What to Pack for Your Beach Vacation

Nothing says relaxation like a beach vacation. 🌊☀️🐚🏝 But you know what definitely doesn’t say relaxation? Packing! Lucky for you, we’re here to provide you with all the knowledge you need on travel essentials. Whether you're flying off to a tropical island 🌴🌺 or road-tripping to the coast, a beach vacation should feel easy and breezy - and that starts with smart packing. But let’s be real: knowing what to bring (and what to leave behind) can get overwhelming fast. That’s where this guide comes in. With the right outfit options, beach essentials, and skincare musts, you can look and feel amazing without overstuffing your suitcase. In today’s article, you’ll find stylish and practical tips to help you pack with purpose. From swimsuits and cover-ups to sun protection and haircare, we’ll show you everything you need for a confident, stress-free beach escape. 🏖 Here’s what you’ll find in this guide: Vacation outfits for your beach getaway Best shoes and accessories for your beach vacation Skincare and haircare products for tropical destinations Final checklists to make packing a breeze Vacation Outfits for your beach getaway Let’s be honest - half the fun of a beach vacation is the outfits. Whether you’re lounging poolside, exploring the town, or heading to dinner with an ocean view, you want to feel confident, comfortable, and totally you. That’s why we’re breaking down all the must-have vacation looks that are easy to pack, easy to wear, and guaranteed to turn heads. Best swimsuits to pack for your trip Packing for a beach vacation obvi has to start with some cute swimsuits! 👙🩱 Maybe we’re a little biased, but APD swimsuits are the best swimsuits around. With bold prints and fun colors, you’re sure to make a statement wherever you go. Plus, they double as a bodysuit! Go straight from the beach to dinner. Can you say convenient? Now you just have to pick which style is your fav! Or why not try them all. 😉 Multipurpose Beach Cover-Ups That Go from Sand to Street Beach cover-ups? We’ve got you covered… literally. Our kimono shawls make the perfect beach cover-up. Super chic and so easy to transition from beach to any other activity. Wearing it with one of our swimsuits? Perfect! Just throw on a pair of shorts or a skirt with some heels, sandals, or sneakers (whatever your vibe is) and you’re ready to go! If you really wanna dress things up, opt for a black mini dress to go underneath. Try one of our bold-colored silk chiffon shawls to stand out from the crowd. Super flowy, lightweight, and comfortable. Plus, check out the adorable pom-pom detailing and bow-tie closure! Sooo cute. 💖 Want multiple options but need to pack light? Try out our reversible kimono shawl! It comes in a custom print that’s exclusive to APD. Wear it on the printed side or on the reverse side in a solid white or pink lining. Want to make sure no one can steal your outfit? The pink-lined shawl is a one-of-a-kind piece. You’re sure to be the talk of the town! ⬜️⬛️ Beach Vacation Dinner Outfits A beach vacation has to include cute dinners with chic outfits to match. 🍽🍹 Need to pack light? Try out one of our day-to-night looks mentioned above or keep reading for some of our favorite beach vacation dinner outfits! If you want something a bit more elevated but still super beachy, try our best-selling tiered sundress! It’s flowy, flirty, and it has pockets!! With adjustable bow straps in a fun pop of color, you're sure to be the best dressed. Did we mention it’s 100% cotton? It really doesn’t get better than this. We love a matching set moment, and nothing says beach vacation like linen. This APD linen ruffle set is super flattering, comfy, and comes in multiple colorways! The ruffle details add such a fun element to this 100% linen look. How about some beach to dinner dresses? These APD tank dresses are perfect for an easy beach to dinner look! They’re made out of cotton terry which is perfect for warm beach days. They come in multiple colorways and are super easy to dress up. Throw on some heels or a chic pair of sandals, and you’re ready for dinner! Best Shoes and Accessories for Your Beach Vacation No outfit is complete without matching shoes and accessories! Even if barefoot is more your style at the beach, you at least need some cute sandals to complete your outfit! 🩴👡 Comfortable Flip-flops and Sandals Footwear, especially on a beach vacation, needs to be both comfortable and stylish! When it comes to a beach vacation, comfortable footwear is key. Flip-flops are a no-brainer for sandy strolls, but we love having a pair that's chic and elevated too! This pair of flip flops is super stylish and perfect for the beach or evenings out! These will easily take you from beach lounging to sunset cocktails without missing a beat. Looking for something a bit more casual and convenient? You can’t go wrong with classic birkenstocks! These ones are rubber and water-proof, making them the perfect shoes for a beach vacation! Plus, they’re super comfortable if you plan on doing a lot of walking. Beach Bags and Accessories You’ve got the outfits, you’ve got the shoes — now it’s time to grab the extras that make a beach day truly effortless. The right bag and accessories can take your beach game to the next level, keeping you stylish, organized, and totally stress-free. We’re absolutely obsessed with The Wellington Cabana Tote from State! 