Spring break 2025 is on the horizon, and for many, that means one thing: a long-awaited beach trip. The perfect beach day isn’t just about the destination; it’s about being prepared with gear that makes your time in the sun effortless, comfortable, and stylish. From sun protection to sand-free lounging, the right products can turn a good vacation into a great one.
Packing smart is the key to maximizing relaxation. This roundup focuses on eight essential items designed to handle everything from active adventures to pure poolside lounging. We’ve selected products known for their performance, durability, and ability to solve common beach trip hassles, so you can focus on making memories.
Essential Gear for Your 2025 Beach Getaway
- Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50
- BOGG BAG Original Large Tote
- Elite Trend XL Beach Towel for Travel
- CRZ YOGA Men’s Linerless Workout Shorts 5”
- Ray-Ban Unisex RB2180 Round Sunglasses
- YETI Rambler 30 oz Stainless Steel Tumbler
- J.Crew Women’s Classic-Fit Vintage Cotton T-Shirt
- Speedo Women’s Solid Essential One Piece Swimsuit
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50
Sun protection is the non-negotiable foundation of any beach trip. Supergoop! PLAY offers a high-performance SPF 50 formula that provides broad-spectrum coverage against both UVA and UVB rays. Its lightweight, hydrating lotion is designed to absorb quickly without leaving a sticky residue or a noticeable white cast on the skin.
This sunscreen is built for active days, featuring water and sweat resistance for up to 80 minutes. The fast-absorbing texture makes reapplication simple, ensuring you stay protected during long hours in the sun, whether you’re swimming, playing beach volleyball, or simply walking along the shore.
BOGG BAG Original Large Tote
Hauling all your beach essentials requires a bag that’s up to the task. The BOGG Bag is a spacious, tip-proof tote built from durable EVA material that resists cracking and tearing. Its structured design stands upright on sand or deck, preventing spills and making it easy to access everything inside.
The bag includes two clear insert bags to keep smaller items like phones, keys, and sunscreen organized and visible. Best of all, it’s completely washable—sand brushes off, and spills rinse clean, making it the ultimate worry-free carrier for wet towels, snacks, and all your gear.
Elite Trend XL Beach Towel for Travel
An extra-large beach towel is a game-changer for comfort. This microfiber towel measures a generous 78 by 35 inches, providing ample space for lounging. The microfiber material is super absorbent, pulling moisture away from your skin much faster than standard cotton.
A major benefit is its sand-free design; sand simply shakes right off the smooth fibers. The towel also dries remarkably quickly, reducing that damp, musty smell in your bag. It comes with a compact carrying bag, making this large towel surprisingly easy to pack and transport.
CRZ YOGA Men’s Linerless Workout Shorts 5”
For men, a versatile pair of shorts is crucial for a beach trip. These CRZ YOGA shorts are designed with a featherlight, quick-drying fabric that is perfect for transitioning from a swim to a casual stroll. The 5-inch inseam provides a modern, comfortable fit suitable for various activities.
The linerless design offers flexibility, allowing you to wear them over swim trunks or on their own. Their soft, durable construction and functional pockets make them an ideal choice for running, gym sessions, or simply relaxing in comfortable, breathable attire after a day in the sun.
Ray-Ban Unisex RB2180 Round Sunglasses
Eye protection from the sun’s glare is essential, and Ray-Ban delivers with style and function. The RB2180 round sunglasses feature high-quality lenses that provide 100% UV protection, shielding your eyes from harmful rays. The lightweight glass lenses help reduce eye strain during extended outdoor use.
With a classic round frame design in versatile colors like Light Havana, these sunglasses offer a timeless look. The durable construction and prescription-ready lenses make them a reliable and fashionable accessory that complements any beach outfit while serving a critical protective purpose.
YETI Rambler 30 oz Stainless Steel Tumbler
Staying hydrated is easier with a drinkware that maintains temperature. The YETI Rambler 30 oz tumbler uses double-wall vacuum insulation to keep cold drinks icy and hot drinks warm for hours. Its 18/8 stainless steel construction is durable enough for any environment.
The included MagSlider Lid uses a magnetic sliding mechanism to create a secure seal, helping prevent spills in your beach bag. The tumbler also features a no-sweat design to keep your hands dry and is fully dishwasher safe for simple cleaning after a day in the sand.
J.Crew Women’s Classic-Fit Vintage Cotton V-Neck Pocket T-Shirt
A soft, reliable t-shirt is a layering staple for cool breezes or covering up after the beach. J.Crew’s classic-fit tee is made from comfortable vintage cotton that gets softer with each wash. The V-neck cut and classic fit offer a flattering, casual silhouette.
