Packing for a beach holiday means getting the sun, sea and sand essentials right while not forgetting the practical bits. A good beach packing list means you can relax by the sea fully prepared. This guide explains what to pack for a beach holiday, from swimwear and sun protection to beach bags and evening wear. Tailor it to your destination, the length of your trip and your plans, so you have everything you need for a great time by the sea.
Swimwear
Pack enough swimwear for your trip, ideally a couple of sets so you always have a dry one while another is drying, as swimwear does not dry instantly. Bring what you are comfortable and confident in. Packing more than one set of swimwear, so you are not stuck waiting for a wet costume to dry, is a simple thing that makes a beach holiday more comfortable. Swimwear is the obvious beach essential, so make sure you have enough for daily swimming throughout your stay.
Sun protection
Sun protection is essential for a beach holiday: pack high-factor sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, and after-sun, as you will be exposed to strong sun for long periods. Protecting yourself prevents painful burns and worse. Our guide on sun safety explains how to stay safe in the sun. Bringing proper sun protection, and plenty of sunscreen as it gets used up quickly at the beach, is one of the most important parts of beach packing, as a sunburn can spoil your whole trip.
Beach clothing and cover-ups
Pack light beach clothing and cover-ups, such as a sarong, kaftan, light shirt or dress, to wear over swimwear and to protect from the sun. These are useful for walking to and from the beach and for shade. Including a few light, airy cover-ups means you can move comfortably between the beach, cafes and your accommodation, and have extra sun protection when needed. Beach cover-ups are practical and comfortable in the heat, making them a valuable addition to your beach holiday packing.
Beach footwear
Pack suitable beach footwear, such as flip-flops or sandals for the sand and around the pool, and consider water shoes if the beach is pebbly or rocky. Comfortable, easy footwear suits the beach setting. Bringing appropriate footwear for the beach and casual wear, that you do not mind getting sandy or wet, keeps you comfortable. Flip-flops or sandals are ideal for a beach holiday, and water shoes can be worth packing for stony beaches or to protect your feet in the sea.
A beach bag and essentials
Pack a beach bag to carry your essentials to the beach, along with what goes in it: sunscreen, water, a towel, sunglasses, something to read, and a way to keep valuables safe. A practical beach bag makes beach days easier. Having a dedicated bag for the beach, and the essentials to fill it, means you can head to the sand with everything you need. A good beach bag, ideally one that handles sand and damp well, is a useful item that keeps your beach day organised.
Towels
Consider towels: check whether your accommodation provides beach towels, as many do not, and if not, pack or plan to buy them. Quick-drying travel towels are compact and practical for the beach. Sorting out beach towels, either bringing your own or confirming they are provided, avoids the inconvenience of having nothing to sit or dry off on. Lightweight, quick-drying towels are ideal for travel and the beach, taking up little space while doing the job, so they are worth considering for a beach trip.
Beach entertainment
Pack some beach entertainment, such as a book or e-reader, music, or beach games and toys, especially for families or long, relaxed beach days. This keeps everyone happy and makes the most of the setting. Bringing things to do at the beach, suited to who is travelling, helps you and any companions enjoy the downtime. Whether it is a good book for relaxing or games for children, a little beach entertainment enhances those long, lazy days by the sea that are the point of a beach holiday.
Evening wear
Do not forget evening wear, as beach holidays still involve dinners and evenings out, so pack some smarter or casual clothes beyond beachwear, suited to where you will go in the evenings. Check if anywhere has a dress code. Packing a few outfits for the evenings, rather than only beach clothes, ensures you are dressed appropriately for dinners and going out. Beach holidays are not only about the beach, so having suitable evening wear means you are ready for the social side of the trip too.
Toiletries
Pack your usual toiletries plus any beach-specific extras, such as products to manage sun-exposed skin and hair, and remember items like lip balm with sun protection. Travel sizes save space. Bringing the toiletries you need, with a few beach-appropriate additions, keeps you comfortable and cared for. The sun, sea and sand can be drying, so including suitable skincare and after-sun in your toiletries helps you look after yourself on a beach holiday, on top of your normal essentials.
Extras for families
If travelling with children, add family beach essentials, such as suitable sun protection for kids, beach toys, extra towels and changes of clothes, and anything to keep little ones happy and safe at the beach. Our guide on the family holiday packing list covers more. Including the extras that make a beach day work for children, from sun safety to entertainment, ensures a family beach holiday goes smoothly. Children need particular care in the sun and plenty to keep them occupied, so pack accordingly.
Practical extras
Remember practical extras that are easy to forget, such as a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, a waterproof phone pouch, a small first aid kit, and a bag for wet or sandy items. These small things add convenience. Thinking about the practical bits and pieces that make beach days easier and safer, beyond the obvious, rounds out your packing. Items like a water bottle, a way to protect your phone, and a bag for damp things are inexpensive and easily overlooked but genuinely useful at the beach.
Do not forget the essentials
Amid the beach gear, do not forget the universal travel essentials: documents, money, medication, chargers and adaptors. Our guide on the ultimate holiday packing list covers these. It is easy to focus on swimwear and sunscreen and overlook the basics that every trip needs. Making sure the essential documents, money and other must-haves are packed alongside your beach-specific items ensures you have both the holiday gear and the fundamentals, so your beach trip is fully covered from the practical to the fun.
In short
For a beach holiday, pack plenty of swimwear and strong sun protection, light cover-ups, beach footwear, and a beach bag with essentials like water, a towel and something to read. Sort towels, bring beach entertainment and evening wear, and pack suitable toiletries. Add family extras and beach toys if travelling with children, remember practical bits like a water bottle and a bag for wet items, and do not forget the universal essentials like documents and chargers.
Explore more in our Packing & Before You Go guides.