensuring a smooth family beach vacation. Start off by researching family-friendly locations, hotels with helpful amenities like pools and kids clubs, and activities.
Focus on packing what you will actually need and utilize packing cubes to keep everyone’s things organized. Establish a loose schedule, but focus on being flexible and enjoying the moment!
How many outfits do I need for a 7 day vacation?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a guide. If you have access to laundry facilities, you can bring less!
- Swimwear: 3-4 swimsuits per person to allow for rotation.
- Beach & Lounging: 4-5 casual outfits per adult, plus extras for the kids. Bring items that all match with each other.
- Evenings: 3-4 dressier outfits for dinners or outings. Dresses will save space.
- Sleepwear: Pack 2-3 sets for the kids in case of accidents.
Wrapping Up: Family Beach Vacation Packing List
Lastly, don’t forget your patience! You might forget something. Guess what? They have stores there too.
You can buy anything you need and buy it online and get it shipped. And it it’s baby related, you can even rent it from places like Babyquip.
I hope this list has made you a bit more prepared for your trip!
