The ultimate beach packing list with 20 items to bring

The sun is out and it is time to enjoy! Heading to the coast for a vacation? Or to the beach to sunbath? Use this beach packing list with 20 items to bring to the beach to help you pack everything you will need for a great trip. This list will help you remember to bring all beach essentials that you need to enjoy some fun in the sun.

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Beach packing list with 20 items to bring to the beach:

Swimsuit

You’re heading to the beach so obviously the number one thing you need is a swimsuit! When I go on vacation, I always bring at least two different swimsuits with me, so that I know I will always have an extra dry one on hand.

Lots of water

On the beach, you easy get dehydrated and so it is important to bring enough water.

Good sunscreen

While many of us remember to bring the sunscreen, often is the case of when we return home, we are surprised that we somehow still have a bit of a sunburn. Make sure you know which sunscreen suits you and to put it on regularly.

Book or magazine

I personally never leave to the beach without bringing some reading material. There are plenty of books or magazines to feed your wanderlust. I love reading books that inspire me to travel and dream about new adventures. This post about the 44 best travel books ever provides you a good overview of my favorite travel books.

Beach towel

Another thing that you can’t forget to bring to the beach is a towel. Everyone needs a good towel to dry off after a swim or to lay down in the sand. Make sure to add this to your beach packing list.

Blanket or sarong

If you don’t like carrying a heavy beach towel, you can bring a sarong instead. That way the beach towels can be used for drying off and you won’t have to worry about wet, sticky sand on the blanket or sarong.

Sunhat or cap

Don’t forget to protect your head from the sun. Consider bringing a sunhat or cap.

Underwater digital camera or GoPro

Don’t risk bringing a fancy camera to the beach and getting sand or water in it. A waterproof camera will immortalize your underwater memories without needing to worry about your camera. I have a GoPro Hero 4 Silver and can really recommend this one.

Waterproof phone case

A waterproof phone case is a must-bring item of this beach packing list. This case allows you to make photos everywhere and keep out water and sand. As a bonus, you can still use your touchscreen and camera.

Flip-flops

Flip-flops are vital for that transition from the hot sand to the water or to the not too hot sand.

Sunglasses

Now this may seem like a no-brainer, but you may forget your sunglasses. Make sure to protect your eyes from the sun on your beach trip.

Bug spray

In some countries, you might need bug spray or bug repellant to keep away the mosquitoes and ticks. I always use it at home before going to the beach, but you might want to bring it with you to make sure you can use it all day when necessary.

Garbage bags

Bring along a small bag and collect all your trash from the beach or pick up any trash you spot along the beach. Do not bury your trash. Animals will dig it up or it will become exposed later on for someone else to find. Best is to bring the bag with you towards home. I always have a garbage bag with me.

Mini hairbrush

Care for your hair while on the go. I will never leave anywhere without bringing my mini hairbrush.

Mini first aid kit

It’s always best to keep a little first aid kit with you at the beach.

Food and drinks

A day at the beach isn’t complete without some (cold) drinks and food! As mentioned before, drinking water is extremely important, but you also might want to bring some other drinks and snacks. Remember not to bring food that will attract bees. Leave the sweet stuff at home (or in a sealed cooler).

Travel pillow

The only way you’re going to get a good nap on the beach is though bring a travel pillow.

Headphones or EarPods

Music is great at the beach! Don’t forget to bring your headphones or EarPods, so you can hook up your phone and play your favorite travel songs. In this post, 50 Travel songs to add to your ultimate travel playlist, I put together my ultimate travel playlist. Behind each song is the word open written. When you click on this, you can listen the specific song. You can also find all the songs in a Spotify playlist called: Travel Songs Girlswanderlust (click).

Beach bag

Where to leave all these beach items? In a beach bag, of course!

Cooler bag

Along the beach bag, you can also bring a cooler bag with you to enjoy some cold drinks and snacks.

Other things that might be handy to bring to the beach:

Water shoes

Water shoes are great if you will be doing any walking around rocks and cliffs.

Umbrella

An umbrella is a perfect way to keep yourself from having to endure all that sunlight.

Floatables

The last months you can spot floatables everywhere on the beach! Take a big one with you to float comfortably on the water or a small one that can hold your drink.

Beach chairs

Personally, I would always rather sit on a chair than with a towel on the sand, but I am too lazy to carry one with me. If your luggage space permits consider bringing a beach chair to the beach.

Fins and snorkel gear

If you’re into snorkeling then don’t forget to bring some fins and a snorkel.

So… the next time you go to the beach, check this list and enjoy the beach to the fullest! Do you have any additions to this list? Let me know in the comment section below!

Author: Daphne

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