Are you planning an Alabama beach vacation this summer? Great choice! Let’s make sure you have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
From essential beach gear to family-friendly items and travel tips, this packing list has got you covered.
When it comes to packing for a beach vacation, it’s important to balance between comfort and practicality.
You’ll want to bring everything you need to stay comfortable and protected from the sun while also packing light enough to make traveling easy.
With this in mind, here are the essential items you’ll want to include on your Alabama beach vacation packing list.
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Even if you’re a pro who’s been to Gulf Shores a million times, this is still a great reference list to keep you on task and organized when packing.
For first-timers who have never visited Gulf Shores, AL, or Orange Beach, this list of beach essentials will really come in handy to get you prepared for this awesome beach getaway.
So, grab your sunscreen, and let’s get packing!
Free PDF Printable Checklist: Alabama Beach Vacation
Key Takeaways
- Pack essential beach gear, such as sunscreen, hats, towels, and beach umbrellas.
- Don’t forget to pack for comfort, including comfortable clothing, shoes, and a first aid kit.
- Hydration, nutrition, travel, and accommodation tips are also factors to consider.
Essential Beach Gear: What To Pack For An Alabama Beach Vacation
When it comes to packing for your Alabama beach vacation, there are a few essential items that you should always include.
In this section, I’ll cover the must-have gear for any beach trip, including sun protection essentials, beachwear, and beach accessories.
And if you forget anything at all, there’s always a Souvenir City around every corner.
Sun Protection
Everyone knows that protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is crucial when spending time at the beach.
The worst thing is getting a sunburn on your first day at the beach and then being miserable for the rest of your trip!
Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen with a high SPF rating, sunglasses to protect your eyes, and a hat to shade your face.
You should definitely also consider bringing a beach umbrella or tent to create a shady spot to relax in.
You’ll be thankful for having a sheltered area set up to escape the sun when it comes time for lunch or grabbing a quick snack.
For some reason, eating in the sun always feels so much hotter than just laying there catching rays like a beached whale.
Travel Tip! Pack a variety of sunscreens (cream, spray, zinc stick). Continuously rotate sunscreen spray and cream throughout the day. Use the lunchtime break to re-load up on the cream.
Helpful Tips: Sunscreen At The Beach
Keep all of your various sunscreens in the shade, tucked under a towel, or in a ziplock bag in the ice chest.
The heat is brutal, and it will cause your sunscreen to become runny and hot. The sunscreen sticks should definitely be kept in a cooler because they will melt easily if left in the sun.
Sunscreen CREAM: In the morning (about 20 minutes prior to hitting the sand), lather up and cover your whole body with the sunscreen cream (before putting on your swimsuit). This helps with getting the sunscreen in those hard-to-reach places and prevents the white cream from staining your suit. Use a special sunscreen for your face so as not to clog your pores and feel oily.
Sunscreen SPRAY: About 2 hours after you’ve been swimming in the ocean and building sandcastles, spray your whole body with the sunscreen spray. NOTE: Even though it’s a fine mist spray, make sure to rub it in! Trust me, I’ve been left with streaks of sunburns from the spray not hitting me in all the right places, and it wasn’t pretty!
Sunscreen STICK: The zinc sticks are great for your face especially for kids who squint and wiggle when you try to rub sunscreen on their tiny faces. Make sure you keep the sunscreen sticks in a cooler. These are more fragile than cream or spray and will melt when left in the sun.
Beachwear
Comfortable and practical beachwear is a must for any beach vacation. Pack plenty of swimsuits, cover-ups, and flip-flops.
A beach towel is also a necessity, so make sure to pack a few extra in case one gets wet or sandy.
Why do I say “plenty” of swimsuits? Because if you go back up to your condo or beach house mid-day to eat lunch, you might want to temporarily change into some dry clothes.
At the very least, you won’t want your kids sitting on the furniture with a wet suit or towel.
Wiggling back into a wet swimsuit will make you cold and feel soggy. It also never quite fits the same when it’s already wet.
Regardless, it’s nice to have a variety of fashionable swim options, even if just for fun!
Beach Accessories
To make the most of your beach vacation, there are a few accessories you should consider packing.
Beach chairs are a great way to relax and soak up the sun, while a beach bag is perfect for carrying all your essentials.
Don’t forget to pack a cooler to keep your drinks and snacks cold and a waterproof phone case to protect your phone from sand and water.
Travel Tip! Don’t underestimate the summer heat. Snacks will melt, and phones will overheat so make sure to hide everything in the shade. Also, drink water and lots of it even if you don’t feel thirsty!
