We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Travel Products Packing Lists The Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List These are the best swimsuits, sunscreens, and sandals we've ever tested. By Katherine Alex Beaven Katherine Alex Beaven Katherine Alex Beaven is a Los Angeles-based travel, food and drink, and culture writer. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines and Lydia Price Lydia Price Lydia Price is a senior commerce editor at Travel + Leisure, where she writes and edits reviews about outdoor products. She also shares her top product recommendations in short-form videos across T+L's social platforms. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 25, 2023 In This Article Expand In This Article ReviewsPacking Checklist for a Beach Vacation Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust T + L Photo: Travel + Leisure / David Hattan It’s easy to get lost daydreaming about your next beach vacation when you're stuck at a desk. Mental trips don’t require checklists, but knowing what to pack when the time actually comes to tuck your feet into the sand keeps vacation stress at bay. You’ll need to choose your suitcase and its contents with care. There's the essentials to remember, like reef-safe sunscreen, a swimsuit, and sunglasses. And, yes, chances are that on a beach vacation you’ll be spending plenty of time on the surf, but you’ll also be going out in town. Depending on your destination, essentials and extras may not be available to purchase. That’s why we’ve created this complete checklist of what to pack for a beach vacation — no matter where in the world the sun and sand might take you. After you’ve got your passport, wallet, and everyday toiletries ready, use this checklist for everything else. Packing Checklist for a Beach Vacation Here's everything you need to pack for a beach vacation with our top recommendations for each item, from the best swimsuits to our favorite cooler. Use this as a checklist and read more about each of our specific recommendations below. Clothing Best Wrap Skirt: Short Crochet Wrap Skirt at Venus Best Set for Women: Lucy Party Shirt and Alturas Aprés Shorts at Wild Rye Best Set for Men: Performance Polo and Classic Swim Trunks at Chubbies Best Sundress: Angashion Summer Bohemian Spaghetti Strap Midi Dress at Amazon Best Swimsuit Cover-up: Bishuige T-shirt Dress Beach Cover-up at Amazon Best One-piece Swimsuit: Andie the Amalfi at Andie Swim Best Bikini: Becca By Rebecca Virtue Jolene Halter Bikini Top at Zappos Best Swim Trunks: Vuori Banks Shorts at Vuori Shoes Best Flip-flops for Women: Clarks Womens Breeze Sea Flip-flops at Amazon Best Flip-flops for Men: Adidas Men’s Comfort Flip-flops at Amazon Best Waterproof Sandals for Women: Sanuk Cosmic Waves H20 at Sanuk Best Waterproof Sandals for Men: Bedrock Carin Adventure Sandals at Bedrock Sandals Gear and Accessories Best Sunscreen: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery 50 g Sunscreen SPF 50+ at Amazon Best Reef-safe Sunscreen: Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion at Amazon Best Sunglasses for Women: Eleventh Hour Polarized Sunglasses at HSN Best Sunglasses for Men: Raen Aren Polarized Sunglasses at Amazon Best Bite and Sting Control: Bite Away at Home Depot Best Waterproof Phone Case: Joto Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch at Amazon Best Cooler: Clevermade Collapsible Cooler Bag at Amazon Best Beach Tote: Bluboon Waterproof Beach Tote at Amazon Best Canopy: Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Canopy at Amazon Best Beach Towel: Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel at Nordstrom Best Beach Game: Outside Inside Backpack Bocce at Amazon Best Water Bottle: Hydro Flask Wide-mouth with Flex Cap at Amazon Best Face Sunscreen: Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen Best Dry Bag: Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bat at Amazon Best Power Bank: Blavor Solar Charger Power Bank at Amazon Best Cup Holder: Home Queen Beach Cup Holder at Amazon Best Clothing As we’ve mentioned, beach clothing goes beyond just the beach. At the bare minimum, you’ll want to have a few things to wear for your time spent off the sand. This includes any cover-ups for quick jaunts away from your towel or a loose-fitting sundress to wear at restaurants or in town. We also included a few necessary garments for sun-protection and, of course, what you’ll wear to ride the waves. When choosing clothing for a beach vacation, you’ll want to stick to fast-drying, breathable, and lightweight materials that can be comfortably worn in hot temperatures. When it comes to hats, the