The non-negotiables
Towel: Bring a large towel to lie on and, if practical, a second smaller towel for drying or shared seating. Water: Bring more than you expect to drink, especially at remote beaches with no concession stand. Sunscreen: Use broad-spectrum protection on skin that may not be accustomed to direct sun and reapply according to the product directions.
Bring something easy to put on
A sarong, cover-up, shorts, or loose shirt is useful for parking areas, restrooms, food stands, trails, sudden weather changes, or the walk back from the designated section. Clothing optional does not necessarily mean every part of the property is clothing optional.
Footwear is still gear
Sand can become painfully hot. Trails can have rock, shells, thorns, broken glass, or rough pavement. Flip-flops may be enough for a managed beach; real shoes make sense for remote access trails and hot springs.
Shade and sun protection
A hat and sunglasses are useful almost everywhere. An umbrella or shade shelter can transform a long beach day, but check local restrictions before setting one up. Sunscreen is not a substitute for shade when UV exposure is high.
Small things that save the day
- Snacks or lunch
- Trash bag
- Bug repellent where needed
- Portable phone battery
- Cash for parking or small concessions
- Waterproof pouch for keys and phone
- Basic first-aid items
- A book or headphones
What not to bring
Leave the drone and conspicuous long-lens camera at home unless you have a very specific, permitted reason to use them. Avoid glass containers where prohibited. Do not bring anything that makes other visitors reasonably worry they are being photographed.
Remote place? Pack differently
A developed county beach and a wilderness hot spring are not the same trip. For remote places, add navigation, weather layers, adequate food and water, emergency essentials, and whatever the land manager recommends for the route. Check access and closure information before leaving.
The five-item minimum
If you remember nothing else: towel, sunscreen, water, footwear, cover-up. Everything after that depends on the location.
Quick questions
Do I need a towel at a nude beach?
Yes. It is useful for the beach itself and is standard practice when sitting on shared seating at many naturist venues.
Should I bring a swimsuit?
At a clothing-optional location you can, especially if you are unsure how comfortable you will feel. A clothes-free venue may have different rules.
What should I keep my phone in?
A small waterproof pouch, zip bag, or secure beach bag helps protect it from water and sand.