Packing for the Beach

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Beach Check List 

Let’s get to the beach as quickly and safely as possible! Here is a quick rundown of what I typically pack for an escape to the beach. We will be staying at The Great Beach Escape in Navarre Beach, Florida.  

Click here for the .pdf Beach Packing Check List.  

Portable Sled

This portable sled is the easiest way to transport items across our beach.

Beach Chairs & Umbrella

There are always 4–6 beach chairs in the secondary bedroom, along with one umbrella. This is similar to one I’ve previously purchased and keep in the guest bedroom closet—a 7ft umbrella.

I love these beach chairs—the backpack design makes it easy to carry your towel and other essentials for a day at the beach.

Please note: There is a storage area on the ground floor, located under the stairs near the pool, where you can keep your items for the duration of your stay. This allows you to take everything downstairs once and bring it back up just once.


Canopy

This beach canopy is great on the beach as you use the weight of the sand to weigh the canopy down.

The wonderful thing about being right on the water is that it is super easy to run back upstairs for something! I typically wake up before sunrise and can stake my claim on the front row on The Gulf of America right on Navarre Beach, Florida.

I will set up my chairs and umbrella at daylightEverything must be removed by dusk and the sand flattened to not interrupt the nesting sea turtles or nesting birds. More information on the local wildlife can be read here.

 

Beach Towels 

You can always use the white towels provided, but the beach towel is bigger and easier to wrap up in. I like these. If you wait until the end of Summer, you can find beach towels for under $10 at Sam’s Club. 

Portable Cooler 

This Igloo Classic Playmate Mini Cooler is the perfect size for drinks and sandwiches for the beach and also for you or your kiddos' extracurricular activities.

Lip Balm

Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm is a great to have in your bag. Always wear your sunscreen, lip balm, and a hatYour skin can burn within 15 minutes. 

 

Fanny Pack 

I know! I know! They are for old people! Not! My hubby likes to make fun of me, but I love to be able to have my hands free and I usually am wearing pants without pocketsSo, this Fanny Pack is the perfect size to carry my phone, reading glasses, air bud case, a couple of credits, cash, and a bottle of water. 

The other trick you can do is put your keys, phone, or cash in a clean baby diaper.  That way, to a passerby, it looks like you have dirty diaper that you have not yet thrown away.

Beach Bags 

There is so many to choose from. Why not match with your outfits? Here is a couple of ideas: 

     


Portable Speaker 

Enjoy your favorite music with a portable waterproof speaker. 

Books 

I love music! But there is nothing better than listening to the waves crash and reading a delightful story whether it is on your phone or an actual book. Note:  There are books in the 1st floor community center that are available to you while you stay with us at The Great Beach Escape!

Kites 

Are kites allowed on Navarre Beach? Yes! Flying a kite is such a great activity with your loved ones! Be sure to check that kites are allowed at your destination. Here are some fun kite ideas:  Fighter PlanePirate Ship; Blue DragonTriple Star 

Toys 

Do not forget to pack a frisbeefootball, and/or volleyballThis is a fantastic way to meet new friends. 

Kids Toys on the Beach 

While you are inside, you may opt for softer toys, but on the beach, these Beach Sand Toys for Kids makes it easy to build a beautiful sandcastle and wash off after you are finished. There's also some sand toys in the second bedroom closet for your use.

Another Option:  Check to see what others have donated at the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center's Borrow Bin. Or, donate your unwanted beach toys to this terrific organization at the end of your stay.

Pictures 

Take lots of pictures! You can never take enough photos. I will delete and edit them on my way back home. They look different when I look at them hours later. The best ones always seem to stand right out. 

You can also set up a tripod for family photosThis is one that I recommend: UBeesize 60" Extendable Tripod Stand with Bluetooth Remote. 

Another idea is to hire a professional photographer. I am very fussy with photos of me - one out of every 100 pictures I will actually like of me. My favorites are typically the funny ones. 

 

Meat Tenderizer 

Unseasoned Meat Tenderizer can be put on a jelly fish sting to help break down the protein found in jellyfish venom to reduce swelling, pain, and itching. Meat tenderizer in your bag is easier to carry than a bottle of vinegar or a can of shaving cream. 

Fishing Pole 

I have never fished on the beach, but I have fished on the Navarre Beach Pier. They will rent gear if you do not bring your own. There is a great Tuna fishing video utilizing a drone. Click here to view. 

Swimsuits 

Oh swimsuits, how I struggle with thee? I will order five in varying sizes in hopes that I will like two and send the rest back. For men, its’ so easy. What is your waist size? Great! I need two assorted colors and done! Kanu Surf Men's Paradigm Plaid Swim Trunks4” Inseam Speedo Short 

For me, sometimes the easiest thing is to wear a sports bra with a Rashguard and biker shorts. Other times, it is great to wear a cute bathing suit such as:  Tempt Me Women Two Piece Swimsuit or Cupshe Floral Print Bikini. 

 

Rash Guard 

These are great when you have had enough sun, but still want to play in the sun. Or wear one every day to protect your skin from the sun. I use these when I dive. 

Rashguard for men// Rashguard for women // Rashguard for boys //Rashguard for girls 

 

Closing 

Have a safe trip home! Check everywhere twice before you leave. Please take only photographs and leave only footprints at the beach. We hope to see you again real soon 

Contest

Tag any of your beach photos on Instagram @TheGreatBeachEscape for a chance to win a prize. Enjoy your stay.

Rules for Drawing 

If I do not have response from you within three days, you will forfeit your prize and I will move on to the next winner. May substitute prize for something of equal or lesser value.

 

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