Packing for Comfort: Beach Vacation Essentials
When you’re packing for your Alabama beach vacation, comfort should be your top priority.
Here are some items to consider packing for maximum comfort during your trip.
Clothing Items
When it comes to clothing, lightweight and breathable fabrics are a must. A swimsuit is a no-brainer, but don’t forget to pack a cover-up or two for when you’re walking around town or grabbing lunch.
Sandals are the perfect shoe choice for the beach, but water shoes are a good option if you plan on doing any water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding.
It’s also a good idea to pack a change of clothes in case you get wet or sandy during the day. A dry bag can come in handy for keeping your wet items separate from your dry ones.
And if you’re planning on staying out late, a light blanket or jacket can keep you warm when the temperature drops.
Typically, you won’t really need a jacket at night in the dead of summer.
However, if you’re fighting any level of sunburn or if you get overheated while spending the entire day at the beach, that will make you colder at night because your skin is working overtime to try to cool you off.
Travel Tip! Pack a UPF 50+ sun shirt or rash guard to protect your arms, shoulders, and back (which is usually what gets sunburned first). Trust me, it’ll save you from getting burned and you won’t regret the investment!
I usually wear one on the second day, so I don’t accidentally get too much sun and ruin the rest of our beach vacation. We also always make our kids wear UPF 50+ shirts for at least half the day every day.
Convenience Items
In addition to clothing, there are a few convenience items that can make your beach vacation more comfortable.
A waterproof phone case can protect your phone from water damage while you’re at the beach. A portable fan can help keep you cool on hot days.
Don’t forget to pack a few healthy snacks and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day. Playing in the waves can work up a serious appetite!
A cooler can keep your drinks and snacks cold, and a reusable water bottle can help you stay hydrated without having to constantly buy bottled water.
Speaking of comfort and convenience, if you’re traveling with small children, nothing beats this inflatable travel bed! It’s portable, lightweight, and quite comfortable.
It’s so nice that it makes me want to buy it for myself and bring it to the beach as a bed or a float!
You won’t regret packing these little conveniences because I assure you it’ll minimize the cranky meltdowns.
Family Essentials: Alamaba Beach Fun
Packing for a family beach vacation can be tedious. You have to make sure you pack all the essentials so that everyone has a good time and you can at least try to minimize the meltdowns.
Lord knows you won’t be able to avoid them entirely. But hopefully, if you show up prepared, you’ll have fewer temper tantrums (and I’m not just talking about the kids).
Kids’ Necessities
When it comes to packing for kids, you need to think about comfort and entertainment. We can all relate to the “I’m bored!” statement. Am I right?
You’ll need lots of swimsuits because kids tend to go through them quickly for whatever reason. Throw in a few pairs of swim goggles and snorkels, too.
Travel Tip! Have your kids test the goggles & snorkel in the bathtub before vacation. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve ended up all the way down at the beach only to find out that the suction of the goggles doesn’t work properly or that there’s a crack in the lens. Do yourself a favor and test them ahead of time!
It goes without saying, bring A LOT of snacks for the kids and for yourself!
Pack some easy-to-eat snacks like individual bags of chips, granola bars, fruit snacks, and crackers.
Apples and peanut butter sandwiches are always a hearty choice, too.
Our kids tend to go for salty snacks, probably due to sweating out electrolytes.
Don’t forget to bring a cooler to keep everything cold because, trust me, anything that is remotely sensitive to the heat will melt (i.e., chocolate chip granola bars, Quest bars, etc.).
Family Entertainment
When you’re at the beach, you’ll want to have plenty of things to keep everyone entertained.
Beach toys and sand toys are a must for kids. Bring along some beach games like frisbee, paddleball, and bocce ball for the whole family to enjoy.
Floaties are also a great option for kids who are still learning to swim. If you have a large family, consider bringing a beach wagon to help carry all of your gear to the beach.
Another totally cheap and surprisingly fun idea is to bring bubbles to the beach! You’d be surprised at how long this actually keeps kids entertained.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about the mess of slippery soap all over your house.
Bring along a small kiddie pool, fill it with water and bubble soap, then use a hula hoop to create gigantic bubbles at the beach.
Overall, packing for a family beach vacation can daunting, but if you make a list and pack everything you need, you’re sure to have a great time.
Hydration and Nutrition: What To Bring To The Beach
Pack your favorite snacks and drinks to carry to the beach so you don’t have to trek all the way back up to your condo. Once you’re back in the air-conditioned comfort, you likely won’t want to head back to the beach.
