The Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List

If you ask me to describe my perfect day, it would involve laying lizard-like in the sun with ocean waves lapping in the background and maybe a cold drink or a dog-eared novel in hand. I love spending time at the beach and often plan my travels around the best coastlines. I tend to veer into over-packing territory when traveling and rarely get away with a minimalist-friendly carry-on — but packing for a beach vacation tends to be a lot easier than, say, a jam-packed itinerary in South America or Asia.

Beach vacations are usually about slowing down and relaxing. You’ll probably find yourself at a resort with more than enough amenities to cover anything you left at home — but if you are planning on visiting public beaches and schlepping with your own gear, you’re guaranteed a great day in the sun as long as you have the basics.

The following items will ensure your beach vacation goes off without a hitch. Keep in mind that many of these items have been tested and approved by the Travel + Leisure team and are the same things we bring on our own trips to the seaside. Here is the ultimate beach vacation packing list, as approved by a fellow beach bum.

Packing Checklist for a Beach Vacation

Clothing

• Best One-piece Swimsuit: Andie Swim The Amalfi One Piece
• Best Bikini: Zaful Women's Triangle Bikini
• Best Swim Trunks: Lululemon Pool Short 5" Lined
• Best Swimsuit Cover-up: Tommy Bahama Harbour Eyelet Coverup Shirt Dress
• Best Sundress: Misfay Women's Summer Spaghetti Strap Dress with Pockets
• Best Quick Dry Shorts for Men: Wrangler Authentics Men's Performance Comfort Flex Cargo Short
• Best UPF T-shirt for Men: Bassdash Men’s UPF 50+ Sun Protection Fishing Shirt
• Best Rashguard: Baleaf Sun Protection Shirt

Shoes

• Best Flip Flops for Women: Clarks Womens Breeze Sea
• Best Flip Flops for Men: OluKai Ohana Men's Beach Sandals
• Best Water Shoes for Women: Dlgjpa Women's Lightweight Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes
• Best Water Shoes for Men: Chaco Men's Zcloud Sandal

Accessories

• Best Sunglasses for Women: Indy Nolita Sunglasses
• Best Sunglasses for Men: Knockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Running Sunglasses
• Best Tote Bag: Longchamp Le Pliage Mesh Bag
• Best Sun Hat: Zooron Bucket Hat UPF 50+

Gear

• Best Sunscreen: Thrive Natural Care Body Mineral Sunscreen
• Best Reusable Water Bottle: Takeya Actives 32 oz Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
• Best Drink Maker: Ninja Blast Portable Blender
• Best Beach Umbrella: Sport-Brella Versa-Brella SPF 50+ Adjustable Umbrella
• Best Towel: Glamburg Peshtemal Turkish Beach Towel
• Best Bug Spray: Off! FamilyCare Insect & Mosquito Repellent Spritz
• Best Portable Speaker: Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 3
• Best Beach Chair: Rio Beach Classic 5-Position Lay-Flat Folding Beach Chair
• Best Beach Game: Chronicle Books Pendleton Backgammon
• Best Foldable Cooler Bag: Creative Green Life Jumbo Insulated Cooler Bag
  

You might not think all that much about clothing when planning a beach vacation, as you’ll likely spend most of your time in swimwear; but having a few essentials that allow you to transition from the beach to the bar or restaurant will save you a lot of hassle. We’ve also included some garments that provide sun protection and are well-worth adding to your packing list just in case you find yourself without a source of shade.

Best One-piece Swimsuit

Andie The Amalfi

View on Amazon $112 at Nordstrom $98 at Andieswim.com

The Amalfi One Piece by Andie Swim is one of the best one-piece swimsuits we’ve tested. It offers built-in coverage and has adjustable straps that stay put even when doing vigorous swimming or water sports. We also really like that this one-piece fully air dries in under an hour, which means you won’t be stuck wearing a wet bathing suit or having to deal with packing a damp suit into your beach bag at the end of the day. It’s worth noting that the high-quality fabric didn’t stretch out or shrink even after multiple washes, and the cut and fit makes it comfortable enough to lounge in for long periods of time.

