What to pack in a girls’ beach bag for a perfect beach day
A beach bag contains all the ingredients for a fun, safe, and comfortable beach adventure. A well-stocked bag contains the beach essentials you need to prevent sun damage, keep your girl entertained, and handle beachside emergencies.
Quick links:
Swimwear, cover-ups, and extra clothing
Personal care and hygiene items
Safety and first aid beach necessities
What to consider before packing a girl’s beach bag
Pack smart, play hard, and protect your girl’s skin for countless beach days full of laughter and memories. Here are things to pack for a perfect day by the water.
Sun protection items
Whether it's a seaside holiday or a pool day, your girl’s day tote needs sun protection items to protect her skin from harsh UV rays and avoid discomfort.
Here's what you’ll need to stay protected while enjoying a fun-filled day in the sun:
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) for all skin types, including sensitive skin options
- Wide-brimmed hat for face and neck shade
- Sunscreen lip balm to prevent dry lips
- Sunglasses to protect eyes from UV rays
Swimwear, cover-ups, and extra clothing
Your girl needs comfortable, stylish swimwear for a day at the beach. Pack a well-fitting swimsuit plus a cover-up for trips to the snack bar or restroom. A UPF 50+ rash guard adds sun protection during long days in the water.
Here's a list of clothing items to pack:
- Sun-protective swimwear (pack an extra if possible)
- UPF 50+ rash guard or swim shirt
- Beach cover-up or sundress
- Dry change of clothes
- Underwear
- Light jacket or sweatshirt for cooler evenings
- Beach shoes for rocky beaches
- Scrunchies or hair clips for hair when it gets windy or wet
With these useful clothing items packed, your girl will be comfortable and protected during the entire beach trip—from morning swim to evening bonfire.
Towels and beach blankets
A big, absorbent beach towel is a must-have for your girl's beach bag. It dries her off after a swim and doubles as a comfy spot to lounge on the sand. Pick a brightly colored or patterned towel that's easy to spot on a crowded beach. Try a lightweight Turkish towel—it dries quickly and takes up less space in the bag.
A beach blanket adds another layer of comfort and creates a sand-free zone for snacks or naps. Look for a water-resistant, oversized blanket that folds up small. This gives your girl plenty of room to spread out with friends or family. Some blankets even come with built-in sand anchors to keep them in place on windy days.
Don't forget a smaller towel for wiping hands or face. With these soft, absorbent essentials, your girl will stay cozy and sand-free all day long.
Snacks and hydration
A day at the beach burns lots of energy, so pack plenty of snacks and drinks. Fill a large water bottle with ice and water to keep your girl hydrated in the sun. Throw in some granola bars, fresh fruit, and trail mix for quick energy boosts.
Don't forget a few treats; maybe some cookies or her favorite candy (Put meltables next to iced drinks to keep snacks cool.). A sparkling water or juice box is a tasty alternative to plain water. Avoid sugary sodas since they cause dehydration.
Beach entertainment: Toys, and fun extras
Beach days are all about fun, so pack some entertainment for your girl. Beach volleyball or frisbee encourages active play with friends or family. Bring along sand toys such as buckets and shovels for building epic sandcastles and fun times.
A good book or magazine offers quiet entertainment during rest breaks. Pack a deck of waterproof cards for group games. Don't forget a waterproof speaker for some beach tunes, but keep the volume low to respect other beachgoers.
For water adventures, include some pool floats or snorkel gear to open up the underwater world. Binoculars can be fun for spotting boats or birds along the shore.
A kite adds excitement on breezy days. Bring a few glow sticks or light-up toys for twilight beach fun.
Personal care and hygiene items
Beach days can get messy, so pack some personal care items for your girl. Include a small pack of wet wipes for quick clean-ups and hand sanitizer for germ-free snacking. Throw in a brush or comb to detangle salty, wind-swept hair.
Pack a travel-size bottle of biodegradable soap for washing hands or rinsing off sand. Don't forget deodorant for older girls. A pack of tissues comes in handy for runny noses or minor spills.
