The Best Rated Beach Essentials – Here’s a list of beach vacation essentials, from the practical beach items to the non-essentials you’ll be glad you brought! This packing list will ensure you don’t forget anything – because even “all-inclusive beach resorts” don’t supply everything. They will sell you what you forgot to pack, but it’ll be much more expensive than what you’d pay at home.
If you don’t have your luggage yet, check out the most popular suitcases here (coming soon!). I usually take an extra bag with me when I go on vacation, so I have room for my souvenirs and gifts for. It’s better if your extra luggage can fit inside your other luggage comfortably. You can find more beach gear here, or visit us on Pinterest.
Waterproof Smart Phone Case – JOTO Waterproof Case
Waterproof Smart Phone Case – 2 Pack Universal size waterproof case dry bag, fits all smartphones up to 7 inches tall and 4 inches wide (Certain big screen phones need to remove protective case); Also can be protection for your ID, cash, credit cards, passport, key. Clear Window on both front and back sides, easy to operate the touch screen functions. 100 feet/30 meters IPX8 Certified waterproof. Get Your JOTO Waterproof Case Here.
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Waterproof Camera – AKASO EK7000 4K30FPS Action Camera Ultra HD Underwater Camera
Waterproof Camera – 4K Ultra HD action camera. Professional 4K 30Fps & 2.7K 30Fps video with 16MP photos at up to 30 frames per second for incredible photos, which is 4 times the resolution of traditional HD cameras. Wireless wrist remote control sports camera. With a wrist 2.4G remote, you can capture the world in an all-new way. Controlling the camera, framing shots or recording video is convenient. Get Your AKASO EK7000 Action Underwater Camera Here.
Float Straps For Devices -Nordic Flash Waterproof Camera Float (Pkg. of 2)
If you’re planning to bring your devices anywhere near the water, they should be waterproof, and they should float! Imagine your phone sinking to the bottom of the ocean. These float straps will keep small devices afloat so that you can retrieve them easily. They’re also comfortable to wear on your wrist to prevent your devices from falling in the first place. Get Your Nordic Flash Waterproof Camera Floats Here.
Leave-In Hair Conditioner – Sun Bum Revitalizing 3-in-1 Leave-In Hair Conditioner Spray
Leave-In Hair Conditioner – Sun Bum Revitalizing 3-in-1 Leave-In Hair Conditioner SprayBeach days can be very hard on your hair. Sun exposure alone can cause lasting damage but add salt water and wind and you’ve got a recipe for frizz and dryness. This leave-in conditioner works to replenish nutrients to your hair and to protect it from further damage. It smells nice, it’s easy to use, and we’ve found that it doesn’t add too much heavy product residue. Get Your Sun Bum Revitalizing 3-in-1 Leave-In Hair Conditioner Spray Here.
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Cooler Bag -Mier Large Capacity Soft Cooler Tote
A day at the beach isn’t complete without a steady supply of cold drinks and snacks. Keep everything fresh in this heavy-duty collapsible, pack-able cooler bag. It has a thick insulation lining and can hold up to 24 cans. Throw in some beach-friendly snacks and you’re good to go. Get Your Mier Large Capacity Soft Cooler Tote Here.
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Beach Mat – Wekapo Beach Blanket Sandproof
Beach Mat – Beach blankets are always necessary, but the wrong one will get blown around, filled with sand, and will be hard to dry. The WildHorn Outfitters beach mat is made of parachute material so it’s quick-drying and lightweight. It also folds up very compactly for packing purposes. There are sand weights on the edges too, so it won’t blow around in the beach breeze. It even has pockets for your belongings. Get Your Mier Large Capacity Soft Cooler Tote Here.
Beach Bag – F-color Mesh Beach Bag Oversized Beach Tote
Beach Bag – The 16.5″L x 15″H x 8.5″W mesh beach bag is big enough to carry 4-6 beach towels, water bottles, toys, sunblock, shoes, sunglasses and all you needs; Keeping items in where you want, and standing upright in place. 8 Big Mesh Pockets & 1 inside zippered pocket: 8 roomy mesh pockets outside the beach bag can keep your items separated and organized. One enlarged splash-proof zippered pocket inside the beach bag keeps your valuables safe and dry. Get Your Mesh Oversized Beach Tote Here.
