Jersey Shore Packing Guide
Everything you need to pack for a perfect shore trip. From beach essentials to water sports gear, we've got you covered.
Unlike beaches in other states, most Jersey Shore beaches don't have chair or umbrella rentals on the sand. Bring your own gear, pack plenty of sunscreen, and don't forget cash for beach badges. This guide covers everything you need for a successful shore trip.
$7-15
Daily Beach Badge
SPF 30+
Minimum Sunscreen
2+ L
Water Per Person
$50+
Cash to Bring
Complete Packing Checklist
🏖️Beach Essentials
- ✓Beach towels (2+ per person)Essential
- ✓Sunscreen SPF 30+Essential
- ✓Beach chairs or blanketEssential
- ✓Beach umbrella or tentEssential
- ✓Cooler with ice packsEssential
- ✓Reusable water bottlesEssential
- ○Snacks and sandwiches
- ○Beach bag (sand-resistant)
☀️Sun Protection
- ✓Sunscreen SPF 30-50+Essential
- ✓Lip balm with SPFEssential
- ✓Sunglasses (polarized)Essential
- ✓Wide-brim hatEssential
- ○Rash guard / swim shirt
- ○After-sun aloe vera
🏊Swimming & Water
- ✓Swimsuits (2+ for longer trips)Essential
- ○Goggles
- ○Boogie board
- ○Floaties for young swimmers
- ○Water shoes (for rocky areas)
👶For Kids
- ✓SPF 50+ sunscreenEssential
- ✓Rash guard / swim shirtEssential
- ✓Sand toys (buckets, shovels)Essential
- ✓Puddle jumper / floatiesEssential
- ✓Snacks (lots of them)Essential
- ✓Change of clothesEssential
- ○Swim diapers (if needed)
- ○Baby powder (removes sand)
🎒Practical Items
- ✓Cash (for badges, meters, vendors)Essential
- ✓Phone charger / power bankEssential
- ✓First aid basicsEssential
- ○ParkMobile app installed
- ○Reusable bags
- ○Ziploc bags (for wet items)
🌙Evening & Boardwalk
- ✓Casual dinner outfitEssential
- ✓Walking shoesEssential
- ○Light jacket (evenings cool down)
- ○Cash for boardwalk games
Beach Chairs, Umbrellas & Carts
Essential beach furniture since most Jersey Shore beaches don't offer rentals.
Beach Chair
Lightweight, foldable with cup holder. Look for rust-resistant aluminum.
Beach Umbrella
UPF 50+ with sand anchor. 7ft diameter covers 2-3 chairs.
Beach Cart / Wagon
Wide wheels for sand. Hauls chairs, cooler, umbrella in one trip.
Beach Canopy / Shelter
Pop-up shade for families. UPF 50+ protection, fits 4-6 people.
Umbrella Sand Anchor
Screw-in anchor keeps umbrella secure in windy conditions.
Beach Blanket
Sand-free, waterproof bottom. Packs small with stakes.
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Packing by Trip Length
Day Trip
- →Pack light - you'll carry everything from parking
- →Bring more water than you think
- →Cash for badge, parking, and one treat
- →Skip the umbrella if parking is far
Weekend
- →Two swimsuits (one's always damp)
- →Beach cart makes life easier
- →Book dinner reservations ahead
- →Bring gear for all weather
Week+
- →Beach cart is essential
- →Multiple umbrella/tent days
- →Pack light - laundry is available
- →Cooler bag for fish market finds
Packing by Traveler Type
Solo Traveler
Pack light, stay mobile
Must Have
Consider Skipping
Heavy umbrella - find a spot near others for safety
💡 Tip: Train travel? Wear swimsuit under clothes. Less to carry.
Couple
Balance comfort and portability
Must Have
Consider Skipping
Separate everything - share gear to reduce load
💡 Tip: One person carries chairs, other carries cooler/umbrella.
Family with Kids
Over-prepare - kids need everything
Must Have
Consider Skipping
Nothing - bring it all. Kids are unpredictable.
💡 Tip: Beach cart pays for itself on day one. Don't skip it.
Group/Friends
Divide and conquer - assign gear
Must Have
Consider Skipping
Everyone bringing everything - coordinate to avoid duplicates
💡 Tip: Create a group chat. Assign: cooler person, umbrella person, games person.
Weather-Based Packing Adjustments
Hot & Sunny (85°F+)
✓ Add
Extra water (3L per person), Cooling towels, Misting spray bottle, Extra sunscreen
✗ Remove/Skip
Heavy jacket, Jeans for evening
Tip: Arrive early (before 10am) or late (after 3pm) to avoid peak heat.
Overcast / Cloudy
✓ Add
Light rain jacket, Regular clothes (not just swimwear)
✗ Remove/Skip
Nothing - UV still penetrates clouds!
Tip: You can still burn on cloudy days. Keep the sunscreen.
Windy Day
✓ Add
Sandbag weights for umbrella, Windproof tent, Hair ties
✗ Remove/Skip
Flimsy umbrella - it will become a projectile
Tip: Set up behind dunes if possible. Wind is usually calmer there.
