What to Pack for a Beach Vacation: A Complete Checklist

With my sensitive eyes, I never head to the beach (or anywhere outside, frankly) without sunglasses—and I’ve learned the hard way that my good sunnies must be protected in a real case, not just tossed into a tote bag. Between the sunscreen spills (that can often strip lens coatings), rogue granules of sand, and the chaos of kids and miscellaneous accidents, flimsy fabric pouches don’t cut it. I always pack my sunglasses in a sturdy hard case, so they actually survive the trip.

I also love big sunglasses for eye-protection—not to mention coolness and style. This Raen pair are chic and modern, but still timeless, bound to last season after season. Just as important: they come with a structured case that makes it easy to keep them safe when you're not wearing them.

I’ve tried a lot of beach hats over the years—and I've also accidentally destroyed many after getting them wet or cramming them into my bag or into overhead bins. This hat remains on Survivor Island. It’s classic, stylish, durable, and actually provides real sun protection thanks to the wide brim.

I also love that it’s eminently packable, so I can toss it in a tote or even checked suitcase without worrying about it getting crushed. The straw is soft, but structured, and the shape holds up beautifully even after being stuffed into a beach bag or carry-on. It adds just the right amount of polish to a simple swimsuit-and-shorts look—and helps me avoid too much sun exposure, especially on my face.

I always seem to require more coverage than a standard beach towel provides—and that's even more true when I'm hitting the beach with kids (who are not known for their spatial awareness)—so an oversized beach towel is a must. This microfiber towel measures a generous 71 by 32 inches, so it's spacious enough for lounging without my feet or belongings touching the sand.

Despite its generous size, it folds down compactly, making it easy to fit into a beach bag without taking up much space. What I particularly appreciate about this towel is its quick-drying microfiber material. After a swim, it dries fast, so you don't have to deal with a soaked-through towel for the rest of the day. The fabric is also soft against the skin, adding to the comfort. Plus, the vibrant colors and patterns are lively and easily recognizable on the beach.

I've become less heat-tolerant as I get older, so I travel with a portable handheld fan these days. This compact, foldable version is incredibly lightweight and fits easily into my beach bag or even a travel purse. Despite its diminutive size, it delivers a meaningfully powerful breeze with two speed settings, and it really helps keep you cool.

This fan's 180-degree foldable design lets you use it as a handheld fan or set it on a flat surface (like a towel or cooler top) for hands-free cooling. Plus, it doubles as a power bank with its 1800mAh battery, so it's a great backup to charge your phone in a pinch. The soft, safe blades are also a thoughtful touch, especially when using it around kids. It charges reasonably quickly—in about 2.5 hours—and the battery lasts between 14 to 21 hours, depending on usage.

No matter where I travel—whether it’s to the Mediterranean or a Tahitian island—I always spot chic Europeans carrying some version of a Longchamp bag. This highly practical and elegant mesh style is timeless, elegant, and endlessly versatile. It's lightweight, breathable, and easy to shake the sand out, so it stays on the beach where it belongs.

The bag holds way more than it looks like it should and still manages to feel polished, not bulky. The classic leather trim gives it that signature upscale vibe, and the whole thing folds up flat, so it’s easy to pack for vacation. It’s the kind of bag that never goes out of style—and somehow works just as well at the beach as it does in the city. (Just make sure your small, loose items are in smaller pouches so they don't fall out of the mesh holes.)

When I’m at the beach, I want to be able to take photos, check messages, or even just carry my phone without constantly worrying about sand or water damage—and this waterproof phone pouch gives me extra peace of mind to use my tech. It's ultra-secure, genuinely waterproof, and still allows full touchscreen access, so I can snap pics or scroll to stay updated without taking my phone out, which is key when my hands are sandy or wet. It comes with a lanyard and has a snug, easy-to-grip design, so I don’t worry about dropping it in the ocean or pool.

Wireless headphones are a beach-day essential for me—I don’t want any cords to get tangled, wet, or sandy. I prefer something compact, durable, and that actually works well; for me, that's these AirPods. Huge bonus is they work seamlessly with the Find My app, so you don't have to panic if they go missing in the shuffle.

The sound quality is great, and the noise-cancellation properties help block out wind and chatter when I just want to zone out. The snug fit and water-resistance also mean they work equally well for lounging or walking along the shore.