Include a few hair ties or scrunchies to keep hair out of her face while swimming. Feminine hygiene products are important for teen girls. A small tube of aloe vera gel soothes any accidental sunburns. A ziplock bag of baby powder removes stubborn sand from skin.
Safety and first aid beach necessities
Pack bandages, antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic ointment for minor cuts and scrapes. Include pain relievers, antihistamines for allergic reactions, and any personal medications your girl needs.
Bring a small bottle of aloe vera gel or after-sun lotion to soothe sunburns. Pack some itch relief cream for bug bites or jellyfish stings. Tweezers can remove splinters or sea urchin spines.
Waterproof sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and insect repellent prevent common beach ailments. These safety items give you peace of mind, knowing you're prepared for minor mishaps during your beach day.
Questions to ask before packing a girl’s beach bag
Smart packing starts with planning. Before you fill your girl's tote bag, take a moment to think about the specifics of your trip. Here are some helpful questions to get you going:
- Is it a day trip or an extended vacation?
- Are you headed to a sandy beach or rocky shore?
- What's the weather forecast?
- Will you be swimming, snorkeling, or playing beach volleyball?
- Are there snack bars or restrooms nearby?
- How are you getting there? Walking, driving, or taking public transit?
- Is it a solo trip or a family outing?
- Does your girl have allergies or need special medications?
- Are there rules about what you can bring to the beach?
- Do you need money for parking, rentals, or beach passes?
Choose SwimZip sun-protective swimwear for your girl
Don't let sun damage ruin your beach day. SwimZip's UPF 50+ swimwear blocks harmful UV rays to keep your girl's skin safe during hours of water play. Our stylish, comfortable designs mean she'll love wearing them as much as you love the protection they provide.
From rash guards to swim dresses, SwimZip has everything you need for worry-free beach fun. Pack SwimZip and focus on making memories, not reapplying sunscreen.
Girls’ beach bag FAQ
How many outfits should I pack for a week at the beach?
For a week-long beach holiday, pack 3–4 swimsuits, 1–2 cover-ups, and 5–7 casual outfits for evenings. Include a light jacket for cooler nights. Don't forget extra protection, such as rash guards, for direct sunlight exposure. Pack a few dressier options for dinners out. You can mix and match for more variety during your relaxing summer getaway.
What are the beach bag essentials for a family trip?
Beach bag essential items for a family trip include sunscreen, oversized towels, and plenty of water. Pack beach-themed items such as sand toys and snorkel masks for entertainment. Bring single-use utensils and home-made ice tea in themed drinkware for snacks.
Include a first-aid kit, comfortable snorkel gear, and an antioxidant body mist for skin protection. Don't forget sun hats and sunglasses to prevent skin cancer.
How do you pack a diaper bag for the beach?
To pack a diaper bag for the beach, choose a straw bag or waterproof tote. Include swim diapers, wipes, and a changing mat. Pack extra clothes, a summer kit with sunscreen, and a water bottle for hydration. Bring snacks, toys, and a small beach-themed item for entertainment. Don't forget plastic bags for wet items.
What are some creative ways to keep kids entertained at the beach?
Here are some cool ideas to keep your kids entertained and busy all day:
- Pack a small care kit with beach-friendly craft supplies such as colored sand for art or shells for decorating.
- Bring a beach-themed scavenger hunt list for exploration.
- For quiet times, bring water-resistant cards or travel-sized board games.
- Bring portable speakers to play their favorite songs.
- Encourage active play with inflatable beach toys such as volleyball sets.
- Bring a few books or comics for shade-time entertainment.
How can I protect my skin during long beach days?
Protecting your skin during long beach days is important to prevent skin cancer. Beyond sunscreen, think about UPF clothing and wide-brimmed hats. Bring a beach umbrella or tent for shade breaks. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and using a moisturizing mist to keep your skin hydrated.
Further reading
What are the best bathing suits for a short torso?
What is the best swimsuit for a large bust?
What are the best swimsuits for moms?
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