Blog written by: Tracy S.
Tracy writes for Coastal Vacation Resorts at Holden Beach, sharing vacation-planning tips, travel insights, local activities, and property highlights to help guests make the most of their time along the North Carolina coast.
For those planning a Holden Beach vacation, we are thrilled to share our beach packing list with you. This guide will help you build the ideal checklist for your upcoming getaway to North Carolina's beautiful coast. Whether you are looking forward to a multi-generational family trip or an intimate couples retreat, this packing guide will help you determine what to bring, what to rent or purchase upon arrival, what will be included with your vacation rental, and what you can leave at home. Let us help you create the most memorable vacation possible!
Packing lists in this article:
- Beach Gear
- Beach Bag Essentials
- Linens
- Hygiene & Bath Products
- Clothing & Personal Items
- Kitchen Items
- Electronics & Tech
- Pets
- Entertainment
- Miscellaneous
Beach Packing Lists for Your Next Vacation
Beach Gear
The main attraction for any vacation to Holden Beach is the beach! Be ready for hours of fun in the sun when you have your favorite beach gear at your fingertips. If you are interested, we have a selection of beach vacation rentals that participate in our FREE BEACH GEAR PROGRAM. When you book a home that participates in this program, you receive a credit that can be used for a wide variety of equipment. Best of all, it is delivered to your rental property on the day of arrival.
If you don’t want the hassle of putting up a tent or sunshade, guests can use our Cabana Rental Services. Your shade will be set up and taken down for you!
Here is a list of items that we think you may enjoy for an epic day at the beach:
- Cooler
- Sunshade
- Beach umbrella
- Beach chairs
- Beach toys
- Beach games
- Boogie boards
- Skim board
- Surfboard
- Beach wagon
- Beach blanket
- Googles
- Kite
Reminder: All beach gear, including tents, umbrellas, and chairs, must be removed from the beach at the end of each day.
Beach Bag Essentials
Pack the perfect beach bag, whether it is for a quick walk on the beach or a long, lazy day in the sand. Having the items you need will give you peace of mind and is a huge convenience. Each beach bag should be customized to your family’s needs. If you are traveling with a baby or toddler, be sure to include diaper bag essentials in your beach bag!
- Beach bag
- Beach towel
- Flip-flops/water shoes
- Cover-up
- Sunscreen
- Tanning oil
- First-aid kit
- Personal fan
- Chapstick with sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Individual glasses wipes
- Water or sports drink
- Snacks
- Book or magazine
- Portable speaker
- Hair band or clip
- Waterproof pouch
- Bag for seashells
- Portable charging block
- Swim diapers
- Baby wipes
Linens
Many of our weekly rentals provide linens. Please check the property description to see if linens are provided for your specific vacation rental. We want you to be as comfortable as possible while enjoying your hard-earned vacation, so don’t hesitate to bring your favorite pillow or cozy blanket. Here are some items to consider bringing with you on your Holden Beach getaway:
- Beach towels
- Bed linens
- Pillows
- Bath towels
- Beach towels
- Pet towels
- Washcloths
- Hand towels
- Bathmat
- Dish towels
- Cozy throw blanket
Hygiene and Bath Products
While no two individuals will have the same packing list for their hygiene and bath items, we have created a list to help get you started. Guests need to bring their own products, from brushing teeth to getting ready to dine at one of our favorite local restaurants.
- Toilet tissue
- Facial tissue
- Bath soap
- Shower gel
- Loofah/net sponge
- Hand soap
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Razor
- Shaving cream
- After-sun lotion
- Body lotion
- Body spray/perfume
- Hair-care products (hairspray, gel, etc.)
- Makeup
- Makeup tools (brushes, sponges, etc.)
- Skin-care products (face cream, cleanser, etc.)
- Hair-styling tools (straightener, curling iron, etc.)
- Hair dryer
- Hairbrush/comb
- Hair accessories (hair ties, clips, etc.)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Dental floss
- Over-the-counter medications (Tylenol, antacids, Benadryl, etc.)
- Prescription medications
- Eyeglasses
- Contact lenses
- Contact solution
- Feminine products
- Cotton swabs & cotton balls
- Tweezers
- Nail-care kit
Clothing and Personal Items
Packing your suitcase for a beach vacation will depend on the season of your visit. Most beachgoers will visit Holden Beach during the summer months. The average high temperature is 87°F, and the low is 72°F. You can also expect approximately 24 sunny days per month during the summer.
However, fall, spring, and winter each offer their own special magic for our off-season guests. Browse our Seasonal Guide for a breakdown of what to expect in our area during your stay. In addition to the expected weather, curate your personal packing list based on recreational preferences and planned activities. In coastal NC, we always recommend layers. Whether you need a sweatshirt for a sunrise walk on the beach or a sweater at a chilly restaurant (Air conditioning can be cold after a hot day on the beach), light layers will add extra comfort.
