How do I get sand out of everything?

Bring a bottle of baby powder. Sprinkle it on sandy skin, and the sand wipes right off before you get in the car.

Is it worth bringing my own beach umbrella?

Generally, no. It’s bulky and heavy. Rent one locally for $15–$25 per day, or buy a cheap one at a local supermarket if you are staying for more than 4 days.

How to Pack for a Beach Trip with Kids

Prioritize sun protection, sand-management tools, and versatile water-safe footwear to reduce stress at the shore. Focus on a 'keep it contained' approach by using mesh bags to leave the sand behind when you pack up for the day.

Sort clothing by activity. Pack 2 swimsuits per child so one can dry while the other is in use. Include one lightweight long-sleeved UV rash guard for each child to minimize sunscreen application time and prevent burns.
Use mesh for sand management. Pack all beach toys in a mesh laundry bag rather than a plastic bucket. The sand falls through the mesh as you walk, keeping your rental car or hotel room significantly cleaner.
Designate a 'wet' dry bag. Bring a large, high-quality dry bag or a dedicated waterproof wet-bag for the trip home. Place all damp suits and towels in this bag inside your suitcase to protect your dry clothes during the return travel.
Standardize your beach footprint. Instead of bulky towels, pack oversized microfiber beach blankets. They fold down to the size of a paperback book and dry much faster than standard terry cloth towels.

How do I get sand out of everything?: Bring a bottle of baby powder. Sprinkle it on sandy skin, and the sand wipes right off before you get in the car.
Is it worth bringing my own beach umbrella?: Generally, no. It’s bulky and heavy. Rent one locally for $15–$25 per day, or buy a cheap one at a local supermarket if you are staying for more than 4 days.