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
๐๏ธBeach 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)
โ๏ธSun Protection
- Sunscreen SPF 30-50+Essential
- Lip balm with SPFEssential
- Sunglasses (polarized)Essential
- Wide-brim hatEssential
- Rash guard / swim shirt
- After-sun aloe vera
๐Swimming & Water
- Swimsuits (2+ for longer trips)Essential
- Goggles
- Boogie board
- Floaties for young swimmers
- Water shoes (for rocky areas)
๐ถFor 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)
๐Practical Items
- Cash (for badges, meters, vendors)Essential
- Phone charger / power bankEssential
- First aid basicsEssential
- ParkMobile app installed
- Reusable bags
- Ziploc bags (for wet items)
๐Evening & Boardwalk
- Casual dinner outfitEssential
- Walking shoesEssential
- Light jacket (evenings cool down)
- Cash for boardwalk games
Beach Chairs, Umbrellas & Carts
Comfort for your beach day
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Essential beach furniture since most Jersey Shore beaches don't offer rentals.
Beach Chair
Lightweight, foldable with cup holder. Look for rust-resistant aluminum.
Tommy Bahama
Tommy Bahama 5-Position Classic Lay Flat Folding Backpack Beach Chair, Aluminum, Red, White, and Blue Stripe
Coleman
Coleman Utopia Breeze Lightweight Beach Chair with Cup Holder, Comfortable Portable Outdoor Chair with Carry Bag, Supports up to 300lbs, Great for Beach & Yard
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.
MacSports
Mac Sports Collapsible Outdoor Utility Wagon with Folding Table and Drink Holders, Gray
Overmont
Overmont 45'' Collapsible Foldable Extended Wagon Cart - 300L Heavy Duty 440lbs Large Capacity Folding Utility Wagon with All-Terrain Wide Wheels for Camping Sports Grocery Beach
Beach Canopy / Shelter
Pop-up shade for families. UPF 50+ protection, fits 4-6 people.
OutdoorMaster
OutdoorMaster Pop Up Beach Tent for 4 Person - Easy Setup and Portable Beach Shade Sun Shelter Canopy with UPF 50+ UV Protection Removable Skylight Family Size - Blue
Gorich
Gorich Beach Tent Sun Shelter for 3/4/6/8/10 Person with UPF 50๏ผ UV Protection, Lightweight & Easy Setup Beach Shade Canopy, Portable Beach Shade Tent Beach Cabana
Umbrella Sand Anchor
Screw-in anchor keeps umbrella secure in windy conditions.
COBARYEN
COBARYEN Tent Stakes Ground Anchors Screw in, 10 Pack Sand Stakes for Beach 9.4 Inch Heavy Duty Spiral Tent Pegs for Camping, Party, Hiking, Outdoor Decoration (10, Black)
Orange Screw
Orange Screw Ultimate Ground Anchors: Heavy Duty Screw-in Tent Stakes for High Wind, Sand, Canopies, and Camping - Made in USA, Included T-Grip Tool - (Large, 2 Pack, Orange)
Beach Blanket
Sand-free, waterproof bottom. Packs small with stakes.
WEKAPO
WEKAPO Beach Blanket Waterproof Sandproof Oversized Extra Large Sand Free Beach Mat with Stakes, Storage Bag - Essentials for Outdoor Beach, Picnic (Sea Turtle, 8 X 7 FT (1~4 Person))
WEKAPO
Wekapo Beach Blanket Sandproof, Beach Mat, Big & Compact Sand Free Mat Quick Drying, Lightweight & Durable with 6 Stakes & 4 Corner Pockets, Standard (1~3 person)
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Packing by Trip Length
Day Trip
- โPack light - you'll carry everything from parking
- โBring more water than you think
- โCash for badge, parking, and one treat
- โSkip the umbrella if parking is far
Weekend
- โTwo swimsuits (one's always damp)
- โBeach cart makes life easier
- โBook dinner reservations ahead
- โBring gear for all weather
Week+
- โBeach cart is essential
- โMultiple umbrella/tent days
- โPack light - laundry is available
- โCooler 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
๐ก 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
๐ก 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.