Here is a generic list of clothing and personal items to help get you started:
- Shorts
- Pants
- Skirts
- Sundresses
- Shirts & t-shirts
- Bathing suit
- Cover-up
- Rash guard
- Sweater/sweatshirt/jacket
Shoes
- Flip flops
- Sandals
- Sneakers
- Boat shoes
- Water shoes
Other
- Jewelry
- Undergarments
- Socks
- Purse
- Pajamas
- Robe
- Light scarf
Spring, summer, winter, or fall ... Holden Beach has it all. Start your search for the perfect beach vacation rental today!
Kitchen Items
Imagine your family gathering around the dining table at your vacation rental, ready to share a delicious meal together. Each of the kitchens at our vacation rentals is well-equipped with essentials. This means that you can prepare simple meals from the convenience of your rental. However, you will need to bring some basic kitchen items with you or purchase them upon arrival.
Thankfully, there are plenty of grocery stores and convenience markets nearby. You can also use food and grocery delivery services.
If you have a meal plan and grocery list prepared before arrival, settling into vacation mode will be a breeze. Here are a few kitchen items to consider when making your packing list:
- Paper towels
- Paper plates/napkins
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic wrap
- Zip-top bags
- Storage containers
- Garbage bags
- Dishwashing soap
- Laundry detergent
- Sponge/scrubber
- Disinfectant wipes
- Salt & pepper
- Herbs
- Cooking oil
- Coffee & creamer
- Food for meals & snacks
- Reusable ice packs
- Ice
- Portable grill
- Charcoal
- Lighter
- Meal plan + recipes
- Grocery list
- Food, drinks, and snack items
- Bottled water or refillable water bottles
- Baby/toddler items (portable highchair, bibs, bottles, etc.)
Electronics & Tech
Most families travel with electronic devices, especially phones and iPads. You can load a summer beach read on your Kindle or pack ear buds to listen to your favorite tunes! Don’t forget the chargers.
- Phone
- Computer or iPad
- Kindle
- Waterproof watch
- Earbuds/headphones
- Portable speaker
- Portable charging block
- Camera/Waterproof camera
- Chargers
Pet Items
Did you know that we offer an impressive selection of pet-friendly vacation rentals? That means your fur baby can join in the family fun! There are fantastic dog-friendly activities on Holden Beach and in the surrounding area.
If your pup is vacationing with you, please be sure to familiarize yourself with local ordinances and beach rules. Dogs must be on a physical leash at all times while in Holden Beach, except when on personal property. This includes while at the beach and other areas within the town. Between May 20th and September 10th, dogs are not permitted on the beach between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Outside these hours and dates, leashed dogs are welcome on the beach at any time.
Dog owners are required to remove all pet waste and dispose of it properly. Another important thing to note is that dogs are strictly prohibited from entering sand dunes and dune grass areas. This is to protect the local ecosystem.
Below is a basic list of pet items that you may want to add to your beach packing list:
- Dog food
- Water & food bowls
- Treats
- Indoor toys
- Outdoor toys
- Dog bed
- Leash
- Collar
- Pet-waste bags
- Towel
- Crate
Entertainment
The beach and area attractions are tons of fun, but your family may want to bring a few other items for entertainment during your vacation. Host a corn hole competition, play glow stick tag, or spread a jigsaw puzzle out on the dining table. Enjoy hours of quality family time when you are prepared with a few of these entertainment options.
- Coloring books & crayons
- Puzzles
- Board games
- Playing cards
- Yard games
- Bubbles
- Glow sticks
- Crafts
- Video games
- Books
- DVDs
- Golf clubs
- Fishing rods & tackle
- Fishing license
- Bicycles
- Kayaks
- Boat
Miscellaneous
There are always a few miscellaneous items to add to your vacation packing list. If you are renting a home with a pool, you may need water wings for a little one. For those who may want to send a few postcards from gorgeous Holden Beach, be sure to pack some stamps. Heading out for a late-night walk on the beach or a Ghost Crab hunt? Then you will need flashlights with red filters to help nesting sea turtles avoid becoming disoriented. What will you add to your miscellaneous list?
- Water wings
- Life jacket
- Pool floats
- Flashlights
- Binoculars
- Journal & pen
- Postcard stamps
Book Your Holden Beach Vacation
If you haven't already booked your Holden Beach vacation rental, we can help you find the ideal accommodation. From oceanfront manors to cozy bungalows, we would love the opportunity to match you with a rental that suits your family's travel needs.
Dream Weaver is a fully renovated beach cottage with 4 bedrooms, located only 1/2 a block from the beach access. This dog-friendly rental sleeps 10 guests, features partial ocean & marsh views, and is full of coastal charm.
Start a custom search with your preferred dates or amenities, or call us at 800-252-7000! We look forward to seeing you soon.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q) How do I determine which items are offered at my vacation rental or one that I am interested in booking?
Q) What appliances can I expect to find in your Holden Beach vacation rentals?
Q) Do most beach vacation rentals have portable cribs or playpens?