Nothing is more decadent for a beach day than a good book, but packing paperbacks or hardbacks just isn’t practical for me. They can get warped by humidity, smudged with sunscreen, or crumpled in the bottom of a tote. Of course, they're also heavy for travel. That’s why I always bring an e-reader instead. It’s lighter than a single book and lets me carry an entire vacation’s worth of reading in one slim device. I’ve had great luck with the glare-free screen of the Amazon Kindle that is easy to read even in bright sun, and the battery lasts for weeks—not hours. Plus, this model is surprisingly durable, but there are plenty of Kindle cases to choose from if you want extra protection.

Music just makes any beach day more fun, but not every portable speaker is equipped to handle sand, water, and actual outdoor use. This one is up to the task. It’s compact enough to toss in my bag without a second thought, but powerful enough to deliver clear, punchy sound across a wide area, even with waves crashing in the background. (Do be mindful of your beach neighbors, of course.) The Wonderboom 3 is waterproof, dustproof, and it even floats, and it has a loop for clipping to a beach umbrella or chair. The 14-hour battery life means you can charge it once and use it all day.

With a very fair-skinned son and a family history that makes us especially cautious, sunscreen is mission-critical over here. We reapply often, and we slather it on. This version goes on quickly and evenly, even on my son who'd rather be doing anything on the planet other than holding still for SPF application. I love that it’s reef-friendly, water-resistant, and doesn’t leave that chalky white cast that some mineral sunscreens do. Plus, it smells great and doesn’t irritate sensitive skin. The ease of application is key because when it comes to sun protection, convenience makes a big difference in how well we actually stick to the routine.

My lips tend to get dry and sunburned faster than anything else at the beach—and not all SPF lip balms are created equal. I keep coming back to Lanolips Sun Balm because the texture is so smooth and hydrating, thanks to the lanolin-based formula. It feels like a rich, nourishing treatment rather than a waxy layer, and it actually lasts even through salty beach air and hours in the sun.

The SPF 30 protection is solid, and I love that it doesn’t have that weird sunscreen taste or chalky finish. It’s one of those tiny things I never leave out of my beach bag—and it makes a big difference in how comfortable I feel all day.

In some parts of the world, the beach is alive with vendors selling snacks and drinks and everything else—but they can be pretty sparse in my home city of Los Angeles. So I never head to the beach without my own snack and drink inventory, and a soft cooler is the ticket to keeping items fresh and chilled (and saving money at the beach snack bars).

I love this soft-sided Calpak cooler because it’s surprisingly roomy without being bulky, and the design is so chic it actually looks like a weekender bag. It keeps everything cold for hours, even on the hottest days, and the easy-to-carry shoulder strap makes it practical for longer treks from the car to the sand.

I have several of these Yeti Ramblers because they really are the gold standard for keeping drinks cold—like, forever. Even after hours in the hot sun, the ice inside is still clinking around. Plus, the 26-ounce size is generous enough that I don’t have to constantly refill it to stay hydrated. I also love the wide mouth and sturdy handle, which is super easy to carry (or clip to a wagon or bag). Fair warning: it’s on the heavy side, especially when it’s full—but to me, the long-lasting chill is 100-percent worth it. I always bring at least one for myself and one for each of the kids.

When it comes to beach footwear, you need something that’s easy to slip on and off, won’t fall apart if it gets wet, and ideally still looks polished enough for a seaside lunch (with pics!). My Beeks are way more supportive than flip-flops, with a cushioned sole and a subtle lift that gives a little height without sacrificing comfort—even when you're walking on boardwalks or uneven paths to the beach. They’re also beautifully made, with buttery leather straps that feel luxe and get even better with wear. (Bonus: Beek donates meals to children in need with every pair sold, so you can feel good about the purchase, too.)

I’ve been wearing TA3 swimsuits since the brand first launched, and I’ve tried tons of styles; over time and iterations, the engineering gets better—better structure, more comfort, and smarter shaping. This suit in particular offers an incredible cinching effect thanks to a lace-up back that sculpts without digging in, and the fabric feels supportive in all the right places. This plunging version is bold yet flattering, and still feels secure enough for swimming. I also love that the leopard print somehow works as both a statement and a neutral—stylish, but easy to mix and match with any cover-up, hat, or sandal I throw on.

I’ve tried all kinds of beach cover-ups over the years, but I keep coming back to a button-down style for versatility. A shirtdress-style cover-up works as a top layer over a swimsuit, but it can also double as an actual outfit—whether I’m grabbing lunch, walking through town, or heading through the hotel lobby. I love that I can throw one on and instantly feel put together, even if I’m still wearing a bathing suit underneath. This version is lightweight and breathable, but still has a nice texture that elevates it from the usual beachwear. The longer length offers great coverage, and the relaxed silhouette makes it super easy to wear. Dress it up with jewelry and sandals or keep it casual with flip-flops and a beach tote—it works either way.