Best Bikini

Zaful Women's Triangle Bikini

$39 at Amazon

If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for an excuse to head to the beach for a quick dip in the sea. Having a bikini tucked into your tote bag or purse means you’re always ready for that occasion. The Zaful Women's Triangle Bikini is our top pick for the best bikini to bring to the beach. We love that the side and back ties are adjustable (see: forgiving) and that the padding in the bra can be removed as needed. We also really like that this bikini comes in a myriad of colors and patterns to best suit your taste.

Best Swim Trunks

lululemon Pool Short

$78 at Lululemon

You might not think your swim trunks matter all the much — but once you’ve hit the beach with these Lululemon Pool Shorts, you’ll realize just how mistaken you were. We love these high-end swim trunks due to the fact that they’re sporty and stretchy, but also comfortable enough to lounge in all day. The shorts allow freedom of movement while also being quick-drying, so you don’t have to worry about sitting in wet trunks all day or having to rush to change into dry clothes.

Best Swimsuit Cover-up

Tommy Bahama Harbour Eyelet Cover-up Shirt Dress

View on Nordstrom $101 at Zappos View on Tommybahama.com

Looking for a swimsuit cover-up that’ll work at the beach, the resort, and dinner at the beachside restaurant? The Tommy Bahama Harbour Eyelet Coverup Shirt Dress is our top pick; it’s crafted from 100 percent lightweight cotton and is unlined and slightly sheer, so it won’t weigh you down while sitting under the sun. We really like that it’s built similarly to a bathrobe — you can wear it open as a duster or tie the tassels for a wrap dress-style silhouette. The eyelet detailing also adds a touch of elegance that’ll allow you to wear this into the resort or into town as needed.

Best Sundress

Misfay Women’s Summer Spaghetti Strap Dress

$20 at Amazon

The best sundress for the beach should be lightweight and airy — and who doesn’t love a dress with pockets? This dress by Misfay has a stretchy and flowing fabric, and it’s not heavy or hot. The skater-style cut is universally flattering and forgiving, while the v-style neckline works just as well with a bikini top as it does with a bra. It’s also worth repeating that this dress has pockets, which are the perfect size for storing a small wallet, lip balm, or perhaps some cool shells or sea glass that you find throughout the day.

Best Quick-dry Shorts for Men

Wrangler Authentics Men's Performance Comfort Flex Cargo Short

$28 at Amazon View on Walmart View on Wrangler.com

Whether you’re planning to dip into the ocean or you just want to post up on the sand and enjoy the sun, having a good pair of quick-dry shorts is a must-pack when planning a beach day. The Wrangler Authentics Men's Performance Comfort Flex Cargo Short are crafted with a moisture-wicking and quick-drying material that’ll ensure you don’t have to worry about accumulating sweat or having damp shorts throughout the day. They’re also quite smart-looking and can easily be worn from the beach to the restaurant or bar.

Best UPF T-shirt for Men

Bassdash Men’s UPF 50+ Sun Protection Fishing Shirt

$19 at Amazon View on Bassdash.com

Sitting in the heat can feel so rejuvenating, especially after a particularly long and cold winter. However, not all of us have the same tolerance for the sun. If you want to take extra steps to protect yourself from the sun’s rays, consider the Bassdash Men’s UPF 50+ Sun Protection Fishing Shirt. The stylish tee looks like any other basic t-shirt, but it’s made with a UPF 50+ material that’ll ensure your skin is properly protected. We also really like that this shirt is available in a whole spectrum of cool colorways, from periwinkle blue to peach.

Best Rashguard

Baleaf Sun Protection Shirt

$20 at Amazon View on Walmart View on Baleaf.com

The Baleaf Sun Protection Shirt is our favorite rashguard option for men and women. Not only does it offer great sun protection and a great fit without being too tight or thick, but it’s also very quick drying. Hang this rashguard over your beach umbrella or over the back of your lounge chair and it’ll be dry before you pack up to go. This option is also moisture-wicking when you’re wearing it, so even if you wear it while snorkeling or swimming, it won’t leave you sopping wet as some rashguards do.

