There is nothing quite like a vacation in the summer. The sun is out, it’s finally warm enough to wear all of your favorite shorts and dresses, and the vacation options are endless. Whether you’re taking off to your local beach for the weekend or hopping on a plane to somewhere tropical, there are so many opportunities to make memories. The downside? Packing. While I love packing, packing for a beach vacation is it’s own beast. You have to take into consideration various weather forecasts, you need to have all of the beach day essentials, and a lot of the time it’s so hot you are changing multiple times in one day. But alas, I’m here to help! With countless beach vacations under my belt, I’ve created the ultimate summer vacation packing list that includes all of the essentials, plus more.

Summer Vacation Packing List

When it comes to traveling during the summer months, you really don’t need too much. So many summer pieces can be re-worn and styled in different ways. By sticking to a neutral color palette, you’ll be able to easily mix and match the pieces you pack, but you also won’t have to pack as much!

Summer Vacation Packing List

Beach Vacation Capsule Wardrobe

1. Button Down Shirt A button down shirt is a wardrobe staple and the perfect layering piece to take with you on a beach vacation. They can be dressed up with a pair of tailored shorts or thrown over a bathing suit as a cover up. This oversized button down has been on constant repeat in my wardrobe this summer! I love finding new ways to style it. It’s also a great material so even on those hot days, you can pair it over a fitted tank for a little coverage.

   Click for more info about Wren slim shirt in Baird McNutt Irish linen Click for more info about Etienne oversized shirt in Baird McNutt Irish linen Click for more info about Étienne oversized shirt in lightweight oxford

2. Linen Tops Line is the material of summer! If you’re going away for a long weekend, pack two linen top options to give your vacation wardrobe some variation. I love the square neck of this one, it feels elevated and the cropped silhouette gives major summer vibes. If you’re planning any dinners out or will be somewhere that gets cooler at night, this linen top is stunning! The detailing is too good!

   Click for more info about Linen-Blend Button-Back Cropped Tank Top Click for more info about Bow-back linen top Click for more info about Garçon classic shirt in eyelet linen

3. Sweater I will never travel anywhere, no matter how hot it’s supposed to be, without a sweater. They’re great to utilize as a third piece thrown over your shoulders with a strappy tank or dress, but are also a must on cool nights! This one is a favorite of mine because it’s lightweight so it feels a little more summery and it has a great relaxed fit.

4. Knit Tanks Knit tanks can be worn day or night and since they’re small, you can pack multiple without taking up too much space in your designated travel bag. This high-neck tank is a great option! It’s made from a linen-blend fabric so it’s great for those hot days. I’ve also been purchasing these ribbed tanks for YEARS! They have a built-in shelf bra so you can go braless, which is major on those extremely hot days!

   Click for more info about High-neck tank top in stretch linen blend Click for more info about Vintage rib shelf-bra tank top

5. Shorts For any summer vacation, all you need is three pairs of shorts that are a mix of linen and denim. For daytime activities, and the beach, this pair of linen shorts is a great option. The elastic waistband is so comfortable and since they’re linen, they dry fast if they get wet or sweaty. For dinners out, this pair of tailored linen shorts go perfectly with a fitted tank and a third piece for an easy, weather-appropriate elevated look.

If denim shorts are more your speed (or you just want to have a pair with you to be safe), this pair and this pair are both really great options. I love that they have a looser fit and aren’t constricting!

Click for more info about Linen-blend Bermuda plated shorts Click for more info about Tropez short in linen Click for more info about High-rise denim shorts Click for more info about 90s Fit Denim Shorts | Calvin Klein

6. Linen Pants I’m such a linen pant girly so there’s no surprise that these are on my list of must-haves for a beach vacation. They’re one of the most functional pieces of clothing and can easily be styled up or down. I love this pair for during the day and throwing on over a bathing suit. For evenings out, this pair is a little more elevated.

