Skip to main content
  • Visitors
  • Meetings
  • Sports
Visitors
  • All Places to Stay
    • Beach Houses
    • Condos
    • Resorts
    • Hotels
    • Cabins
    • RV Parks & Camping
    • Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    Gulf Shores Beach
    Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
    Luxury RV Resort Gulf Shores
    The Ultimate Guide to Campgrounds in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Children at Waterville USA in Gulf Shores
    How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Beach Vacation
  • All Things to Do
    • Beaches
    • Attractions
      • Arts & Culture
      • Coastal Crafters
      • History & Museums
      • Indoor Activities
      • Popular Attractions
      • All Attractions
    • Amusements & Entertainment
      • Mini Golf
      • All Amusements & Entertainment
    • Fishing
      • Fishing Seasons
      • All Fishing
    • Outdoor Activities
      • Back Bay Blueway
      • Biking
      • Birding
      • Gulf State Park
      • Hiking
      • Motorcycle Runs
      • Nature & Parks
      • Shelling
      • Tours
      • Trails
      • All Outdoor Activities
    • Water Activities
      • Boating
      • Diving
      • Equipment Rentals & Outfitters
      • Jet Skiing
      • Kayaking
      • Marinas
      • Paddleboarding & Foil Boarding
      • Parasailing
      • Sailing
      • Snorkeling
      • Dolphin Cruises
      • Cruises
      • All Water Activities
    • Shopping
    • Golf
    • Nightlife & Bars
    • Signature Experiences
    Fat Daddy's Arcade Gulf Shores
    21 Rainy Day Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Dad and kids hunting crabs on Alabama's beaches
    Take The Kids On A Catch & Release Crabbing Adventure On Alabama's Gulf Coast
  • All Events
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Community Events
    • Concerts
    • Events Calendar
    • Holiday Events
    • Live Music
    • Snowbird Events
    Gulf Place Gulf Shores Christmas Lights
    Holiday Events
    Blue Angels
    Blue Angels
    Live Music
    Live Local Music
  • All Restaurants
    • Fan Favorites
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Food Trails
    • Recipes
    • Seafood
    Perch at The Lodge
    Best Fine Dining Restaurants on Alabama’s Beaches
    Papa Rocco's Gulf Shores
    12 Restaurants Locals Love On Alabama’s Beaches
    Cobalt the Restaurant Orange beach
    4 Beach Restaurants Perfect for Date-Night
  • All Planning Tools
    • Order a Vacation Guide
      • Order a Printed Guide & Brochures
      • View e-Guide
      • All Guides
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
      • Couples Newsletter
      • Destination Newsletter
      • Fishing Newsletter
      • Golf Newsletter
      • All eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Maps
    • Getting Here
    • Weather
    • Welcome Centers
    • Couples Getaway
    • Family Vacations
    • Beach Safety
    • Photographers
    Family Vacation Gulf Shores
    10 Things to Know Before Your Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Vacation
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Dog Pond Lake Shelby
    Easy Options for a Pet-Friendly Beach Vacation
  • All Blogs
    • 10 Family Activities
    • 14 Public Beaches
    • 21 Rainy Day Activities
    • 5 Things I Learned From My Vacation
    • 8 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Bike Share Program Gulf State Park
    10 Cheap & Free Things To Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Paddle boarding Orange Beach
    10 Things to do with Teens in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Waterville USA
    5 Thrilling Amusement Parks Gulf Shores Orange Beach
  • Deals
    All Deals
Visitors
  • All Places to Stay
    • Beach Houses
    • Condos
    • Resorts
    • Hotels
    • Cabins
    • RV Parks & Camping
    • Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    Gulf Shores Beach
    Should You Stay in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach?
    Luxury RV Resort Gulf Shores
    The Ultimate Guide to Campgrounds in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Children at Waterville USA in Gulf Shores
    How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Beach Vacation
  • All Things to Do
    • Beaches
    • Attractions
      • Arts & Culture
