What to Pack for a Beach Town Vacation
The 10-Piece Travel Wardrobe That Works Everywhere
Forget packing for the beach. Pack for everything that happens before and after it.
Most beach packing guides focus on one thing: what to wear on the sand. The usual tips about swimsuits, cover-ups, flip-flops, beach towels and so on.
Those are important—but you don’t need an article to tell you that. Plus, they only cover a few hours of your day. The best beach vacations also happen everywhere else.
Listen to this Story on the 1923 Main Street Podcast
Early morning coffee run before the crowds, afternoons in local shops, a craft brewery, waterfront dinner etc.
Those moments deserve just as much attention as the beach itself.
We’ve put together a simple 10-piece wardrobe that will take you from breakfast to the beach—and everywhere in between.
Why Pack Less?
One of the biggest travel mistakes is packing for every possible situation instead of packing versatile pieces that work together.
We say it all the time: the goal isn’t packing more, it’s packing clothes that works harder (and smarter).
A well-planned travel wardrobe saves luggage space, makes getting dressed easier, and leaves room in your suitcase for the things you'll want to buy when you’re there.
Welcome to Yeti Beach Resort, The Backside of Everest and the classic hotel t-shirt.
Dive into whimsy with this exclusive tee, perfect for those who love a splash of adventure with their relaxation.
Crafted from 100% ring-spun cotton, it’s as soft and comfy as a Yeti’s hug. The double stitching on the neckline and sleeves ensures this shirt can withstand even the most epic snowball fights. Whether you’re lounging at a mythical beach or scaling frosty peaks, this shirt is your ticket to legendary comfort.
Make it your favorite travel companion to the most fantastical beach resort the world has never seen!
Want to know more about the legend of Yeti Beach Resort? Read the full story here.
This Item: Gildan 64000
• 100% ring-spun cotton
• 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²)
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti or Guatemala
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it may take us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions.
Please note: since all orders are custom created, all sales are final and we do not accept returns, refunds or exchanges. Please check sizing carefully using the guide.
The 10 Pieces Every Beach Town Traveler Needs
1. A Great Graphic T-Shirt
Nothing works harder on vacation than a comfortable graphic tee.
Wear it while travelling, exploring downtown, grabbing coffee, or relaxing after a day at the beach.
Choose a design that reflects your personality or reminds you why you travel in the first place. A well-designed travel tee feels just as comfortable in a local brewery as it does walking a boardwalk.
Pack: 2–3
2. A Lightweight Hoodie
Even summer beach towns can cool off at night.
Ocean breezes, lakefront sunsets, ferry rides, and patio dinners can all call for one extra layer.
A mid-weight hoodie is warm enough for cool evenings without taking up much room in your bag.
Pack: 1
3. Comfortable Shorts
Choose shorts that can handle everything from sightseeing to lunch on a patio.
Neutral colours work with almost every shirt you pack and are easy to wear more than once during a trip.
Pack: 2
4. Casual Pants
Even in summer, lightweight pants earn their place.
They're perfect for cooler evenings, travel days, museums, wineries, nicer restaurants, and unexpected weather.
They also help stretch your wardrobe without adding much weight. Even pants just aren’t your thing, then a second – nicer – pair of shorts can also work.
Pack: 1
Welcome to the Waialiki Ohana Beachfront Luau, where the spirit of Moana meets the warmth of 'Ohana.
Inspired by a tropical Hawaiian breeze, this women's casual t-shirt embodies Polynesian vibes and family warmth. Dive into comfort with its lightweight cotton fabric that fits like the warmth of Hawaiian sunshine.
Whether you're dancing on the beach, learning to hula or lounging under the palm trees, this tropical t-shirt will keep you feeling cool and looking great.
Embrace the Polynesian flair any time at home or away.
• Base Item: Bella + Canvas 6400
• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton
• Heather Prism Natural is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz/y² (142 g/m²)
• Relaxed fit
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Crew neck
• Blank product sourced from Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it may take us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions.
Please note that since all orders are custom created, all sales are final and we do not accept returns, refunds or exchanges. Please check sizing carefully using the guide.
5. A Button-Up or Overshirt
When dinner calls for something a little more polished, a lightweight button-up instantly changes your look without requiring an entirely different wardrobe.
It layers over a T-shirt, works with shorts or pants, and packs very small.
Pack: 1
6. Comfortable Walking Shoes
The best beach towns are explored on foot.
You'll spend far more time walking Main Streets, boardwalks, waterfront paths, and neighbourhoods than walking through sand.
Choose shoes you can comfortably wear all day.
Pack: 1 pair
7. Sandals
For the beach, the pool, and warm afternoons, sandals are still essential.
Just don't assume you'll wear them all day.
A lot of travellers find themselves changing into walking shoes when they leave the beach.
Pack: 1 pair
8. A Cap
A simple ball cap or straw hat protects you from the sun while adding effortless style to almost any casual outfit.
It also saves you on those mornings when your hair has other plans.
Pack: 1
9. Sunglasses
A good pair of sunglasses is one of the few travel accessories you'll use every single day.
Whether you're watching surfers after your session, walking a harbour, or enjoying dinner on a patio, you'll be glad you packed them.
Pack: 1
10. A Lightweight Day Bag
Leave the big backpack at home.
A compact crossbody, sling, or tote carries everything you actually need while keeping your hands free for exploring.
Think sunscreen, water bottle, camera, wallet, and whatever local bakery you just couldn't resist.
Pack: 1
For the adventurer at heart, the wanderer with a wild spirit and the woman who knows the magic lives in the unplanned moments — meet your new favorite travel tee.
Our Dress for Detours t-shirt is made for those who believe that the best stories are found when the itinerary goes out the window. With a women's relaxed fit and soft, breathable fabric, this tee is perfect for roaming cobblestone streets, chasing sunsets or hopping on a last-minute bus to somewhere unexpected.
This isn't just a t-shirt — it's a mindset. Whether you're trailblazing through hidden hiking paths or discovering secret cafés in quiet alleyways, Dress for Detours is a reminder to embrace the unexpected and explore with an open heart.
Because the best adventures are rarely planned.
• Base Item: Bella + Canvas 6400
• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton
• Heather Prism Lilac is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz/y² (142 g/m²)
• Relaxed fit and Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Crew neck
• Blank product sourced from Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it may take us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions.
Please note: since all orders are custom created, all sales are final and we do not accept returns, refunds or exchanges. Please check sizing carefully using the guide.
And Now for the Most Important Part: What You Don't Need
One of the easiest ways to overpack is bringing "just in case" clothing.
For most beach town vacations, you can safely leave these behind:
Five different pairs of shoes
Dress clothes you'll wear once
Heavy jackets
Multiple hoodies
Extra jeans
Too many swimsuits
Clothing that only works with one outfit
If it can’t be worn at least twice, it might not deserve space in your bag.
Build Around a Colour Palette
One of the simplest packing tricks is choosing colours that naturally work together.
Core colors like white, navy, black, grey, olive and khaki are good bets. Then add one or two accent colours through graphic t-shirts or accessories.
The result is a wardrobe where almost everything matches almost everything else.
Your Beach Town Uniform
You do not need dozens of outfits to enjoy a great vacation.
Callout: Looking for travel-inspired graphic tees, hoodies and apparel designed for wandering beyond the beach? Explore the latest collections from 1923 Main Street.
The best beach vacations aren’t about spending every hour on the beach, they're about exploring the places around it.
Look for a good place to explore? See our post on 20 great walkable beach towns with Main Streets worth exploring.