Swim Suit Cover Ups – Jeasona Women’s Bathing Suit Cover Up
Swimsuit cover-ups are not just practical, but are also a way to have fun with beach fashion. This cover-up is very comfortable and flattering, plus the soft material dries quickly and retains its shape instead of getting baggy and stretched out. There’s no need to get out of the water to change your clothes while you’re still damp – wear this while you hang out and dry off. Get Your Jeasona Women’s Bathing Suit Cover Up Here.
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Portable Waterproof Speaker – JBL Clip 3, Black – Waterproof, Durable & Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Portable Waterproof Speaker – Never leave awesome sound at home again. This ultra-portable, waterproof Bluetooth speaker is small in size but with surprisingly big sound. Clip it on with the built-in carabiner, press play, and make the moment pop. The JBL Clip 3 features a built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery with up to 10 hours of battery life, plus a metal carabiner so you can easily hook it to your clothes, backpack, or belt loop. Get Your JBL Clip 3 Here.
Portable Charger – Portable Charger Power Bank
Portable Charger – Portable Charger Power BankPortable Charger with 25800mAh Ultra-Huge Capacity, adopts our advanced intelligent controlling IC, higher quality, safer and more reliable, powerful and longer-lasting life after 100% checked and continuous aging test. Get Your Portable Charger Power Bank Here.
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Water Bottle – Brita Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle
Water Bottle – Brita Stainless Steel Water Filter BottleBrita’s Premium Filtering stainless steel bottle holds 20 ounce of water, and is designed with a Brita filter that fits in the straw that makes water taste great and keeps water cold for 24 hours. Get great tasting water without the waste; by switching to Brita, you can save money and replace 1,800 single-use plastic water bottles a year. This 20 ounce Brita water bottle is made from durable, double wall insulated stainless steel to keep water, cold. Get Your Brita Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle Here.
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Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Burn Out SPF 30 Physical Sunscreen, Ocean Tested
When heading to the beach, you should always use a reef-safe sunscreen. Standard sunscreens contain chemicals that have been proven to cause lasting damage to aquatic ecosystems. Opting for a reef-safe sunscreen will help protect aquatic plants and animals, whether you’re on the beaches of a lake, a sea, or an ocean. Get Your Burn Out SPF 30 Physical Sunscreen Here.
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Beach Umbrella – Sport-Brella Portable All-Weather & Sun Umbrella
It’s always wise to bring some sort of shade from the sun so that you can take breaks from the heat and the UV exposure. This umbrella anchors into the sand so it won’t blow away, and it’s large enough to provide a lot of shade to more than one person at a time. Get Your Sport-Brella Portable All-Weather & Sun Umbrella Here.
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Waterproof Dry Bag – Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Don’t leave home without this one. Storing your belongings in a waterproof dry bag will give you peace of mind, especially when taking anything that you don’t want to get wet. The Earth Pak dry bag is lightweight, durable, and 100% waterproof. Perfect for extreme adventures or a day at the beach. Get Your Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag Here.
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Rash Guard – Daci Women Two Piece Rash Guard Long Sleeve and the O’Neill Men’s Basic Skins UPF 50+ Short Sleeve Rash Guard
Rash Guard – Rash guards are a must-have, and should be taken anytime you head to the beach. They give protection from UV exposure and from the friction and rashes caused by using a boogie board, a surf board, or a host of other water sport accessories. They add a UPF of 50+ and are quite comfortable to wear. Get Your Daci Women’s 2-Piece Long Sleeve Rash Guard Here and Your Men’s O’Neill Men’s Rash Guard Here.
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Mesh Slip On Water Shoes – Aleader Mesh Slip On Water Shoes
Protecting your feet both in and out of the water is important at the beach. Sharp shells and rocks can cut your feet, and you don’t want to risk infection. These great shoes can be worn while swimming, wading, walking, and hiking. They dry quickly, grip well, and don’t collect sand, so they’re perfect for the beach. Get Your Aleader Women’s Water Shoes Here, or your Aleader Men’s Water Shoes Here.
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Flip Flops – OOFOS Unisex Ooriginal Thong Flip Flop
I know we all want to look great at the beach, and that includes our footwear. But lets be honest not all flip flops work well in the sand or on slippery surfaces. OOFOS Ooriginal Thong Flip Flops with OOfoam technology, the patented footbed design absorbs impact, cradles your arches and allows you to move naturally. Your feet will know the difference. Get Your Men’s OOFOS Flip Flops Here, or Get Your Women’s OOFOS Flip Flops Here.
