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Beach Vacation Packing List

A beach vacation is easy to under-pack for — until the sunburn, the missing bug spray, and the one swimsuit that never dries. This list covers sun protection, water-day gear, and the small extras that make a hot-weather trip comfortable. Find more travel and packing checklists.

Curated by the Gisti team · Updated

Beach Vacation Packing List · 20 items

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Frequently asked questions

What should I pack for a beach vacation?

Swimwear (bring two or three), reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and UV sunglasses, a cover-up, sandals, a quick-dry towel, insect repellent, and a dry bag for valuables. Add one warm layer for air-conditioned indoors and cool evenings.

How much sunscreen do I need for a week at the beach?

For a week of daily sun, plan on one to two full-size bottles per person — a proper application uses about a shot-glass amount every two hours. Choose SPF 30 or higher, and reef-safe if your destination requires it.

What is reef-safe sunscreen and do I need it?

Reef-safe sunscreens leave out oxybenzone and octinoxate, chemicals that damage coral. Destinations like Hawaii, parts of Mexico, and Palau legally require them, so pack a mineral (zinc or titanium) sunscreen to be safe.