      • Coastal Crafters
      • History & Museums
      • Indoor Activities
      • Popular Attractions
      • All Attractions
    • Amusements & Entertainment
      • Mini Golf
      • All Amusements & Entertainment
    • Fishing
      • Fishing Seasons
      • All Fishing
    • Outdoor Activities
      • Back Bay Blueway
      • Biking
      • Birding
      • Gulf State Park
      • Hiking
      • Motorcycle Runs
      • Nature & Parks
      • Shelling
      • Tours
      • Trails
      • All Outdoor Activities
    • Water Activities
      • Boating
      • Diving
      • Equipment Rentals & Outfitters
      • Jet Skiing
      • Kayaking
      • Marinas
      • Paddleboarding & Foil Boarding
      • Parasailing
      • Sailing
      • Snorkeling
      • Dolphin Cruises
      • Cruises
      • All Water Activities
    • Shopping
    • Golf
    • Nightlife & Bars
    • Signature Experiences
    Fat Daddy's Arcade Gulf Shores
    21 Rainy Day Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Dad and kids hunting crabs on Alabama's beaches
    Take The Kids On A Catch & Release Crabbing Adventure On Alabama's Gulf Coast
  • All Events
    • Annual Events & Festivals
    • Community Events
    • Concerts
    • Events Calendar
    • Holiday Events
    • Live Music
    • Snowbird Events
    Gulf Place Gulf Shores Christmas Lights
    Holiday Events
    Blue Angels
    Blue Angels
    Live Music
    Live Local Music
  • All Restaurants
    • Fan Favorites
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Food Trails
    • Recipes
    • Seafood
    Perch at The Lodge
    Best Fine Dining Restaurants on Alabama’s Beaches
    Papa Rocco's Gulf Shores
    12 Restaurants Locals Love On Alabama’s Beaches
    Cobalt the Restaurant Orange beach
    4 Beach Restaurants Perfect for Date-Night
  • All Planning Tools
    • Order a Vacation Guide
      • Order a Printed Guide & Brochures
      • View e-Guide
      • All Guides
    • eNewsletter Sign Up
      • Couples Newsletter
      • Destination Newsletter
      • Fishing Newsletter
      • Golf Newsletter
      • All eNewsletter Sign Up
    • Maps
    • Getting Here
    • Weather
    • Welcome Centers
    • Couples Getaway
    • Family Vacations
    • Beach Safety
    • Photographers
    Family Vacation Gulf Shores
    10 Things to Know Before Your Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Vacation
    Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo
    10 Fun Family Activities in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Dog Pond Lake Shelby
    Easy Options for a Pet-Friendly Beach Vacation
  • All Blogs
    • 10 Family Activities
    • 14 Public Beaches
    • 21 Rainy Day Activities
    • 5 Things I Learned From My Vacation
    • 8 Things to Know Before Your Vacation
    Bike Share Program Gulf State Park
    10 Cheap & Free Things To Do in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Paddle boarding Orange Beach
    10 Things to do with Teens in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
    Waterville USA
    5 Thrilling Amusement Parks Gulf Shores Orange Beach
  • Deals
    All Deals
Meetings
  • Home
    All Home
    • Plan Your Conference
    • How Can We Help
    • Why Our Beach
    • Services
    • FAQs
    • Getting Here
    • Restaurants
    • Things to Do
    • Calendar of Events
    All Plan Your Conference
    • All Meeting Spaces
    • Unique Meeting Spaces
    • Accommodations
    All Meeting Spaces
  • Reunions & Weddings
    All Reunions & Weddings
    • Meeting Planner Toolkit
    All Toolkit
    • Connect With Us
    • Submit RFP
    • Subscribe Today
    All Contact Us
  • Stories
    All Stories
Sports
    • All Events
    • Book>Direct
    • Perfect Game World Series
    • Gulf Shores High School
    • Beach Races
    • Orange Beach High School
    All Events & Special Rates
    • All Restaurant Sponsors
    • On-the-Go Dining
    All Restaurants
    • All Attraction Sponsors
    All Attractions
  • Business Sponsors
    All Business Sponsors
  • Facilities
    All Facilities
    • Facility Info
    • Leisure Events
    • Our Services
    • Planner Toolkit
    • Contact Us
    • Newsletter
    • Future Sports Tourism Development
    All Bring Your Event
  • Sponsors
    All Sponsors
  • Stories
    All Stories
Woman lounging on the beach in Orange Beach, AL

