Heading to the beach in the fall means you’ll need to adjust your beach trip packing list a bit to accommodate for colder temperatures and seasonal activities. To help you prepare for your next day-cation to the coast, we’ve created this fall beach trip packing list. With everything from beach day essentials to fall beach attire to entertainment, it’s got everything you need for one epic day on the waves.
What to Pack
Beach Day Essentials
First things first, there are a few beach day essentials you’ll need regardless of what time of year you’re hitting the waves.
Beach Tote Bag
A good tote bag makes it less of a chore to lug your beach day supplies to and from the car. Instead of using your purse or a reusable grocery bag, opt for a durable canvas tote bag that’s specially designed for the beach. Our Small Beachside Tote is crafted from heavyweight cotton canvas with luxe leather trim and a zippered internal pocket to keep your keys, phone, and cards secure while you soak up the sun. It’s ideal for a day at the beach, and versatile enough to use as an everyday tote or a carry-on bag.
Sunscreen
Even as the temperature drops and the sky gets a bit cloudier, you’ll still need to protect your skin from sunburns. According to the USDA, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate through cloud cover. Plus, up to 85% of sunlight can reflect off the sand and water at the beach, significantly increasing your chances of getting a burn without proper sun protection. Show your love for the ocean by choosing products made with natural ingredients and a reef-safe formula.
Insulated Cups
Don’t want to lug the whole cooler from the car to the beach? A set of insulated cups, thermal mugs, or drink sleeves will keep your beverages at the perfect temperature. Our Southern Tide x YETI Skipjack Tumbler is the perfect choice for a fall beach trip. Thanks to double-wall vacuum insulation and a condensation-free stainless steel design, it keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot.
Beach Towel
There’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it. A good beach towel is an absolute must for a fall beach trip. Our Skipjacks and Stripes Oversized Beach Towel is ideal for drying off after splashing in the surf, wiping the sand off your feet, and lounging on while you soak in the early fall sun. It’s made from 100% cotton French terry that’s super soft, super absorbent, super cute, and features a stars-and-stripes Skipjack print.
Portable Phone Charger
A portable phone charger can be a real lifesaver during long days at the beach. Be sure to plug it in for a few hours before you leave the house to ensure it’s got a full charge. And don’t forget to bring your charging cord too!
Fall Beach Attire
Getting dressed for the beach can get a bit tricky in the fall. Dressing in layers is the best way to accommodate fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable weather conditions. It’s better to be overprepared than to be too cold or too hot throughout the day. Here are a few must-have clothing items and accessories to add to your fall beach trip packing list.
Sunglasses
Even in the off-season, you’ll still want to pack your favorite pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and keep sand out of your eyes if the wind picks up. Our Rheos Floating Sunglasses are designed with ultra-durable, lightweight materials that float in the water, making them the perfect choice for fall beach activities like paddleboarding and kayaking.
Flip-Flops
When it comes to footwear, stick to simple flip-flops. While your toes may get a bit cold during the fall months, there’s no better feeling than sand between your toes. Our popular Flipjacks Sandals are made of premium quality leather, non-marking soles, and dual-density footbeds for superior comfort and support.
Baseball Cap
Keep the sun out of your eyes and hide your tangled beach hair with a baseball hat. Our best-selling Skipjack hat is made from durable 100% cotton twill with an adjustable strap for comfortable all-day wear.
Swimsuit or Wetsuit
While it probably won’t be swimsuit weather during every fall beach trip, it’s worth tucking your swimsuit or board shorts in your beach bag on the off chance that it is. It’s better to be prepared than to miss out on enjoying the last warm days before the cold weather hits. Alternatively, an insulating wetsuit will keep you warm enough to surf, paddleboard, or swim in any fall weather.
Lightweight Layers
The weather can be quite unpredictable in the fall, so it’s best to dress in lightweight layers that can accommodate any temperature. On warmer days, layer a long-sleeve button-up or quarter-zip over a short sleeve tee. Upgrade to a pullover sweatshirt, fleece jacket, or athletic zip-up for added warmth in colder temperatures.
A Change of Clothes
Don’t forget to pack a change of clothes in case you decide to hit the boardwalk for dinner, drinks, and window shopping. Plus, there’s nothing worse than having to wear wet, sandy clothes on the car ride home.
Entertainment
What’s a family beach day without a little entertainment. Here are a few fun things to pack for a fall beach trip.
Beach Toys
Beach toys are essential for any good family beach trip. Building sandcastles, burying each other in the sand, and digging for buried treasure are family memories you’ll never forget. Plus, they’ll keep the kids entertained so you can kick your feet up and read a book while you soak up the sun.
Bluetooth Speaker
Regardless of whether you’re at the beach for a family fun day, beer-filled birthday bash, or a romantic picnic, music can help set the mood. Don’t forget to charge your waterproof Bluetooth speaker and toss it in your beach tote before you head out the door.
A Good Book
There’s nothing more relaxing on a chilly fall day than curling up in your beach chair with a cozy blanket, a mug of coffee, and a good book. Leave your serious reads at home and bring along a binge-worthy page-turner that transports you to a destination far, far away.