😍 We love its unique wide strap design. This best-selling bag is chic on and off the beach, plus it’s water-resistant and super spacious! ☀️ Don’t want your sunscreen, hair ties, and other essentials getting lost in your beach tote? Keep them safely together in an APD incidental bag. They’re super lightweight, water-resistant, come in a wide variety of prints, and are perfect to throw in your beach bag! Windy and sandy beach days call for pulling your hair back! Our no-waste scrunchies are the perfect thing to keep you comfortable and stylish, on or off the beach. They come in tons of different fun prints and are super sustainable! Protecting yourself from the sun doesn’t mean sacrificing style. A wide-brimmed straw hat is a must-have - it instantly elevates your look and gives your skin some much-needed shade. You can also pack a trendy bucket hat for a fun twist. 👒 Skincare and Haircare for Tropical Destinations A beach vacation is all about soaking up the sun - but protecting your skin and hair is just as important as looking cute. Tropical weather can be tough if you’re not prepared! Don’t worry, we’ve got all the must-haves you’ll need to stay fresh, hydrated, and selfie-ready. Travel-Friendly Sunscreen and After-Sun Care The chicest sunscreen is undoubtedly the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen. 🧴 If it’s Gwyneth approved, then it’s obvi the #1 choice! Plus, it comes in a convenient travel size. A good moisturizer is absolutely necessary after spending the day in the sun - even if you loaded up on sunscreen. This peptide glaze from Rhode is a super lightweight serum that will have your skin feeling hydrated and looking glowyyy. ✨ Feeling the after effects of too much sun? Didn’t protect your skin properly? Not to worry, sometimes the sun is stronger than we think! But we have the solution. Meet aloe vera, your new bestie! You can find this natural cooling gel at pretty much any convenience store or market. Just one of nature's many gifts. Hair Products to Pack for the Beach This Sun Bum scalp & hair mist will keep your scalp and hair protected on those extra sunny beach days! It's SPF 30, water-resistant, and TSA approved! Plus, all Sun Bum products have the best scent. 🌞 This Ouai leave-in-conditioner will make sure you have the best kind of beach hair. No need to go back to the hotel to fix up before dinner! You’ll be ready for anything. Final Checklists to Make Packing for the Beach a Breeze Now that you know what to pack, it’s time to make sure you don’t forget a thing! To help you stay organized and stress-free, we’ve put together easy checklists you can screenshot, save, or even print. ✅ Because honestly, no one wants to be the person who forgot their sunglasses. Packing List for the Entire Beach Vacation Need some more beach essential recs? Check out: SUMMER MUST-HAVES FOR THE CHIC BEACHGOER Here’s your master packing list for a stylish, carefree beach trip: Swimsuits (at least two - you’ll thank us later) Beach cover-ups (bonus points for multipurpose pieces!) Casual day outfits (think easy-breezy) Dinner outfits (hello, sundresses and matching sets) Flip-flops and/or comfy sandals Sun hat or bucket hat Sunglasses with UV protection Lightweight jacket or sweater for breezy nights Reef-safe sunscreen After-sun aloe gel Lightweight moisturizer Facial mist Leave-in conditioner Detangling spray Mini hair oil (optional but luxurious!) Beach tote bag Reusable water bottle Portable phone charger Waterproof pouches for electronics Travel-size skincare essentials Minimal makeup (if any - you’re already glowing!) What to Pack in Your Beach Bag Once You’re There Once you hit the sand, here’s what you’ll want in your beach tote: Tote bag (lightweight, roomy, and preferably waterproof) Beach towel (preferably quick-dry) Wet/dry pouch (for swimsuits, valuables, or toiletries) Sunscreen (don’t leave it at the hotel!) Sunglasses Sun hat Reusable water bottle Light snacks (fruit, granola bars, etc.) Lip balm with SPF Hair tie or scrunchie Portable phone charger Book, Kindle, or magazine for chill time Need some extra help packing? DOWNLOAD OUR ULTIMATE TRAVEL PACKING LIST! Pack Light, Travel Bright Packing for a beach vacation doesn’t have to be stressful - in fact, with the right plan, it can be part of the fun. When you pack with purpose, you pack less, stay organized, and spend more time doing what you came to do: relax, explore, and soak up the sun. 🌴🌞🌊 Bookmark this guide or save our packing checklists - they’ll come in handy every time you plan a new getaway. Whether you're heading off for a long weekend or a full tropical escape, this list will keep you confident, stylish, and totally prepared. Need more travel help? Refer to these blogs below! 10-Day Travel Packing List Travel Essentials Lists and Tips: Advice on Packing, Getting Rest, & The Best Travel Themed Gifts What to Pack in a Carry-On Bag for your Work Trip, Resort Vacation, or City Tour Keep an eye out for our next blog, releasing on Friday, July 4th! In the meantime, stay up to date with us on social media and sign up for our mailing list!