Are you planning a beach trip? Whether you’re heading to the coast for a stress-free vacation or combining it with a road trip, knowing how to prepare can make all the difference. After years of living by the white-sand beaches of the NW Florida Coast, I’ve learned some valuable lessons to ensure every beach getaway is fun, safe, and memorable. Here are 11 of the best tips to help you maximize your time in the sun!
Sunscreen is Your Best Friend
Sunburns are the fastest way to ruin a family beach vacation. Protect your skin by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+ or higher) at least 30 minutes before heading outside. Reapply every 30 minutes, even if the bottle claims it lasts longer.
Pro Tip: Avoid spray sunscreens—they often result in uneven coverage and waste product in the wind. Stick with lotions for full sun protection and wear rash guards or wide-brimmed hats for extra coverage.
- Equate Ultra Light Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 100, 6 fl oz
- Formulated with nourishing moisturizers, this sunscreen leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed
- Formula absorbs quickly so that skin feels dry to the touch
- Sweat- and water-resistant, grease- and oil-free formula keeps you protected for up to 80 minutes
- Paraben free
Find Shade & Stay Cool
The sweltering sun can be exhausting, so shade is a must! If your resort doesn’t provide beach umbrella rentals, invest in a 10×10 pop-up tent or beach umbrella (check local regulations first). Bring beach chairs or a sand-resistant blanket for extra comfort.
- Superior Sun Protection: The Dark Shelter fabric blocks 99% of UVA and UVB rays, providing maximum sun protection and reducing direct sunlight by 90%.
- Spacious Design: With dimensions of 86.6"L x 59"W x 48"H, this beach tent is 30% larger than similar models, comfortably fitting 3 people.
- Portable and Lightweight: Weighing just 3.5 lbs and packing down to 16.5"H x 3.9"L x 3.9"W, it includes a carrying case that fits in a backpack or suitcase.
- Easy Setup: Quick setup in minutes with simple instructions and additional tips for securing the tent with stakes and ropes for added stability.
- Enhanced Ventilation: Features 4-sided ventilation and 3 large mesh windows for excellent airflow, keeping you cool and comfortable.
- Extra Features: The floor extends 40 inches for additional space, and 3 curtains offer added privacy. The water-repellent fabric provides temporary shelter during light rain.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for outdoor activities like picnics, beach days, camping, hiking, fishing, and more, as well as relaxing in your backyard or at home.
Less is More with Beach Toys
You don’t need to bring an entire toy store to the beach! A boogie board and a few beach toys are more than enough to keep young children entertained for hours. If you’re visiting family-friendly resorts in Navarre Beach, check out the Sea Turtle Conservation Center’s borrow bin, where kids can borrow toys for free!
Word of advice: stay away from inflatables, as those can be carried out with the tide, and you can be too far out before ever realizing it.
- [Beach Toys for Kids 3-10 ] Sand toy beach set includes 3 castle beach buckets, sand forks and sand shovels (each 3), 4 colorful aquatic creatures beach molds, and a mesh beach bag to store all sand toys for toddlers.
- [Safe and Durable Material ] Made of high-quality material, the kid sand toy is soft and safe, And has smooth edges and surface design for easy cleaning after use.
- [Easy Carry & Store] Portable and lightweight foldable Bucket design is suitable for kids to enjoy summer outdoors travel beach. One mesh beach bag is supported to contain all sand molds, and it is easy to shake sand and water off.
Respect & Protect Wildlife
Keeping beaches clean is essential to protect marine life. Follow these eco-friendly beach essentials:
- Leave no trace – pick up all trash, including straws, cans, and cigarette butts.
- Fill in holes – sea turtles can get stuck in them.
- Stay off sand dunes, and don’t pick sea oats.
- Turn off beachfront vacation rental lights at night to avoid confusing sea turtles.
Water Safety Comes First
The ocean is beautiful but unpredictable. Stay safe by following these tips:
- Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets or Puddle Jumpers for kids who aren’t strong swimmers.
