You have been waiting patiently for your vacation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and the time has finally come for you to start packing your bags for your beach getaway. We’ve gathered your essential beach packing items into one convenient spot so you don’t forget anything. Whether you are staying for a quick overnighter or a weeklong stay, traveling solo or with a group, this beach packing list will set you up for a successful trip.
 
beach kite
 

Beach Items

  • Beach bag
  • Beach chair
  • Beach umbrella
  • Beach towel or large blanket/sheet
  • Cooler – drinks, snacks, koozies (avoid taking glass bottles if possible)
  • Reusable water bottles with reusable straws
  • Water toys & inflatables, snorkels, fins, goggles, boogie board, surf board, skim board, SUP, kayak
  • Beach games such as bocce ball, can jam, corn hole, spike ball, volleyball
  • Beach wagon
 

Clothing + Footwear

  • Swimsuit
  • Cover up or rash guard
  • Flip flops or sandals
  • Extra change of dry clothes
  • Rain gear

 

Toiletries

  • Sunscreen
  • Aloe
  • Bug Spray
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Lip balm with SPF
 

Accessories, Electronics, & Miscellaneous

  • Money/ID in case you wish to order delivery straight to the beach
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Extra hair ties
  • Charger for electronics
  • Garbage Bags & Ziplocs for trash and protecting your electronics. Secure any light plastic bags or items that could possibly blow away into the ocean.
  • Portable speaker or headphones
  • Book, e-reader, OBX Travel Guide
 

Lodging Rental Items (Varies by stay)

  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Salt & Pepper, cooking essentials and spices
  • Pot holders, bottle opener, other kitchen gadgets
  • Paper towels
  • Linens
  • Toilet tissue
  • Hair dryer
  • First Aid Kit
  • Laundry & dish detergent
  • Games
 
Forget something on the list? No worries as there are many local shops and grocery stores where you can stock up on any essential items.
 
Vacation Rentals
 
 
Finally, knowledge is possibly the most important item to bring along. We encourage visitors and locals to practice leaving no trace:
 
1. Plan Ahead & Prepare
Know how to get here and around and check the local webcams for beach weather reports. Brush up on beach safety tips, these can save lives.
 
2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Please do not tread on the sand dunes as they are valuable to protect our coast from rising sea water. You can find a full list of accesses here.
 
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack it in, pack it out. Dispose of all food, trash, equipment, and so on. Do not leave any chairs, umbrellas or tents on the beach overnight.
 
4. Leave It Like You Found It
Preserve the area by examining, photographing, and not touching or removing other structures, artifacts, or natural objects and plant species. Cover any hole you dig to protect other visitors, animals, and vehicles from falling into the hole.
 
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts & Acquire the Proper Permits
 
6. Respect the Wildlife and Sea Life
It is important to observe all of our wildlife from a distance without feeding, approaching, or exposing them to other dangers such as keeping dogs on leashes or knowing 4x4 beach driving regulations. 
 
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Yielding to others, stopping at crosswalks or letting the sound of the ocean waves prevail and being conscious of loud music to those around you.