What to Pack for a Family Beach Vacation (+ Free Packing List Printable)

No matter what time of year it is, a family beach vacation is always a good idea!

Relaxation for the parents. Easy entertainment for the kids. You really can’t go wrong.

Since we have a couple beachy trips coming up soon, I’m naturally already playing through my head just how we’ll fit everything in our suitcases!

Packing for a family beach vacation can be a little tricky. There are so many extra items to plan for compared to your average family trip. And while you need to be practical, you don’t want to sacrifice all the fun stuff either!

Streamline your planning and read on for our most essential packing list for the perfect family beach vacation:

A little disclaimer: this post contains links to affiliate websites, such as Amazon and LTK, and I may receive an affiliate commission (at no cost to you!) for any purchases made by you using these links. Your support is much appreciated!

pin it for later:

Clothes & Essentials

Let’s face it, as much as we all want to look cute on a sunny vacation, you’ll most likely be wearing the same things again and again as you lounge by the pool or beach. So keep things simple. Pack minimally on clothes and you’ll have plenty of room for all those fun extras.

Remember, even if it’s 100 degrees on your travel day, wear your heaviest item from each category to save the most space in your suitcase!

Here’s what we (roughly)  pack for each person when visiting a beachy destination:

• 2-3 bottoms | Shorts, skirts, etc.
• 4-5 tanks or tops
• 1-2 dresses | Good for sightseeing in town or nice dinners out
• 1-2 swimsuit cover ups | For those loungy days on the beach
• 1 light jacket or sweater | A must for those chilly beach nights
• 1 set of pajamas
• Undies | 1 for each day
• Socks | 1-2 pairs, if bringing sneakers for outdoor activities
• 2-3 pairs of shoes | 2 sandals (1 dressy, 1 casual) and 1 pair of sneakers for outdoor activities
• Toiletry bag | Instead of packing one for everybody, I try to consolidate all of our stuff into one good-sized toiletry bag. Especially if it’s a short trip (<a week), you can easily share one set of toiletries for the whole family.
• Hair Styling Tools | Be sure to check if where you’re staying already has a hair dryer…it’s one less thing to pack! Otherwise I’m a fan of this travel-size one, plus this teeny-tiny travel flat iron.
• Accessories | I don’t bring a lot of jewelry when we travel, but I like to have a few pieces I can mix and match to dress things up. Keep earrings, necklaces, and little girls’ hair bows together in a small jewelry case.

If this doesn’t seem like much, you’re right, it’s not! 🙂 Instead of packing an outfit for every day, book accommodations with a washing machine so you can freshen up your wardrobe mid-trip.

Swim & Beach Gear

Now onto the fun stuff…

• Swimsuit | 1-2 per person. I love this one from RuffleButts with a long-sleeve rash guard for little girls (more skin protection and less surface area to struggle at covering with sunscreen!). PS: they make cute boys swim trunks too!
• Sun Hat | Definitely a must-have for kids and adults. This sun hat is a great one for babies, while older kids will enjoy something a little more structured.
• Sunglasses | My personal fave Amazon find.
• Water Shoes | If you have a kid like mine who hates the sand, these are definitely helpful!
• Swim Diapers | It never fails, I always manage to forget the disposable swim diapers. For a more eco-friendly option, try reusable ones.
• Water Bottle | A good insulated water bottle is worth its weight in gold for long hot days out in the sun.
• Beach Towels | Whether you’re staying in a hotel or an Airbnb, if you’re in a beach destination they’ll usually be included. But there are still a few traditional vacational rentals out there that will require you to bring your own, so be sure to check in advance. If you do need your own, these lightweight packable beach towels are a perfect solution.
• Beach Tote | Make sure you have a nice big bag to carry all of your stuff to and from the beach. This mesh tote helps sift out pesky sand, or for something more compact, I love this smaller folding straw bag.
• Wet Bag | You can buy a nice one like this, but otherwise plastic storage bags work just as well for transporting wet swimsuits in a pinch. A wet bag is also handy for storing a change of clothes, should you need it.

