3 day beach vacation packing list

Getting ready for a long weekend at the beach? I’ve got just the thing to make packing for your beach vacation a breeze. There’s no need to stress, just get out your suitcase, read through this list, and complete the job in less than 15 minutes. See, aren’t you relaxed already?

The nice thing about packing for a beach getaway is that you really don’t need to pack too much. No heavy coats, no bulky boots, just light and bright. So take that 15 minutes and pack these 15 items and you’ll be on your way in no time.

PACK LIGHT AND PACK BRIGHT

Two rules to follow when packing for a 3-day beach vacation are to pack light and pack bright.

When it comes to packing light, this list of 15 essentials (excluding your beauty products and undergarments) will get you through all but the fanciest of social situations, from brunch to beach and shopping to a night on the town. The list is universal to any beach destination, should be easy to find in your closet, and will fit into a small travel bag. No need to lug around your 25” rolling suitcase.

THE BASICS: BEACH PACKING CHECKLIST 

Even if you plan to lounge on the beach and do nothing else, there are some basic items you want to include in your beach packing list. 

• Sunscreen 
• Sunglasses 
• Bathing suit 
• A good book 
• Sandals 
• Tank tops 
• Shorts 
• Hat 
• Cell phone and portable charger 
• Underwear 
• Pajamas 
• Toothbrush 
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo 
• Conditioner 
• Soap 

If you plan to sightsee or do anything else, your beach vacation checklist is probably more extensive. You may include walking shoes and socks, additional toiletries like makeup, and more lightweight clothing you can layer in case it’s cool in the evenings. 

Other fun things to take to the beach include: 

• Frisbees and beach balls to start a friendly game
• Goggles 
• Snorkel
• Towel 
• Sarong
• Beach umbrella

TRAVEL HEALTH 

Even when packing for a beach trip, don’t forget prescription medications and other items to stay healthy. You don’t want to ruin your vacation by getting sick. Take precautions keeping hand sanitizer within reach (and use it even after washing your hands), and pack a small first aid kit with band-aids.

If you travel internationally, check the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for the necessary travel vaccines, medication, and other travel advice. You may also need additional personal healthcare items like glasses, contacts, or allergy pills. A little research pays off, so stay informed and always be prepared if you’re traveling far from home or your college campus. 

PERSONAL ITEMS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Even if you plan to check a bag, make sure necessary travel documents are always accessible and stored in your personal item. You should have photo identification, passports, (birth certificates for minors in your group), insurance cards, credit cards, and boarding passes with you at all times, perhaps in a  money belt.

If you have frequent flyer cards, a student ID (or anything else that might get you a discount), or maps and travel guides, bring those, too. 

Also, keep an extra outfit and some essential toiletries with you in your carry-on backpack in  case your checked bag gets lost or delayed. It’s a good idea to pack a light jacket, an eye mask, or earplugs to keep you comfortable on long journeys—and be sure you’ve packed your headphones or you’ll regret it. 

For entertainment purposes, you should consider packing the following items: 

• Portable speaker
• Laptop or tablet 
• Headphones 
• Camera
• Electrical converters or travel adapters 
• Journal and pen 
• Book 
• Chapstick 
• Water bottle and bottle sling
• Insulated tote bag or cooler

Most people hit the beach for 3-7 days when they get to go. Sometimes it’s a weekend trip or sometimes you’re lucky enough to rent a house for an entire week. Instead of dreading that last-minute packing frenzy, here is our SB Beach Vacation Packing List, which allows you to be done packing a full day in advance, all in one suitcase. Impossible? No, ma’am, it’s not!

The key to a beach vacation packing list is to include multi-purpose items and resist the urge to overpack!

If you plan your wardrobe out in advance, you are far less likely to overpack or forget a key wardrobe item behind. Preferably, try on the items you would like to pack two weeks in advance. If it’s for Spring Break, just consider this your seasonal “what fits” time that we all have to go through. Try on your white jeans, white tees,  dresses, skirts, bathing suit and coverups. Look them over carefully and make sure that white tee doesn’t need to be replaced (it likely does!).

If you need to purchase anything, you’ve got two weeks. If you are down to only three days out … far better than three hours out!

Before we go into actual outfits, remember these travel necessities, but also know a drugstore is never far away:

• Travel size toiletries
• Stain remover wipes
• Feminine hygiene needs
• Cosmetics/skincare
• Medicines if needed
• Download, borrow or buy a good beach book
• Consider leaving sunscreen and magazine purchases for the beach

Two days before your trip, we got a packing list from Tina Adams Wardrobe Consulting:

• Stick to mostly neutrals. You can add a pop of color with jewelry or a pashmina.
• Use versatile pieces that serve double duty, like a tunic that is a coverup by day and a going-out top with white jeans by night.
• Leave high maintenance pieces at home, like silk tops that need to be ironed.
• And here’s a biggie: no more than 3 pairs of shoes. They are heavy and take up way too much space in your suitcase.