Summer is finally here! Warm weather, barbecues with friends and family, long days at the beach—summer is a time for celebrating life. The only thing that can make it better? Planning a summer getaway in advance to ensure you have all of the necessary items on hand when that perfect opportunity arises.
This blog post will help you put together your very own Beach Day Checklist to be prepared for anything this summer.
Table of Contents
Beach Essentials
- Swimsuit cover-up: A beach-friendly dress to wear over your swimsuit while you’re out and about.
- Sunscreen: Protect yourself against sunburns by applying sunscreen 15 minutes before stepping outside, reapplying every two hours, and after swimming or sweating a lot.
- Beach towel: A large, soft towel to layout on the sand.
- Waterproof phone case: This will keep your precious phone safe from water damage
- Sun hat/cap: Protecting your head is just as important as protecting any other part of your body when it comes to summertime activities! Hats are a great way to keep the sun off your head while still looking stylish.
- Beach chair/umbrella: A comfortable place to sit with sunscreen on you so you don’t burn!
- Beach bag: A large, sturdy shoulder or crossbody bag to hold your beach essentials. It should be able to fit a towel and other items as well.
- First-aid kit: Just in case you get a boo-boo while out on the beach
- Flip flops: These are great for walking to and from the beach, as well as around your vacation spot. They protect bare feet against hot sand, cold water, or other surfaces on which you might step.
- Extra outfit: You never know when something could happen that would force you to change out of your swimsuit unexpectedly! Be sure to come prepared with an extra set of clothes and comfortable shoes.
- Water bottle: Rehydrate throughout your day by bringing a water bottle with you everywhere. The more active you get, the more drinkable fluids you’ll need!
- Chapstick/lip balm: Protect yourself from chapped lips during all that sun exposure.
- Beach Tent: A shelter from the sun and wind is a great way to spend some time out of direct sunlight. (optional)
- Snacks: Pack some healthy snacks like fresh fruit, granola bars, or other food items that will satisfy your hunger without weighing you down!
- Earplugs/earphones: If you are sensitive to loud noises or plan on sleeping near people who aren’t, bring earplugs or earphones to drown out the noise.
- Sand Toys for Kids: If you have children with you, toys are a great way for them to play without dragging around other items.
Clothes for the Beach
The majority of your time will be spent in a swimsuit, but make sure to bring clothes you can change into if the day takes an unexpected turn.
These items should include:
- Pants/shorts (in case you want to go for a walk on the beach or head into town)
- Tops (to put over your swimsuit if it’s not quite modest enough, just in case you’re meeting someone at dinner)
- Underwear and socks (just because they are small and easy to forget, you never know when they might be necessary!)
- Hat (in case you want some extra sun protection)
- Shoes (if you plan on leaving the beach for any reason)
Hygiene Items
- Wet wipes: These are great to have on hand in case you want a quick clean-up after getting sand all over yourself.
- Toilet paper: If there’s no other way, this will certainly help!
- Make-up remover wipes: It can be difficult to remove sunscreen from your face and body when it is time for bed. Make sure you have some wipes on hand to keep your face clean and moisturized.
- Deodorant: There’s nothing worse than spending an entire day in close quarters followed by having no way of freshening up before you go back out at night.
- Lotion/body oil: After spending a day in the sun, your skin will need some extra attention to keep it from drying out.
- Tampons and pads: If you have these on hand already for their regular use, don’t forget about them when packing for beach days! They are often forgotten but can be lifesavers during long beach days.
Food and Drink
- Water: The more you sweat out, the more fluid you’ll need. Make sure to bring a water bottle with enough liquid for your entire day at the beach!
- Fruit and veggies: Fresh fruit is a great way to keep yourself well-hydrated as it contains much-needed vitamins and minerals. Eating healthy food will give you a better beach experience.
- Sandwiches: Sandwiches are an easy lunch to pack and can be eaten at the beach or later on in the day when you’re feeling hungry again!
- Snacks: Chips, peanuts, etc. These foods contain sodium which helps keep your body from becoming dehydrated due to saltwater exposure.
- Sweets: Keep yourself from getting too hungry by packing some snacks that will satisfy your sweet tooth as well!
- Beach-Friendly Snacks for Kids: If children are coming to the beach with you, make sure their favorite foods are on the list. Popular choices include goldfish crackers and fruit snacks. Don’t forget to include a juice box or two
Entertainment
- Beach games: A set of playing cards or a ball can be fun to pass the time.
- Books (and your e-reader): Books are super easy and lightweight, making them great for beach days! Plus you don’t have to worry about finding an outlet where you’re staying if you bring one with battery life.
- Camera: It’s always fun to capture memories of your day at the beach! Make sure that if you’re using an older camera it has batteries included so they don’t die halfway through the day.
- Ball: If you’re playing catch, make sure to bring a ball that won’t get lost in the sand
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time of year is best to visit the beach?
A: The best time of year to go to a beach depends on what you’re looking for. If you want warm weather and lower prices, summer will provide this but may be crowded with tourists.
Fall has similar temperatures with fewer people in general which makes it an ideal time to go. Spring and winter are also good options if you want fewer crowds when visiting the beach.
Q: How early should I arrive at the beach?
A: There is no “right” answer here! It depends on what type of activity you’re planning for your day, how crowded it might be during that season, and how long you want to stay.
If you plan on spending the entire day there, it is suggested that you arrive at least an hour before sundown so that you can get a parking space and set up camp with your beach items.
Q: How do I apply sunscreen?
A: This depends on which type of sunscreen you have! For face sunscreen, it’s best to apply a thin layer before you put on your make-up.
Body sunscreen should be applied more generously and often throughout the day. Make sure that you are applying enough of each type by using our guide below:
Face – One shot glass full every two hours or so OR one teaspoon for each arm and face.
Body – One shot glass full every two hours OR one teaspoon for your back, abdomen, chest/neck area, legs, arms (including the tops of hands), and feet.
Q: Will sunscreen wash off in the water?
A: No! But it will wear off over time so make sure to reapply after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
Q: What do I bring to the beach if I have a baby?
A: For babies under six months, shade and a place to lie down are important. You can bring along a pop-up tent or beach umbrella for this purpose as well as some toys if your baby is old enough! If they’re older, make sure there’s sunscreen on them with an SPF of 30+ (45+ for an extended time at the beach) and a hat. You can also bring along a stroller or carrier for them to ride in as well as some toys, snacks, and water if they’re old enough!