Drinks
Staying hydrated is super important when you’re spending time in the sun. Pack plenty of water and invest in a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day. You can also bring other drinks, such as sports drinks or coconut water, to help replenish electrolytes lost through sweating.
Don’t forget to include some refreshing adult beverages. I mean, we are on vacation, after all!
Food and Snacks
Bringing along some snacks and food is a great way to keep your energy levels up and avoid getting angry.
Pack some fruits like grapes, apples, or bananas that are easy to eat and won’t make a mess. Granola bars, trail mix, and crackers are also great options that won’t take up too much space in your cooler.
Don’t forget to pack a cooler with ice to keep your food and drinks fresh and cold throughout the day.
Travel and Accommodation Tips: Where To Stay In Gulf Shores
Planning a beach vacation is exciting but can also be stressful if you don’t know where to start. Here are a few travel and accommodation tips to help you plan your Alabama beach vacation.
Choosing a Place to Stay
There are loads of hotel and vacation rental options along the beach in Alamama.
You can choose from luxury hotels, budget-friendly hotels, and everything in between. However, if you’re looking for more space and privacy, vacation rentals might be a better option for you.
Vacation rentals include beach house rentals, condos, and apartments. They offer more space and amenities than hotels, and they can be more cost-effective if you’re traveling with a group.
Check out my post about the Best Condo In Gulf Shores– Gulf Shores Surf & Racquet to find out why this condo is by far our favorite place to stay for an Alabama beach vacation.
Traveling to Alabama Beaches
Getting to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is easy. If you’re flying, the closest airport is Pensacola International Airport (PNS), which is about an hour’s drive from Gulf Shores. You can also fly into Mobile Regional Airport (MOB), which is about an hour and a half drive to Gulf Shores. Once you arrive, you can rent a car or use a ride-sharing service to get around.
If you’re driving, Gulf Shores is accessible via Interstate 10 and Highway 59. Plan to stop at Buc-ee’s for a restroom break and load up on snacks and gas. This gas station superstore gets really crowded during peak summer months when visitors are headed to the Gulf Coast. But it’s worth a visit to experience their super clean restrooms.
When it comes to packing for your Alabama beach vacation, be sure to check the weather forecast before you go. Summers in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach can be hot and humid, so pack plenty of lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and hats to protect yourself from the sun.
There are also occasional afternoon showers that blow through, so be prepared for alternate beach plans if it rains.
Travel Tip! If you’re staying in a vacation rental, check to see what amenities are included so you can pack accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What essentials should I bring for a week at the beach in Gulf Shores?
When packing for a week-long beach vacation in Gulf Shores, it’s important to bring essentials like sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a beach bag. You’ll also want to pack beach towels, a swimsuit, and flip-flops. Don’t forget to bring toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, soap, and toothpaste. Bring kitchen essentials like a cooler, ice packs, and cooking utensils if you plan to cook.
Can you suggest a packing list for a family beach vacation in Alabama?
For a family beach vacation in Alabama, you’ll want to bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect everyone from the sun. Pack beach towels, swimsuits, and flip-flops for each family member. Bring a beach bag to carry everything in, and don’t forget to pack snacks and drinks for the kids. If you’re staying in a vacation rental, check to see if they provide beach chairs and umbrellas. If not, consider bringing your own.
What type of clothing is recommended for summer days in Orange Beach?
During the hot summer days in Orange Beach, lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended. Pack shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, and dresses made from cotton or other breathable fabrics. Don’t forget to bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or if you plan to spend time indoors with air conditioning.
Are there any must-have items for enjoying the free attractions on the Alabama coast?
To enjoy the free attractions on the Alabama coast, consider bringing a beach umbrella, beach chairs, and a cooler with snacks and drinks. You may also want to bring binoculars to spot wildlife, a camera to capture memories, and a backpack to carry everything in.
How should I prepare for a day trip to Fort Morgan beaches?
For a day trip to Fort Morgan beaches, pack essentials like sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Bring a beach bag with beach towels, swimsuits, and flip-flops. Don’t forget to pack snacks and drinks for the day, and consider bringing a cooler with ice packs to keep everything cold. If you plan to explore the historic Fort Morgan site, wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
What are the beach vacation necessities if I’m traveling on a budget to Alabama?
If you’re traveling on a budget to Alabama, consider packing essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Bring beach towels, swimsuits, and flip-flops, and consider packing a picnic lunch instead of eating out. You can also save money by bringing your own beach chairs and umbrellas instead of renting them. Don’t forget to pack a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your trip.
