The beach is perhaps Mother Nature's most approachable outdoor destination. Not every beach is available to everyone, mind you, it's just that almost everyone loves to dream (and scheme) about relaxation time at the water's edge.
The wide range of beachy destinations makes any attempt to chronicle needed supplies more of a thought starter than a final checklist. Someone packing to go backpacking along Olympic National Park's wilderness seacoast will have very different needs from a vacationer at a resort along Waikiki Beach, for example.
This list focuses on probable (and possible) gear needs for a warm, sunny day hanging out at a nearby beach. For more elaborate adventures, use this list together with some of our related activities checklists, which appear at the end of this article.
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Site Setup
Site Extras
Food and Drink
Sun and Skin Protection
Beachwear
Water and Shore Gear
Bonfire Gear
*Always check if fires are permitted and follow local guidelines for building and extinguishing them.
Related Activities Checklists
Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) Checklist