Packing for Your OBX Vacation
Outer Banks Vacation Planning
Outer Banks Beach Packing Guide
Packing for vacation is not always easy, especially when you are visiting a new destination. This Outer Banks packing guide can help you prepare for your vacation rental, beach days, and everyday trip needs before you arrive.
It is helpful to remember that vacation rentals are privately owned homes, not hotels. Paper products, cleaning supplies, soaps, and some everyday items may not be provided, so a little planning can make your stay smoother from the start.
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Pack for the House, the Beach & the Weather
Anything you forget can usually be found nearby, so do not stress the small stuff. Think of this as your quick pre-arrival packing compass.
Rental Basics
Paper goods, soaps, linens, and supplies.
Beach Bag
Sunscreen, water, snacks, towels, and shade.
Personal Items
Electronics, medicine, toiletries, and baby gear.
Local Know-How
Weather, trash, beach safety, and house tips.
Vacation Rental Essentials
Packing for Your Vacation Rental
Paper Products
Toilet tissue, paper towels, tissues, and napkins.
Soaps
Laundry detergent, personal bath soaps, and dishwashing detergents.
Cleaning Supplies
Dish sponges, anti-bacterial wipes, and all-purpose cleaner spray.
Kitchen Supplies
Plastic wrap, aluminum foil, plastic bags, garbage bags, and coffee filters.
Linens
Bring bed linens and towels if they are not provided by your rental or you did not rent them. Plan for kitchen towels, beach towels, pool towels, and blankets.
Beach Supplies
Umbrellas, beach chairs, and beach toys. You can also rent beach equipment from local providers.
Helpful note: Every vacation rental is different, so check your rental details before you arrive. Packing a few basics ahead of time can help you spend more of your first day at the beach instead of at the store.
Beach Day Checklist
Everyday Beach Bag Packing Tips
Sun & Sand
- Sunscreen
- Flip-flops or water shoes
- Beach towels
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Brimmed hat
- Baby powder for sandy hands
Food & Drinks
- Plenty of water
- Cooler
- Frozen water bottles
- Non-perishable snacks
- Individual snack packs
- Pet water and bowl for dog-approved beaches
Small But Useful
- Waterproof phone bag
- Tissues, napkins, or paper towels
- Anti-bacterial wipes
- Zip baggies
- Net fruit bags for shell collecting
- Trash bags for easy cleanup
Please dispose of all trash before leaving the beach. A simple trash bag tied to a chair or cooler handle can help keep loose wrappers and napkins from blowing away.
Personal Packing List
Helpful Personal Items to Pack
Use this quick checklist for the items that are easiest to forget when suitcases start multiplying by the front door.
Electronics
Cell phones, tablets, chargers, camera, extra batteries, memory cards, GPS, headphones, or earbuds.
Beach Supplies
Sunscreen, beach toys, beach towels, bathing suits, cover-ups, hats, cooler, goggles, and fishing equipment.
Baby Equipment
Cribs, strollers, highchairs, and baby gates. These items may also be available to rent locally.
Medical
Medical insurance cards, prescriptions, allergy medicine, pain relievers, vitamins, lip balm, and a first aid kit.
Toiletries
Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, shaving supplies, contacts, glasses, lotion, hand sanitizer, mouthwash, makeup, blow dryer, and beauty products.
Just for Fun
Books, magazines, games, puzzles, DVDs, crayons, coloring books, and rainy-day entertainment.
Before You Arrive
Things to Know About the OBX
A little local information can make your trip easier. Use these pages to review rental tips, beach safety, weather information, and trash collection details before you settle in.
Pack, Plan & Enjoy
Ready for Your Outer Banks Vacation?
Review your rental details, pack the essentials, and get ready for beach days, soundside sunsets, and OBX memories.
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