Ultimate Family Beach Vacation Packing List

Have you got the perfect sunny family trip coming up and wondering what to pack for a beach vacation? Look no further than this ultimate beach trip packing list for the whole family! This is great for a week at any hot and sunny destination

I have a confession to make, I love making lists! I make lists and spreadsheets for everything (just ask my husband!) I would like to put my list making obsession to good use and help you pack for your upcoming beach vacation with ease!

This ultimate beach family vacation packing list includes everything I packed from home for myself, my husband, son and daughter who at the time were 7 and 9. We are out of that baby phase which makes things much easier! It includes everything from clothes to medical needs. It is perfect for a week away to a hot destination. 

I bought my first set of packing cubes in 2023 and I have never looked back! It made packing and keeping my case organized when away a breeze. I definitely recommend them! There are so many on Amazon to choose from, here is a great example: Packing Cubes

Beach Packing List for Women:

• T-shirts x2
• Tank Tops x4
• Shorts x3
• Dresses x2
• Sandals/flip flops (I wear running shoes on the plane)
• Underwear x7, Socks x3, Bras x2 
• Bathing Suit x2
• Bathing Suit cover up
• Pajamas x1
• Sweater for the plane
• Comfy pants or leggings (I wear on the plane)
• Sun hat or baseball cap
• Sunglasses with case

Beach Packing list for a man

• T-shirts x 5
• Polo shirt x1 (for a night out)
• Shorts x3
• Swim Shorts x2
• Underwear x7, Socks x3
• Sunglasses and case
• Hat
• Running shoes (worn on the plane)
• Sandals/Crocs
• Jogging pants (worn on the plane)
• Hoodie sweater (for the plane)

Packing List for Kids:

• T-Shirts x7 (kids are messy, so I plan for a bit more clothing than I would for myself)
• Shorts x4
• Bathing Suit x3
• Swim shirt / Rash guard
• Pajamas x3
• Pants x1
• Sweater (for the plane)
• Crocs or sandals
• Underwear x7, Socks x3
• Dress x1 (for girls)
• Sun hat or baseball cap
• Favorite stuffed animal (I have learned never to forget this, especially if they use it to sleep)

Toiletries

This will vary based on whether you are staying in a hotel with shampoo and other toiletries supplied vs house rental where you bring your own. 

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body wash
• Face wash
• Lotion
• Face cream
• Brush/Comb
• Hair Elastics
• Hair styling products (ie. hair spray)
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Ear Plugs (I pretty much always need these!)
• Night Light 
• Sunscreen
• Razor
• Baby wipes (even without a baby, these come in very handy)
• Lip Balm
• Makeup 
• Bug Repellant (depending on the destination)

First Aid Supplies

As an ER nurse, I usually think of anything that we could need and pack accordingly! Sometimes it is easy to run to the store and grab supplies like in Florida, other times it can be expensive or unavailable. I always like to be prepared. These things do not take up too much room. Also, liquid medications for kids are allowed to exceed the 100ml rule when on a plane.

• Hand Sanitizer
• Bandaids
• Lysol wipes
• Tissues
• Ibuprofen for both adults and kids
• Acetaminophen for adults and kids
• Dimenhydrinate (aka Dramamine or Gravol) for nausea/vomiting
• Polysporin (for cuts)
• Benadryl (in case of any allergic reactions)
• Cough candies

Extras:

I’m not sure what category these things fit into so I’ll include them here!

• PASSPORTS (I wrote this big so you don’t forget it if you are leaving the country)
• ID (Drivers license if renting a car or using it instead of passport)
• Credit card 
• Cash (We usually don’t bring too much incase we lose it!)
• Phone and charger
• Headphones (for every traveler) 
• Reusable water bottle
• Book
• Water shoes (do some research on your destination to see if this is necessary)
• Kids Tablet / IPad for travel on the plane
• Snacks for traveling (I like easy to pack things like granola bars)
• A Beach Bag

  (to carry all the necessities to the beach. Here is one I like on Amazon, it’s big, waterproof and has tons of pockets! Huanlang Beach Bag. I also like to store a couple plastic bags for wet or sandy stuff)

• Beach Towels – This of course might depend on where you are staying as some hotels and private rentals will include beach towels. If you are planning on bring towels, I recommend these compact and quick dry towel from Amazon, this one come in a pack of 4: Microfibre Beach Towels

Fun but not Essential Beach Items

Along with the necessities, these are things I enjoy adding to my beach vacation packing list. I am not an overpacker so this might depend on space. 

1. Bucket and Shovels

I found great collapsible buckets in many stores which are super easy to pack. If you don’t have space, don’t worry, I have also seen my kids play in the sand with plastic cups! 

2. Goggles

The beach is so much more enjoyable if you are not worried about salt water going in the eyes. I not only bring them for the kids, but also for myself, you never know what kind of sea creatures you will be able to see!

3. Neck Pillow and Blanket

This probably depends on the length of your flight or what time you are flying. Night flights I tend to get cold. Instead of a blanket, I bring one of those big comfy scarves that I can lay over my legs. My neck pillow has a clip that hooks onto my backpack to easily carry it around. 

4. Toy Boat

Okay this sounds like a strange one but honestly, we have a little red boat that provides hours of fun for my kids at the beach. They spend so much time creating castles and rivers that lead right to the water and race boats down it. If you can fit it in, give it a try! 

5. Beach Blanket

Especially when traveling with babies and toddlers, a beach blanket is a nice space to stretch out.

6. Portable Speaker

This highly depends on where you are going and how busy the beach is. I would probably only recommend it if you are at a private or very quiet spot so you are not disturbing others.

CONCLUSION

I hope this beach packing list for family vacations takes the stress out of packing for your next family holiday so you have more time to enjoy! 

Head over to my Instagram page at @familyof4adventures for more travel and packing tips and destination guides you and your kids will love!

For a great beach vacation spot check out Ocean City, Maryland.