You’ll need a minimum of two pairs of shoes for a beach vacation — something to wear on the sand and into the water and something to wear everywhere else. We’ve recommended our favorite comfortable and quick-drying flip-flops, as well as a couple of pairs of water shoes that you’ll be grateful you packed when wading through rocky coastlines or participating in water sports.

Best Flip-flops for Women

Clarks Breeze Sea Flip Flop

$33 at Amazon $33 at Zappos View on Shoppremiumoutlets.com

Flip-flops are a beach vacation essential — but the average flip-flop doesn’t exactly do any favors for your feet. The Clarks Womens Breeze Sea Flip-flop is an exception. This foot-friendly flip-flop features a high density foam cushion that helps support your feet with every step, and the lightweight midsole also works to provide supreme shock absorption. The outsole is also designed to provide traction, so you won’t have to worry about slipping and sliding while walking down the boardwalk or on wet surfaces.

Best Flip-flops for Men

OluKai Ohana Men's Beach Sandals

$72 at Amazon $75 at REI $50 at Nordstrom

The same goes for the OluKai Ohana Men's Beach Sandals. These high-end flip flops offer enhanced grip to ensure optimal comfort while walking on slippery surfaces, as well as a molded footbed and ultra-soft straps that ensure you won’t have to deal with blisters or sore heels at the end of the day. These lightweight flip-flops are also water-resistant and quick-drying, which is a great bonus if you’re going to be wearing them by the water’s edge. We also happen to think they’re pretty sophisticated looking for sandals, and can easily be worn into a resort restaurant or bar.

Best Water Shoes for Women

Dlgjpa Women’s Quick-drying Water Shoes

$30 at Amazon

You might feel like you can skip adding water shoes to your beach vacation packing list, but we urge you to reconsider. A good pair of water shoes, like the Dlgjpa Women's Lightweight Quick Drying Aqua Water Shoes, will allow you to walk on rocky shores or wade through seaweed-heavy waters without fearing what you might be stepping on. These are going to be especially helpful if you’re, say, visiting a tiny public beaches in Europe that might not be as sandy and plush as the oceanfront resorts in the Caribbean.

Best Water Shoes for Men

Chaco Men's Z/Cloud Sandal

$105 at Amazon $70 at REI $105 at Backcountry.com

Think of the Chaco Men's Zcloud Sandal as a water shoe for guys who don’t like water shoes. This strap-on sandal is much more lightweight and quick-drying than a typical water shoe while still providing the same traction and protection. We really like that this option has adjustable straps to fit your feet and a cloud cushion midsole for optimal comfort even with long-term wear. The rubber sandals are available in a handful of cool colorways that range from classic black to fun neon hues.

Certain accessories will make your beach day more comfortable: that includes decent sun protection, inexpensive but high-quality sunglasses, and something to carry all your essentials, like a practical beach tote. The following accessories will keep you comfortable, and dare we say stylish, while lounging in the sun.

Best Sunglasses for Women

Indy Nolita Polarized Sunglasses

View on Indysunglasses.com View on Tillys.com $79 at Freepeople.com

This pair of sunglasses from Brooklyn-based eyewear brand Indy is our top pick for the best polarized sunglasses to wear to the beach. The cat-eye silhouette never goes out of style, but the shape looks particularly sleek when paired with a swimsuit and a cold drink in hand. It’s also worth noting that the acetate frames are flexible but sturdy, so you don’t have to baby them. They also boast polarization and 100 percent UV protection, and the slightly dense material sits properly on the bridge of the nose. You won’t have to worry about them sliding down throughout the day.

