We are leaving for vacation soon and I thought it would be fun to share what to pack for the beach! Now, I’m no packing professional, and I definitely tend to overpack, but I thought it would be cool to share all my outfits I plan on bringing.
As well as the perfect beach accessories. We absolutely love a good beach vacation and we have found all these things to be the perfect addition to a great trip!
We’re going back to North Myrtle Beach this year and I cannot wait! You may remember that I shared all about the best places to eat there last year and I’m so excited to stuff my face with some seafood.
And we’re even squeezing in a little day trip to Charleston before North Myrtle Beach as well. Be sure to check out all the fun things to do in Charleston too if you haven’t yet!
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Beach Outfits
I think one of my favorite parts of what to pack for the beach is planning all the cute outfits to wear! Most of the outfits I have pictured below are from my favorite online boutique, Pink Lily.
They usually have some great seasonal sales going on, but you can always use the code “JUNE20” for 20% off anything as well!
Plus, it’s good for whatever month it is. Just replace “June” with the current month, and you got yourself a 20% coupon! You may remember when I shared all of my spring fashion ideas a few months ago, I also got most of the outfits from Pink Lily then too.
Bodysuits
I may be late to the party here, but I got my first bodysuit and I gotta say, I love it. I always held off on getting one because I thought they would be super uncomfortable.
But, I am happy to report that it is super comfy and buttery soft. Plus, I love the smoothing effect it gives you when you wear it with shorts. Like these high rise acid wash denim cutoffs I have pictured below!
I think I will definitely be getting another bodysuit in multiple colors as well! This will probably be my summer go to staple when it comes to fashion!
Shorts
I used to never be a shorts gal, but here lately I am loving all the fun printed and pull on shorts I have found. I think my favorite pair is pictured below. How cute are those cheetah print shorts?? I mean, can they be any cuter?!
I am a tad bit cheetah print obsessed (as you can also see from my mirror here), so these were a no brainer for me. I also love that they are silky soft and they have some extra room in them. They definitely aren’t too tight which is very important after binging out on all the seafood!
I paired the shorts with the black bodysuit I talked about above as well. And this cute straw hat was the perfect completing addition to the outfit in my opinion! It will also be perfect to wear out on the beach or by the pool to keep the sun off my face too.
Another cute pair of shorts I got this year for the beach are these olive pull on shorts. Again, they are super lightweight and comfy with a lot of stretch to them. So these will be perfect to wear on a very hot day.
Graphic Tees
Graphic tees are always a must and not just for a beach outfit! I am loving this cute “Somebody’s Problem” one pictured below.
In case you don’t know, that is in reference to a Morgan Wallen song. And, we are planning on going to one of his concerts later this summer so obviously I had to get it!
But, I love the simplicity of just throwing on a graphic tee with a pair of jean shorts, and you are just ready to go. Some nights, I don’t feel like getting all dressed up for dinner, so this is my go to option when that happens!
Sandals
My weakness is shoes and sandals. And I definitely pack way too many with me when going on vacation. I will try to keep this short and sweet since I can go on and on about them.
But basically, I just try to keep it simple and comfy and pack shoes that are easy to walk in.
Cropped Sweatshirts
I don’t know about you, but I always get cold at the beach at night. Especially when we are in our condo and the air conditioning is on. Or sometimes, even when we go out to eat and the restaurant is super cold inside.
So I always like to pack with me a cute, cropped sweatshirt, like the one pictured below. It’s not too thick and won’t make you burn up, but it’s just right to keep the chill away! Plus, it looks great with some high rise shorts as well!
I also love a good, graphic sweatshirt too. Like this awesome America one below. It’s not only perfect for the beach, but for any July Fourth activities you may have going on this year too. And again, it’s super lightweight and not too heavy at all!
Maxi Dresses
A what to pack for the beach essential for me is a good ol maxi dress. When I do feel like dressing up for dinner, I love to wear a maxi dress. This one I have pictured below, I have paired with a cropped denim jacket too.
Which is another one of my go to’s. Add in some cute sandals, like those pictured above, and you’re all set! Such an easy outfit, but it makes it look like you spent a lot of time planning it out.
Beach Accessories
Okay, now enough about my outfits. Another important aspect in what to pack for the beach is all the important beach accessories! Here’s a list of some of our favorite essentials below:
Portable Speakers
We always love to have music going while sitting out on the beach so these portable speakers are a must!
