The Perfect Beach Day Packing List

A day at the beach is often fun for the kids, but a shlep for you. Here’s how to make it effortless.

Updated for 2024. When we go to the beach, we do it right. Our goal is for kids and adults alike to be happy, entertained, and comfortable to spend at least a few hours there. Carrying all of the equipment (and oftentimes a kid or 2) can be very difficult and can sometimes make you feel like the whole thing is not worthwhile. This All Terrain Cart (we own the Tommy Bahama brand; seems to be out of stock) makes it a breeze. Every single item fits inside and the wheels really work on the sand. It is hands-down our best beach purchase we made. We leave everything in the list below in our trunk for the season (besides for the food items of course).

What to Bring to the Beach:

• 2 beach chairs (The Tommy Bahama chair is our favorite, see why below)
  
• 2 boogie boards
  
• Lifejacket for the little ones
  
• Sunscreen
  
• Sand toys
  
• Water bottles (Contigo is our fav, see why below)
  
• Beach Blanket
  
• Healthier snacks (fruit, apple sauce pouches, pretzels). The kids will eat anything when they are starving at the beach.
  
• Baby Powder – buy off-brand since you’ll be using lots. Baby powder is THE magic end of beach trip tool. It gets ALL the sand off (and I mean all). Once in the parking lot and near your car, apply baby powder liberally to feet, legs, arms (basically everywhere) and wipe off with DRY towel (I keep a dry hand towel in the car specifically for this). 95% of sand will come off effortlessly. Do NOT try to get sand off with water (unless the beach is equipped with a beach shower). Small amounts of water will just get the sand to stick to your body.

• Book or Magazine for Mom. If your children are little, they will need constant supervision. But if they’re building sandcastles nicely next to you, mom will want some reading material. Yes, you’re there for the kids to have fun, but it doesn’t mean you can’t unwind for at least a few moments. Bring along something for you so you don’t get stuck on your phone — because that is really not relaxing.

See Deena Friedman’s summer items that simply make sense here.