What To Pack For a Beach Vacation

Thank you to Nordstrom and ShopStyle for sponsoring today’s post.

Good Monday morning to you friends! Did you have a good weekend?  I celebrated one of my oldest and dearest friends’ birthdays on Friday, and then Saturday we celebrated the end of baseball season.  It was a loooong season with no wins, even though our boys played their hearts out.  ♥ Those are hard times for third graders, but I know they are learning lessons and it was always so sweet to see how they supported each other throughout the season.

Sunday, I did a surprise post – an everyday makeup tutorial and saved it to my Story highlights if you want to check out the video.

Now it feels like just a hop, skip and a jump onto summer and I’m thrilled about that!  No more rushed early mornings and more lazy days sound good to me.  If you have any summer trips planned, I hope today’s post is helpful for you.

I’m sharing What to Pack for a Beach Vacation and the list is light!

What to Pack for a Beach Vacation

When you go on a beach vacay, your goal is usually to chill and enjoy and you don’t want to worry about what you’re wearing or lug a giant suitcase.  But you also want to be cute and comfy, espeically in photos that you’ll hopefully enjoy for years to come.

Maxi Dress • Denim Jacket • Straw Hat â€¢ Printed Tote â€¢ Suitcase

My list of Must Haves for a beach vacay includes:

  • Swimsuits & Coverups (of course)
  • Jean shorts
  • Cute tees & tanks
  • Sundress & maxi dresses
  • Light jacket or sweatshirt
  • Flip flops & sandals
  • Hat & sunglasses
  • Comfy pajamas

Lucky for us, Nordstrom is our one-stop destination for all things summer, so you can find everything you need in one place! Their online ordering and curbside pickup makes packing for your trip so much easier!

SWIMSUITS & COVERUPS

I’ve never regretted bringing too many swimsuits on vacation.  A girl needs options.  Bring a one piece and two-piece for variety to suit your mood or excursion.  Lounging by the pool could call for a bikini, maybe snorkeling would be more comfortable in a one-piece.

Red swimsuit

Two piece bikini

Bandeau Bikini Top • Bikini Bottoms • Similar Hat • Hoop Earrings • Choker

I adore the white backdrop amidst the pastel stripes and smocked texture on this two piece.  The ‘lettuce’ trim is cute too.

striped one piece swimsuit

Becca Casablanca One Piece • Sunglasses • Similar Hat • Hoop Earrings • Choker

And the one piece might even be cuter!

blue and white swimsuit

Blue One-Piece

As soon as I saw this vibrant blue suit, I was smitten!  It’s by one of my favorite swimsuit brands, so I know it’s a great quality suit with attention to detail and fit.

jean shorts and swimsuit

Swimsuit â€¢ Jean Shorts â€¢ Sunnies â€¢ Miller Sandals

You absolutely cannot go wrong with the classic crochet swimsuit. Whether you’re with adults or kids, it’s still appropriate.

Your cover up could be a sarong type style, mini dress or maxi, whatever you feel most comfortable in.

Gingham one-piece swimsuit with stripe sarong

Beach Throw/Sarong

I’m absolutely crazy for this beach throw that doubles as a sarong! It’s a gorgeous mix of pretty stripes and tassels that coordinate well with gingham and other prints or solids.  You can wear it several ways, I think the middle looks especially chic!

Maxi Cover Up

This maxi style cover up will easily take you from the beach to lunch.  It’s flowy with a nice v-front and pockets.

JEAN SHORTS • CUTE TANKS & TEES

Most of the time when sightseeing and walking around, you’ll be comfortable in jean shorts and a cute tank or tee.  You probably only need one pair of shorts and can wear them on repeat during your entire trip.

jeans and tshirt

Boyfriend Jean Shorts • Hello Summer Tee • Flip Flops • Sunglasses • Similar Hat

This boyfriend jean short has been my #1 fave for years.

U Neck Tee â€¢ Pink Cutoffs â€¢ Pink Sunnies â€¢ Similar Bag • Miller Sandals

If you want to mix it up, you could opt for a colored pair of jean shorts like this fun pink with a raw edge hem.

vacation tee and pink shorts

Vacation Tee • Pink Cutoffs • Miller Sandals

If you’re more comfortable in cotton shorts, a khaki pair will go with everything.

Khaki shorts t-shirt and flip flops

Khaki Shorts • Tropical Flip Flops â€¢ Pocket Tee â€¢ Hat

SUNDRESS • MAXI DRESS

If you want to feel a little more dressed up for brunch or dinner, a sundress and maxi dress is your answer.  You’ll still be incredibly comfortable, but look like you put more effort into your outfit.

striped dress and Tory Burch Miller Sandals

Striped Dress • Miller Sandals

Dress â€¢ Miller Sandals â€¢ Earrings â€¢  Choker

Dress â€¢ Similar Wedges

Maxi Dress

Maxi Dress • Hoop Earrings • Choker

Gibson x Hi Sugarplum Resort Collection - ruffle trim romper

Romper

It wasn’t on my list of Must Haves, but I’d probably pack a romper or two also! The ruffled wrap style shorts romper above is perfect for a sunset dinner.

Romper • Tory Burch Flip Flops â€¢ Choker

And this pajama soft drawstring romper is great for lounging around, as a swim coverup or taking in the sights.

Light Jacket or Sweatshirt

Don’t forget that it often gets chilly at night and it’s no fun being cold without an appropriate layer.  Whether it’s a cozy cardigan, jean jacket or sweatshirt, you’ll be happy you brought it if you end up needing it!

Summer Babe Sweatshirt and Jean Shorts

Sweatshirt • Jean Shorts

Comfy Pajamas

Last but not least, when you’re hanging out in the room or beach house, you’ll want to cuddle up in your cozies.  I thought this striped pair was fun and you wouldn’t be embarrassed if you had to duck outside to grab a cup of coffee in it!

striped pajamasStriped Pajama Top • Striped Sleep Pants • Striped Sleep Shorts

So tell me, do you have any travel plans this summer?  If so, where?  I’m taking the kids + one sweet friend 😉 to Lost Pines for the long weekend.  We can’t wait! 

Have a great week friends!

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Meet Megan

Hi! I’m Megan, mom to a thoughtful teenager and spunky young girl. We call Houston home and recently moved into our dream home. I traded my lawyer hat to become a full-time blogger in 2010. I love sharing my passion for affordable fashion, home decor, organization, & fitness to help inspire you to take care of you!

6 Comments

  1. Currently packing for a week to Charleston SC! We’ve never been but it will be a week mixed with beach time and city exploration. We also have a 9 year old so dressing to do kid friendly activities is must!

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