Best Sunglasses for Men

Knockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Running Sunglasses

$38 at Amazon $38 at REI $35 at Dick's

You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on a good pair of sunglasses — and honestly, if you’re planning a beach vacation, sometimes it’s better to go for a budget-friendly pair that can be easily replaced if anything happens. The Knockaround Premiums Sport Polarized Running Sunglasses look and feel much more expensive than they are thanks to the sturdy body and polarized lenses. We like that these have color-tinted lenses for additional flair. They’re also relatively lightweight and very comfortable on the bridge of the nose, even if you’re on the sweaty side.

Best Tote Bag

Longchamp Le Pliage Filet L Mesh Bag

$120 at Nordstrom View on Longchamp.com $77 at Saks Fifth Avenue

The Longchamp Le Pliage Mesh Bag is our secret weapon when traveling — especially on beach vacations. The French market bag is chic-looking and can easily be worn to dinner in the Caribbean or while cafe hopping in the South of France. The mesh style also makes for a great beach companion; the netting means you won’t find yourself dumping buckets of sand out of your bag once you’re back in your hotel. It’s also worth noting that this bag folds into about the side of a wallet or iPhone and can easily be tucked into a carry-on bag without taking up any space.

Best Sun Hat

Zooron Bucket Hat UPF 50+

$10 at Amazon

Even if you love laying in the sun, having something to shade your eyes and face will be appreciated when you’re reading or taking a midday nap. The Zooron Bucket Hat is something we never go to the beach without. It’s unisex and has a UPF 50+ material to keep your head and face protected from the sun. It also comes in a wide variety of colorways and patterns to choose from. We really like that this hat has a drawstring that’ll help ensure it stays put when you’re on a boat or participating in water sports. Oh, and it’s not just foldable; it’s crushable, so you don’t have to invest in a hat box to ensure it stays well-packed.

Having the right gear can make or break a day at the beach. You’ll want to ensure you have a reef-safe sunscreen on hand (don’t try to buy one at the resort — it’ll be pricey). We also suggest bringing along a portable water bottle to stay hydrated, as well as something to protect yourself from the sun like a portable parasol. It’s also never a bad idea to bring along something to keep you entertained, like a beach game or a Bluetooth speaker.

Best Sunscreen

Thrive Natural Care Body Mineral Sunscreen

View on Amazon View on Thrivecare.co

This might be the most important beach essential to pack. A good sunscreen is imperative for a good time on the beach, and the Thrive Natural Care Body Mineral Sunscreen is our top pick. This reef-friendly sunscreen is crafted with 23.5 percent zinc oxide, which makes it a safer alternative both for your skin and the environment. Unlike other mineral sunscreens, this one absorbs similar to a moisturizing lotion and doesn’t leave a sticky or grainy residue. Keep in mind that the high-performance formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, which makes it a great option if you plan on spending extended time in the open water.

Best Reusable Water Bottle

Takeya Actives Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle 24 Oz.

$47 at Amazon View on Target $35 at Walmart

We tested the Takeya Actives Water Bottle and found that it outperformed every other bottle when it came to keeping cold drinks cold — and that is a major bonus when it comes to staying hydrated at the beach. Fill this 24-ounce bottle with ice cubes, top it up with water, and you’ll have ice-cold water for the entirety of your beach day. It’s also worth noting that the lid doesn’t leak — even when we shook the bottle — and the chug spout makes it easy to sip while lounging.

Best Drink Maker

Ninja Blast Portable Blender

$50 at Amazon $50 at Target $50 at Macy's

Blame it on the late Jimmy Buffett if you wish, but there’s just something about laying on the beach with a cold margarita that is unbeatable. If you’re partial to a cold cocktail on the beach, consider investing in the Ninja Blast Portable Blender. This personal blender allows you to add all your ingredients into the blender cup at home and then blend it up whenever you get where you’re going. Cheers!

Best Beach Umbrella

Sport-Brella Versa-Brella SPF 50+ Adjustable Umbrella

$20 at Amazon $26 at Target $30 at Dick's

Heading to a public beach? You’ll want to bring your own beach umbrella. The Sport-Brella Versa-Brella SPF 50+ Adjustable Umbrella is ultra-portable, which makes it a great option for those who like to pack light when heading to the beach. It’s designed to clip directly onto a beach lounger and features a 360-degree swivel to ensure you’ll have ample sun protection throughout the day. It’s worth noting that this umbrella folds into a small carrying case which makes it easy to bring on international trips as well. Most public beaches in Europe charge for umbrella use — having your own makes your beach day cheaper, or in some cases, free.

