Beach Essentials- Make Sure You Don’t Forget These Items

One of the most popular vacations is a beach vacation. Whether it’s families, couples or a group of friends looking to kick back and relax, beaches are a perennial favorite. Living close to the beach has shown me that there are a few things everyone needs to pack for the beach. After multiple trips to the beach and forgotten items, I have come up with a list of beach essentials that you need to make sure you don’t forget.

Still trying to decide which beach to visit. No problem! Read here for how to spend your time in Cocoa Beach or you can head a little further south to Vero Beach. Either way, you will have a fabulous time.

Beach Essential Basics

Okay, you may be thinking, “if it’s basic, why does it need to be listed?” True, but you would be surprised at how many people forget items they know they are going to need. It isn’t until they are set up at the beach that they realize they have forgotten some of the beach essentials. Hopefully, this list of beach basics will prevent you from making a run to the store after you have gotten to the beach.

Sunscreen

It is the number one item you need to pack and yet many have forgotten to add it to their packing list. It is also the one item that will send you to the store as soon as you realize you don’t have it.

I’m sure everyone has their favorite sunscreen, or you simply purchase whichever one is on sale. However, if you are like me and you are wanting something a little more, especially for your face, this one works really well. If you would like something with tinted coverage, this brand is my go to.

Sunglasses

Another item that seems like it should be a no brainer, but I have had family members forget theirs. If you are going to be spending much time on the water, consider a polarized pair to help cut down on glare.

Hat

I didn’t used to be a hat person, but after spending more time at the beach, I have changed my ways. I use this one because it is packable and works well with a ponytail. This one is cute and would work well, especially if you have plenty of packing space.

Insect Repellent

I can’t stress this enough; you want to pack insect repellent! It doesn’t matter the time of year, mosquitos and no-see ums are a pesky problem when you are outdoors.

Most everyone enjoys watching a gorgeous sunrise or sunset over the water. I do too! I have also learned that this is one of the worst times for pesky insects. Nothing ruins a beautiful sky faster than getting bit by insects you can’t see.

Water sports such as kayaking are another time when you will want to make sure you have repellent with you. Gliding through the mangroves is the perfect way to see native wildlife, unfortunately, mosquitos are part of our wildlife.

Another tip, if you don’t pack insect repellent, pack hydrocortisone cream for the itching.

Leave in Conditioner

Salt, sun and sand will wreak havoc on your hair. It has taken me years to find a product that works for me. You will want a good leave in conditioner, especially if you have hair that frizzes in humidity. I use this one and this one on a regular basis. You will especially appreciate this when you are looking back at photos and your hair isn’t frizzy. Trust me, I speak from experience.

Beach Essential Clothing

Swimsuit

Make sure you pack your swimsuit. In fact, pack two! Believe it or not, we have had people visit us and not bring a swimsuit. This is mainly because they don’t like the way they look in swimwear, but it kept them from taking part in fun water activities. Or, they still went, but were uncomfortable because they weren’t dressed appropriately.

So, find a swimsuit you like and realize you are beautiful in it. Go out and enjoy your vacation!

Coverup

Another beach essential you don’t want to forget is a coverup for your swimsuit. There are so many cute options that work well by the pool, on a boat or going inside at your resort.

Living in Florida, I have the benefit of being able to find cute coverups in our many beach shops. However, there are tons of adorable options online and many at reasonable prices. I love this one. It is flattering and can go anywhere. Plus, I am a sucker for anything navy and white. I also love a classic white coverup. This one fits the bill perfectly.

Beach Sandals

I often pack in a carryon and to do this, I cut down on the pairs of shoes I pack. For a beach vacation, you absolutely need to add a pair of beach sandals to your packing list. Depending on your plans, you may want to include water shoes to your list. I prefer water shoes for kayaking. Keep in mind, while the beaches and ocean are beautiful, they can cut up your feet if you step on shells or coral.

This pair is cute and comes in different colors to match your swimsuit. Bonus, they aren’t expensive. Nobody wants to pay a fortune for something they will only use a few times.

Sweater or Jacket

A common misperception about Florida is that it is always hot. Not the case. Make sure you check the weather, so you pack appropriately, but I always recommend packing a light sweater or jacket.

I have finally learned to carry my jean jacket with me when we go out in the evenings-even in the summer! Once the sun goes down, there is a certain coolness that can be felt if you are sitting at an outside restaurant or bar. When there is a breeze, it’s even chillier. Another thing to keep in mind is restaurants keep the air turned down and can be quite chilly. A sweater or jacket will come in handy in any of these situations.

