Copy it to your Honeydew account and customize it
Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List 2026
Complete beach trip packing guide for families. From swimwear to sun protection, entertainment to snacks - everything for the perfect beach vacation.
👙 Swimwear & Cover-Ups
- ○Swimsuits (2-3 per person - always have one dry)
- ○Rash guards for sun protection (SPF 50+ fabric)
- ○Cover-ups or beach dresses
- ○Board shorts for water activities
- ○Swim diapers for babies/toddlers (10+ per day)
- ○Wet bag for damp suits (waterproof, zip closure)
☀️ Sun Protection (Critical!)
- ○Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ (3oz bottles for carry-on)
- ○Mineral sunscreen for face (zinc-based, less sting)
- ○Sunscreen stick for easy face/ear application
- ○After-sun aloe vera gel (16oz minimum)
- ○SPF lip balm (30+ protection)
- ○Wide-brim sun hats (UPF 50+ for kids)
- ○Polarized sunglasses (with strap for kids)
- ○UV-protective swim shirts for extended water time
- ○Beach umbrella or pop-up sun tent (UPF 50+)
🏖️ Beach Gear & Equipment
- ○Beach towels - quick-dry microfiber (1 per person + 2 extra)
- ○Beach chairs - lightweight, foldable with carrying straps
- ○Beach blanket - sand-resistant, stakes included
- ○Cooler bag - insulated, leak-proof (holds 12+ drinks)
- ○Reusable water bottles with insulation (32oz each)
- ○Waterproof phone pouch (IPX8 rated)
- ○Mesh beach bag for sandy items
- ○Portable Bluetooth speaker (waterproof)
🧸 Kids Beach Entertainment
- ○Sand toys set (buckets, shovels, molds, sifter)
- ○Boogie boards (age-appropriate sizes)
- ○Inflatable water toys (floaties with Coast Guard approval)
- ○Snorkel gear - kid-sized mask and snorkel
- ○Beach ball and frisbee
- ○Kite (easy-fly for beginners)
- ○Waterproof camera for underwater pics
- ○Sand-free beach toys bag
👟 Footwear
- ○Flip flops or slides (2 pairs - sand gets everywhere)
- ○Water shoes with good grip (for rocky beaches)
- ○Comfortable walking sandals for boardwalk/dinner
- ○Sneakers for excursions
🍎 Snacks & Hydration
- ○Granola bars and protein bars (non-melt varieties)
- ○Trail mix and dried fruit (pre-portioned bags)
- ○Fresh fruit - grapes, apple slices, berries
- ○Crackers and pretzels (low-mess options)
- ○Cheese sticks (keep in cooler)
- ○Juice boxes or pouches
- ○Electrolyte drink mix packets
- ○Ice packs (reusable, multiple sizes)
🧴 Toiletries & First Aid
- ○Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
- ○Basic first aid kit (waterproof case)
- ○Anti-itch cream for bug bites
- ○Pain reliever (ibuprofen/acetaminophen)
- ○Motion sickness medication (if boat trips planned)
- ○Waterproof bandages
- ○Sting relief spray or gel
- ○Eyedrops for salt water irritation
👕 Clothing Essentials
- ○Light, breathable clothing (linen, cotton - 1 outfit per day + 2)
- ○Light layers for evening (beach gets cool at night)
- ○Casual dinner outfits (check restaurant dress codes)
- ○Sleepwear - cool and comfortable
- ○Underwear (pack extras - humidity = more changes)
- ○Light rain jacket or poncho (tropical = quick showers)
✨ Customize This List with AI
Tell Honeydew's AI what to add or change — it works like magic.
Sign up free to save your customized list and unlock unlimited AI edits.
🍯 Love this list? Get Honeydew!
Copy this list to your account, customize it, and share with your family. Works on iPhone, Android, and web — always in sync.
📬 Get Notified When We Launch
Join our waitlist for early access to the iOS and Android apps.
We'll only email you about the app launch. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
📋 Related Lists You Might Like
Weekly Grocery Shopping List
A smart, organized grocery list template. Sections match typical store layouts t...
Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List
Everything you need for the perfect beach trip. Covers essentials, sun protectio...
Kids Chore Chart Template
Age-appropriate chore chart with morning and evening routines. Customize for you...
Weekly Meal Planning Template
Plan a week of family dinners with this organized template. Includes prep notes ...
Moving Day Checklist
Complete moving checklist from 8 weeks out to moving day. Stay organized through...
Holiday Gift List Organizer
Organize all your holiday gift giving. Track recipients, budgets, ideas, and pur...
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List 2026 include?
This checklist contains 57 specific items organized into 8 categories: 👙 Swimwear & Cover-Ups, ☀️ Sun Protection (Critical!), 🏖️ Beach Gear & Equipment, and more. Example items include Swimsuits (2-3 per person - always have one dry), Rash guards for sun protection (SPF 50+ fabric), Cover-ups or beach dresses.
How do I use this list effectively?
1) Copy the list to your free Honeydew account. 2) Review all 57 items and remove any that don't apply to your situation. 3) Add any personal items unique to your needs. 4) Share with family members to divide responsibilities. 5) Check off items as you complete them.
What is the recommended packing order for a trip?
Day 1-2: Gather documents (passport, tickets, insurance cards). Day 3-4: Pack clothing using the 5-4-3-2-1 rule (5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 accessories, 2 shoes, 1 hat). Day 5: Add toiletries in TSA-approved containers (3.4oz max). Final day: Pack electronics and chargers in your carry-on for easy access.
How many days before a trip should I start packing?
For a weekend trip: 2-3 days ahead. For 1-week domestic: 5-7 days ahead. For international travel: 10-14 days ahead (allows time for passport/visa checks, vaccinations, and currency exchange). This list has 57 items, so budget 30-45 minutes to review and customize it.