Health & Sun Care

• Medicine/first aid kit | You don’t have to bring the kitchen sink, but definitely bring the usual suspects like Tylenol, bandages, antibacterial ointment, etc. This pre-packed kit makes it extra easy to have everything in one place.
• Sun Protection | Sure, this is one item you could buy after you arrive, but I have my favorite I tend to bring from home. I’m a fan of a good sunscreen stick that can be tossed in the go bag, as well as this Aveeno Baby sunscreen that’s good for babies and adults alike, and just under the 3.2 ounce carry on limit. For ocean swimming, be sure to check for reef-safe options.
• Lip Balm with SPF | For both kids and adults, this is a must.
• Bug Spray | If you’re heading to the tropics, don’t forget you’ll need something to keep the bugs and mosquitos away! I like this natural option: safe for kids and better yet, doesn’t make you smell like chemicals.
• Aloe Vera | Not matter how much sun care you pack, it’s always a good idea to bring somealoe vera, or better yet, after sun lotion in case of burns!
• Baby Powder | Sounds random, I know, but baby powder is the secret to getting all that beach sand off your feet. Just trust me on this one and throw a travel size bottle in your bag (or stash this handy sand eraser mitt).
• Beach Essentials Go Bag | I love to have a zippered pouch to keep everything together.

Just for Fun

• Cooler Backpack | This has been a total game changer for our beach days! We love this dual compartment cooler backpack, where we can keep drinks and cool items in the bottom and dry items and snacks in the top. Don’t forget a few slim ice packs as well.
• Pool Floats | Not 100% necessary, but 100% fun! Because who doesn’t need an inflatable ring for lounging in the pool? Just make sure it folds down small and, of course, check with your hotel first to make sure outside inflatables are allowed.
• Swim Vest/Arm Floaties | Swim vests are great, but super bulky to pack. In a pinch we’ve substituted inflatable arm bands; they take up a whole lot less space and work great!
• Beach Towel Anchors | Keep those towels from turning into parachutes every time the breeze picks up with these handy beach towel anchors.
• Beach Toys | You won’t need a ton of stuff, but having a few beach toys to keep the kids occupied is a good idea. This collapsible beach bucket and sand toys are perfect for packing light. Simple things like water rings or other dive toys are also great for pool days. As always, check with your hotel or Airbnb host, as they may already provide these kinds of things.
• Beach Tent | For little ones at the beach, the KidCo peapod is a great option that’s also super compact (yes, it can even fit in a carry on)! If you’re making a road trip or have the space in a checked bag, this bigger-sized beach tent is great for families needing all day shade.
• Beach Chairs | Obviously not feasible if you’re flying to your destination, but if you’ll be driving these compact beach chairs are a nice alternative to paying for beach chair service.
• Beach Umbrella | Again, if you have the space. This beach umbrella with a compact foldable frame is ideal for travel. Or for an alternative, try this beach canopy.
• Bluetooth Speaker | Because fun in the sun is more fun with portable music!

Miscellaneous Items

• Passport | If you’re planning on leaving the country, you’ll need a passport for everyone in the family. Read our quick guide to baby’s first passport here.
• Camera & Charger
• Cell Phone Charger
• Underwater Camera | Go for a cheap disposable one like these, or if you’re looking to invest in something nicer, the GoPro Hero comes equipped with a waterproof case for amazing underwater shots and video. (this floating wristband is also a favorite GoPro accessory of ours!)
• Laundry detergent pods | We pack minimally, so we always end up doing plenty of laundry on our trips. Especially with sandy beach clothes, you’ll want to be able to do some washings during your stay. Packing a few laundry pods makes it super easy to bring your own detergent. (I double bag them in small plastic storage bags and have never had an issue with them bursting.)
• Travel Clothesline | A great way to dry wet towels and swimsuits, this travel clothesline can easily be set up in a pinch.
• Sheets | While not as common anymore, beware that in some locations, beach vacation rentals may to not provide sheets or towels (yes, seriously!) Be sure to check the fine print and bring your own if you must.

Free Beach Vacation Packing List

Need help packing for your beach vacation?

Subscribe to download our free Beach Vacation Packing List! 

Plus, as an Our Next Adventure subscriber, you’ll get access to our full resource library, including our printable travel planner, packing lists, guides and more!

What do you always pack for a family beach vacation? Let me know in the comments below!

xo laura