ability to pack down, hold shape, and provide shade are key factors. Best Wrap Skirt Venus Short Crochet Wrap Skirt PHOTO: Venus View on Venus.com We were pleasantly surprised to find that this flattering skirt doesn’t have the scratchy texture that plagues many sarongs with a similarly lacy look. It strikes the perfect balance between stretch and compression to make you feel secure while still being soft and flexible. And with a breezy feel and just a hint of skin underneath, it’s the perfect thing to throw on when you want to leave your spot on the sand to grab a smoothie or hit boardwalk shops. Best Set for Women Wild Rye Lucy Party Shirt PHOTO: Wild Rye View on Wild-rye.com This breezy button-up pairs with a flowy, equally whimsical pair of Wild Rye shorts that are perfect to throw on for an aprés-pool cocktail or morning breakfast on your oceanside terrace. Breathable, moisture-wicking material also makes this set a great choice for active days during your getaway. Best Set for Men Chubbies Performance Polo PHOTO: Chubbies View on Chubbiesshorts.com Pair this breezy, moisture-wicking polo with the Chubbies Classic Swim Trunk for an effortless resort-wear look. The brand has no shortage of charming prints and colors to choose from, and the stretchy, UPF 50+-rated top also makes a great golf shirt. Best Sundress Angashion Spaghetti Strap Midi Dress PHOTO: Amazon $24 at Amazon A spaghetti strap sundress is practically staple beach-vacation attire. It’s a great way to elevate your beach look without having to put too much effort in. The Angashion Summer Bohemian Spaghetti Strap Midi Dress has faux-buttons and a midi length that make it appear more formal than it is (in reality, you can just slip it on over your head and you’re ready to go). With 37 different colors and patterns to choose from, you can pack a few of these in your suitcase and be set for a drink at the beach bar or a night out on the town. Plus, it’s got pockets. Best Swimsuit Cover-up Bishuige Beach Cover-up PHOTO: Amazon View on Amazon An ideal swimsuit cover-up can be thrown on in a pinch and will cover you up enough to walk through a casual restaurant without getting stares. This T-shirt-style cover-up dress is made from a rayon and spandex blend, making it extra breathable, bouncy, and breezy. The crew neck and A-line cut are flattering while still providing solid coverage, and we, of course, love the hidden pockets. Depending on your body, this dress will hit just above your knee or higher. It comes in over 40 colors and patterns and sizes that range from S to 3XL. Best One-piece Swimsuit Andie The Amalfi PHOTO: Andie $112 at Nordstrom $98 at andieswim.com View on Gap.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Quality 5/5 Coverage 5/5 Value 5/5 With tons of fit, texture, and color options, Andie’s signature suit is about as one-size-fits-all as swimwear can get. You can customize bottom coverage, torso length, and the length of the straps. Removable padding in the built-in bra gives you even more opportunity to achieve the perfect fit. Color options are wide-ranging, but we’re particularly fond of the cherry red — a classic shade for beach bombshells. Best Bikini Becca By Rebecca Virtue Jolene Halter Bikini Top PHOTO: Everything But Water $62 at Amazon View on Everythingbutwater.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Quality 5/5 Coverage 5/5 Value 5/5 If you’re a two-piece person, pack this equally stylish and functional bikini from Becca. It provides plenty of support with padded cups and adjustable criss-cross straps in the back, and it has just the right amount of compression for our taste — a great option for anyone looking for a top-notch supportive swimsuit. The Ultimate Charleston Packing List Best Swim Trunks Vuori Banks Short PHOTO: Vuori $68 at REI $68 at Nordstrom $68 at vuoriclothing.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Quality 5/5 Coverage 5/5 Value 5/5 Our favorite swim trunks are just as comfortable as they are practical. A zippered pocket, drawstring waist, and four-way stretch are the perfect combination for beach-day convenience. The California-based brand uses recycled materials that don’t skimp on durability or softness. Best Shoes Shoes can be the trickiest thing to pack when heading out on a beach vacation. It’s a no-brainer that you’ll want a pair of sandals or flip-flops that can easily slide off and on and shield the bottoms of your feet from hot sand, but you’ll also want to consider versatile shoes that can be worn at the beach, on the rocks, in the surf, and out on the town. Choose lightweight materials that will survive getting wet and will dry fast when they do. Look