Heading to the beach in the fall? Plan on adjusting your beach outfits 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 what to bring to the beach to fall beach attire and entertainment, we’ve got all the tips you need for an epic day on the waves.
The Ultimate Fall Beach Trip Packing List
Whether your beach day takes place on a hot summer afternoon or a cool fall morning, a few beach day essentials should always be on your packing list. Find out what to bring to the beach with a packing list of items that you should always have on hand.
Beach Tote Bag
A good beach bag makes for a great beach day. Opt for a well-made tote bag designed for the beach, but versatile enough to use as an everyday tote or a carry-on bag. Heavyweight cotton canvas, raffia straw and other durable materials keep the sand out, while a zippered internal pocket secures your keys, phone and cards while you soak up the sun.
Sun Protection
Do you really need to wear sunscreen on a cloudy day? According to the USDA, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate through cloud cover. Apply sunscreen before you arrive at the beach, and pack more so you can reapply throughout the day — even if the sun never comes out!
Add comfortable UV-rated sunglasses and UPF clothing, like swim coverups, to your beach bag as well. When it comes to protecting your skin, you can never be too prepared.
Insulated Cups
Don’t want to lug the whole cooler from the car to the beach? A set of insulated cups and tumblers keeps your beverages at the perfect temperature while you enjoy the water. Thanks to double-wall vacuum insulation and a condensation-free stainless steel design, they keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot, making them true beach day essentials.
Beach Towel
A good beach towel is an absolute must for a fall beach trip. Choose an oversized beach towel 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. They’re made from 100% cotton French terry that’s soft, absorbent and adorned with colorful Skipjack prints.
Fall Beach Attire
Wondering what to wear to the beach in October? It’s all about layering — and choosing high-quality UPF clothing made with performance stretch fabrics. Here are a few must-have clothing items and accessories for fall beach outfits for both men and women.
Flip-Flops
When it comes to footwear, sandals are essential beach day footwear. While your toes may get a bit cold during the fall months, there’s no better feeling than sand underfoot. Our popular Flipjacks for men and women are made of premium-quality leather, non-marking soles and dual-density footbeds for superior comfort and support.
Hats and Visors
Keep the sun out of your eyes and hide your tangled beach hair with a baseball hat or visor for men. Our best-selling women’s Skipjack hat is made from durable 100% cotton twill with an adjustable strap for comfortable all-day wear.
Swimsuit or Wetsuit
The best-kept secret of off-season beach trips is that the weather is sometimes even better than in the summer — and the surf alone is worth the trip! Tuck your swim trunks or women’s swimsuit in your beach bag to stay prepared for the last warm days before the cold weather hits.
If you want to hit the waves on your board, an insulating wetsuit will keep you warm enough to surf, paddleboard or swim in any fall weather.
Lightweight Layers
The best beach outfits include lightweight layers that can accommodate any temperature. On warmer days, men can layer a long-sleeve button-up or quarter-zip over a short sleeve tee. Upgrade to heavier outerwear, like a pullover sweatshirt, fleece jacket or athletic zip-up for added warmth in colder temperatures with the benefits of UPF clothing.
Women can layer up too! Women’s pullovers and jackets pair well with tanks and tees from the afternoon, while sweaters and cardigans give your beach outfit a touch of sophistication.
A Change of Clothes
Don’t forget to pack fall beach vacation outfits 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. Women’s performance dresses make great beach outfits, while men look great in casual pants and button-downs.
What To Bring For Beach Entertainment
What’s a family beach day without a little entertainment? Here are a few fun things to pack for a fall beach trip.
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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.
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Beach chair: Just because it’s off-season doesn’t mean you can’t lounge under the sun. Pack a couple of beach chairs to soak up fall rays or enjoy the cool weather with a blanket and a book.
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Bluetooth speaker: Whether you’re at the beach for a day of family fun, a 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.
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Beach 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.
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Sports equipment: Whether it’s Frisbees, paddles, boogie boards or surfboards, packing some sports equipment helps you take advantage of the nice fall weather.
Enjoy the Shore Throughout the Year
A fall beach trip is the perfect way to celebrate the changing seasons. Once you’ve packed your beach day essentials, consider making your next holiday getaway at the beach! Follow our guide to the best beach attire at any temperature in case a December beach vacation is in your future.