The added chest pocket provides a bit of utility and style. This shirt works perfectly thrown over a swimsuit, paired with shorts for lunch, or as a comfortable layer for evening activities, making it a versatile and essential piece for your travel wardrobe.
Speedo Women’s Solid Essential One Piece Swimsuit
A dependable swimsuit is at the heart of any beach trip. Speedo’s Essential One Piece is designed for both activity and comfort, made from durable, chlorine-resistant fabric that retains its shape and color. Its solid design offers a timeless, versatile look.
The suit provides a secure, comfortable fit with features like a lined front and a classic back, making it suitable for swimming laps or relaxing by the water. It’s a functional and stylish foundation for your beach days, built with the quality and performance Speedo is known for.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in Your 2025 Beach Bag
Packing for a spring break beach trip always feels like a puzzle. You want to be prepared for everything, from a sudden rain shower to a spontaneous dinner, without your suitcase becoming a black hole of “just in case” items. I’ve learned that the key is focusing on versatile, high-quality pieces that serve multiple purposes. For your 2025 trip, think about materials and tech that have evolved—fabrics that dry faster, sun protection that’s smarter, and gear that’s more compact than ever.
First, let’s talk about the foundation: your bag. A large, durable beach tote is non-negotiable, but in 2025, look for one with a separate, lined waterproof compartment. This keeps your phone, wallet, and book safe from wet towels and melting ice packs. Inside that bag, your sunscreen is your most important item. Don’t just grab any bottle; look for a reef-safe, mineral-based formula with an SPF of 30 or higher. More destinations are regulating chemical sunscreens, so a zinc oxide or titanium dioxide option is a responsible and effective choice. Pair it with a UPF 50+ long-sleeve cover-up or rash guard—it’s stylish protection that means you use less lotion.
Footwear is a classic overpacking trap. I limit myself to three pairs: supportive sandals for walking, flip-flops for the pool and shower, and one pair of versatile sneakers or casual shoes for evenings. For 2025, consider sandals made from recycled materials or quick-dry fabrics. Your electronics kit needs a waterproof phone case (not just a bag, a hard case) and a high-capacity, slim power bank. Newer models charge devices incredibly fast, so you’re not tethered to an outlet. Finally, a packable, wide-brim hat and a reusable water bottle with insulation are absolute game-changers. They keep you cool, hydrated, and protected without taking up much space. Following this logic for your 8 the ultimate spring break beach trip packing list for 2025 means you spend less time worrying about your stuff and more time enjoying the moment.
FAQ
How many swimsuits should I actually pack?
The rule I follow is to pack one swimsuit for every two days of my trip, with a minimum of two. This gives each suit time to fully dry (which helps it last longer) and ensures you always have a dry one ready. For a week-long trip, three to four suits is the sweet spot. Include a mix of styles—a reliable one-piece for active days, a couple of bikinis or trunks, and maybe a more fashionable option for photos.
What’s the one thing people always forget?
Beyond the obvious phone charger, it’s a mini first-aid kit and medications. I pack blister bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, stomach relief, and any personal prescriptions. After-sun aloe gel or lotion is also a savior. You don’t want to be hunting for a pharmacy at midnight because you forgot your allergy meds or got a little too much sun.
Are there any new tech items I should consider for 2025?
Yes! A small, sand-proof Bluetooth speaker is great for the beach, but be mindful of others. More useful might be a solar-powered power bank for extra eco-friendly charging, or a waterproof fitness tracker to monitor your activity and swims. Also, consider a digital luggage scale to avoid surprise overweight baggage fees on the way home.
How can I pack to avoid wrinkled clothes?
My method is rolling, not folding. Roll soft items like t-shirts, shorts, and swimwear tightly to save space and minimize creases. For dressier items, use the bundle wrapping technique: wrap them around the core of your rolled clothes. Packing cubes are also a huge help for organization and compression. Finally, hanging a wrinkled dress in the bathroom while you take a hot shower often does the trick.
What should I absolutely not bring?
Avoid overpacking “what if” outfits you’ll never wear. Leave expensive jewelry and unnecessary valuables at home. Skip the full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner—use refillable travel containers instead. And honestly, leave the heavy hardcover book; an e-reader or tablet is much more practical. The goal is to come home with a bag lighter than when you left, thanks to used sunscreen and souvenirs.