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Mini First Aid Kit – Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit
At only 9 inches wide and weighing 1.2 pounds, the Swiss Safe First Aid Kit fits perfectly in your luggage and/or beach bag. Intelligently organized with all essential first aid items for the most common emergency situations. Get Your Swiss Safe 2-in-2 First Aid Kit Here.
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Lip Balm With SPF – Sun Bum SPF30 Lip Balm
Grab as many as you can because they literally can’t keep any of their lip balm flavors in stock. Sun Bum’s smooth SPF 30 sunscreen lip balm with added Aloe and Vitamin E will protect and moisturize your kisser all day long… just try not to lick it off. Get Your Sun Bum SPF30 Lip Balm Here.
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Waterproof Earbuds – iKanzi Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones
These earbuds use the newest Bluetooth 5.0 technology, which makes the connection to your device quick and easy. They can be paired with any Bluetooth enabled devices. They can easily resist sweat and rain, and you don’t have to worry even if it rains. They are perfect for a day at the beach. Get Your iKanzi Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones.
This list is very handy and is perfect to help me prepare for the beach. I love the waterproof speaker and the charger is a perfect size. I recently saw that there are solar phone chargers. I think its a very cool idea for going to the beach. You don’t have to worry about recharging, the sun does it for you. I think its very cool but I have no idea where to start to look. So far the chargers I’ve seen are very large in size. Maybe you know about some cool small models?
I have had solar chargers, well they are around my house somewhere. I thought they would be great too. In the end, I found that they didn’t charge well. So I like the charger I can take on the go with me. I know, the solar charger is a lot more green. I am going to investigate and see if their is a good one available now.
That’s a very thorough list you’ve got there. I’m always forgetting to take some of these items, then end up having to purchase them from the airport and it costs me a lot more. I’m going to bookmark this post and refer to it before going to my next holiday.
Habib
Great Habib! I have all these items and I use all of them, but then I do live very close to the beach 🙂 Thanks for reading my Beach Travel Essentials post.
This beach travel essentials guide is being bookmarked for sure! I had no knowledge of float straps for devices. I recently went paddle boarding in the South of Mexico and I usually take a camera phone with me, and ensure it is waterproofed but there have been instances where I have dropped my device in the water and had it sink to the bottom of the ocean – pleased that is waterproofed, but not so pleased that I cannot retrieve it!! I am stoked to learn about this particular item on this list as it will prove very useful once I am living the beach lifestyle full time. The lip balm with the SPF is a total winner too! I forget sometimes to cover my lips and a long day in the sun, certainly diminishes the integrity of the skin on my lips. Thank you for such a resourceful post Leahrae! Has proved very very helpful!
I am so glad I could help you learn about a couple of items that I find essential when I head to the beach 🙂 I can’t go without my lip balm with sunscreen as my lips sunburn super easy…and that is not fun LOL Anyway, thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave comments!
Great article. Usually we don’t think of all of these things, but they are really necessary. For example, the waterproof phone case. I damaged my cell phone in a pool of water before, so that’s the thing that really caught my attention. As I get older, I realize sunscreen is a given.
I, too, can’t wait for my vacation, too.
Thanks Lane, and yes sunscreen is definitely important no matter how old we are. Skin cancer is a scary thing for sure. Glad you enjoyed my post Beach Travel Essentials. Thanks for stopping by!
Great packing list for the beach. Will want to keep this handy for my next beach vacation. One of those items I seem to forget is the lip balm. Then like you said, you will pay more for it at your resort than at home. I like that idea of the Waterproof Smart Phone case. Never thought about that, but that is a great idea. This post has been helpful, thanks.
I am glad my beach travel essentials post has been helpful for you 🙂 It is definitely better to take these items along, then pay for them at the resort. Thanks for visiting!
Hi Leahrae,
Awesome! I was looking for a list travel gear that will help me plan my trip to the Bahamas.
You have provided all I needed in one article! I really have to buy flip flops to go to the beaches and a dry bag to keep all my content dry while on the water. Do you know if the dry bag floats on the water?
This is very important for me to know as the last time, my bag got submerged, and everything inside got wet.
Thank you for this excellent post!
The Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag is a great bag, but does not float. It is really make to keep things dry while in the boat, or using with any water activities. I will have to add the floatable dry bag to my list! I will shoot you the link as well. Thanks for stopping by!