- BARBIE THEME: Dive in for a day of fun at the swimming pool and learn to swim with Barbie and friends This kids pool float features your child's favorite fashion doll icon Barbie
- CHILD-SAFE DESIGN: Two waist straps and a leg strap ensure a comfy and snug fit, so you and your child can feel comfortable and secure while splashing at the pool, lake, or beach
- COMFORTABLE & EASY TO CLEAN: The quality twill outer cover on this children’s swim vest makes it easy to keep clean, and the soft fabric provides extreme comfort, so your little one can enjoy the water all day long
- SAFETY YOU CAN TRUST: This life jacket is Transport Canada & U.S. Coast Guard Approved as a swim vest for kids 30-50 lbs. Always keep children under direct supervision when in water
- Always supervise children, even if they know how to swim.
- Learn to spot rip currents and how to escape them.
- Understand the beach flag warning system to recognize dangerous water conditions.
Invest in a Beach Wagon
Carrying all your beach essentials can be exhausting. A durable beach wagon makes transporting coolers, beach towels, and toys a breeze.
Bonus: It’s also perfect for Mardi Gras parades if you’re in the Gulf Coast area!
- Collapsible Wagon: The SYOCYO wagon has quality heavy duty steel frame, which can easily load up to 330lbs. Beach wagon with big wheels for sand dimensions unfolded is approximately 36.8" * 22.8" * 33.9" with 180L storage. Easily carry heavy items such as camping tents, beach chairs and groceries. Equipped with removable 600D oxford fabric is waterproof, easy to clean and durable
- Smooth Transport with All Terrain Wheels: Foldable wagon with wheels is equipped with dual bearings on all terrain wheels, adopts a 360°rotating front wheel design, it can roll smoothly and effortlessly on various road surfaces such as sand, grass, and soil as usual, which can be easily pushed and pulled
- Adjustable Handle: SYOCYO wagon really did it! Our folding wagon has smoothly rotating, 90°adjustable handle for making the beach wagon super easy to pull, turn and maneuver, Suitable for people of different body types. The handle locks securely in place, which can effectively control the direction of the folding wagon. Flexible handle could achieve the rebound function and keep it upright. You don't have to bend over to reach the handle
- Foldable wagon easy to store: With an internal drawstring, you can easily set up or fold your garden wagon in seconds; The folding size is 10.6" * 13" * 27.8", saving time and space, making it easy to carry; Folding wagon is much smaller and can be stored in a closet, garage, or car trunk. Small in size and large in capacity.
- Utility Grocery Wagon: Our collapsible wagon is perfect for outdoor camping, home shopping, gardening, beaches, fishing, sports, picnicking and more. The combination of lightweight and foldable makes the beach wagon particularly convenient for daily use! Release your backpack and travel easily
Avoid the Crowds & Explore the Local Culture
If you love peaceful beach days, avoid busy tourist spots. Navarre Beach and Perdido Key offer a more laid-back atmosphere. For an even quieter experience, visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore—the $25 fee for a seven-day pass is worth every penny. While you’re there, take time to explore the local culture, from seafood restaurants to unique coastal attractions.
Wear the Swimsuit – No Matter What
Beach trips are about fun, not worrying about body image. Wear the swimsuit and enjoy yourself! Most people are too busy relaxing to notice. To keep wet clothing organized, bring a foldable drying rack that fits inside your hotel or condo.
Capture the Memories
Don’t forget to document your next family vacation! Whether you use a professional photographer or your smartphone, take plenty of photos. Years from now, you’ll be glad you did!
Pack Smart & Stay Organized
A well-packed beach bag can make all the difference. Include essentials like extra beach towels, waterproof bags for wet clothing, baby powder to remove sand easily, and resealable bags for snacks in your beach vacation packing list. Careful planning ensures a stress-free family vacation.
Stay Hydrated & Snack Smart
Beach days can be dehydrating, so pack plenty of snacks and bring plenty of water in a reusable water bottle. Avoid salty foods that make you thirstier. Pre-pack healthy snacks like trail mix, granola bars, and sandwiches to keep energy levels up throughout the day.
Do you have any beach tips we missed? Share them with us in the comments.
Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or the big family trip you’ve been dreaming about, I can help make it easy and stress-free. I’ll take care of the details so you can enjoy the journey. Reach out to me at cara@magicaldestinationstravel.com or visit this page, and let’s start planning your next adventure.
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