Smart Beach Packing Guide for Your Outer Banks Vacation

Written by Outer Banks Visitors Bureau on May 08, 2023

Your Outer Banks of North Carolina vacation is finally close enough to start filling the suitcase. To help make the process simple, we’ve pulled together the key beach-trip items in one place so nothing important gets left behind. Whether your visit is a quick overnighter or a weeklong stay, and whether you’re coming alone or with a group, this packing guide can help you arrive ready.

Beach Gear

• Beach bag
• Beach chair
• Beach umbrella
• Beach towel or large blanket/sheet
• Cooler for drinks, snacks, and 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, including bocce ball, can jam, corn hole, spike ball, and 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 if you plan to order delivery directly to the beach
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Extra hair ties
• Charger for electronics
• Garbage Bags & Ziplocs for trash and for keeping electronics protected. Tie down lightweight plastic bags or anything else that might 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

If an item gets left at home, it’s okay. The Outer Banks has plenty of local shops and grocery stores where you can pick up needed supplies.

Bring Along Leave No Trace Awareness

Knowledge may be the most valuable thing you pack. Visitors and locals are encouraged to help protect the Outer Banks by practicing leaving no trace.

1. Plan Ahead & Prepare

Understand how to reach the area and move around once you arrive, and look at local webcams for current beach-weather conditions. Review beach safety tips before you go, since this information can save lives.

2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces

Stay off the sand dunes, which play an important role in shielding the coast from rising sea water. A full list of accesses is available for planning where to enter the beach.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

Carry everything out that you bring in, including food, trash, equipment, and other belongings. Chairs, umbrellas, and tents should not be left on the beach overnight.

4. Leave It Like You Found It

Help preserve the area by looking at and photographing structures, artifacts, natural objects, and plant species without touching or removing them. Fill in any holes you dig so other visitors, animals, and vehicles do not fall in.

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts & Acquire the Proper Permits

Review Campfire Rules and Regulations before building a beach fire.

6. Respect the Wildlife and Sea Life

Watch wildlife from a safe distance, and do not feed, approach, or place animals in danger. That includes keeping dogs on leashes and understanding 4x4 beach driving regulations.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Give way to others, stop at crosswalks, let the ocean waves be the main soundtrack, and stay mindful of loud music around nearby beachgoers.