for an adjustable, snug fit that won’t slip off in the sand. And don’t overlook durability, as the last thing you want is to be spending your beach vacation searching for a replacement shoe. Best Flip-flops for Women Clarks Breeze Sea Flip Flop PHOTO: Amazon $32 at Amazon $32 at Zappos $40 at Walmart Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 These game-changing flip-flops blew us away when it came to comfort. An adjustable velcro strap ensures a perfect fit, and the buttery smooth footbed feels wonderful against sun-kissed skin. For long walks around surfside shops, a thick, absorbent sole provides plenty of support to prevent any aches and pains that’d disturb your hours of relaxation in the sun. Meanwhile, superb traction kept us steady on our feet when we tested these on slippery poolside ground. Best Flip-flops for men Adidas Comfort Flip-Flops PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon View on Academy.com $21 at adidas.com Our Ratings Comfort 5/5 Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Marrying a plush footbed with a supportive sole, these lightweight flip-flops cradled our feet just right during testing. Despite the flexible feel, the Adidas Comfort Flip-flops have a durable construction that will get you through countless getaways to come, and the brand’s classic striped look fits in in any beach town. Best Waterproof Sandals for Women Sanuk Cosmic Waves H20 Sandal PHOTO: Sanuk $48 at Amazon View on Rogansshoes.com Our Ratings Cushioning 4.5/5 Responsiveness 4.8/5 Stability 5/5 Fit 5/5 Value 5/5 For footwear variety beyond a trusty pair of flip-flops, add these water-friendly sandals to your packing list. They’re among the most comfortable sandals we’ve ever tested, and you’ll find the just-right arch support, shock absorption, and delightfully textured footbed keeps you comfortable through all your beach-vacation adventures. They’re also super lightweight, so they won’t add to stress about luggage weight limits. Best Waterproof Sandals for Men Bedrock Sandals Women's Cairn Adventure Sandals PHOTO: Bedrock $52 at REI View on Bedrocksandals.com Our Ratings Fit 4.5/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Performance 5/5 For an active beach vacation that includes everything from water sports to tropical hikes, you can’t go wrong with the Carin Adventure Sandals. All-day-and-night comfort took these unisex shoes to the top of our hiking sandals test. Harsh terrain and slippery surfaces are no match for the foolproof traction and cushioned sole. Best Gear and Accessories Must-haves for a beach vacation include a solid sunscreen, and we also recommend always packing a reef-safe sunscreen, just in case your destination doesn’t have any readily available (or charges an arm and a leg for it). Some of these items can be omitted, like the personal beach canopy, if you know you’ll have cabanas or shade available to you. But it never hurts to pack a decent tote or beach backpack and top-notch necessities like an insulated water bottle, UV-blocking sunglasses, a waterproof cell phone case, a sand-proof towel, or insect bite control. And, even beautiful beaches get boring, so why not bring along a portable beach game, too? Best Sunscreen Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Sunscreen PHOTO: Amazon $15 at Target Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Transfer 5/5 Opacity 5/5 Water Resistance 5/5 We love how effortlessly this translucent sunscreen blends into our skin. The clear look and watery texture also mean there’s no white residue transfer to ruin your stylish swimsuits. The 11 Best Reef-safe Sunscreens of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Reef-safe Sunscreen Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion SPF 50 PHOTO: Target $14 at Amazon $15 at Target $18 at Walgreens Our Ratings Feel 5/5 Transfer 5/5 Opacity 5/5 Water Resistance 4/5 Reef-safe sunscreen shields you from the sun’s harmful rays without risking the health of coral reefs. Our favorite is this lotion from Hawaiian Tropic, which features a delicious smell that will take you right back to beach life long after you’ve returned to the office. Best Sunglasses for Women Eleventh Hour Essential Polarized Sunglasses PHOTO: Eleventh Hour View on Shopeleventh.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Quality 5/5 Appearance 4.5/5 Value 4.8/5 Despite a near-weightless feel, these sunglasses pack a lot of style into their sturdy-yet-flexible frames. We find the slight cat-eye look accentuates most face shapes. Protection from UVA and UVB rays also make these sunnies everyone can love. Best Sunglasses for Men Raen Aren Polarized Sunglasses PHOTO: Raen $135 at Amazon View on Glassesusa.