We are thrilled that you are planning a getaway to Oak Island, NC. To make this vacation super successful, we have compiled helpful beach packing lists for you to use. Gathering the essential items for you and your family is important, but it can be stressful when you aren’t prepared. Flex your packing skills and be ready for vacation in a flash with our user-friendly packing lists below!
Beach Vacation Planning and Packing Lists
Packing lists included in this article:
- Clothing (by season)
- Personal Care & Hygiene Items
- Kitchen Ideas
- Living Space Ideas
- Outdoor Fun
- Beach Day
- Bedroom, Bathroom, & Comfort Items
- Dog Supplies
- Miscellaneous
Clothing
Oak Island has a classic Southern coastal climate with hot and humid summers, mild but breezy springs and falls, and cool winters with windy days. Each season and its weather are unique. Seasonally appropriate layers are the name of the game, no matter what time of year you visit. Be sure to add any activity-specific clothing to your list. If you plan to go for a morning jog or take a deep-sea fishing trip, you may have additional items needed for your trip to the beach. Jewelry is also something to consider when packing.
Spring (March-May)
- Lightweight long-sleeve shirts (sun + wind protection)
- Short-sleeve tees or tanks
- Shorts and casual skirts
- Swimsuits (water warms up by late May)
- Rash guard or UPF swim shirt (late May)
- Cover-up
- Sundresses (for later spring)
- Light jacket or windbreaker (may need coat in March)
- Cardigan or hoodie
- Light scarf (optional, great for breezy evenings)
- Lightweight pants or jeans
- Linen or cotton trousers
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Sneakers or walking shoes (for beach walks or town)
- Wide-brim hat or baseball cap
- Sunglasses
- Light pajamas (consider one warmer set)
Summer (June-Aug)
- 2–3 swimsuits (they take time to dry)
- Rash guard or UPF top
- Cover-ups or sarongs
- Board shorts or swim trunks
- Breathable tops (linen, cotton, moisture-wicking fabrics)
- Shorts and skirts
- Sundresses or casual summer dresses
- Lightweight sleepwear
- Light sweater or denim jacket (for ocean breezes)
- Casual outfit for dining out
- Flip-flops
- Water shoes
- Sandals
- Wide-brim hat or visor
- Sunglasses (polarized if possible)
Fall (September-November)
- Swimsuits (September–early October)
- Short-sleeve and long-sleeve tops
- Shorts (early fall)
- Casual dresses
- Lightweight sweater or fleece
- Windbreaker or light jacket
- Hoodie or pullover
- Jeans or casual pants
- Leggings for cooler days
- Sandals (early fall)
- Sneakers or slip-ons
- Closed-toe shoes by late fall
- Light scarf
- Pajamas with layering options
Winter (December-February)
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Sweaters or fleeces
- Jeans or warm casual pants
- Thermal or base layers (optional but helpful)
- Medium-weight jacket or insulated windbreaker
- Waterproof layer (for rain and ocean spray)
- Cozy layers for walks
- Hat or beanie
- Gloves (lightweight)
- Closed-toe shoes or sneakers
- Boots (optional)
- Warm pajamas or loungewear
- Warm socks
Personal Care & Hygiene Items
Personal care and hygiene items for a beach vacation will vary from person to person and family to family. If you are traveling with babies or have specific medical needs, your list will look quite different from someone else’s. Here is a list of things to consider bringing, organized by categories:
Daily Essentials
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Body soap or shower gel
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Face wash/cleanser
- Face moisturizer
- Lip balm (with SPF if possible)
Sun & Beach Protection
- Sunscreen (broad-spectrum SPF 30+ or higher)
- After-sun lotion or aloe vera gel
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunscreen stick (easy reapplication for face)
- Anti-chafing balm or stick
- Insect repellent (especially for evenings)
- Small first aid kit with tweezers
Note: The above items will make an excellent addition to your beach bag.
Hair Care
- Hairbrush or comb
- Hair ties/clips/headbands
- Leave-in conditioner or anti-frizz serum (it is humid in the summer)
- Hair oil or mask (sun/salt damage protection)
- Dry shampoo
- Hair Dryer
Skincare & Grooming
- Makeup (if you wear it)
- Makeup remover wipes or micellar water
- Razor or shaving kit
- Tweezers
- Nail clippers/nail file
- Hand cream
- Body lotion
- Perfume/body spray
Health & Cleanliness Extras
- Hand sanitizer
- Antibacterial wipes
- Travel tissues
- Feminine hygiene products
- Cotton pads/swabs
- Hand mirror
- Small first-aid kit
- Bandages
- Antibiotic ointment
- Pain reliever
- Motion-sickness medication (if needed)
- Tweezers
- Medication
- CPAP machine
Kitchen Ideas
Each of our vacation rentals features a well-equipped kitchen. All the basics will be available for preparing basic meals during your stay. However, there may be a few extra things you want to bring with you or add to your shopping or grocery delivery list. Be sure to check the description of your specific vacation rental for kitchen amenities and details.