Beach Essential Beach Gear

I am a fan of packing light. It’s my way of life. I hate lugging around a bunch of luggage or gear that I may or may not use. I now fully realize that it is almost impossible to pack light for the beach. There are so many items that make the trip so much more enjoyable that is worth the irritation of carrying it around.

So, drag out the big suitcase, we are going to be filling it!

Beach Bag

Technically, you could use this as a carryon or personal item. I love beach bags. I have way too many of them. Somehow, I have convinced myself that they are all necessary and there is no way I should part with them.

There are so many different styles of beach bags; practical, waterproof, stylish. This is another area where you should consider what your daily activities will be and choose one that works for you.

I frequently carry this one. I love it. It works well for me. In general, I am a fan of neutrals, so this is perfect for me. I also love this one. Anything navy and white and with a monogram–sold!

Beach Towel

While some resorts have beach towels in their rooms, some do not. For that reason, I am listing beach towels on my beach essentials list that you don’t want to forget.

We have a closet full of thick, plush beach towels, but this is the one I find myself packing in my beach bag. It is light weight, dries quickly and the sand shakes off of it with ease. It is also a breeze to pack because it takes up very little space.

Cooler

Warm weather and bodysurfing are going to make you thirsty, so you want to make sure you have cold beverages ready. This is why a cooler is on my list of beach essentials. We take ours every time we go down to the beach, even if we are only going to be a couple of hours.

This cooler bag is a little easier to pack than some others and it holds a good amount. If you are wanting a more traditional cooler, this one works well and isn’t too large. Although, it might be a better if you are driving to your beach vacation.

Phone Protector

I originally purchased one of these when we got our kayaks and I wanted to take wildlife photos. I now find myself keeping one in my beach bag all the time. It’s great for protecting from water, obviously, but also good against sand. Nothing ruins a vacation like your phone getting water or sand in it.

Binoculars

Are you surprised to find this one on the list? Admittedly, when we first moved here, I would not have thought of adding binoculars to my beach essentials list. Over time, we have had so many friends and family use ours for different reasons. Whether it is watching sea life, birds while kayaking, rocket launches from our beach or trying to figure out what type of boat is out on the horizon, they have been used for a plethora of reasons.

I like this pair because they are compact and not too pricey. If you would like something that you can use for years and might give a bit more magnification, this is a great option.

Kindle

Reading on the beach is one of my favorite things to do. I used to pack books and magazines in my beach bag to take to the beach, but I have found I prefer taking my Kindle. I have everything I want in one location. Less weight and space taken up in by beach bag.

I have the Kindle Fire and really like it. There are other options, so find the one that works for you.

Beach Essential Extras

Can you have an essential item if it is extra? Well, sort of. The caveat here is that if you are driving, this is a list of items to pack.

Beach Chair

Depending on where you are staying, beach chairs may be a wise choice to take with you. Not all resorts have them at the beach or if they do, there is a daily fee. If you have the space, packing your own chairs can be quite handy.

We like this chair. It has held up well, has a drink holder and sits low to the ground. I always prefer to have a chair that sits low. This isn’t a disposable chair. You will want to keep this one for future use, not a one-time vacation purchase.

Umbrella

I love our umbrella! I won’t go to the beach without it. I like having the shade and not having to be exposed to the full sun all day. If I am spending all day out in the heat and direct sun, I need some shade after a while.

Portable Speaker

Next to reading a good book on the beach, listening to music is my next favorite things to do. I put on my beach playlist and watch the waves and pelicans.

This portable speaker is waterproof and fits the bill perfectly for taking to the beach. It is lightweight and easy to pack for a driving vacation.

Insulated Drink Holders

At first glance, this may not seem like an essential item. However, after a short amount of time in the Florida heat, I wanted to put all of my drinks in an insulated holder. They really do keep your drink cold longer. I don’t know about you, but I do not want a warm drink at the beach.

If you don’t already own insulated drink holders, this one is great. The universal sizing means it holds a standard 12oz can as well as a slim can. Plus, it comes in a variety of cute colors. Cheers!

Clear Bag

This might be the least essential of all the essential items but look how cute it is. A clear bag comes in handy when you are carrying items that you want to keep out of the sand. It also works well for keeping all of your small items like keys, phone, gum, etc. easy to find in your beach bag.

Conclusion

I hope this list of beach essentials that you don’t want to forget helps you plan for your next vacation. These are the items that we use on a regular basis whether we are spending most of the day at the beach or just a few hours.

I also love a packing list. There is nothing that drives me crazier than forgetting a basic item for a trip. I don’t want to spend my time running to the store. Use this list to help you organize everything you need for a great beach vacation. Now. it’s time to pack your bag and head for the waves!

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