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Performance 5/5 Quality 5/5 Appearance 5/5 Value 4.7/5 Our favorite sunglasses for men come from Raen. They earned a perfect score in our sunglasses testing, and you’ll see why as soon as you get your hands on the sturdy, stylish, and comfortable frames. Best Bite and Sting Control Bite Away Insect Sting & Itch Relief Stick PHOTO: HSA Store $30 at Amazon $22 at Walmart $30 at Home Depot Trips to tropical beaches can often mean you’ll be around tropical insects. While you may not have to worry about stings and bites while you’re on the sand, the magical hours of sunrise and sunset can be an issue. The Bite Away wand uses heat to instantly stop your bites from itching and stings from, well, stinging — without chemicals, sticky residue, or smells. It’s ideal to slip into your beach bag or keep at the ready in your hotel room. No, it doesn’t prevent bites or stings, but it is pretty darn good at making it seem like they never happened. Best Waterproof Phone Case JOTO Universal Pouch PHOTO: Amazon $7 at Walmart Our Ratings Waterproofing 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Phone Usability 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 The Joto Universal Waterproof Phone Pouch gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Since it works with practically all types of phones, you won’t have to worry about re-purchasing if you get a new one, and you can easily hand it off to different members of your group as needed. The stuff-and-seal mechanism protects your phone up to 100 feet deep, so you can use it for boat days, snorkeling trips, and floats. The convenient neck strap means you can keep tabs on it easily. Plus, you can still (usually) use your touchscreen thanks to the pouch's dual-sided clear window design. Best Cooler CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag PHOTO: Amazon $45 at Amazon $45 at Walmart $40 at clevermade.com Our Ratings Capacity 4.5/5 Design 4.5/5 Insulation 4/5 Maneuverability 4/5 Durability 4.5/5 Keep your drinks and snacks chilled in the Clevermade Collapsible Cooler Bag. This cooler bag can hold 50 12-ounces cans plus ice and keep them cold for hours. It’s ideal for packing in your beach vacation bags since it’s fully collapsible and won’t take up much space in your suitcase. It breaks down flat with a zippered closure for easy storage. The pop-up design takes seconds to set up, and the bag feels sturdy with its board base and wire-rimmed top. The front zippered pocket can hold (and hide) a cell phone or other slim items, and you don’t have to worry about having a bottle opener on hand since there’s one built into the handle. Best Beach Tote Bluboon Waterproof Beach Tote PHOTO: Amazon $24 at Amazon This machine-washable beach tote is more than just a bag to toss a few beach essentials in: It comes loaded with pockets for easy organization. Four exterior pockets can hold everything from water bottles and sunscreen to flip-flops and reading materials, while the main zippered pocket is large enough to hold a couple of towels, your cover-up, and a change of clothes. There are also slip pockets inside the main pocket for smaller items such as keys and cell phones. An additional side zippered compartment is waterproof and can hold wet swimsuits or towels. It comes in 12 different colors and designs, making it easier to find one that fits your style and personality. Best Canopy Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent PHOTO: Amazon $60 at Amazon View on Pacificbreezeproducts.com Our Ratings Portability 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Performance 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Long days at the beach call for some respite in the shade. Packing a collapsible beach canopy is a must for shade breaks and cover from dangerous UV rays. This tent was the easiest to set up out of all the beach canopies we tested. Five fillable sandbag pockets to ground it, which is key on windy days. Thoughtful details like a mesh pocket for holding sunscreen, cell phones, and other small items make this beach tent stand out. The 6 Best Beach Canopies of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Beach Towel Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel PHOTO: Coyuchi $51 at Nordstrom $12 at coyuchi.com $68 at Wayfair Our Ratings Quality 4.9/5 Absorbency 5/5 Texture 5/5 Durability 4.4/5 Dry Time 5/5 You’ll have a hard time getting off this luxurious offering from Coyuchi. It has all the things you love about Turkish towels, including a light, slim build for packing, plus an incredibly soft feel