Headed to the coast for a family getaway? Make sure to check out our beach packing list to ensure you’re grabbing everything you need for a successful trip!

We recently spent the most wonderful weekend at The Crystal Coast of North Carolina.

It was our first vacation as a family of four (with two children under the age of four) and the trip was nothing short of amazing. A few weeks prior to leaving, I had started making a list of everything we could possibly need while we were away. Below you’ll find the ultimate guide for essentials you’ll need while traveling with little ones in tow.

Before we dive into the packing situation… first you’ll need to reserve the right place to stay. Hotel or Beach House Rental?

For our family of four (+ extended family guests), we decided that renting a house worked better than a hotel room. With little ones on board, we appreciated the extra amenities of a rental verses a hotel room. For instance, being able to cook evening meals in our very own kitchen was a huge plus (especially for our picky, little eaters).

Another wonderful thing about renting a beach house was the fact that there’s no noise curfew.

The boys were as loud as they wanted at 6AM and no one complained to hotel management. The same went for us adults… as we stayed up playing card games until well past midnight each evening. Having our own space allowed us to be flexible with our family schedules.

ADDED BONUS: Everyone stayed in the same dwelling and did some family bonding! We recently had four generations under one roof on Indian Beach, NC (and it was amazing!!).

Okay… so let’s get back to that packing list.

My immediate crew and I are a family of two adults with a 4-year-old and 8-month-old. We needed everything from baby wipes to an extra pair of (toddler approved) waterproof sandals. Below is a detailed list of everything you’ll need to have some fun in the sun.

Make sure to grab a printable version of this list below!

FOR THE CAR RIDE:

Snacks & Drinks
Baby Bottles & Formula
Diapers & Wet Wipes
Car Chargers
Garbage Bag (a large plastic bag will do)
iPad or Entertainment Items (for older children)
Headphones

PERSONAL ITEMS:

Rental Confirmation Info
Driver’s License
Auto Insurance Paperwork
Cash
Credit / Debit Cards
Health Insurance Cards
Nearby Hospital Info

CLOTHING & SHOES:

Underwear
Bra & Sports Bra
Diapers (+ swim diapers, if needed)
Socks
Pajamas
Swimming Suits (bring 2 for each child)
Sun / Swimming Hats
Workout Clothes
T-Shirts & Tank Tops
Sweater or Light Jacket (in case it’s windy at night)
Shorts & Skirts
Belt
Jeans
Sundress
Nicer Clothing (if you go out to dinner)
Flip Flops or Sandals
Sneakers or Workout Shoes

TOILETRIES:

Extra Wet Wipes
Baby Powder (for sandy hands and bottoms)
Soap
Shampoo & Conditioner
Baby Shampoo / Soap
Hair accessories (clips, hair band, gel, cream, etc.)
Hair Electronics (dryer, flat iron, curing iron)
Brush / Comb
Toothbrush
Toothpaste (+ kids toothpaste)
Floss
Contacts, Case & Solution
Glasses
Deodorant
Cotton Swabs & Cotton Balls
Nail Clippers (+ kids nail clippers)
Thermometer
Lotion and/or Vaseline
Makeup & Feminine Products
Jewelry
Fit Bit / Watch
Daily Medicines (His, Hers, Kids)
Vitamins
Tylenol & Motrin (adults + kids)
First Aid Kit

BEACH STUFF:

Mom + Dad Beach Bag
Kids Beach Bag
Sunblock (+ spray sunblock for kids)
Chapstick
Aloe
Water Bottles
Water Shoes
Beach Towels / Blanket
Umbrella or Beach Tent
Beach Chairs
Baby Carrier
Beach Toys (sand bucket, shovels, frisbee, football, water floats, water toys, etc.)
Boogie Boards
Books / Magazines (for parents + older children)
Beach Hats
Sunglasses
Goggles
Small Cooler or Cold Bag (for lunch/snacks)
Hand Sanitizer & Baby Wipes
Drinks & Food
Napkins
Plastic Utensils & Plates
Bottle Opener
Trash Bags

FOR THE RENTAL HOUSE:

Deck of Cards & Board Games
Laptop / iPad + Power Cords + Chargers
DVD’s or Netflix Login info
Digital Camera
Betteries for devices
Note Pad + Pen
Clorox Wipes
Pillow (if you’re picky about your pillow)
Nighttime Stuffed Animal (for younger kids)
Portable Hamper
Flashlight
Dishwasher Detergent
Laundry Detergent & Dryer Sheets
Paper Towels & Napkins

If you’re currently planning your next summer vacation, I highly recommend visiting The Crystal Coast of North Carolina.

Not only is this destination breathtakingly beautiful, but it’s convenient to Charlotte and has a plethora of coastline to explore. This post is a second part of our vacation spotlight that was sponsored by The Crystal Coast and Bluewater Vacation Rentals. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never recommend a travel destination that I didn’t enjoy myself. Thank you for supporting the establishments that support SliceofJess.com!