Packing for beach travel

This is a sample list of items and equipment you might want to take on a week-long trip to a beach resort in a developed tropical area, or some other part of the world (eg, Portugal, New Zealand, Long Island, or Southern California) during the local summer months. Depending on where you're going and the time of year, some of the items may not be useful to you, and there are inevitably additional items you'll want to bring along, but this should give you a general idea of what you'll want to pack. A minimalist won't want to pack much because it means there's less to carry but on the other hand, someone who wants to bring everything but the kitchen sink won't be short of anything. If two people from either camp go to the beach together, there will always be a conflict. It's best to compromise, but if you take something and don't use it or don't take something and really need it, be mature about it. Do your best not to say I told you so.

Wear

Dry activities

hat, cap, or sun visor
sweatshirt
windbreaker
poncho
2 t-shirts
1 nice shirt
2 pair of walk shorts
1 pair of long pants (suitable weight for current weather)
2 pair of underwear or racing trunks or bikini bottoms
ladies: 2 good sports bras or bikini tops
2 pair of crew socks
sneakers

You may wish to have spare dry clothes to change into in case some get wet.

Wet activities

2 pair boardshorts
spring or shortjohn wetsuit (May want heavier grade wetsuit, or no wetsuit, depending on conditions/activities)
rash guard
goggles
reef walkers
flip flops

gentlemen

speedo (Helps getting into wetsuit, and good to have on if the boardshorts come off)

ladies

one-piece
2 bikini sets

Get around

bags for your things
flashlight

Eat

Fishing: pole and tackle if you fish
Camping food: picnic basket or cooler
Barbecuing (on beaches where it's OK): But do clean up your trash afterwards.

Stay healthy and safe

See also: Travel health kit

sunglasses
high spf sunscreen
a hat (to shade your face and/or trap heat)
umbrella
beach towel, or a light trekking towel; bioshower-soap
insect repellent
toothbrush, toothpaste
antiperspirant and other toiletries
aspirin/Ibuprofen
blister care (e.g. moleskin, adhesive bandages)
insurance card
ID card
cash, bank card
women: tampons or pads.

See and do

good diving mask, snorkel, and swim fins
bodyboard or surfboard with leash and wax
beach ball
other sporting equipment
camera
folding beach chair, though you might be able to rent one at more developed beaches
reading and writing material. In summer you can get a sense of what the latest blockbuster book is based on what everyone is reading.