10 Things To Pack for a Beach Trip
Nothing refreshes your spirit and makes you feel at peace quite like a beach vacation. Between soaking up the sun, lying out on the warm sand, and splashing around in the water, it’s the ultimate way to unplug from the stress of everyday life and reconnect with the world around you.
Whether you’re planning a quick day trip to the coast or looking to recreate one of the classic best beach trips for families, packing smartly can make all the difference. This beach trip packing list from the experts at Devon Self Storage covers 10 must-have items you won’t want to leave behind. By following our advice, you can make sure you’re prepared to relax, recharge, and enjoy every moment of your coastal escape.
Planning Your Beach Vacation
Before diving into what to pack for your beach vacation, think through the details of your getaway. Do you want to be located near modern amenities or somewhere more remote? Are you traveling on your own, with friends, or with family? Planning ahead ensures your beach day packing list meets your exact needs and you don’t forget something important. Let’s take a closer look now at what to pack for a trip to the beach to keep things stress-free and sun-soaked!
1. Appropriate Clothing
Start with the basics: pack light, breathable clothing that can be worn anywhere from the sand to a seaside café. Think swimsuits, cover-ups, sun hats, and flip-flops. A change of clothes for the ride home (especially for kids) can keep everyone comfortable after a long day in the water.
Layering is key if you’re planning to stay until the evening, when ocean breezes can bring a chill. Don’t forget to make sure any packed clothing is UV-protective, especially for your little ones who may forget to reapply sunscreen while playing.
2. Sunscreen
No beach trip packing list is complete without sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours, or possibly more frequently if you’ve been swimming or sweating a lot. Aerosol options are convenient, but sun lotion provides better coverage, especially for your face and shoulders. Toss in a lip balm with SPF and aloe vera gel in case of accidental burns, as you don’t want pink or peeling skin to ruin your vacation.
3. Towels
Oversized towels are a beach staple, and the more you bring, the better. Pack one for every person and a few extras for drying off, sitting on the sand, or covering up during a beachside nap. Quick-dry microfiber towels are compact and dry fast, making them ideal for getting out of the water. Beach blankets or oversized mats can also ensure you have a clean, comfortable spot to lounge, snack, or let kids play all day long.
4. Beach Chairs
If lounging in style is on your agenda, don’t forget to pack some comfortable chairs. Folding beach chairs with cup holders, umbrella attachments, or backpack straps make a huge difference in comfort and can impress your fellow beachgoers, too.
Look for lightweight models that are easy to carry and set up, as nobody wants to lug a heavy chair back and forth from your car. Even for the most laid-back beachgoers, having a proper seat makes spending time under the sun much more enjoyable.
5. Sand Toys
The best beach trips for families all have one thing in common: plenty of sand toys for the kids. Buckets, shovels, molds, and sifters keep your little ones engaged for hours while encouraging creativity and outdoor play. Don’t be surprised if teenagers or adults get in on the sandcastle fun too, as building things together can be one of the most memorable parts of your trip.
6. First-Aid Kit
Accidents can happen, even on the most serene shorelines. A compact first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, pain relievers, and allergy meds can be a beach-day lifesaver, as you won’t have to worry about packing up your things and leaving due to a minor incident. Especially for families, having the basics on hand lets you quickly patch things up and keep everyone relaxed.
7. Snacks and Cooler
Spending the day in the sun works up quite an appetite. Having a well-stocked cooler with refreshing drinks, fruit, sandwiches, and salty snacks keeps everyone fueled and happy, and saves you from running into unexpected expenses at the overpriced concession stand.
Pack handheld items that won’t spoil in the heat, and use Tupperware containers or plastic bags to keep sand from getting inside. Insulated, soft-sided coolers are great for saving space, and a few frozen water bottles can double as cooling packs. Above all else, remember to bring trash bags so you can leave the beach cleaner than you found it.
8. Reading Material
A beach vacation is the perfect excuse to finally crack open that novel you’ve been meaning to read! Grab a good book, magazine, or e-reader loaded with stories that match your relaxed state of mind and drift away from the comfort of your towel or chair.
If you’re traveling with others, bring a few reading options to share and swap throughout the day. Magazines and children’s books are common choices for light seaside reading. No matter what you’re thumbing through, there’s something timeless and luxurious about reading with the sound of waves in the background.
9. Bluetooth Speaker
A waterproof Bluetooth speaker lets you play your favorite beach tunes and keep the vibes going strong. Whether it’s acoustic melodies, upbeat playlists, or ambient sounds, music enhances the beach experience for everyone. Just be mindful of your neighbors by keeping the volume at a reasonable level and avoiding songs with more “adult” lyrics if children are around.
10. Wagon or Cart
Carrying all of your things to where you’re lounging can put a damper on even the best beach vacation. Having a foldable beach wagon or all-terrain cart makes it easy to transport everything from towels to snacks and toys to your spot on the sand. This simple and affordable addition can turn a long haul into a smooth, stress-free stroll, especially when you’re parked far from the water.
Store Your Summer Gear at Devon Self Storage
Once your beach trip is over, it’s tempting to just toss all of your gear into the garage. However, keeping your beach gear organized and secure can make your next vacation easier and more enjoyable.
At Devon Self Storage, we offer self storage units where you can keep seasonal items like coolers, umbrellas, chairs, and wagons stowed away until your next beach day rolls around. Whether you’re an occasional ocean traveler or a year-round beach bum, our climate-controlled storage units provide you with valuable space and peace of mind.
Streamline your next trip to the shoreline by partnering with Devon Self Storage. Find a storage facility near you to dive in today!