7. Dresses On those days that it’s too hot to function, especially on vacation, a good dress is a must. I recommend packing at least two dresses for a beach vacation to give you variety for daytime activities, lounging around, and going to dinner. If there’s one dress you pack, let it be this mini! It’s lightweight, so flattering, and can be styled so many ways.

   Click for more info about Scoopneck shift dress in cotton poplin Click for more info about Susana Monaco Click for more info about Clio dress in textured gauze Click for more info about Pintuck midi dress in drapey organza

8. Sandals A comfortable pair of sandals is a non-negotiable for a beach vacation. I recommend packing 2-3 pairs, with one of those pairs being a good beach sandal like this pair. For day time activities or dinner out, this pair and this pair are great options!

   Click for more info about Birkenstock Click for more info about Cognac Leather Alibi Sandals Click for more info about Vince Lucila Sandal (Women) | Nordstrom

9. Swimsuit A bathing suit is a must-have for any summer vacation, especially if you’re going to the beach! Too often bathing suits don’t provide the support you’re looking for, but I’ve come to love J.Crew’s swimwear over the last few years. The quality is top notch and I never feel constricted. If you’re a one-piece girl, this one and this one are two of my favorites! They are both so flattering and elevate any beach look.

   Click for more info about Ruched bandeau one-piece swimsuit Click for more info about Ruched one-piece swimsuit with side ties in sunny floral Click for more info about Smocked squareneck bikini top Click for more info about Smocked string bikini bottom

10. Sunglasses The one item you absolutely do not want to forget to pack for your beach vacation is your sunglasses. These aviators from Aire are a fan favorite and look luxury for a fraction of the price. You can also never go wrong with a fun oversized pair like these.

    Click for more info about AIRE Click for more info about DIOR Click for more info about Ray-Ban Icons 50mm Round Metal Sunglasses | Nordstrom

11. Day/Beach Bag When going on beach vacations, I always like to bring a bag that can be used during the day but can also be utilized as a beach bag. This straw tote checks off all of the boxes: spacious for traveling, can be used as a beach tote, is elevated looking. I also recently picked up this tote and it would also be a great for the beach!

    Click for more info about Como woven straw tote Click for more info about Large hand-knotted packable tote bag

12. Evening Bag Ok hear me out: when you go on vacation you need both a day and nighttime bag. A tote is always your most practical daytime bag, but can be a pain at night. This shoulder bag is perfect for going out at night! Not too big and not too small, but can still hold all of the essentials.

Beach Vacation Essentials No summer vacation is complete without a trip to the beach! To make sure you’re well prepared and don’t forget anything, here is my full list of beach vacation essentials (no matter where you’re vacationing).

Beach Vacation Essentials Beach Tote A good tote is a must-have for a day at the beach. When I’m traveling, I always make sure to use a tote bag as my carry on that can double as a beach bag. As of late, I’ve been loving this one from J.Crew. It’s great for every day wear and is big enough to hold all of the things for your beach day!

If you’re more of a traditional beach bag type of gal, this straw tote and this mesh tote are both great options.

Click for more info about Como woven straw tote Click for more info about Large hand-knotted packable tote bag Click for more info about BEIS The Beach Tote in Maple from Revolve.com Click for more info about Hat Attack Beach Chair I am such a beach chair snob. If I’m going to be sitting around at the beach for hours on end, I want to have a chair that is going to make my life easier. That’s where this one comes in and I love it so much, I am now considering it a beach essential. It has an adjustable foot rest, it has a cup holder, it has a pocket on the arm for your phone, and it’s easy to carry thanks to the built-in backpack straps. Thank me later!!

Sunscreen When making your packing list for your beach vacation, sunscreen should be the first thing on it! For body sunscreen, I swear by this sunscreen. It’s lightweight but keeps my skin protected. For my face, I rotate between this Supergoop! one and this solar stick. As part of my skincare routine, I use this moisturizer that has SPF 30.