Best Towel

Glamburg Peshtemal Turkish Beach Towel

$46 at Amazon

Turkish towels are the secret to those Pinterest-worthy perfectly-posed photos of books and fruit laid out on the beach — but they’re also a very practical beach towel. The Glamburg Peshtemal Turkish Beach Towel is fast-drying and lightweight. You can easily use it for drying off and laying out before rolling it back up nice and dry and popping it into your tote bag. This one comes in a wide variety of colorways to suit your style and is made from 75 percent Turkish cotton.

Best Bug Spray

OFF! Family Care Insect & Mosquito Repellent Spritz

$7 at Amazon

Bug spray is usually a drag to apply (and sometimes it doesn’t even work) but that’s not the case with the Off! Family Care Insect & Mosquito Repellent Spritz. During the testing process, we found this spray to be extremely effective. Thanks to the spritz nozzle, it goes on more like a light face mist than a heavy bug spray. It also has a very light and non-offensive scent which doesn’t feel sticky at all. It’s the perfect size to tote around in your beach bag, and the gentle formula is safe for kids, too.

Best Portable Speaker

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

$74 at Amazon $80 at Target View on Walmart

What’s a trip to the beach without some great beach tunes? The waterproof and floatable Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 speaker takes care of all your audio needs and offers surprisingly strong and clear sound despite the compact size. During the testing process, we found this portable speaker extremely user-friendly and easy to set up. It's easy to charge as well. The Wonderboom 3 doesn’t include a carrying case, but it was by far the most durable Bluetooth speaker that we tested and will easily hold up, even if it’s thrown in your tote or gets a little sandy. We also love that that this speaker comes in bright and fun colorways like hot pink and lime green.

Best Beach Chair

RIO Beach Classic 5-Position Lay-Flat Folding Beach Chair

$59 at Amazon $90 at Home Depot View on Cabelas.com

Laying out on a towel is great, but having a beach chair in tow is going to be a lot more comfortable. The Rio Beach Classic 5-Position Lay-flat Folding Beach Chair is our favorite option because, although it’s comfortable and sturdy, it folds down into the smallest little size, making it hassle-free to take to and from the beach. As the name suggests, it also has five different positions which is awesome if you plan to snack, read, and even nap while laying out on the sand.

Best Beach Game

Chronicle Books Pendleton Backgammon

$27 at Amazon View on Walmart View on Chroniclebooks.com

We’ve packed things like Uno and Cards Against Humanity in our beach bag before — but in case you haven’t noticed, the beach can be pretty darn windy. Instead, you’ll want to opt for a heavier beach game like backgammon. The Chronicle Books Pendleton Backgammon is beautiful and a fun way to pass the time, but it’s not going to get taken in the wind like a card game would. We also love that this set rolls up when it’s not in use, which makes it ultra-portable and easy to tuck into your tote bag.

Best Foldable Cooler Bag

Creative Green Life Jumbo Insulated Cooler Bag with HD Thermal Foam Insulation

$28 at Amazon View on Creativegreenlife.com

Planning on bringing snacks and drinks to the beach? You’ll probably want to invest in a foldable cooler bag like this one from Creative Green Life. The extra-large size bag can fit a lot (we’re talking an entire pizza box or over a dozen drinks with ice.) It keeps drinks cold for eight or more hours, and hot food piping hot for just as long. We also really like that this bag folds down when it’s empty, so you can easily store it in your beach bag or carry-on when you’re not using it.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure writers are shopping, fashion, and product experts who use personal experience and customer recommendations to choose the best items for shoppers. For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis, a travel writer and former lifestyle editor, tapped into her experience as a professional beach bum (yep, her job is just beach) and laid out the items she finds are the most essential for a perfect beach vacation.