Did you know that going to the beach can boost your mental well-being? Consider heading out for a beach day this weekend.

Are you wondering what to bring to the beach? Not to worry!

In this guide, we’ll go over a beach trip packing list, and what things you shouldn’t forget. With this list, you will have all the essential items you need for an excellent day.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out.

What Bags Should You Use?

Instead of leaving this to the last minute, think about what luggage you have. Look for something lightweight and versatile. You don’t want to lug down a heavy bag bursting with food and toys.

Try a lightweight tote bag or duffel bag. Pick up a cooler that has wheels so it’s easier to bring down to the water.

Pack Medications and Prescriptions

Depending on how long you plan to go to the beach, you might want to pack medicine. This way, you won’t miss out on any vital medication. You don’t want to get sick while at the beach.

Consider packing a small first aid kit with plenty of bandaids. Don’t forget to bring some hand sanitizer.

Garbage Bags for Litter

Don’t leave anything behind after your beach day. Plan and bring a few garbage bags. This way, you can get rid of empty chip bags and candy wrappers.

Bring a recycling bag for all the soda or juice bottles. You won’t clutter your vehicle with loose garbage.

Bring Coins and Cash

There might be an ice cream stand that only takes cash, so bring some dollar bills or change. This way, your kid can go pick up ice cream. Most places will accept a credit or debit card, but bring some cash to be safe.

Bottles of Water

Depending on the weather, you will be under a hot sun. To stay well-hydrated, pack a case of water bottles in your cooler.

You don’t want to get to the beach and not have enough drinking water. Pick up a bag of ice to keep the water cold.

What Snacks Will You Bring?

Consider the kinds of foods you will pack. If you’re running around the beach with your kids, swimming, or surfing, you will get hungry. You could pack sandwiches, chips, crackers, and lots of fruits and vegetables.

Sunscreen and Bug Spray

You don’t want to forget these two items. Make sure you pack two full containers of sunscreen in case one of them gets lost by accident. Find out how to protect your family from UV rays.

Depending on the beach, you’ll also want to bring some bug spray.

Family Whistle or Horn

The beach can get crowded within a few hours. You can lose your child or they can find it difficult to see you.

To help with this risk, consider bringing a whistle or horn. Let your family hear the sound of it beforehand so they can recognize it at the beach.

Bring a Few Towels, Blankets, and Chairs

Pack enough towels for you and your family. Keep the towels for drying off after a swim and bring a blanket to spread across the sand.

This way, you will have another option for where you want to sit. Blankets are heavy and won’t blow away across the beach on a windier day.

Some people are okay with laying on beach blankets and towels. But consider picking up a few beach chairs to watch your kids as they play in the sand.

Sandals and Flip Flops

Don’t forget to pack your sandals or flip flops! You don’t want to burn the bottom of your feet on the hot sand.

After a day on the beach, it’s no fun to put on your sneakers or socks. Slip on your sandals or flip flops instead.

Pack Clean Clothing

After your beach day, you will want to be able to change into fresh clothes. You don’t want to ruin your car seats with wet towels or bathing suits.

Bring an extra set of clothing and sandals. You will have a comfier drive home.

Radio or Speaker System

You may want to play some fun tunes at the beach. Boost the atmosphere with this fun music, but not too loud. You don’t want to upset your neighbors.

Create a playlist for your upcoming beach day.

Pack Plenty of Magazines or Books

If you get bored or don’t want to suntan for the entire day, consider packing some books on your to-be-read list.

For something lighter, go to your local grocery store and pick up a few magazines. You can enjoy reading while your kids build sandcastles or go swimming.

Pack an Umbrella and Some Hats

The sun at the beach can feel intense. To help protect you and your family, make sure you bring an umbrella to prop over your chairs and blanket.

Pack your sunglasses and wide-brim hats. Stay protected from the searing sun with sunglasses, hats, and an umbrella.

Pack a Few Games

For your beach day, consider packing a frisbee or volleyball. Ask your kids to bring their buckets and shovels. You and your older kids might want to pack floaties or beach tubes.

Now You Know What to Bring to the Beach

We hope this guide on what to take to the beach was helpful. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen.

Using this guide, write down a “what to bring to the beach” list. This way, you won’t forget anything.

Keep browsing our other helpful resources and bookmark our site so you can return later.