A list of all the best beach gear so you'll have a fun & relaxing beach trip! Grab the free beach packing list at the end of the post so you don't forget a thing.
What To Take To The Beach
Here's a list of all the tried-and-true, most best beach accessories 2021 that will make your beach trip fun, relaxing, and enjoyable for everyone in your family! (Trust us, we have lived in Australia and Hawaii!)
The more prepared you are for your beach trip, the better time you'll have. Additionally, your travel destination could be a deciding factor in actually enjoying a vacation. For instance, if you are planning to relax and relish some self-care activities, you can consider destinations such as Costa Rica to explore resorts such as Si Como No Resort & Spa or similar others. Keeping your stay and hotel bookings in mind, you can start looking for beach essentials that can make your vacation fun and leisurely.
The more general beach trips can make do with the extensive list given below, but you may have to be better prepared for specific activities like fishing or kayaking. If you have plans like these in mind, then you might have to check out hobie kayaks and other fishing gear to take along too.
For now, we've broken this list into 4 categories, so you'll know exactly what you need to take.
Don't be overwhelmed with this list of "stuff". Choose the gear, activities, and games that your family will enjoy best.
Best Beach Gear: Basic Stuff & Safety
LARGE BEACH BAG
I searched years for the perfect beach bag and finally found it! Here's why it's our favorite. Keep your valuables safe with this giant zipper beach bag that is super cute, too!
BUY HERE:
SHADE TENT
A shade tent is a must on your beach trip. Everyone will need a break from the sun at some point! This one is awesome because it doubles as a changing station when you want to change into your custom wetsuits!
BUY HERE:
SAND PROOF & WATER PROOF BEACH BLANKET
This is to keep the sand away. This one is our favorite since the sand shakes right off and dries quickly. Plus, it is so compact and travels super light. We use it for not only the beach, but we keep it in our car for spontaneous picnics, too!
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BEACH TOWELS
You can never have too many beach towels, especially with kids around. These ones are super thick and warm.
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PUDDLE JUMPERS LIFE JACKETS
Safety first! Puddle Jumpers Life Jackets are kids beach accessories you don't want to forget. They make swimming fun and totally safe for kids, without getting in their way of play!
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COLLAPSIBLE BEACH WAGON
or stroller to help you carry towels, blankets, food, drinks, babies and more.
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THINKSPORT SUNSCREEN
This is a top-rated sunscreen that has no harsh chemicals or toxins. It smells good, too!
SWIMSUITS, FLIP-FLOPS, COVER-UPS
SUNGLASSES
SHOP THE BEST BEACH GEAR
Best Baby Beach Gear
Going to the beach with a baby can still be enjoyable with the right baby beach accessories. Of course, if your baby is old enough to splash around in the water, then some comfortable baby swimwear is a must. Aside from that, these are our favorites to take along!
BUMBO
For babies 6+ months old, a Bumbo is the perfect beach equipment for baby. You can prop them up without them trying to eat the sand.
BABY BEACH TENT
Not only does a baby beach tent keep babies and small toddlers out of the sand and contained, but it also doubles a great portable bed to sleep in wherever you are. (We took this to Chile for our baby and that's what they slept in at hotels and Air BnBs.)
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TOP RATED BABY BEACH HATS FOR BOYS & GIRLS
A beach hat for a baby is necessary since their skin can burn easily. These beach hats are cute and functional.
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BEST BABY SUNSCREEN
Good sunscreen is a must to prevent sun burns at the beach. This top-rated baby sunscreen is free from lots of harsh chemicals that other sunscreens contain.
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BABY WIPES
Baby wipes are essential for dirty diapers, but they are also a perfect way to wash hands, feet, and everything in between.
Beach Activities & Games
BODY BOARD
Body boarding is a fun beach activity for kids and adults! Catch a wave with a body board and ride it all the way into the shore.
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FRISBEE
Frisbee is a great beach game for all ages, especially with these easy-catch frisbees!
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BOCCE BEACH BOWLING GAME
This is our all-time favorite summer game. Not only great for the beach, but backyard play, too!
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SAND TOYS
Sand toys are must for the beach. They will keep kids entertained for hours. A mix of shovels, buckets, and other sand toys are always a great idea.
SPIKE BALL/ SLAMMO BEACH GAME
Voted as the best beach game, Spike Ball or Slammo is a hit!
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BEACH VOLLEYBALL
For volleyball lovers, taking a beach volleyball even if you don't have a net is a fun way to take a break from the water.
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SHOP BEST BEACH ACTIVITIES
Beach Food & Drinks
DRINKING WATER
Plan to bring lots of water. Tip: freeze water bottles before you leave and they will stay cold all day long! We've also taken our Thermoflask water bottles that keep water cold for days!
INSULATED COOLER BAG
This extra large insulated cooler bag will hold lots of food and drinks and keep it cold for hours. The nice thing about a cooler bag versus a hard cooler is that it is packable, easy to fold, and doesn't take as much room to store.
BUY HERE:
SNACKS & FOOD
No matter how long or short you'll be there, everyone will get hungry. Pack plenty of snacks and lunch or bring money to buy lunch if there are eating options around.
PAPER GOODS
Paper plates, utensils, and napkins are necessary if you plan to have lunch or dinner on the beach.
HAND SANITIZER
Use hand sanitizer to keep any germs away!
GARBAGE SACKS
Toss in some garbage sacks to throw away your trash in, if there aren't any garbage cans nearby. You can also throw your wet clothes in them before you pack up.
CASH
Cash is always a good idea in case you want to grab some lunch, treats, or need to pay for parking.
Food To Bring To The Beach
Other helpful travel guides:
- 6 Must-See Stops In Redwood National Park
- 11 Free or Cheap Oregon Coast Stops
- New York City With Kids
Beach Packing List- Free Printables!
These free beach packing lists are available in our Freebies Library. Get access by clicking here.
Let us know what you think!