Wow! I am overwhelmed, the list has all the best essentials, I wish I could buy all of them on my next outing. Money will not allow me even half way I know, anyway, I have marked about 5 Beach travel essentials I will not have to miss ;
.Beach Umbrella, portable charger, Cooler bag, waterproof smartphone case, waterproof camera and float straps for devices. it will be awesome to have these with me, I will do whatever it takes to buy them.
Thank you so much for such a comprehensive review
I am glad you enjoyed my list of beach vacation essentials 🙂 They all are really great to have for sure. Thanks for the visit!
It’s great to have a list like this to refer to when deciding to travel to the beach. I know that I didn’t even think of half of these things and I would probably forget half of the things that I did need. If you spend a lot of time on your phone while at the beach you would not want to forget having a portable charger with you. Waterproof earbuds are a must, no matter where you go, as you would not want them getting wet with rain or sweat. I think that the one thing people may forget is the mini first aid kit since no one plans to need it, but you will be glad to have it in case you do.
Yes, I agree the first aid kit is a must. I have cut my feet on shells too many times to count as I do live very close to the beach. I know have this first aid kit in my beach bag 🙂
This is a good post with some very nice recommendations. We are a beach loving family and actually grew up near the beach. We have most all of the necessary items needed for a day at the beach.
I like your lipstick size charger because I can carry that with me easily. We do not have a dry bag or the individual Smart Phone cases. They are both excellent ideas and I’ll be shopping for them soon.
Thank you again for all the good recommendations.
V. Pearl
You are very welcome! I am glad you enjoyed. The Seawag waterproof smartphone case is really wonderful. Everyone in our family has one as we do live close to the beach. This way we can carry all our valuables in the water with us…no worries!
This is a fantastic list!! I’m actually heading to Hawaii for Christmas so I will be in need of a few of these items. I love the cover ups. They’ll be great for the islands as well as for the cruise ship. And I’ve actually been looking at those waterproof cameras. I love taking pictures on my vacations, but I usually take my phone. Since I will be going on excursions, i won’t want to run the risk of damaging or losing my phone, so I think a good quality waterproof camera would be great!! Do you know if that one has an SD card slot to expand the memory?
Hi Nicki, and yes this Nikon W300 waterproof camera is great and it does and a SD card slot, so you can take lots of pictures or videos while on your vacation. I personally love it!
Wow that was a lot of good stuff, timely post and exact idea I’m looking for as I plan to go for a beach vacation soon.
I’m the type of person that takes lots of pictures and the Waterproof Camera Nikon Coolpix W300 sounds like a very good one I would try also the waterproof smart phone case
I love this camera! It takes great pictures, and does not get ruined from a little sand or from being in the water. I think the pictures are much better quality than the phone as well. Thanks for stopping by!
I live on beach front property year round in Cape Cod MA, and I see a lot of the items you’ve listed her being forgot all the time. many times I see that people forget sun shelter for their babies or it breaks while they are setting it up along with umbrellas and drink coolies as well. You are correct, if you have to buy it at the beach then you will pay more. I know this because I personally sell many of these items at my small vendor stand which I have set up at the beach. You have listed many of the essentials here which will save someone a lot of money if they bring it before having to buy it from a vendor like myself.
Thank you Jason for taking the time to comment. And yes, I know too that it will cost a LOT more at the beach. My son also works at a shop that sells pretty much everything I have listed… at a greater expense. It is a great idea to have all of this ahead of time for sure. Thanks for visiting Beach Travel Essentials.
Hi Leahrae,
We’re excited about taking our first beach vacation in many years and have scheduled it for right after the first of the new year. Your beach travel essentials list will come in very handy and includes some items I probably wouldn’t have thought about. The waterproof case for my cell phone is a must. I can’t be without a phone and replacing iphones has become a pretty expensive proposition. I’ll be doing my shopping online with your list at the ready. So, thanks for the great info!
You are very welcome Linda, and yes the waterproof smartphone case is a must for the beach! We don’t go without ours for sure. Not only does it protect the phone, but I can keep my cash and credit cards in it and not worry about it being stolen. Thanks for stopping by!
I’m sure that most people have never brought their phones near the water for fear of damaging it or losing it. I especially love the float straps that you have recommended for that problem.
Are there any extra items you recommend for anyone that wants to go surfing at the beach or does this list cover surfers as well?
Of course it covers surfers 🙂 My son is a surfer and he wears his Seawag when he surfs. Everything is safe. Thanks for stopping by Jessie.
