What I Am Actually Packing for a Beach Trip

I have done enough beach trips now to know the difference between what I think I am going to wear and what I actually end up reaching for. This is the realistic version of a beach packing list, from someone who has made every mistake and is now very strategic about it.

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The Swimsuits: Two, Not Eight

I used to pack five swimsuits for a four day trip and wear two of them. Now I pack two: one that is comfortable for swimming and one that I feel cute in for photos or a poolside situation. The one-piece swimsuits on Amazon have some really beautiful and flattering options, and I always make sure one of my picks has good support.

The Coverups That Actually Work

I bring one sarong coverup and one linen shirt. Those two things cover literally every situation. Sarong for the beach, linen shirt for walking to lunch. The sarong coverups on Amazon pack into nothing and come in beautiful prints.

Two Outfits for Evening

One casual dinner outfit and one slightly more elevated option. A midi dress handles almost every evening situation. Pack one with flat sandals and one with a wedge or heel and you are covered regardless of where you end up going.

The Beach Bag Situation

A large straw or canvas tote that holds everything you need for a beach day: sunscreen, a book, a water bottle, your phone, a light wrap. The large beach tote bags on Amazon are perfect for this and usually under thirty dollars.

The Shoe Edit for a Beach Trip

Flat sandals that you can walk in, a pair of flip flops for the beach itself, and one slightly elevated sandal for evening. Three pairs. That is enough. The flat sandals on Amazon are great and easy to pack.

The Accessories That Pull It Together

A wide brim sun hat, a good pair of sunglasses, and a simple gold necklace. That is all you need. Everything else is optional.

What is always on your beach packing list? Drop it in the comments, I love seeing what other people swear by.

xo, Pam