Let me tell you a little story. It starts with two sticky toddlers, a beach bag full of regrets, and me—sweating in a panic at some random tourist shop paying $50 for a bathing suit that we forgot at home……again. But hey, one outta two ain’t bad!?
As I was saying; Toddlers. Stick. Regrets. Beach Bags. And yup, you guessed it…. more stick!
O.k., am I special or does this sound even slightly familiar to you???
Because if you’ve ever rolled up to the beach with cranky kids, way too many bags, and the sinking feeling you forgot literally everything, then this post is for you.
I’ve learned the hard way (is there any other way?) what is worth packing, but most importantly in my eyes, what’s just a GIANT waste of money – and trunk space.
Welcome to the Vacation Packing List Beach guide for bad-ass broke moms. The tired ones. The smart ones. The ones who know that saving $5 here and $20 there means more ice cream stops and fewer “put it on my credit card” moments!
Why You NEED a Beach Vacation Packing List
Let’s be real: beach days are far from relaxing. At least, not when you’re the one in charge of snacks, sunscreen, and making sure nobody eats a fistful of sand. It’s less like a vacation and more like a full-on field trip with sand and no shade.
But here’s the deal: the right Vacation Packing List(beach edition!) can totally save your trip—and your wallet.
Because without a plan, you’ll end up rebuying everything you already own but forgot to pack. Think goggles that somehow vanish between the car and the sand. Towels no one grabbed because “I thought YOU packed them.” And that tiny tube of sunscreen they keep behind the counter at the beach shop like its rare perfume—$18 for SPF 30?
……….ummmm, yeah – thanks, but no thanks.
A solid Vacation Packing List Beach checklist means less spending, less stress, and way more time enjoying the day with your kids—not silently wondering if it’s illegal to fake your own disappearance until sunset.
OK! So, lets do it. Make a plan, pack smart, and avoid the kind of chaos that ends with you ends with you paying $15 for a plastic shovel. You’ll thank me later (if you’re not already thanking me now!).
What Broke Moms DO Pack
Let’s talk about the kind of Smart Stuff That Saves Money.
The Must-Haves You’ll Actually Use
Here’s what’s always in my beach bag – and never ends up in the hotel lost-and-found.
Sun & Skin Essentials
- Reef-safe sunscreen (from home—don’t buy it at the resort)
- Wide-brim hat (bonus points if it hides greasy hair)
- Aloe gel or after-sun lotion
- Cheap lip balm with SPF
Kid Gear That Doesn’t Suck
- Sand toys from the dollar store
- Water shoes (trust me, even broke moms don’t skimp on toe protection)
- Rash guards (less sunscreen, fewer tears)
- Extra swimsuits—because pee happens
- Goggles (pack an extra pair unless you like drama)
Mom Survival Kit
- Reusable water bottles (fill ’em at the hotel—free!)
- Cheap sunglasses (don’t bring your $90 pair… ask me how I know)
- Portable snacks (Goldfish. ALWAYS Goldfish.)
- Baby wipes (sand, ice cream, tears—wipes fix everything)
- A book you won’t actually read but makes you feel hopeful
Beach Setup Without the Big Spend
- Folding beach mat or old bedsheet (way cheaper than fancy towels)
- Umbrella or pop-up shade (look for hand-me-downs!)
- Mesh bag (because sand gets EVERYWHERE)
- Wet bag or trash bag for soggy suits
- Travel-size baby powder (magic trick: removes sand from skin like a boss)
Repeat after me: If it fits in a Ziploc, it’s coming with me.
What Broke Moms NEVER Waste Money On
I’ve bought all the dumb stuff so you don’t have to. Here’s what’s staying at home—or never getting purchased again.
Overhyped & Overpriced
- Branded beach toys from tourist shops
- Trendy inflatables the wind WILL steal
- “Waterproof” phone cases that leak anyway
- Hotel gift shop sunglasses
- Designer flip flops (they break, every time!)
Things You Think You’ll Need but Won’t
- Beach games (your kids want to dig holes and scream)
- Makeup (LOL, it melts off anyway)
- Fancy beach towels (they take up space and cost too much)
- Beach reads longer than 5 pages (you’re parenting, not lounging)
Stick to the Vacation Packing List Beach basics, not all the “Pinterest-perfect” fluff.
The Packing Formula
Let’s break this down real simple:
For Each Person:
- 2 swimsuits
- 1 towel
- 1 change of clothes
- 1 hat
- 1 pair of water shoes or flip flops
- 1 reusable water bottle
Shared Items:
- Snacks for a small army
- Sunscreen
- Toys
- Umbrella or tent
- Wipes
- Trash bag (bonus points if it doubles as a poncho)
When in doubt, leave it out. If you might need it but probably won’t—you won’t.
FREE Printable Vacation Packing List Beach Edition
Because I love you and I’m still salty about those $23 water shoes, I made a free printable Vacation Packing List Beach edition just for you.
It includes:
- Kid & adult essentials
- Money-saving tips
- A “don’t even bother” list
[Click Here to Download your FREE Vacation Packing Beach Checklist Printable!]
Print it. Tape it to your fridge. Shove it in your suitcase. Just don’t leave home without it.
From One Broke Mom to Another
Look, you’re already winning. You planned a beach trip, packed all the things, and probably made sandwiches no one will eat. I see you.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s survival with a smile and maybe a tan. With this Vacation Packing List Beach edition, you’ll spend less money, forget fewer things, and actually enjoy the beach instead of spending it Googling “can you use hotel lotion as sunscreen.”
So pack smart, spend less, and go make some sandy memories.
If you’ve got any hilarious beach fails or budget beach hacks, drop them in the comments. I’ll bring the snacks. 😎
Tag this post on Pinterest so you don’t forget it next summer!
You got this, Mama.
