Are you heading out on vacation this summer and wondering what to pack for the beach? As I’m currently making a packing list for a tropical vacation in South Carolina, it’s the perfect time to share my beach travel essentials list.
So, whether you’re looking for a planning a tropical getaway or family beach trip, I’ve got you!
Here’s what to pack for a beach vacation as a woman.
Table of Contents
Packing for the beach, things to keep in mind
There’s not one perfect packing list for a tropical vacation that applies to every type of oceanfront getaway. So, keep that in mind when planning what you’ll bring to the beach.
For example, if you’re heading on family vacation to beaches in Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, or similar, you may not need hiking shoes. If you’re hitting up beaches in California or someplace like Costa Rica, however, there are a lot of trails that lead to picturesque beaches, meaning some efficient shoes might be a good call.
Or, maybe you want to go clubbing along the shores. In which case, you might pack dressier shoes and a wider variety of ‘fun’ dresses.
You’ll also see some optional items that simply depend on what you enjoy doing at the beach i.e. boating, snorkeling, cycling, seashell hunting etc.
Nonetheless, this beach vacation packing list will sum on all your basics plus extras that could take your trip to the next level.
Note: Some of the links below contain affiliate links. This doesn’t increase the cost of any item to you, but simply means that I’ll receive a small commission of any sales from those links. Thank you!
Beach bag essentials list
The ocean or sea is the main attraction of your trip, so I imagine you’ll be hitting the sand nearly every day. So, you’ll definitely need a beach bag. I always bring along either the oversized burlap or canvas tote because they fit all my beach day essentials plus wiggle room for more.
Here are the best things to pack in a beach bag for a tropical vacation:
Large beach blanket or beach towel: You’ll need it to sit on, dry off with, and wrap about your body. The bigger the better! This 100% organic Turkish cotton towel is a wonderful eco-friendly pick!
Reef-safe sunscreen: I always use this one from Raw Elements because it has a small ingredient list that is all-natural and safe for you, your little one, the ocean, etc.
Sunglasses: Pick your favorites. I love this pair from SHADED malibu because they’re polarized and made with recycled wood. This pair from Amazon is another amazing option that is also polarized.
A book: Bring along a great beach read to enjoy while you’re enjoying the sound of seagulls and crashing waves – or just working on your tan. Whatever you’re into! Here’s my roundup of some awesome books to read this summer at the beach, all written by women.
However, if you don’t want your book to get wet and sandy, I definitely recommend this WATERPROOF Kindle Paperwhite.
Lip balm: We often forget about our precious lips when it comes to protecting our skin from the sun! Make sure you’ve got an SPF lip balm in your beach bag.
Reusable water bottle: Because it’s hot and hydration is key.
Swimsuit cover-up: I’m going to assume you’ve already got your swimsuit on, so I’m not including it in the beach bag packing list, but a swimsuit cover-up is a must-have! It gives you some extra sun protection and is a great way to cover up whenever you’re walking along the beach and don’t want to feel so exposed. Plus, if there’s a chill in the air and your skin is wet, a cover-up is going to feel amazing.
Check out this cotton/linen button down cover-up or this 100% linen option.
First aid items: Having an antibacterial ointment, isopropyl alcohol, and a few bandaids might come in handy if you get cut by a rock or shell when swimming, etc.
Snacks: Because, of course! I particularly like to bring fresh fruit like coconut, mango, or strawberries.
Water shoes: This one is optional depending on your preference. If I’m visiting a pebble beach, I tend to prefer having water shoes. So this one is up to you! I would recommend a quick-drying sock style like these water shoes.
Sun hat: If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you know how much I stress sun protection. So, I will never go to the beach without a quality sun hat. And hey, 90% of all visible signs of aging are caused by sun exposure, so keep that skin happy and healthy.
This is the style of hat I’m bringing to the beach because you can still put your hair up. It also folds up so it’s great for packing! No packing list for a tropical vacation is complete without a good sun hat.
Beach games: If you’re going on a family vacation or a trip with friends, having something like cards or a blow-up ball can add a lot of fun to the day!
Waterproof box/bag: A small waterproof box or dry bag to keep your phone, wallet, or other essentials in is also a great thing to pack for the beach.
Portable charger: Sun exposure can cause your phone battery to lose its charge more quickly. Pack a portable phone charger to prevent your phone from dying at the beach.
Packing list for tropical vacation extras
There are a few other things you might want to bring to the sand that won’t fit in your beach bag.
Beach chair: I’m bringing these Coleman ones. They’re high-quality and built to last and also come with a cup holder.
Beach umbrella: Because it gets hot out there and some shade will be nice!
Clothes to Bring: Packing List for a Tropical Vacation
So, chilling on the beach probably won’t be the only thing you do on your trip, so here’s everything you need to pack for the beach clothes-wise. Follow this list as a recommendation for what to pack for a 7-day beach vacation, perfecfor a minimalist beach packing list.
2-3 sun dresses (preferably linen or cotton and/or perfect for a tropical beach vacation outfit)
1 pair of denim shorts
1 pair of linen or casual shorts
4 tank tops/casual shirts
1 pair of pants for evenings
1-2 pair of linen pajamas/lounge clothes
1 nicer tropical outfit for evening dinners out and photo day
1 pair of cute sandals
1 pair of shoes to bring to the beach (I’m bringing these Tevas, for example but you might just want to bring flip flops)
Sneakers or outdoorsy sandals for renting bikes and riding around
7 pairs of underwear
A couple of bras, preferably lightweight bralettes
2-3 swimsuits (I usually bring 1 two-piece with 2 different top options and 1 one-piece)
Beachy accessories, like a seashell necklace
All of these are suitable when making a packing list for a tropical vacation.
Other beach travel essentials
We’re almost done! Here are a few other things you should add to your tropical vacation packing list. Most of these include things to bring on the beach.
Fresh aloe vera for aftersun care
Eco-friendly bug/insect repellent or lotion for mosquitos in the evenings
Headlamp for walking on the beach/cycling at night
Instax Mini for memorable photos from your beach trip (or a disposable camera like this)
Floats for chilling in the pool or the ocean
Snorkel gear (you might be able to rent these at the beach as well)
A tripod to take group photos on the beach (I use this tripod)
A reusable ziplock baggie for finding seashells
Bicycle (you can also probably rent one)
Bocce ball set (This is one of my favorite fun things to bring to the beach)
Cards (fun when you’re back at the vacation property or chilling in the sand)
And that’ll about do it on the best things things to add to your packing list for a tropical vacation! Comment anything else you think is a beach packing essenital! <3 Happy beachin’
Looking for someplace to go on summer vacation on the US east coast? Check out Kiawah Island in South Carolina for a private island getaway.