I have tried a few other brands of portable speakers, and I gotta say, JBL is hands down the best one we have had so far. The price is pretty great too for the quality of the speaker in my opinion.
Beach Wagon
We like to pack a lot of stuff with us when we go out onto the beach. Hence why the beach wagon is definitely one of our essentials in what to pack for the beach.
Otherwise, we can’t carry all of the stuff with us!
So even if you are staying somewhere that isn’t oceanfront, this wagon makes everything so much easier to haul. It comfortably fits our beach chairs, towels, cooler, and other accessories we bring with us to the beach.
Sunscreen
You definitely can’t go to the beach without making sure you have plenty of sunscreen with you of course! And y’all already know that I am a huge fan of TULA Sunscreen!
My favorite one is their protect and glow gel broad spectrum sunscreen. It also has UVA and UVB protection in it as well. I wear it daily under my makeup too, even when I’m not at the beach!
You can also always use my code “15CHARITY” if you’re looking to get 15% off anything at TULA!
And they even have another sunscreen to choose from, their mineral magic fluid broad spectrum sunscreen as well. Again, this one is UVA and UVB protected too!
Sunglasses
Another huge necessity in what to pack for the beach are of course, sunglasses! Especially for me since I just had LASIK Eye Surgery done in December of last year.
I am very partial to Ray-Ban’s, especially since they can be customized and polarized as well. I love the ones pictured below so much that I actually have them in two pairs: black and brown!
My eye doctor told me to be sure I always wear polarized lenses when I’m outside. So I love how these always have a “P” on the lens to let you know that they are polarized.
Plus, they have such a great collection to choose from. You really can’t go wrong with any of them!
Books
Okay, last but not least in what to pack for the beach are books for me! I don’t know about you, but I am an avid reader and I love books. I go through so many during the summer that I need a whole stockpile of them at home.
And I definitely think reading at the beach is way better than reading at home. I will share some of my favorites with you below in case you are looking for a good beach read too!
Well, I hope you enjoyed this post all about what to pack for the beach! It wasn’t my typical home decor post, but I think it’s always fun to venture out and do a few different kind of posts now and then, don’t you think?!
And, are you going on a beach vacation this year too?? If so, let me know below!
Jodie says
I love all these outfits Charity and they look so cute on you! Have a great vacation and thanks for sharing this list. 😎
Charity Gentry says
Awe thank you so much Jodie. I appreciate it
Fransic verso says
These are important things and you have some good outfit ideas. I’m sure my friend would be interested in reading this post. Thank you for sharing!
Charity Gentry says
Thank you, glad you think so too
Molly | Transatlantic Notes says
Such lovely outfits for the beach — it makes me wish I was back living near the coast! Thanks for the tips as I am sure I will get to visit the sea again!
Charity Gentry says
Thank you, I love visiting the coast for sure too!
Fadima Mooneira says
Yay!!! Summer is here! Beach season is back. I’m going to the beach this Sunday. Thank you for sharing.
Charity Gentry says
Oh yay! I hope you enjoy your trip too!
readandreviewit says
Ooh you’ve got some really great suggestions here! I absolutely love all your outfits – I still need to try a bodysuit – and I can never say no to book recommendations, haha. I love reading on the beach! Thank you so much for sharing x
Charity Gentry says
Oh my gosh me too! I read so much more when I am sitting out on the beach!
Zoe Meghan Blogs says
Thank you for sharing I am going to save this blog for when I got to the beach, you taught of everything!!
Charity Gentry says
Awe yay! I am so glad you think so too! Hope you have a great time at the beach as well!
Fritzie says
Great list! Cute tees, shorts, maxi dresses, denim jackets, and sandals are some of my must-haves too. And, of course sunscreen ALWAYS! It’s so nice that you’ll get to see Charleston and Myrtle Beach soon. I really want to visit these places someday. Have a fun-filled summer ahead! 😊🏖🍹
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much! You definitely should visit sometime if you can! So much fun!
Lucy says
These beach-style outfits are lovely! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much Lucy! I appreciate it!
Pastor Natalie (ExamineThisMoment) says
Such a lovely post. Thank you for sharing so many great suggestions for traveling. I really enjoyed reading. ☺️
Pastor Natalie (ExamineThisMoment)
Letstakeamoment.com
Charity Gentry says
Thank you, I am so glad you did too!
Susan1375 says
A very comprehensive and helpful list. I would also take a rash guard as I spend lots of time in the water.