that we haven’t stopped raving about since first testing it. Best Beach Game Outside Inside Backpack Bocce PHOTO: Amazon $19 at Amazon $12 at REI View on Eddiebauer.com We love a good beach vacation as much as the next travelers, but sometimes you need a little more entertainment than a good book. Bocce is a great beach game to pack since it’s family-friendly and can be played with as little as two players or with large teams. This portable Outside Inside Backpack Bocce set has nine 1.75-inch waterproof and sandproof PVC balls in four colors and comes with a convenient 5.5 x 5.5-inch carrying case that can easily be packed in your suitcase and tossed in your beach bag. Best Water Bottle Hydro Flask Wide-mouth Bottle with Flex Cap PHOTO: Amazon $50 at Amazon $50 at L.L.Bean View on Roadrunnersports.com It’s important to stay hydrated while you’re spending time in the sun, and a concession stand isn’t always a given at the beach. Get ahead of the thirst game by packing your own reusable water bottle and filling it up before you hit the sand. The Hydro Flask Wide-mouth Bottle with Flex Cap gives you up to 24-hour ice retention so you can gulp down cold drinks, even if you stay all day in the sun. A stainless steel body makes it sturdy enough to toss in your beach bag, or just carry it via the flexible top handle. Best Face Sunscreen Summer Fridays ShadeDrops SPF 30 Mineral Milk Sunscreen PHOTO: Sephora $36 at Sephora $36 at summerfridays.com $36 at kohls.com Our Ratings Feel 4.8/5 Transfer 5/5 Opacity 5/5 Water Resistance 5/5 Removal 5/5 Be sure to protect your face from harmful UVA and UVB rays as you head to the beach with this lightweight sunscreen. During T+L testing, this face sunscreen was our absolute favorite for not only protecting our skin, but also for leaving it with a nice glowy sheen that's still light enough that you can wear your sweatproof makeup on top without feeling goopy or greasy. At 1.7 ounces per bottle, you can easily stick this sunscreen in any carry-on or personal item, so you don't skip skincare during your beach vacation. If you are planted firmly in the no-makeup camp or just want another option, we also recommend tinted moisturizers for light coverage. Best Dry Bag Earth Pak Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag PHOTO: Amazon $21 at Amazon This foolproof dry bag has gotten us through years of water sports. If your beach getaway is going to include boating or any type of splash zone, bringing one along is a wise choice. It comes with an easy-to-use, roll-top closure and sizes ranging from 5 to 55 liters. We love the vibrant yellow and blue, but there are tons of color options including black, white, and clear. Best Power Bank Blavor Solar Power Bank PHOTO: Amazon $29 at Amazon View on Blavorpowerbank.com For a power reserve you can count on all day long, grab this durable charger from Blavor. We’re impressed by how quickly this small solar panel soaks up power even when in the shade. It has USB-C input and output ports as well as wireless charging capabilities. Best Cup Holder Home Queen Beach Cup Holder PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Amazon A nifty little device you never knew you needed, this cup holder will save your seltzers and electronic ports from dreaded sand invasions. Simply drive it into the sand for a safe place to keep track of your phone and drinks, and then pack it up into itself when it’s time for post-beach activities. Frequently Asked Questions What’s the difference between waterproof and water-resistant? If something is water-resistant, it means that it can hold up to water exposure up to a certain depth and/or length of time. When something is waterproof, it is completely impervious to water exposure. How much should I pack for a weeklong trip? The amount of things you’ll need on a weeklong trip depends on the type of activities you plan on doing and whether you’ll have access to a washer-dryer. Packing pieces that can be mix-and-matched will help save space, and this includes versatile shoes. For a beach vacation, you’ll likely want to bring at least three swimsuits or swim trunks if you’re planning to go in the water several days on your trip. Why Trust Travel + Leisure? Katherine Alex Beaven, has never lived more than an hour from the nearest beach and has been lucky enough to pack her own bags to visit beaches from Miami to Maldives. Lydia Price is a commerce editor at T+L, where she tests and reviews the latest and greatest outdoor gear. There's almost nothing she loves more than riding ocean waves and napping in the sand. The Ultimate Bahamas Packing List Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.