Pack These Beach Essentials for a Relaxing Spring Break

Spring break is just around the corner, bringing with it the promise of getaways, outdoor escapades, and sun-filled adventures. As a top spring break destination, the beach offers the ultimate setting to relax, soak up the sun, and leave the stresses of everyday life behind. If you’re escaping to warmer waters and sandy shores in the coming months, you’re likely thinking about what to pack and how to prepare accordingly. To make your beach vacation planning an absolute breeze, we’re packing for you! We’ve curated an essential packing list, featuring must-haves like UPF sun hats, versatile swim shoes, and skin-friendly SPF. While you’re stocking up on beach reads, trendy sunglasses, and swimsuits, be sure to save room for these game-changing products so you can enjoy reveling in the sun, sand, and serenity.

_{Prices are accurate as of March 6, 2025. Subject to change.}

Sunday Afternoons Adventure Hat

Not all sun hats are created equal, with most not offering much actual sun protection. When it comes to safeguarding your skin from burns, premature aging, and skin cancer, a full-coverage, protective hat like this one from Sunday Afternoon is an absolute essential. After a skin cancer scare a few years ago, I bought this UPF 50+ hat, and it’s become a mainstay accessory everywhere I go, from vacays to afternoon strolls. It’s super-breathable and moisture-wicking, with an adjustable sizing band, a large 4-inch brim, and a protective neck cape. I thought this sizable hat might conflict with my beach style and field of vision, but it’s a surprisingly adaptable, versatile piece you’ll be wearing all season long.

Yeti M30 Soft Cooler Bag

A bulky, hard-shell cooler isn’t easy to wheel, let alone carry, around on the beach. Instead, I’m all for toting a soft-sided cooler to your destination. Yeti’s Hopper series soft totes have become my go-to food-and-drink storage solution for the beach. Depending on your specific cargo and provisions, choose between the smaller 12 Soft Cooler or the more substantial, packing-for-plenty M30, which can fit up to 42 cans or 32 pounds of ice. It can withstand rough-and-tumble beach trips, sporting events, and backyard barbecues without displaying any signs of wear and tear thanks to its puncture and UV-resistant material and reinforced stitching. The solid waterproof zipper ensures I don’t have to deal with annoying leaks or spillage along the way. 

Native Jefferson Slip-On

You rarely find waterproof swim shoes that double as everyday footwear, but there aren’t many brands like Native. I bought my first pair of Native shoes a few years ago when I started seeing these water-friendly, perforated slip-ons everywhere I turned. They’re comfortable, lightweight, and easy to clean, and the perforations provide excellent water and sand drainage. Wear them swimming or paddleboarding without worrying about lugging around sandy, watery shoes all day. What really impressed me, though, was how easily they transitioned from the beach into everyday life. They’re just as comfortable running errands as they are walking in water, and now I rock multiple pairs on the regular. 

Bogg Bag

For years, I toted around bulky beach bags that were nearly ruined by the end of my sandy getaways. So when a friend introduced me to the best-selling Bogg Bag, I was immediately hooked. It’s lightweight but durable, made from waterproof rubber that withstands the havoc-reeking elements you’re guaranteed to encounter at the beach, pools, and other outdoor adventures. Bogg Bags come in various colors and sizes, but for the beach, I prefer the XL to hold an abundance of snacks, towels, beach reads, and other necessities for multiple people. The tote is designed to be tip-proof and the comfortable shoulder straps make it easy to transport on sand-filled treks. At the end of the day, just hose the bag off and it’ll be as good as the day you bought it. 

Solar Power Bank

I like to laze about on the beach, reading my Kindle, listening to music, and scrolling through social media, but I struggle to keep my devices charged all day. That’s why I carry a portable, solar-powered power bank that allows me to use and abuse my devices without worrying about them dying. This waterproof-and-dustproof solar power bank can withstand the harsh beach elements, and charge multiple USB devices, which is why it’s the only one I’ll pack for the unpredictable day ahead.

JBL Go 4 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

The beach isn’t the same without some symphonic entertainment, which is why I always bring a waterproof speaker like the JBL Go 4. It’s a top choice for beachy tunes, offering crisp sound and a compact design that won’t hog room in your beach bag. I pack this speaker whenever I hit the sand (don’t worry, it’s dustproof, too) and let my playlists work their magic for up to five hours of solid-sound entertainment. 

Naked Sundays CabanaClear SPF 50 Water Gel Serum

Too many sunscreens enlist yucky chemicals and ingredients that can harm your skin, the environment, and even your health. That’s why I opt for this sunscreen from Australian brand Naked Sundays. It not only provides full-spectrum protection but leaves out potentially harmful chemicals, silicones, parabens, dyes, and sulfates. The cruelty-free brand has a host of products to choose from, but my favorite is the CabanaClear SPF 50 Water Gel Serum. Far from the cakey, white cast, fragrant sunscreens I’ve used in the past, this one is hydrating, fragrance-free, and glides on smooth, immediately absorbing into your skin. The satin-like finish looks great on its own or layered with makeup. It’s great for all skin types and tones, boasting beauty-enhancing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.

UPF 50+ Swim Cover Up Jacket

SPF is a great way to keep your skin protected, and UPF clothing is another effective defense against the sun’s harsh rays. Designed to prevent UV radiation from penetrating fabric, UPF clothing creates a safer beach experience for those who want to soak up the sun. It can run quite pricey and isn’t always the most fashion-forward, which is why I stocked up on this easy-to-style UPF 50+ swim cover-up. The zip jacket is lightweight and breathable with moisture-wicking fabric that stays cool even in the most sweltering destinations. It’s a wearable piece that’s versatile and practical enough to layer over a swimsuit even if you’re headed into beachside bars or restaurants. 

Sand-Proof Extra Large Beach Mat

Let’s be real: sand is a buzzkill. It gets into everything from your food, books, and cell phone, and sticks with you long after you’ve escaped the beach. That’s why I bought an oversized water-and-sand-resistant beach towel that keeps me from marinating in sand and offers a plush, spacious place for the whole family to enjoy. My beach bag can run a bit crowded with five (or more!) people’s belongings stashed in the interior, so I appreciate how easily this blanket tucks away into its compression pack, shrinking down to a 5×10-inch piece. You also don’t have to worry about a breeze sending your blanket down the beach with the included stakes and anchor points. 

Stasher Premium Silicone Reusable Food Storage Bags

Staying organized on the beach is no easy task. Oftentimes you’re left digging for your phone, wallet, and sunscreen amidst all the chaos. This is why I stocked up on a collection of Stasher bags to keep everything organized in my cooler and beach bag. Though the bags, which were famously featured on Shark Tank, are often associated with food storage, I utilize the leak-protected silicone bags to keep all my belongings organized and mess-free. You can stand them up so your valuables won’t be topsy-turvy, crashing into the sand and sea.

Featured image credit: Urilux/ iStock