Beach Bound: The ultimate beach vacation packing list 2024 - Travel Meets Style (2024)

It’s hard to believe we’re already a few months into the new year and that Spring is right around the corner! Before we know it, summer will come rolling in, and we’ll all be ready to seas the day & head somewhere sunny.

Even though I live in Florida, where it’s basically the endless summer and have plenty of beaches at my disposal, there truly is no better way to vacay than at the beach. Post me up under a palm tree with a co*cktail in hand, and I’m one happy lady!

Now that I’ve convinced you to book a trip (hehe) let’s talk about what to pack for a beach vacation. In this post, I’m going to share the ULTIMATE beach vacation packing list, including packing tips to beat the heat, the best beach vacation outfits to pack (including some of my favorite beach vacation dresses), things to bring to the beach, and so much more!

Need some additional help packing? Check out these related reads!

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• Pack like a pro: 20+ must-have travel essentials for every trip
• How to use the best packing cubes for travel

Crochet beach coverup

• Check the weather.This one is obviously a no-brainer, but I thought I’d throw it out there just in case (haha). Before you start packing, I HIGHLY recommend checking your destination’s weather conditions during your travel dates. This will give you an idea of what temperatures and precipitation to expect during your visit so you can plan accordingly.

• Keep it casual. Depending on where you’re going, most beach towns and beach resorts are pretty low-key, so there’s no need to pack your prom dresses or stilettos, ladies! You will mostly live in a swimsuit and will want to pack vacation outfits that you can multipurpose and dress up or down.

• Comfort is key. I recommend packing beach outfits made of lightweight, breathable fabric like linen that you will be comfortable in all day. Denim is definitely a no bueno! It would also be in your interest to pack beach wear for women that is quick-dry and has UPF sun protection.

• Remember to pack layers. Depending on what time of year you’re visiting, it can get chilly at the beach, especially when the sun goes down. I recommend bringing a light jacket or something to throw on when the temp drops, especially if it’s a windy night. It also wouldn’t hurt to bring a rain jacket in case you run into inclement weather during your stay!

• Pack versatile beach clothing.I recommend packing mostly neutral beach clothes for women that you can dress up or down and mix and match with a few accent pieces that express your own personal style. This will not only help to increase versatility but will simplify the packing process and prevent you from overpacking!

• There’s no such thing as too much sunscreen.You’ll likely be spending most of your time outside, whether you’re lounging at the beach or exploring the town, so it’s important to havesunscreenon hand at all times. I also recommend packing a straw hat for additional protection and even some sun shirts if you have fair skin (like me).

• Utilize packing organization products. If you’ve been following me for a while, you probably know by now that packing cubes are my jam and truly help you stay organized while traveling. (Check out my post here for more info.) Some other favorite travel essentials I always make sure to pack are my travel laundry bag, Calpak toiletry bag, travel steamer, and LED travel mirror.

• Rent clothes instead of buying them.Whenever I’m headed on vacation, I always like to rent a few unique items I don’t already own to freshen up my travel wardrobe. Nuuly has been my go-to for the past year (especially for any events I have planned) and has everything from cute tops and fun skirts to vacation dresses for every occasion and so much more.

• Don’t forget your beach essentials. Most resorts will have basic beach items (like towels), but I recommend bringing a few of your own, like a beach bag, waterproof phone pouch, refillable water bottle, Bluetooth speaker, and Kindle or books. Make sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post for other things to take to the beach for the perfect beach day!

Pink Amazon beach coverup

• Swimsuits. You’re basically going to be living in swimsuits on your beach vacation, so if there’s one thing to overpack, this is it! I usually pack a mix of one piece swimsuits and bikinis in neutral and bright colors. Some of my favorite places to shop for swimsuits for women are Summersalt, Aerie, and Amazon.

• Cover-ups. I usually like beach cover ups that are oversized and flowy and also offer some sun protection. Your girl is pale, so I must take all the preventive measures (haha)! On the flip side, I’m loving all of the crochet bathing suit cover upson trend right now too! Most of the womens beach cover ups I wear are from Amazon!

• Dresses. Comfort is my top priority on vacation, so I typically pack beach dresses for women that are easy & breezy and can be dressed up or down. If I can wear it as a swimsuit cover up to the beach AND wear it with heels to dinner, that is a huge win! Maxi dresses are some of my favorite beach sundresses, and you can never go wrong with a little white dress.

• Rompers and jumpsuits. are by far my favorite vacation clothes for women. I love that you can throw on a romper or jumpsuit over your swimsuit for the beach, wear it with sneakers during the day while exploring, or dress it up with heels for a night out on the town.

• Two piece sets. are another of my favorite beach outfits because you can easily mix and match them! I particularly love these linen sets from Amazon that are so versatile and can be worn for multiple occasions with a simple switch of accessories. Not sure how to mix and match outfits? Check out some of my how-to posts here!

• Tops. You’ll likely find me in a beach dress on vacation, but I always pack a few other casual beach outfits, including graphic tees and a women’s button-down shirt, just in case. Pink Lily is always my go-to place for cute graphic tees and graphic sweatshirts.

• Bottoms. I usually pack a pair of linen shorts and linen pants to throw on over a swimsuit, and I will bring an emergency pair of denim shorts in case I feel like going casual one day. As mentioned, I would avoid denim if you can, as it’s not breathable and takes FOREVER to dry!

• Activewear. I like to bring a couple of workout sets to wear for our morning coffee runs or any excursions we do. I’m also really loving all of the tennis dresses that are out right now. If you need help finding cute workout clothes, Athleta, Abercrombie, and Alo are my go-to.

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Crochet vacation outfits women

beach reads // bluetooth speaker // Quay sunglasses // Hydro Flask water bottle // beach bag // flip flops // cosmetic bags // Supergoop sunscreen // Sun Bum chapstick // floating koozie // pool float // beach towel // beach umbrella // beach chair // waterproof phone pouch // straw hat // cooler // yeti cup