8 Things to Pack in Your Beach Bag

Headed to Alabama’s white-sand beaches for a much-needed getaway but haven’t got a clue what to pack? No worries! We’ve got you covered with this handy packing list.

August 4, 2020

Along with the essential items such as sunglasses and flip flops, below are our top eight beach-friendly things to pack in your beach bag when you’re vacationing in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Check out our video guide to packing for a family beach day in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. Katie gives us a peek inside the perfectly packed beach bag with much more than just sunscreen and a book!

1. Sunscreen 

Nothing ruins a beach vacation quite like getting burnt to a crisp and heading home looking like a freshly-boiled lobster! Whether it’s overcast or a bright sunny sky, sunscreen is a necessity to pack when spending any time on our sugar-white sand beaches. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen products that are water-resistant and SPF 30 or higher with broad-spectrum sun protection. Apply every two hours, especially if you’re spending an extended time in the sun. And, if you happen to forget to pack your sunscreen, the Gulf Shores Main Public Beach has sunscreen dispensers available to all visitors. Bringing a sun hat is also a good idea for extra protection against sunburn.

Little girl laying on beach towel Gulf Shores, AL2. Beach Towel 

Having a long, quick-dry towel available is a must-have on the beach. Whether you use it for lounging, to dry yourself and your kids off with, or to cover up as you run back up to the condo to grab another drink, packing a beach towel is something you don’t want to forget to do. Left your towels at home? Stop into one of our local shops to grab one. The towels make great (and useful) souvenirs to pack up and bring back home.

3. Snacks and Water 

Spending time in the sun is physically draining, which is why we recommend you come to the beach prepared with snacks and plenty of water bottles to prevent fatigue and dehydration. Some of our favorite beachy snacks to pack are fresh fruit like watermelon and pineapple, sandwiches and wraps, pretzels and granola bars. It also never hurts to throw in a sports drink or two for added electrolytes.

Kids building sandcastle in Orange Beach, AL4. Reusable Trash Bag 

In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, we pride ourselves on providing a clean and safe experience for all who visit our beaches. Prior to leaving the beach for the day, be sure to remove all trash. A great way to remember to do this is to pack a reusable trash bag in your beach tote. If you have kids, turn it into a game:  whoever gathers their trash and toys up the fastest gets to pick where the family goes out to dessert that night!

5. Bucket Full of Toys 

Who says playing in the sand is just for the kids? No day at the beach is complete without building a sandcastle (or two or three…). But, to do that, you need to pack a plastic bucket, shovels, molds and rakes. If you forget, you can typically find these items at most shops in the area that are just small enough to stuff in your beach bag before you head out the door. Looking to become an expert in the art of sandcastle building? Be sure to book a class with Janel at Sand Castle University.

Girl reading on the beach in Gulf Shores, AL6. Books or Magazines  

Show your optimistic side and pack a book or magazine into your beach bag. While most of us are either watching our children or falling asleep in the sand, you may be able to squeeze in a quick read while you’re basking in the sun. 

7. Speaker 

 From Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney to The Allman Brothers and Tom Petty, crafting the perfect beach playlist is something many of our locals and visitors take great pride in. Celebrate your vacation playlist and pack a small waterproof speaker for your day out in the sun. Please be mindful of your neighbors and don’t turn the volume up too loud!

8. Camera 

Lastly, pack a camera or a phone with a camera. This is a must-pack item! Lifelong memories are made here on Alabama’s beaches and we don’t want you to forget any of it. Whether it’s your child’s first dip into the Gulf, a family sandcastle building contest or a surprise engagement, you’ll want to have some photos to commemorate your time spent with us here during your beach holiday in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. 

Now that you know what to pack for a day out on our white-sand beaches, it's time to start looking for a place to stay with us! And, be sure to order a copy of our 2020 Vacation Guide for inspiration on what to see, do and eat while you're here. 

Share This

Icon of a hotel
Find Your Perfect Place to Stay
Places to Stay Search Lodging Options
icon of a guide
Where Your Journey Begins
Order a Free Vacation Guide Order a Free Vacation Guide
Email icon
News from the Coast
Subscribe to Our E-Newsletter Subscribe to Our Enewsletter

You May Also Like

Orange Beach AL

8 Things to Eat, See and Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Couple's Beach Vacation

Alabama Beach Vacation Tips

budget-friendly travel tips Gulf Shores, AL

Travel Bloggers Share Budget-Friendly Planning Tips

Sunset on the beach in Gulf Shores

7 Tips for Planning a Beach Trip to Gulf Shores Orange Beach

GTs on the Bay Orange Beach

Plan Your Next Beach Trip With Our E-Newsletters

The Ruby Slipper Cafe

A Foodie's First Impression of the Alabama Gulf Coast

Order a Vacation Guide Subscribe to our Enewsletter
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism Logo
  • Facebook
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Tik-Tok
  • Trip Ideas
  • Press
  • Partners
  • Responsible Tourism
  • 1-800-745-SAND
  • [email protected]
  • Privacy Policy
  • Employment Opportunities
Copyright 2023 Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. All rights reserved.
  • Subscribe to Enews
  • Vacation Guide
  • Chat With Us