The ultimate family beach vacation packing list

Key Takeaways

• Pack more socks than you think (wet sand ruins everything)
• Bring 1 “sacrificial towel” for post-beach foot scrubs
• Freeze 4 water bottles to use as ice packs + drinking water
• Mandatory backup: Cheap flip-flops from Dollar Tree (they will get lost)

1. The Beach Bag Essentials

Sand Warfare Kit:

• Baby powder (removes sand from skin)
• Mesh laundry bag (shakes sand off toys)
• Collapsible bucket (doubles as toy storage)
• Pro tip: Use a fitted sheet with weights (bags, shoes) at corners to create a sand-free zone

Sun Survival:

• Reef-safe sunscreen (avoid Hawaii-banned oxybenzone)
• UPF 50+ rash guards (no reapplying on wiggly kids)
• Pop-up tent (for naps + meltdowns)

Hydration Hacks:

• Hydration packets (Liquid I.V. for hangry parents)
• Insulated water bottle (Hydro Flask keeps water cold 24hrs)
• Avoid: Single-use pouches (they explode in heat)

2. Clothing: Less Is More (Until It’s Not)

Per Person:

• 3 swimsuits (saltwater never dries)
• 2 rash guards
• 5 pairs of quick-dry underwear
• 1 wide-brim hat with chin strap
• Pro tip: Pack suits in wet bags for post-beach changes

The “Oh Sh*t” Extras:

• Tide Pen (for ice cream disasters)
• Cheap sunglasses (Target’s $5 ones work)
• Ziploc bags (wet clothes, sandy phones)

3. Gear That Earns Its Space

Non-Negotiables:

• Heavy-duty wagon (with inflatable tires for sand)
• Floating phone pouch (lanyard clips to chairs)
• Portable phone charger
• Skip: Bulky beach chairs (most resorts rent them)

Kid-Specific Musts:

• Water shoes (protect from hot sand + rocks)
• Disposable cameras (no iPad meltdowns)
• Underrated: Glow sticks for night beach walks

4. Food & Snacks: Avoid $28 Resort Fries

Cooler Strategy:

• Freeze juice boxes as ice packs
• Pre-make PB&Js (they don’t need refrigeration)
• Best snacks: Beef jerky, almonds, dried mango

Feeding Tools:

• Collapsible silicone bowls (for snacks + shells)
• Bentgo lunchbox (separates wet/dry foods)

5. Health & Safety: The Unsexy Essentials

First Aid Add-Ons:

• Sea Bands (for motion sickness on boats)
• After-bite itch relief (sand fleas are real)
• Rehydration salts (for heat + tequila mishaps)

Medications:

• Kids’ chewable Benadryl (new foods = reactions)
• Mandatory: Prescription meds in original bottles

6. The “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” List

• Command hooks (hang wet suits in hotel showers)
• Duct tape (fixes broken flip-flops + silences rattling AC)
• Genius hack: Pack a power strip – hotels never have enough outlets

7. What to Leave Behind

• Beach towels (resorts/Airbnbs provide them)
• Fancy dresses (nobody cares)
• Toys with batteries (sand destroys them)

GTFO Pro Tip: Use packing cubes by family member – red for Mom, blue for Dad, green for kids. Chaos contained.