What to Pack for a Beach Vacation

Summer is finally here, and we're craving a beach vacation filled with sun, sand, and surf! Whether you're traveling to the coast of California, the islands of Hawaii, the tropics of Mexico, or the chic shores of St. Tropez, we've got you covered with a list of what to pack in your Weekender Bag for the perfect beach getaway! Below, check out 8 travel must-haves for a stylish summer stay by the sea, from the cutest swimsuit to the best beach towel to our favorite sunscreen!

8 Things to Pack In Your Weekender Bag For a Beach Vacation 

1. Swimsuit  

When it comes to a beach vacation, you'll likely be living in a swimsuit for the majority of your trip so be sure to pack a suit that you love! (Or, if you're an over-packer like us, a few suits that you love.) We like this ruffled blush bikini from J.Crew. 

2. Beach Towel 

Packing a bulky beach towel can be a pain, so we like to pack a Turkish towel instead. They're lightweight, super absorbent, and can double as a beach blanket or impromptu swimsuit coverup. We love the Turkish towel options from Mae Woven. 

3. Straw Hat 

Beat the heat and protect your skin with a wide-brimmed sunhat. For a beach vacay, we love a classic straw hat like this cute woven boater hat by GigiPip. 

4. Sundress 

We want to live in dresses all summer long. Who wants to wear pants when it's 90-plus degrees outside? For a jaunt to the beach, pack an easy breezy sundress like this white boho-chic tunic style from Free People. 

5. Denim Shorts

The unofficial uniform of summer consists of denim shorts and a classic white tee. For your beach vacation, pack a pair of denim cut-offs to throw on over your swimsuit or wear them with a cute tank top and espadrilles for dinner. Look no further than Levi's for all your denim shorts needs.

6. Sandals 

A pair of classic leather slides will take you from the beach to dinner, and are easy to slip on and off to put your toes in the sand! We like this wear-with-everything pair from Madewell. 

7. Sunglasses 

No beach ensemble is complete without the perfect pair of shades. Shield your eyes and look stylish in these rose-gold sunnies by Ray-Ban. 

8. Sunscreen

Last but certainly not least, don't leave home without your SPF! A good sunscreen is a non-negotiable for any beach vacation. We love Glossier's Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen in SPF 35. The non-comedogenic clear watergel formula absorbs quickly and won't leave a gross, greasy residue or a white afterglow on your bronzed limbs. 

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Photos: Lizzyography