Family Beach Trip Packing List
If you want to discover more ways to make the most of your time in the Charleston area, be sure to request access to our complimentary Destination Guide. It’s full of the top activities, attractions, and restaurants in the area!
Clothing
Are you wondering what to put on your family beach packing list? Comfortable and casual clothing is your key to success! The warm summer weather here calls for T-shirts, shorts, sunglasses, and hats. We also suggest packing a pair of pants (jeans or khakis) and a sweater for those occasional windy nights if you want to stay out for a night of stargazing on the sand. To limit laundry, do your best to pack pieces that are versatile so you can mix and match your outfits. It will save you tons of suitcase space (and time)!
Toiletries
Toiletries are some of the most difficult and frustrating parts of packing for any trip. Luckily, Folly Beach and Isle of Palms will have everything you need at stores near you (head into Mount Pleasant or James Island for large grocery stores). Don’t worry about packing things like sunscreen or bug spray with you, unless you are driving. The convenience is worth it. We recommend packing a quart-sized bag of liquids, gels, creams, and any other must-haves you need in your checked bag if you fly here.
With all the excitement surrounding a trip to our coastal paradise, it’s easy to leave behind essentials while writing up your family beach packing list. Some necessities that you will need include cell phone chargers, health insurance cards (just in case), your wallet (with driver’s license and credit cards), and tickets/travel vouchers. You’ll also want to bring along your camera with you to capture all of the incredible moments on your Charleston vacation!
Beach Rentals
We have a partnership with VAYKGEAR. Most of our rentals come with credit for beach gear like chairs, umbrellas, coolers, etc. Look for the VayKGear logo to the right on individual property descriptions to see if your rental provides a gear credit. Participating homes offer gear for stays between four and 14 days. If your rental does not participate, please plan to bring, purchase, or rent these items upon arrival.
Linens and Towels
We provide bed linens and bath towels for all vacation rentals. Make sure you put beach towels on your Charleston packing list, as the bathroom towels provided in your rental should stay in the house. Kitchen towels and potholders are in most rentals, but not guaranteed.
Please plan to bring or purchase any depletable groceries and vacation supplies. If it is available at the grocery store, please plan to bring or purchase it. Examples are soap and shampoo, dish and laundry detergents, trash bags, toilet tissue, paper towels, toothpaste, kitchen cleaning solutions, etc.
Specialty Kitchen Cooking and Entertainment Items
All kitchens include standard cookware, flatware, and stemware. For specialty cooking, like crockpots, pressure cookers, very large pots, etc., please plan to bring or purchase your own. Although many rentals may include them, we do not guarantee specialty cooking and entertaining items.
Wireless Internet
Most of our homes come with wifi, but internet service can be iffy on our barrier islands. Please bring a wireless internet card or hot spot if internet access is an absolute must. However, it is nice to unplug and enjoy a relaxing beach vacation without the stress of the digital world!
Many properties may include items such as irons and hair dryers, but we cannot guarantee this. If these are important to you, be sure to add them on your Charleston vacation packing list.