- Paper towels
- Dish soap
- Hand soap
- Zip-top bags
- Basic storage containers
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic wrap
- Dish towels
- Salt & Pepper
- Seasonings
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Water
- Reusable water bottles
- Coffee/creamer
- Ingredients for simple meals
- Chip clips
- Mini laundry detergent/stain remover (most rentals have a washer & dryer)
- Disinfectant spray/wipes
- Garbage bags
Living Space Ideas
Many of our rentals offer a selection of entertainment options, but having a few family favorites is always a good idea.
- Board/card games
- Movies
- Cozy blankets
Outdoor Fun
Outdoor living is at its best on Oak Island. Our vacation rentals have wonderful spaces where you can enjoy the ocean breeze, the warm Carolina sunshine, and beautiful views. From spacious decks with ample furniture to private yards and ground-floor grilling areas, you will love the outdoor spaces at your rental. Here are a few items to consider adding to your beach packing list.
- Charcoal (for rentals with a charcoal grill)
- Portable grill (if not provided by home)
- Lighter
- Corn hole boards/frisbees/yard games
- Glow sticks
- Bubbles
Beach Day
Make each beach day a shining success when you bring the right equipment for your family’s needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Cooler
- Beach chairs
- Umbrella/sunshade
- Beach cart/wagon
- Beach blanket
- Beach towels
- Sand toys/shovel
- Beach ball/games
- Beach bag (with items from sun care list)
- Wet wipes
- Book/magazine
- Waterproof radio
- Portable phone charger
- Kite
- Boogie board
- Skim board
- Surfboard
Bedroom, Bathroom, and Comfort Items
From bunk rooms to master suites, we have a vacation rental with the ideal bedroom count and configuration for your getaway. Below are a few additional items that you may need or want to make your stay more comfortable. Please check the amenities and description of your specific vacation rental to see if linens are provided (each home has pillows and bed covers). If linens are not included in your rental, you will need to bring sheets, pillowcases, towels, wash clothes, hand towels, bathmats, etc.
- Robe
- Slippers
- Bath towels
- Hair towel
- Favorite pillow
- Bed linens
- Favorite blanket
- Sleep mask & earplugs
- Noise machine
- Air freshener
Dog Supplies
At Coastal Vacation Resorts in Oak Island, we offer a wide selection of dog-friendly rentals in Oak Island so you can enjoy your stay with all members of your family. Here are some items you will want to bring for a comfortable, enjoyable beach vacation with your dog.
- Collar with ID tags + leash (familiarize yourself with Oak Island leash laws)
- Harness (better control on sand and around crowds)
- Fresh water + collapsible bowl (dogs dehydrate fast at the beach)
- Dog food & treats
- Waste bags
- Dog‑safe sunscreen (nose, ears, belly—never human sunscreen)
- Towel for drying off (salt and sand removal)
- Shade option (beach umbrella, pop‑up tent, or cooling mat)
- Paw protection (the sand gets very hot during the summer)
- Copy of vaccination records & address/phone number of local emergency vet
- Favorite toy or chew
- Ball (one that floats)
Miscellaneous
- Binoculars
- Flashlight
- Picnic basket
- Camera
- Phone
- Streaming devices
- Chargers
- Bikes
- Golf clubs
- Fishing Gear (NC Fishing License Required)
- Area maps
- Journal/notebook/pen
- Postcard stamps
- Fanny pack/belt bag
- Headphones or ear buds
Book Your Stay with Coastal Vacation Resorts Oak Island
Are you excited for your next great getaway to Oak Island, NC? We can’t wait to see you! Now that you are armed with the perfect beach packing list, it’s time to book your stay. At Coastal Vacation Resorts Oak Island, we have an impressive selection of rentals. Whether you are looking for a large home to host a multi-generational family reunion or an oceanfront home with a private pool, we have you covered.
Browse our collection of vacation rentals and find one that is ideal for your travel needs. Book your stay today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) What are popular activities to do while vacationing at Oak Island?
Sunbathing, swimming, shelling, boating, kayaking, surfing, walking, biking, day trips, and fishing are popular activities on the island.
Q) Is there golf near Oak Island, North Carolina?
Yes, there are several golf courses in the area, including the Oak Island Golf Club on the island and the Oak Island Par 3 Golf Course across from the bridge to Southport.
Q) What if I forget to bring something with me on vacation?
A) No worries. There are plenty of area stores where you can pick up any items you may have forgotten at home. You will find several grocery stores, banks, and gas stations on the island. Just across the bridge, you will find Walmart, Walgreens, and a large variety of other shopping centers and businesses.
