Looking for tips on what you need to pack for your next beach trip? After 25 years of traveling to the Cape—here’s the ultimate beach packing checklist.
If there is someone who should write a post about a beach packing checklist?
You are looking at HER (the one in the blue and turquoise dress who is happy as a clam).
I have been packing for the beach for over 25 years.
And this year?
I got it almost beach packing perfect.
Just between us In all my trips and all my journeys, I think it was my proudest packing moment.
We were gone for 3 1/2 weeks and I wanted to try and fit everything into one suitcase.
Yikes.
That was a big ask—a packing challenge for the ages.
So I found some products that I OWN and LOVE and are PERFECT for the beach and made a list for all of us along with a few packing golden rules that I think every packer should live by.
Here’s the ultimate beach packing list to travel light for your next ocean trip (and ideas for everything you need and making it all fit).
// three-piece luggage set //
The Ultimate Beach Packing Checklist
Before I get started with WHAT I packed I think it’s important to go all Julie Andrews and start at the very beginning (it’s a very good place to start) before you ever start packing.
I started with this three-piece luggage set. I LOVE this set so much. It kind of reminds me of a vintage luggage set and the three pieces pack into each other (which was perfect for storing away at the beach house when I wasn’t using it).
I got THREE compliments on this luggage this trip.
You can see the luggage set here.
Next, I used a packing list. Now—it’s important to note that I am normally I am not really about a list. I love the IDEA of a list—but the actual list is usually too much for me. I have the greatest of confidences (which is ALWAYS misplaced) that I’ll remember everything on my own recognizance.
Umm.
No.
Just no, KariAnne.
This time I gave myself a good talking to and sat down and actually made a list. I jotted down everything I needed for the trip.
The list was really the start of the perfect packing journey.
Here’s everything I packed except for the clothes (and I even added a few tips about that).
// toothbrush holder //
1. This Toothbrush Holder Case With Suction Back
I find the whole toothbrush thing a conundrum.
I just don’t want to leave my toothbrush on the counter where it’s touching something and I want it to get fresh air and dry out, too.
Then?
I found the perfect solution. This toothbrush holder functions as a toothbrush cap for my bag and then when I get to my destination like the beach—I can just stick it on the mirror or other surface. It’s the best toothbrush problem solver.
I got mine a while ago, but you can find a super similar toothbrush holder here.
// packing cubes //
2. Packing Cubes
Have you ever used packing cubes before?
They are SUCH a game changer.
You can see the packing cubes I used here.
They come in a set of seven lightweight organizers that help you separate everything. You can sort your items by category or outfit and I also used them to organize everything in the shelves in the closet at the house. You can see how I organized my closet on this post here. (total aside—I also have used them in the drawers in a hotel to keep socks, etc. organized).
I’ve also seen compression bags like these recommended, too, but I didn’t use these on the trip.
They are on my list to try in the future.
Have you ever used them before?
Also—this luggage scale is GOLD if you have a weight restriction where you are traveling.
You can see it here.
3. Pack Multi-Purpose Clothing
When you make your list and lay out your beach outfits, look at your pieces and make sure they are versatile.
Everything should mix and match and do a little heavy lifting.
Here are some of the ideas that I used to streeettttchhhh my beach outfits:
- large scarf: use as a shawl or a beach cover-up
- Leggings: use for a workout or pair with a button-up shirt and tennis shoes
- Button-Up Shirt: use for a lightweight jacket and tossed over a dress
- Convertible Backpack/Purse: use as a backpack and a shoulder bag
- Maxi Dress: dressed up with heels or dressed down with sandals and a denim jacket
- Cardigan: Layer a cardigan or buttoned up as a top
- Elastic waistband Skirt: adjust the waist (I roll mine up or down to make it longer or shorter)
// foldable fan //
4. Stay Cool with a Foldable Fan
I have to use a fan when I sleep.
Last time we brought a big fan, but it was so much to carry.
This time? I brought a foldable fan.
You can see the one I used here.
You can also use a fan app that mimics the sound of a fan to drown out noise and help you sleep better.
I also ordered this super small compact fan that’s perfect for the beach. It’s hand held and folds up into almost nothing.
You can see the handheld fan here.
// powdered sunscreen //
5. Powdered Sunscreen
Sunscreen should be at the top of anyone’s beach packing checklist.
But this sunscreen was too next level not to share.
It’s powdered so it’s easy to apply—especially on the scalp and the face. It’s matte–not oily so your skin looks so fresh.
You can see the sunscreen here.
Also—if you can’t be out in the sun and you want to look like you spent the day tanning? These self-tanning towelettes are perfect for the beach and summer.
// striped beach towel //
6. Over-sized Beach Towel
Hello Captain Obvious.
No list of beach essentials is complete without a towel.