Charity Gentry says
Yes, that’s helpful too if you plan on spending a lot of time in the water for sure
Jaya Avendel says
I am also 5 foot one, so seeing your outfit ideas made me feel like I am looking at ideas perfect for me, especially when it comes to the dress! I have also been to Myrtle Beach. It was years ago, but I remember it as being stunning. 🙂
Charity Gentry says
Awe thank you so much. Yes, Myrtle Beach is always a fun spot to visit for sure!
Olivia says
Great guide/list! I’m heading to the beach for the weekend and I’m really excited – also found this post very helpful!
xx Olivia | https://www.oliviaandbeauty.com
Charity Gentry says
Oh yay! I hope you enjoy your beach time too!
Rocking Specter says
These are great suggestions. We just returned from a European beach city, and these suggestions would work perfectly for it. Thank you for sharing.
Charity Gentry says
Oh how fun. I have never been to a European Beach before!
Lauren says
I love all your cute outfits! I like the sandals too! These are some really great suggestions. I live near the beach, so I can’t wait to go and enjoy the lovely sunshine. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren x
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much! And I am so jealous that you live near a beach! I would love to live near one!
Jenny in Neverland says
These are some really lovely outfits! I love the maxi/midi dress on you, so cute!
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much Jenny! I appreciate it
Simply Alex Jean says
Amazing ideas – I love a good maxi dress for the beach, and all the shorts you showed looked super cute! I’ve also learned to bring some sports hydration beverages to the beach and they really help to replenish on hot days where you’re moving lots!
Charity Gentry says
Thank you, I always bring a lot of that too. I love LiquidIV to keep hydrated too!
Chris says
Fun post and love the selfies! Packing for the beach tonight. Thanks for the inspiration. 😎
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you have a great beach trip too!
Jade MumLifeandMe says
I love all these outfits- you look great. I’m a huge fan of Birkenstocks and cut off shorts! Thanks for sharing.
Charity Gentry says
I am a big fan too! Thanks!
Claire Mac says
What a great list! I absolutely love the shorts you’ve picked out, especially the printed ones. They look super comfy too which is ideal for beach days! Have the best time.
Claire . X
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
Charity Gentry says
Thank you. I am all about comfy shorts in the summer too!
Izzy Matias says
I miss the beach and regret not being able to go during the summer season. Now it’s rainy season where I live, but next time I do get to go, I really need to look into getting a beach wagon. A portable speaker and a book are definitely beach essentials as well! ☺️
Charity Gentry says
Yes! Gotta have music and books! I hope you’re able to go to the beach soon!
Andrea Hunt says
This is a great, practical, straight-forward list! Super helpful tips very useful for upcoming summer vacations 🙂
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much. I appreciate it!
ellegracedeveson says
I’m loving this post! I always struggle to know what to pack when heading to the beach whilst on vacation. I either pack too little and end up regretting it or too much and end up regretting it haha. I defiantly needed a post like this to help me out so thank you so much for sharing with us lovely! Great post Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
Charity Gentry says
Awe yay. I am so glad you found this post to be helpful then! I still tend to overpack too though lol
Her Digital Coffee says
Great outfits! I can’t wait to visit the beach this summer and this will be great to refer to on what to pack. Thanks for sharing!
Charity Gentry says
Awe yay. I am so glad you think so too!
Under Flowery Sky says
Amazing ideas, though I would bring something more summerly.
Thanks for sharing..
Charity Gentry says
I think everything on this list is already pretty summery but thanks
Aspen Hite says
CUTE outfits!!! Great list and timely…headed to the beach in August! Thanks for sharing. ✌️
Charity Gentry says
Awe yay! I hope you have a great beach trip! Enjoy!
sejal says
A great list to be prepared for the summer! You are absolutely correct about the bench wagon and sunscreen, I don’t know where I’d be without those two. The sandals are also a good pick, no one wants wet socks and sand in shoes. I usually bring a swimsuit coverup or an oversized shirt, so I don’t burn eating lunch. Thanks for the list!
sejal | thelazygal.com
Charity Gentry says
Thank you so much. I am so glad you agree. I always bring a good cover up too! I should add that to the list as well, thanks!
Nic's Adventures says
Thanks for sharing your list of what to take to the beach, I would pack my canoe shoes as my scared to step on anything sharp in the sea that would harm my feet 🙂
Charity Gentry says
Yes, that is a great idea too