Beach Packing Menus

Heading to the beach is one of the best ways to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and make unforgettable memories with loved ones. If you're lucky enough to be heading to a beach condo for your vacation, packing can be a challenge. But don't worry; I've got you covered!

See more how I pack my cooler here

Here is how I packed last year’s TUB.

 

As a seasoned beach condo renter, I've spent years perfecting my packing list for a week's stay. From essential items to fun extras, here's what you need to pack to make the most of your beach vacation.

To ensure a stress-free vacation, I have developed a beach packing list based on three main reasons. Firstly, I prefer not to rush to the store for essentials mid-week. Secondly, I don't want to pay exorbitant beach resort prices for items that I can easily bring from home. Lastly, the supplies provided in most condo rentals are minimal and not sufficient for an entire week's stay.

With these reasons in mind, I have created a comprehensive list that includes everything necessary for a comfortable stay. Some of these items may only be needed for a few days, so it is unnecessary to purchase a month's supply from beach stores when you can bring them in small containers from home.

This packing list is adaptable to most condo rental vacations, provided you plan your week's meals and consolidate your belongings. I store all of my items in a plastic storage tub and a small cooler for easy transport.

Whether you are skiing, heading to the beach, or spending time in a rustic cabin, these items are essential if you plan to cook or prepare meals in the kitchen. Upon reading this list, you may question how you will fit everything in your luggage alongside your clothes and beach chairs. However, the solution is the plastic storage tub. I pack most of these items in a 30-gallon plastic tub with a lid, and you would be surprised at how much it can hold.

Check out my packing skills for the beach TUB .

 

In the Tub

salt

pepper

sugar/sweeteners

oil

cinnamon

old bay

Italian seasoning

taco seasoning

a few rolls of toilet paper(I'm serious about not going to the store until mid-week)

paper towels

paper plates

plastic cups

plastic utensils (when you take a small bowl of pasta down to the beach)

napkins

box of tissues

coffee filters/coffee/creamer/sugar

dryer sheets

laundry pods/or bag of detergent/liquid detergent in an old squirt bottle or plastic container

clothesline with clips or small drying rack(for wet suits)

bar soap/or liquid soap pumps

clothespins to close chip bags

dish detergent

dish soap

extra scrubber

a few small & Large ziplock bags (freezer ones hold up better)

extra trash bags ( since they take up little space I bring one for each day of our stay)

all-purpose cleaner wipes (once our condo had a glass tabletop that got gross after every meal)

big lighter (for grill lighting)

foil/parchment paper/muffin liners

flashlight

all nonperishable food items such as mac & cheese with cheese packets, crackers, can beans, non-melting candy, microwave popcorn, nuts, wine, pretzels, spices, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, pop-tarts, canned soups, Old Bay seasoning, rice mixes, pasta, cinnamon, sugar, oil, sugar, baking mixes (ie pancake, muffins, cookie), chips, taco seasoning

 

In the Cooler

Frozen lasagna for first night

Taco meat (cooked & frozen in quart size baggies)

Grilled chicken (seasoned, cooked & frozen in quart size baggies)

Cheese/sliced or shredded

3 sticks of butter(frozen)

Cooked bacon

Deli meat (just to get us through the first few days)

Here are some things I've taken in the past. Small container or milk, boiled eggs in a baggie, soup frozen in freezer bag, cooked pork chops frozen in freezer baggie and frozen alfredo sauce for pasta night. Do your research, if you can freeze it then do it and pack it.

 

 

Beach Gear

Towels

beach toys/sandcastle bldg items

sunscreen

aloe gel for sunburns

frisbee

beach chairs

beach umbrella

floats/boogie boards/skim boards

goggles

Thought it might be helpful for me to post my beach menu for this year.

Saturday- lunch on road, dinner: Lasagna with raw veggies

Sunday- lunch:deli cheese, meat & crackers  dinner: at friends' house

Monday- lunch:Mac & Cheese with steamed broccoli  dinner: Nachos/Taco Salad (use taco meat)

Tuesday- lunch: soup  dinner: birthday seafood dinner out

Wednesday- lunch: quesadillas with any leftover taco meat or grilled chicken dinner: Pasta with salad or Pizza (take out or store-bought)

Thursday- lunch: sandwiches with chips and raw veggies  dinner: Indian chicken curry with rice and cucumber salad

Friday- lunch: leftovers or lunch out. dinner: catch of the day or buy shrimp to cook at home with baked potatoes and corn on cob.

Breakfast

I usually post a list of suggestions for all to see

Bacon, toast, pop-tarts, honey buns, boiled eggs, fruit, juice, oatmeal, granola, granola bars

If you would like to know what I pack to wear on the beach, check out my post on Beach Fashion Here.

Hope this has been helpful. I hope you have a great vacation and gain more time on the beach and less time in the kitchen.

 

If you have read this far, Thank you. I'd also like to share that I host a podcast called Rising Stories Podcast you can listen on Youtube or on itunes.