Here’s the one I ordered that comes in tons of colors and it’s so thick with the prettiest contrasting edge.
You can see the beach towels here.
// travel make-up bag //
7. Travel Make-up Bag with Individual Compartments
I found this one for the trip that matched my packing cubes.
I’ve had a make-up bag before without compartments like these and my make-up can get jumbled and broken.
This was under $10 and it’s the best $10 I ever spent.
I actually used it for the entire trip because it kept everything in its place.
You can see it here.
I also use these travel make-up brushes that roll up so it keeps the power and blush from getting all over the bag.
This travel make-up set is my favorite.
// set of towel clips //
8. Towel Clips
Someone told me about these and I was kind of like, what?
And then? I saw the wind on the deck. There is NO WAY your towel would stay in place without a clip or a band around the top of the towel.
You can see the towel clips here.
You can see the towel bands here.
9. Travel Size Toiletries
I saved so much space with travel-sized toiletries.
They can get a little pricy, so you can also get a set of reusable travel bottles like these.
The travel bottles are on sale right now and they have a leak-proof design that prevents liquids from leaking or spilling (which could be disastrous in a suitcase on a trip).
// wrinkle free spray // steamer //
10. Wrinkle-Free Spray and Steamer
I have a travel steamer that I love.
It’s super lightweight and it’s easy to use.
But if you are in a hurry or can’t use a steamer (like on a cruise) pack Downy wrinkle release spray to keep your clothes looking fresh.
This travel-size Down wrinkle release spray is a game changer.
// leave-in conditioner //
11. Leave-in Conditioner
Beach and sun and wind and the ocean are all generally not good on your hair.
Protect it with a little leave-in conditioner.
This one is anti-frizz and smells so good.
You can see the leave-in conditioner here.
// Tide packets // laundry hamper //
12. Laundry Helpers
We have a washer and dryer at the beach house, so I didn’t have to worry about carrying my favorite Tide packets with me.
But if you booked a place on the beach without a washer and dryer, you could use these Tide packets designed for the sink.
I also packed a collapsible laundry hamper like this to help with laundry.
// small zipper organizer // large zipper organizer //
13. Zippered Organizers
Along with the packing cubes, these zippered bags were such a space saver.
They are surprisingly well made for the price with individual compartments on the sides to help keep everything in it’s place. They were perfect for jewelry and even my smaller electronics.
I have this smaller zippered bag.
And this larger zippered bag.
These bags come in tons of other different colors and patterns, too.
// waterproof beach bag //
14. Waterproof Beach Bag:
This is my go-to.
I need one with TONS of pockets and it’s waterproof and sandproof.
This one is GOLD. There’s an outside separate waterproof wet compartment to keep wet clothes separate from dry ones. There’s also an inner keychain to keep your keys safe and TONS of pockets.
It comes with a daily hand tote to take if you don’t want to take the larger beach bag with you.
You can see the beach bag here.
// my go-to sunglasses //
15. Sunglasses
These sunglasses are my favorite and they’ve been a best seller with so many of you.
They are neutral so they go with everything and they come in tons of different colors, but I really like the tinted clear that’s got a little bit of pink in it.
You can see the sunglasses here.
// clear SUN bag //
16. Clear SUN bag
Isn’t this the cutest?
It’s a clear bag that’s perfect for all those little extras at the beach.
It fits perfectly in the beach bag and helps keep everything organized.
You can see the SUN bag here.
// beach cooler //
17. Beach cooler
This is the beach cooler I have.
It’s right there at the top of the closet.
You can see the beach cooler here.
// collapsible water bottles //
18. Collapsible Water Bottles
Hydration is key at the beach.
These collapsible water bottles help you to stay hydrated without taking up too much space.
You can see the collapsible water bottles here.
// intense therapy lip balm //
19. Intense therapy lip balm
The beach is so hard on skin and on the lips.
My lips always get so dried out around the water.
This Intense Therapy Lip Balm is so helpful.
You can see the lip balm here.
// portable power bank //
20. Portable Power Bank:
I love a good portable power bank.
It makes everything so much easier.
Especially when you are at a port and you are looking around and realize that beaches don’t have power cords.
You can see the portable power bank here.
// waterproof speaker //
21. Waterproof Speaker
I listen to audiobooks on the beach with my headphones, but my family loves to listen to music.
The key is that the speaker has to be waterproof.
This waterproof speaker is on sale right now and it’s lightweight and portable.
You can see the speaker here.
This is the smiling face of a packer that’s packed and ready for any occasion.
I’m extra happy that I figured it out.
Spoiler alert.
There are a lot more trips and adventures just around the corner.
PS In an effort to be helpful—I created this Beach Trip Checklist for your next beach vacation.
You can print it out by clicking on the link under the image.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
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