๐ก 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
๐ก Tip: Create a group chat. Assign: cooler person, umbrella person, games person.
Weather-Based Packing Adjustments
Hot & Sunny (85ยฐF+)
โ Add
Extra water (3L per person), Cooling towels, Misting spray bottle, Extra sunscreen
โ Remove/Skip
Heavy jacket, Jeans for evening
Tip: Arrive early (before 10am) or late (after 3pm) to avoid peak heat.
Overcast / Cloudy
โ Add
Light rain jacket, Regular clothes (not just swimwear)
โ Remove/Skip
Nothing - UV still penetrates clouds!
Tip: You can still burn on cloudy days. Keep the sunscreen.
Windy Day
โ Add
Sandbag weights for umbrella, Windproof tent, Hair ties
โ Remove/Skip
Flimsy umbrella - it will become a projectile
Tip: Set up behind dunes if possible. Wind is usually calmer there.
Cool / Spring Day (60-70ยฐF)
โ Add
Hoodie or fleece, Long pants for evening, Closed-toe shoes
โ Remove/Skip
Expectation of swimming - water is cold!
Tip: Great for walking the boardwalk. Less crowded too.
โ ๏ธ 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
Keep the kids entertained
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Sand toys, floaties, and boogie boards to keep kids entertained.
Sand Toy Set
Buckets, shovels, molds - everything for sandcastle building.
DISHIO
Collapsible Beach Sand Toys Set for Kids - Includes Bucket, Mesh Shovel, Filter Scooper & Castle Molds - Toddler Beach Toys for 1-3 & Kids Ages 4-8 with Mesh Bag, Summer Outdoor Beach Essentials
Holady
Holady 60 PCS 5.78 Inch Sand Castle Beach Bucket and Beach Shovels Toy Set,Sandcastle Mould,Sand Buckets Pails Beach Water Pool Gardening Bath Toy-30 Bucket+30 Shovels
Kids Beach Tent
Pop-up shade tent with UPF 50+ protection for little ones.
SUMELAY
Pop Up Beach Tent Shade Sun Shelter UPF 50+ Canopy Cabana 2-3 Person for Adults Baby Kids Outdoor Activities Camping Fishing Hiking Picnic Touring (Blue)
Gorich
Gorich Beach Tent Sun Shelter for 3/4/6/8/10 Person with UPF 50๏ผ UV Protection, Lightweight & Easy Setup Beach Shade Canopy, Portable Beach Shade Tent Beach Cabana
Swim Arm Floaties
Coast Guard approved arm bands for beginning swimmers.
Dark Lightning
Dark Lightning Toddler Swim Vest for Kids Ages 2-7, Kids Pool Floaties with Arm Wings, USCG Approved Swim Vest for Boys Girls, 33-55 lbs (Shark)
BLUEMARS
BLUEMARS Toddler Swim Vest for Kids Ages 2-7, Swim Floaties with Arm Wings, USCG Approved Kids Pool Swim Vest for Boys Girls, 33-55 lbs, Rocket
Kids Boogie Board
Sized right for kids. Soft foam, safe leash.
Bloo Tide
Bloo Tide 22in Mini Bodyboard // Foam Wax Free Soft Kickboard Bodyboard for Adults and Kids of All Levels
GYN Trade
Legendary Pro X Bodyboard for Beach with Hard Slick Bottom, Boogie Boards for Kids & Adults, Heat Sealed with EPS Core, Leash (Flame, 33)
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Water Safety Essentials
Safety first on the water
USCG approved gear
Life jackets and safety gear for water activities.
Adult Life Jacket
USCG approved. Required for paddling beyond bathing areas.
