The Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List

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

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

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

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

$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

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

$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

$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.

Best Swim Trunks

Vuori Banks Short

$34 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.

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

$32 at Amazon $32 at Zappos $54 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

$30 at Amazon View on Academy.com $28 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

$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

$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.

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

$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.

Best Reef-safe Sunscreen

Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Sun Milk Body Lotion SPF 50

$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

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

$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

$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

$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

$50 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

$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

$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.

Best Beach Towel

Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel

$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

$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

$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

$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

$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

$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

$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.