There is nothing quite like a vacation in the summer. The sun is out, it’s finally warm enough to wear all of your favorite shorts and dresses, and the vacation options are endless. Whether you’re taking off to your local beach for the weekend or hopping on a plane to somewhere tropical, there are so many opportunities to make memories. The downside? Packing. While I love packing, packing for a beach vacation is it’s own beast. You have to take into consideration various weather forecasts, you need to have all of the beach day essentials, and a lot of the time it’s so hot you are changing multiple times in one day. But alas, I’m here to help! With countless beach vacations under my belt, I’ve created the ultimate summer vacation packing list that includes all of the essentials, plus more.
When it comes to traveling during the summer months, you really don’t need too much. So many summer pieces can be re-worn and styled in different ways. By sticking to a neutral color palette, you’ll be able to easily mix and match the pieces you pack, but you also won’t have to pack as much!
1. Button Down Shirt
A button down shirt is a wardrobe staple and the perfect layering piece to take with you on a beach vacation. They can be dressed up with a pair of tailored shorts or thrown over a bathing suit as a cover up. This oversized button down has been on constant repeat in my wardrobe this summer! I love finding new ways to style it. It’s also a great material so even on those hot days, you can pair it over a fitted tank for a little coverage.
Line is the material of summer! If you’re going away for a long weekend, pack two linen top options to give your vacation wardrobe some variation. I love the square neck of this one, it feels elevated and the cropped silhouette gives major summer vibes. If you’re planning any dinners out or will be somewhere that gets cooler at night, this linen top is stunning! The detailing is too good!
3. Sweater
I will never travel anywhere, no matter how hot it’s supposed to be, without a sweater. They’re great to utilize as a third piece thrown over your shoulders with a strappy tank or dress, but are also a must on cool nights! This one is a favorite of mine because it’s lightweight so it feels a little more summery and it has a great relaxed fit.
4. Knit Tanks
Knit tanks can be worn day or night and since they’re small, you can pack multiple without taking up too much space in your designated travel bag. This high-neck tank is a great option! It’s made from a linen-blend fabric so it’s great for those hot days. I’ve also been purchasing these ribbed tanks for YEARS! They have a built-in shelf bra so you can go braless, which is major on those extremely hot days!
5. Shorts
For any summer vacation, all you need is three pairs of shorts that are a mix of linen and denim. For daytime activities, and the beach, this pair of linen shorts is a great option. The elastic waistband is so comfortable and since they’re linen, they dry fast if they get wet or sweaty. For dinners out, this pair of tailored linen shorts go perfectly with a fitted tank and a third piece for an easy, weather-appropriate elevated look.
If denim shorts are more your speed (or you just want to have a pair with you to be safe), this pair and this pair are both really great options. I love that they have a looser fit and aren’t constricting!
6. Linen Pants
I’m such a linen pant girly so there’s no surprise that these are on my list of must-haves for a beach vacation. They’re one of the most functional pieces of clothing and can easily be styled up or down. I love this pair for during the day and throwing on over a bathing suit. For evenings out, this pair is a little more elevated.
7. Dresses
On those days that it’s too hot to function, especially on vacation, a good dress is a must. I recommend packing at least two dresses for a beach vacation to give you variety for daytime activities, lounging around, and going to dinner. If there’s one dress you pack, let it be this mini! It’s lightweight, so flattering, and can be styled so many ways.
8. Sandals
A comfortable pair of sandals is a non-negotiable for a beach vacation. I recommend packing 2-3 pairs, with one of those pairs being a good beach sandal like this pair. For day time activities or dinner out, this pair and this pair are great options!
9. Swimsuit
A bathing suit is a must-have for any summer vacation, especially if you’re going to the beach! Too often bathing suits don’t provide the support you’re looking for, but I’ve come to love J.Crew’s swimwear over the last few years. The quality is top notch and I never feel constricted. If you’re a one-piece girl, this one and this one are two of my favorites! They are both so flattering and elevate any beach look.
10. Sunglasses
The one item you absolutely do not want to forget to pack for your beach vacation is your sunglasses. These aviators from Aire are a fan favorite and look luxury for a fraction of the price. You can also never go wrong with a fun oversized pair like these.
11. Day/Beach Bag
When going on beach vacations, I always like to bring a bag that can be used during the day but can also be utilized as a beach bag. This straw tote checks off all of the boxes: spacious for traveling, can be used as a beach tote, is elevated looking. I also recently picked up this tote and it would also be a great for the beach!
12. Evening Bag
Ok hear me out: when you go on vacation you need both a day and nighttime bag. A tote is always your most practical daytime bag, but can be a pain at night. This shoulder bag is perfect for going out at night! Not too big and not too small, but can still hold all of the essentials.
Beach Vacation Essentials
No summer vacation is complete without a trip to the beach! To make sure you’re well prepared and don’t forget anything, here is my full list of beach vacation essentials (no matter where you’re vacationing).
Beach Tote
A good tote is a must-have for a day at the beach. When I’m traveling, I always make sure to use a tote bag as my carry on that can double as a beach bag. As of late, I’ve been loving this one from J.Crew. It’s great for every day wear and is big enough to hold all of the things for your beach day!
If you’re more of a traditional beach bag type of gal, this straw tote and this mesh tote are both great options.
Beach Chair
I am such a beach chair snob. If I’m going to be sitting around at the beach for hours on end, I want to have a chair that is going to make my life easier. That’s where this one comes in and I love it so much, I am now considering it a beach essential. It has an adjustable foot rest, it has a cup holder, it has a pocket on the arm for your phone, and it’s easy to carry thanks to the built-in backpack straps. Thank me later!!
Sunscreen
When making your packing list for your beach vacation, sunscreen should be the first thing on it! For body sunscreen, I swear by this sunscreen. It’s lightweight but keeps my skin protected. For my face, I rotate between this Supergoop! one and this solar stick. As part of my skincare routine, I use this moisturizer that has SPF 30.
Sun Hat
Don’t forget a sun hat! For those hot days at the beach, a sun hat will keep your scalp and face protected from the sun. They also do such a good job keeping the sun out of your face (way better than a pair of sunglasses in my opinion!) so you can see who you’re talking to. This straw hat is trendy and chic aka a must-have for my beach vacations. If you’re more of a baseball hat gal, this one is my favorite.
Book or e-Reader
If you’re a reader, a book or a Kindle is a must-have for a beach vacation. I usually gravitate towards my Kindle so I can pack more books without taking up space!
Towel
While a lot of hotels and Airbnbs usually have beach towels stocked for you to use, it’s never a bad idea to pack your own. Especially if you have one you love! I always pack this one (I have multiple!) but if you want a multi-functional one, this one folds up into a tote.
Packable Side Table
This is a very niche beach must-have, but if you’re driving to your destination, don’t forget to pack a packable side table! They make lunch and dinner at the beach so easy.
Speaker
I am always listening to something, which makes a speaker a must-have for the beach! I love that this one is built into a cooler, another dual function product that makes beach days more enjoyable.<