STEARNS
Stearns Adult Classic Series Life Vest, USCG Approved Type III Life Jacket with Standard & Oversized Fits, Great for Boating, Swimming, Watersports, & More
STEARNS
Stearns Adult Classic Series Life Vest, USCG Approved Type III Life Jacket with Standard & Oversized Fits, Great for Boating, Swimming, Watersports, & More
Kids Life Jacket
USCG approved for kids. Check weight rating.
STEARNS
Stearns Kids Life Vest, USCG Approved Type III Life Jacket for Children 50 to 90 lbs, Youth PFD for Boating, Swimming, Watersports, Pool, Beach, & More, red
STEARNS
Stearns Kids Life Vest, USCG Approved Type III Life Jacket for Children 30 to 50 lbs, Youth PFD for Boating, Swimming, Watersports, Pool, Beach, & More, Red
Safety Whistle
Attach to PFD. Required for paddle sports in many areas.
LuxoGear
LuxoGear Emergency Whistles with Lanyard Safety Whistle Survival Shrill Loud Blast for Kayak Life Vest Jacket Boating Fishing Boat Camping Hiking Hunting Rescue Signaling Kids Lifeguard Plastic 2 Pack
Shoreline Marine
Shoreline Marine Basic Safety Whistle with Lanyard
Waterproof First Aid Kit
Compact, waterproof kit for beach and water activities.
Vriexsd
VRIEXSD Premium First Aid Kit, 320 Piece Waterproof Hard Shell Eva First Aid Kit for Home, Camping, Cars, Hiking, Travel, Businesses & Outdoor Emergencies - Emergency Medical Kits (Red)
First Aid Only
Pac-Kit Watertight Explorer 1 First Aid Kit for Hiking, Camping and Outdoor Activities, 67 Pieces
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Beach Day Essentials
Beach day must-haves
Get it before you go
Sunscreen, coolers, and everything you need for a comfortable day.
Beach Chair
Lightweight, foldable, with backpack straps.
Tommy Bahama
Tommy Bahama 5-Position Classic Lay Flat Folding Backpack Beach Chair, Aluminum, Red, White, and Blue Stripe
SONGMICS
SONGMICS Portable Backpack Beach Chair, 331 lb Capacity, 4 Angles Adjustable Backrest, 2 Side Pockets, Towel Bar, Green and White UGCB62JW
Beach Umbrella
UPF 50+ with sand anchor. Some NJ beaches require anchors.
wikiwiki
wikiwiki 7ft Beach Umbrella with Sand Anchor & Tilt, UPF 50+ Protection Beach Umbrellas for Sand, with Carry Bag and Hook, for Patio Garden Pool, Light Blue Stripes
AMMSUN
AMMSUN 7ft Heavy Duty High Wind Beach Umbrella Parasols with Sand Anchor Vent Tilt UPF 50+ Sun Protection Portable Outdoor Sunshade Umbrellas Carry Bag for Patio Garden Pool Backyard Blue
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect yourself and the ocean. No oxybenzone.
Badger
Badger Reef Safe Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50, 98% Organic with Zinc Oxide, Non Toxic, Water Resistant, Unscented & Hypoallergenic, Broad - Spectrum, For Adventure & Sport, 2.9 fl oz
BLUE LIZARD
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion, 100% Mineral Sunscreen, UVA/UVB Protection, Infused with organic Aloe Vera, Soothes and Hydrates, 5 fl oz
Beach Cart / Wagon
Haul all your gear across the sand.
Sekey
Sekey Heavy Duty Beach Wagon with 9" Big Sand-Proof Wheels โ 600lb Capacity, 200L Oversized Foldable Cart | Adjustable Handle & All-Terrain Tires for Sand, Camping
MACSPORTS
Mac Sports Beach Day Foldable Chaise Lounge Chair with Integrated Wagon Pull Cart Combination and Heavy Wheels - Perfect for Beach, Backyard, Pool or Picnic
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๐ก 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!