Cool / Spring Day (60-70°F)
✓ Add
Hoodie or fleece, Long pants for evening, Closed-toe shoes
✗ Remove/Skip
Expectation of swimming - water is cold!
Tip: Great for walking the boardwalk. Less crowded too.
⚠️ Often Forgotten Items
These are the things people kick themselves for not packing:
Hair ties / headband
Wind + saltwater = tangled mess
Lip balm with SPF
Lips burn too and they hurt more
Aloe vera gel
You'll probably get some sun
Baby powder
Removes sand from skin instantly
Plastic bags for wet clothes
Keep car seats dry on the way home
Quarters for parking meters
Some meters don't take cards or apps
Nail clippers
Sand gets under nails, drives you crazy
Book or podcast downloaded
Beach time = relaxation time
Common Packing Mistakes to Avoid
Packing only one swimsuit
Putting on a damp, sandy suit the next morning is miserable.
Fix: Bring 2+ swimsuits. They don't dry overnight in shore humidity.
Forgetting cash
Beach badges, parking meters, and many vendors are cash-only.
Fix: Bring $50-75 in small bills. ATMs near beaches have high fees.
Skipping the beach cart
Multiple trips from car to beach, or overloaded arms.
Fix: A $40-60 beach cart is the best investment for families.
Bringing regular sunscreen
Water-resistant sport sunscreen lasts longer and protects better.
Fix: Get SPF 30-50 sport/water-resistant. Reapply every 2 hours.
Not bringing enough water
Dehydration headaches ruin the afternoon. Boardwalk drinks are $5+.
Fix: Pack 2 liters per person. Freeze some bottles overnight.
Kids Beach Gear
Sand toys, floaties, and boogie boards to keep kids entertained.
Sand Toy Set
Buckets, shovels, molds - everything for sandcastle building.
Kids Beach Tent
Pop-up shade tent with UPF 50+ protection for little ones.
Swim Arm Floaties
Coast Guard approved arm bands for beginning swimmers.
Kids Boogie Board
Sized right for kids. Soft foam, safe leash.
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Water Safety Essentials
Life jackets and safety gear for water activities.
Adult Life Jacket
USCG approved. Required for paddling beyond bathing areas.
Kids Life Jacket
USCG approved for kids. Check weight rating.
Safety Whistle
Attach to PFD. Required for paddle sports in many areas.
Waterproof First Aid Kit
Compact, waterproof kit for beach and water activities.
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Beach Day Essentials
Sunscreen, coolers, and everything you need for a comfortable day.
Beach Chair
Lightweight, foldable, with backpack straps.
Beach Umbrella
UPF 50+ with sand anchor. Some NJ beaches require anchors.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect yourself and the ocean. No oxybenzone.
Beach Cart / Wagon
Haul all your gear across the sand.
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💡 Pro Packing Tips
Bring More Water
Sun + saltwater = dehydration. Pack 2L per person minimum.
Two Swimsuits
Nothing worse than putting on a damp suit. Humidity slows drying.
Baby Powder Hack
Removes sand from skin instantly. Essential for kids.
Cash is King
Beach badges, meters, and many vendors are cash-only.
Beach Cart = Life Changer
Worth every penny for hauling gear from parking.
Wawa Run First
Stock up on snacks and drinks before hitting the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the absolute essentials for a Jersey Shore beach day?▼
Sunscreen (SPF 30+), beach towels, swimsuit, cash for beach badges and parking, a cooler with water and snacks, and shade (umbrella or tent). Most Jersey Shore beaches require badges ($7-15/day), so bring cash. Add beach chairs if you have room - most beaches don't offer rentals.
Should I bring my own beach chairs or rent them?▼
Bring your own if possible. Unlike beaches in other states, most Jersey Shore beaches don't have chair rentals on the sand. Some towns have rental shops near the beach, but inventory is limited. Folding backpack chairs are easiest to carry from parking.
What should I pack for kids at the beach?▼
SPF 50+ sunscreen and rash guards, swim diapers for babies, puddle jumper flotation for toddlers, sand toys and boogie boards, plenty of snacks and drinks, a shade tent, extra towels, and a change of clothes. Baby powder removes stubborn sand.
Do I need to bring food and drinks to the beach?▼
Yes, bring a cooler. While boardwalk food is great, it's expensive ($5-8 for basics). Pack sandwiches, fruit, and plenty of water. Most beaches allow food but not alcohol or glass containers. A Wawa or supermarket run before the beach saves significant money.
What should I pack for a week-long Jersey Shore vacation?▼
Multiple swimsuits (they don't dry overnight in humidity), beach towels for each day, all beach gear (chairs, umbrella, cooler, toys), casual and nice dinner outfits, walking shoes for boardwalks, rain gear, and basic first aid. Consider bringing a beach cart to haul everything.
Related Guides
Ready to Pack?
Print this checklist or bookmark it for your next shore trip. Don't forget the sunscreen!