This is an extremely informative post – you talk about product categories I had never even thought of, although my family and I go to the beach on holidays just about every summer. Indulging in your list makes me want to rush off the beach RIGHT NOW. 🙂
While I am not an environmentalist, I found the reef-safe sunscreen my favorite from your list of EXCELLENT and USEFUL products. Do they also come in SPF 50?
With my son, we’re getting into cameras again, and Coolpix W300 looks like it can become our go-to holiday camera – as it’s just about “everything” proof, I’ll be able to rest assured that it won’t be unduly damaged by the elements. It’s opened up a world of possibilities for us.
Thanks, and all the best,
Norman
Yes, the Reef Safe sunscreen does come in SPF 50. If you click on the link you will find other SPF options as well. I love the Nikon Coolpix W300 camera. For me I need tough as I do tend to drop it. Plus, the sand will not hurt it either, and we cannot go to the beach without sand in everything. No matter how hard I try!
coming at across your article is just what I needed to start preparing for my beach holidays next year as the temperature drops and the days are shorter!
Preparing for the beach is not such a bad idea and your first essential was the thing I needed last summer.
I got sand in my new iPhone X and had to replace it!
All your list of essentials are really useful and have given me some good tips.
One thing we had that was not on there was a pop up tent although it was the same shape as the umberella but with a floor and zip up front other than that there wasn’t much difference.
I’ve bookmarked your page for future use so thanks for publishing it!
Great Darren, yes we own an umbrella and the beach tent. I do have the beach tent choices as well and have a link you can go to on that same post 🙂 We use the beach tent on windy days so the sand does not blow in our faces when we are lounging ! Thanks for visiting the best Beach Travel Essentials.
These are some excellent suggestions for beach travel! I never thought you would need so much for the beach but I can see that I am wrong!
The waterproof dry bag is cool and I’ve never actually heard of one before. I would definitely use this.I have an umbrella but it’s way too small and not as sturdy and durable as this one is.
Water shoes are great, especially for me since I have issues with my feet.I didn’t know they made waterproof earbuds! Excellent for me too!I’ll be ready to hit any beach now with all these travel essentials!
Yes you will be ready to hit any beach Rob! I use these earbuds at the gym as well when I am in the steam room, sauna and the pool. I love being able to listen to music anywhere, especially at the beach! Glad you enjoyed and thanks for visiting my beach travel essentials post!
This is awesome article Leahrae! I am on vacation very often and I must say that I enjoy going to the beach with my family and spare some time. All of the things you mentioned in the post are in some case important and we don’t know what could serve us. One of the things that I always forget is waterproof camera and for me, that is terrible. Thank you for reminding us what we should wear when we go to the beach.
Thanks Daniel, and I do agree that the single most important item is the waterproof smartphone case. For me, it keeps out sand as well and I can keep all my valuables close with me whether I am in the water or not. Thanks for stopping by!
You are so right! We get caught up by our holiday being on all inclusive resort that we leave home without at least a few things we wished we had with us and end up getting stung by the resort shop!
This list is a must have when preparing to go, I see quite a few items you have listed that we usually forget.
I am bookmarking this list for next time.
Thank you very much 😉
Great 🙂 Now you will be prepared for your next adventure. I just came back from a cruise and found two items that are a definite must, and they were spendy on board the ship. So it does pay to be prepared and have everything handy 🙂
We love the beach. Your ideas definitely will help us be better prepared for our next trip. The smartphone bag is a great idea. This would have saved my phone the last time we went to the beach.
I have a Seawag, and I use it more for security. When we go to the beach, I can keep my phone, money and credit cards in the Seawag and keep with me when I am in the water or doing water sports. This way, no worries about someone walking off with my valuables! Plus, the Seawag is waterproof and so no worries! Thanks for reading about Beach Travel Essentials!
Hi Leahre,
This is such an informative post for those going to a hot location this holiday season. It’s definitely a good packing list especially for those who have never traveled to a hot location like myself. I mean, I wouldn’t have thought of packing a waterproof case for my phone.
I like to bring an extra bag with me when I travel for the same reason, souvenirs! Who doesn’t love souvenirs??? A luggage for myself, and a luggage full of goodies for friends and family.
Vacation vacation vacation, I can’t wait to go on my vacation soon!
Cheers,
Teresa
Yes, of course we have to have extra luggage for all the goodies for friends, and well I like to buy tshirts and stuff for myself as well 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the beach travel essentials list ! Thanks for stopping by.