17 Beach Vacation Must-Haves To Make Your Next Beach Road Trip A Success
Are you ready to make a splash this summer? Whether you're soaking up the sun in Siesta Key or lounging at Laguna Beach, you're going to want to be prepared. We've compiled an ultimate beach road trip packing list to help make your epic road trip the best it can be.
Keeping Your Car Clean
The worst part of a road trip is how dirty the inside of your car gets. And since this is a beach road trip, you can expect things to get extra messy! Don't worry, we've got some tips and tricks to help you keep your car clean.
1. Cordless Vacuum
Sand will find a way into your car. It's inevitable. This cordless vacuum makes cleaning it up a breeze! It comes with multiple attachments, too, so you can get into all of those nooks and crannies of your car. It takes less than two hours to charge, and its sleek design makes it easy to keep in your trunk. This is one of those items you'll wish you had bought sooner!
2. Car Trash Can
Even if you're not going on a long road trip, a trash can for your car is a good idea. This trash can by HOTOR hooks onto the headrest so it's easily accessible for everyone. Its waterproof interior makes clean-up extremely easy, and it comes in several colors and patterns, too!
3. Backseat Organizer
If you're traveling with kids, this backseat organizer will be very useful! There are plenty of pockets for storing everything and kids will be able to reach it easily. What I love most about this organizer is that it has a place for a tablet, and the touch screen still works!
Shop Backseat Organizers On Amazon
Beach Must-Haves
Sure, you can head to the beach with nothing more than a swimsuit and some sunscreen, but you will quickly realize you'll need more. There's a fine line between being comfortable and dragging your entire life through the sand to get to your spot, so don't go overboard here. But adding a few of these to your beach road trip packing list will make your beach days much more comfortable.
4. Beach Towel
Sand Cloud beach towels are becoming more popular, and it’s easy to see why. They are made from 100% Turkish organic cotton and are super soft and quick drying. These towels are sand-resistant and come in several colorful patterns, so everyone can find a pattern they love.
Shop Beach Towels On Sand Cloud
5. Backpack Cooler
Gone are the days of dragging a cooler through the sand. Finally! This spit pack has a removable cooler insert that’ll keep your snacks nice and cold, and it’s spacious enough to hold 12 cans at a time. The cooler can also hold up to six pounds of ice in its leakproof design, and the removable design makes cleaning the cooler a breeze.
6. Polarized sunglasses
If you haven’t made the switch to polarized sunglasses, this is your sign. Polarized glasses are designed to reduce glare and eye strain, and Quay offers several styles for both men and women. They might be more of an investment, but they’re worth it!
Shop Polarized Sunglasses On Quay
7. Sunscreen For Everyone
Even if you’re not going to the beach, sunscreen is always a good idea. But if you are going to the beach, this is a must. We love Sun Bum. The smell always reminds us of previous summers, and it always does the job. Don’t forget to reapply!
8. Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
Blue Lizard is an Australian company that’s doing their part in preserving the delicate coral reefs by not including any oxybenzone or octinoxate in their products. OnlyInYourState Writer Lisa swears by this sunscreen: "Not tested on animals, gentle on my super-sensitive skin, and the bottle turns blue if exposed to harmful sun rays so you get a reminder to use it: what more could you ask for?”
9. Beach Tent
Having a shady spot is a must for beach bumming. This beach tent comes in a few different sizes and is perfect for families with kids. There are pockets that you can fill with sand to hold the tent in place, and it even zips completely up to give you privacy for changing.
10. Sun Visor
Girls with long hair, this one is for you. This sun visor is perfect for folks who want to keep the sun out of their face while still rocking a high pony. It rolls up easily and takes up minimal space, and I love how wide the brim is.
11. Reusable Water Balloons
This is one of those inventions that makes you think, "Why didn't I think of that?"
These reusable water balloons are made from silicone and are quick and easy to refill--just open them up and dunk! The magnets will snap both sides together, and break open on impact. They're soft, so they won't hurt anyone, and a much more environmentally friendly option than old-school water balloons.
Shop Reusable Water Balloons On Amazon
12. Waterproof Phone Pouch
I love these. Even though my iPhone is technically waterproof, I like to be extra careful. I always pack mine with me wherever I go and they have come in handy whether I'm lounging on a beach in Destin, Florida or if I'm soaking in a geothermal spa in Iceland. The touchscreen still works when the phone is in its case, and you can still take plenty of photos and videos without worrying about water damage.
Shop Waterproof Phone Pouches On Amazon
13. Sandproof Beach Blanket
This might just be the beach blanket to end all beach blankets! Made from 100% Nylon, this large beach blanket clocks in at 7’x7’, which means there’s plenty of space for everyone. There are six metal stakes to secure it, plus sand pockets to use as an extra anchor. It’s sand-proof and water-resistant and will look as good as new after a brief shake.
14. Beach Tote
A mesh tote bag for the beach will save you a lot of time. Not only will you be able to see everything inside, but sand can easily escape so you won't be tracking it back into the car. This bag comes in several color options and is affordable enough so that everyone can pick their own color!
15. Sand & Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Want some tunes on the beach? This waterproof (and sand-proof) speaker is just what you need. It holds a charge for up to 10 hours and has good sound quality. I love the carabiner-style speakers. You can hang it from your tent, chair, or umbrella without having to worry about losing it in the sand.
Shop Bluetooth Speakers On Amazon
16. Hydro Paddle & Pickleball Set
Pickleball has entered the chat.
America's favorite new game can easily be played on the beach thanks to this hydro paddle and pickleball set from SwimWays. It comes with two different balls so you can mix up your playing, and provides endless entertainment for all.
17. Beach Chair
Beach chairs have come a long way over the years. This beach chair has a backpack style for easy carrying and has several different pockets to store things including a rear cooler pouch! My favorite feature about this beach chair is that it's adjustable and can be used in a lay-flat position. Yes, please!
With this beach road trip packing list, you'll have everything covered! All you need to do now is put together a playlist with your favorite jams and you're ready to rock!
Don't forget to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Guide with even more tips and tricks to make your next road trip a success.
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