What to bring to the beach for a day? When the sun comes out, and it does almost year round in Southern California, you know it’s time to hit the beach! We’ve created the perfect beach checklist of essentials, food ideas, fun things to bring, and extras for that perfect beach experience.
Check out what to bring to a beach bonfire too!
Beach Checklist
Beach Essentials
Packing for the beach is actually incredibly simple and very little is needed. This list is almost too much so run from any “essential” list that has more!
- Sunscreen/Lip balm
- Polarized sunglasses
- Beach towel/blanket
- Beach chair
- Flip flops/sandals/water shoes
- Lunch and/or snacks
- Water
A beach bag to throw your items in is definitely recommended.
Food to Bring to the Beach
- Fruit or veggies or both
- Cheese sticks, slices, or blocks
- Dips, sauces, or salsas
- Yogurt
- Cured meats
- Crackers, Goldfish, chips, or popcorn
- Cookies, brownies
- Beef jerky
- Hard boiled eggs
- Rice cakes or celery sticks & peanut butter
- Bell pepper, carrots, or pita chips & hummus
- Candy, treats, donuts
- Raisins, nuts, or pretzels
- Squeeze pops
- Sandwiches (pb & j, ham and cheese, BLT, deli, or fast food)
- Leftovers
- Water, electrolyte drinks, juice boxes, lemonade, adult drinks
- Ice packs
Fun Things to Bring to the Beach
- Sand toys
- Boogie/Body board
- Surfboard
- Skim board
- Fins
- Snorkel gear
- Volleyball, football, or soccer ball
- Whiffle ball & bat
- Kan Jam
- Spike Ball
- Paddle ball
- Tennis ball
- Beach ball
- Frisbee or flying disc
- Snorkeling gear
- Waterproof camera or GoPro
- Kite
Beach Extras
- Portable speaker/music
- Book, magazine, E-reader, or audio book
- Reading or prescription sunglasses
- Power bank
- Air pods, earphones
- Waterproof camera, phone case, Go Pro, etc.
- Insulated tumbler
- Bags for trash
- Folding snack table
- Tote/Cooler/Insulated bag
- Collapsible utility wagon/Wheeler
- Tent or E-Z Up
- Umbrella sand anchor
- Waterproof bag or sand free mesh tote bag
- Beach blanket
- Beach umbrella/sun shade
- Extra clothes
- Sun hat/Beach hat
- Beach coverup, sarong
- Brush, claw clip, etc.
- Rash guards/Sun protective clothing
- Water shoes
- Bug repellant
- Sanitizer wipes
- Aloe vera
- Baby powder (to help remove sand)
- First aid kit, epi pen, medications
- Feminine products
- A friend for each kid (seriously)
What Not to Bring to the Beach
- Alcohol: We put this here because alcohol is not allowed on any Orange County beach. Many people push the limits here so do so at your own risk
- Rafts, large floaties, etc.: These are dangerous because of the waves and winds that can cause them to drift out to sea
- Glass containers
- An aggressive dog/pet
- Chocolate. Sun + chocolate, not good
- Valuables, keep them safe and leave at home
Beach Hacks & Tips for the Perfect Beach Day
- Stay stay close to a lifeguard
- Don’t swim alone
- Wear sun protection
- Reapply sunscreen
- Bring shade
- Stay hydrated
- Go early, get parking, claim your spot
- Leave early and beat the traffic
- Avoid the crowds and skip the main beach
- Check out a bayside beach for a calmer experience
- Overpacking can be overwhelming to carry
- Freeze drinks ahead of time
- Check the tides so you know where to setup
- Sit next to people similar to your group e.g. toddlers, adults, teens
- Bury your cooler in the sand
- Pack lunches individually
- Bring a spray bottle with fresh water
- Leave a small handheld broom in the car to keep sand out
- Use lemon juice to lighten your hair
- Stash your valuables in an empty sunscreen bottle or similar
- Don’t dive into the ocean head first
Orange County Beaches: Aliso Beach Park, Bolsa Chica State Beach, Capistrano Beach, Corona del Mar State Beach, Crystal Cove State Beach, Dana Point Harbor, Doheny State Beach, Huntington City Beach, Huntington State Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Newport Harbor, Salt Creek Beach, San Clemente City Beach, San Clemente State Beach, Seal Beach, Sunset Harbour
Related Articles
| Orange County’s Cleanest Beaches to Swim | Best Beaches In Orange County |
| Shark Sightings & Attacks | Best Swim Spots In OC |
| Best Surf Spots in Orange County | Beach Bonfires & Fire Pits in Orange County |
