How to Pack Your Perfect Beach Bag

By Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau on Jun. 05, 2023

A trip to the beach is a treat, especially if you live in a land-locked area. Time spent enjoying the views, swimming in warm clear waters, and searching for pretty sea shells and fossilized shark teeth is the ultimate vacation from, well, everything! To make your beach getaway the best it can be, we’ve compiled a handy list of the essentials to pack in your beach bag.

Tip: Press and hold to copy this checklist into your Notes app before you start packing your beach bag.

Beachwear Essentials

Sunshirt and/or coverups
Sunglasses
Wide-brimmed hat
Change of clothes for each person
Life jackets and/or waterwings for novice swimmers.
Waterproof phone case/s

Sun Safety & First Aid

Sunscreen (SPF 30+ recommended): apply 20 minutes prior to sun exposure and every 30 minutes
SPF lip balm
Basic first-aid kit: band-aids, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, eye wash, pain reliever
Bug spray (for dawn/dusk visits)
Cooling face wipes and after-sun lotion
Tissues
Brush/comb + extra hair ties or clips

Shade & Comfort

Large umbrella or family canopy
Towels: 1+ per person + extras for sitting or hair
Foldable hand fan
Lightweight, foldable camp chair/s
Cornstarch to help brush sand off without irritation
Optional comfort extras: reusable water mister/spray bottle, small pillow or rolled towel

Collecting

Mesh bag for shells and fossilized shark teeth
Sieve for sifting
Plastic bag + paper towels to protect fragile finds

Fun & Play

Buckets and sand molds
Plastic shovels and rakes
Watering can or jug
Floats and waterwings
Snorkel gear
Flippers
Frisbee, football or beach ball

For tips on snacks, hydration, and keeping kids comfortable before and after your beach day, check out 7 Ways to Get Your Family Beach Ready.

Here's to a great beach day!

Author

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau

The Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau was established in 1997. The Visitor & Convention Bureau supports local businesses by promoting Charlotte County as a premiere travel destination, domestically and internationally, to consumers, meeting planners, travel trade and sports-rights holders.
We advocate for and promote Charlotte County as a warm, welcoming, and beautiful destination with positive economic growth and a focus on the preservation of natural resources to build a sustainable future for visitors and residents alike.
Learn more on our About Us Page and visit our Events Page to stay up to date on happenings in the area.
Blog content is created and reviewed by our amazing staff, (locals of course!). Through our posts we share those “in the know” tips, the “where the locals go” info, and the “places not to miss” to inspire travelers to visit. We share our knowledge by highlighting activities and events, the area’s unique natural appeal, and our prioritizing of conservation, sustainability, and accessibility. Our social media, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube in particular, focus on all there is to do, see, and eat in the area. Social posts and videos are created and shared by the VCB, by visitors, and sometimes by sponsored travel writers (always disclosed).
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, the Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast is Florida’s premier ecotourism destination, free from crowds and off the beaten path yet still offering the comfort and amenities discerning travelers seek. Our location on Charlotte Harbor means endless miles of natural shoreline and outdoor assets like beaches, nature preserves, and waterways of all kinds. Visitors can find unlimited outdoor pursuits like sailing, boating, world-class fishing, paddling, birding, biking, dining and arts. Come find out why “Our Best Side is Outside℠.”