Packing List for Myrtle Beach: What to Bring for Every Season of Sun & Fun

Planning a Myrtle Beach vacation? You’ve got the ocean breeze, seafood dreams, and probably a playlist full of beach bops. But what about your Myrtle Beach packing list?

Whether you’re basking in North Myrtle Beach sunshine or hopping between boardwalk shops, packing right is your secret to staying breezy (and not burned).

Think layers that play well in air conditioning, flip flops that know how to beach-hop, and sun protection so your nose doesn’t turn into a tomato.

A proper beach packing list includes smart seasonal switches and gear that makes your trip smoother than your poolside piña colada.

From packing cubes to beach towels, we’ve got your travel wardrobe (and your sanity) covered.

This ultimate packing list for Myrtle Beach is made to help you live your best life, whether you’re a serial over-packer or a minimalist in denial.

Ready to pack like a pro for your beach day? Let’s dive in!

The Year-Round Essentials You’ll Reach for on Repeat

Light Layers Are the Coastal MVP

What to pack for Myrtle Beach starts with breathable basics.

Toss in T-shirts, tank tops, and shorts for daytime comfort, then layer up with a light jacket or cardigan for cooler nights and air-conditioned adventures.

A pair of jeans or casual pants will earn their keep for dinners, shopping, or unexpected cloudy days.

If you’re eyeing seafood in the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk or a rooftop dinner downtown, a casual dress or collared shirt will have you covered without overdoing it.

Packing right means you can mix, match, and repeat without feeling like you’re living out of a laundry basket.

Don’t Skimp on Swimsuits

The water’s always calling here, so you’ll want at least two bathing suits, especially if you’re hopping between hotel pools, lazy rivers, and sandy stretches.

A stylish cover-up (and maybe a rash guard for extra sun protection or splash zone action) keeps you cute and quick-change ready for boardwalk bites.

From resort vacation rentals and family resorts to beach resorts with indoor pools, swimwear stays in the rotation all year.

Pro Tip: Pack a dry bag or extra pouch for storing wet items in your beach bag.

Shoes: Pick Smart, Not Heavy

Flip flops are your beachfront besties, but add walking shoes for trekking through attractions like Huntington Beach State Park or shopping and restaurant marathons at Barefoot Landing.

Comfy sneakers work for amusement parks like Family Kingdom or when strolling the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.

Don’t pack five pairs, maybe just two, max three. Also handy? A pair of slides or sandals that slip on for those quick “oops-I-forgot-the-sunscreen” runs.

Sun Protection: Pack It Like It’s Part of Your Passport

Sun protection isn’t optional; it’s survival. Grab a wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, SPF lip balm, and a reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+ is your BFF).

Even if you think you “tan easily,” the South Carolina sun will humble you.

Trust us: it’s better to pack too much SPF than to spend your beach trip walking around like a lobster.

And while you’re at it, pack for the beach like a pro, don’t forget a sturdy beach umbrella for those midday rays.

Beach Day Essentials: Don’t Just Show Up—Show Out

Look, it’s not enough to beach—you need to beach well.

Whether you’re parking it in the sand for eight hours or just popping down for golden hour, the right gear makes the difference between “blissed out by the waves” and “sunburned, sandy chaos.”

Here’s what to pack for a drama-free, photo-ready beach day:

• Beach Umbrella or Pop-Up Tent: Shade = survival. Especially when that midday sun hits like a straight-up spotlight.
  
• Oversized Beach Towels: One to lie on, one to dry off, one for vibes. Go for Turkish or quick-dry if you’re fancy (or impatient).
  
• Cooler or Insulated Bag: For water, fruit, chips, and whatever snacks scream “vacation mode.” Also, a clutch move for stashing juice boxes or cold brew.
  
• Cover-Ups: Easy to throw on for boardwalk runs, snack shack stops, or pretending you “didn’t just spend the last hour buried in sand.”
  
• Beach Chairs: Because folding into pretzel shapes on the sand is only cute in theory. Bring something with back support and cupholders, you earned it.
  
• Sand-Ready Tote: Mesh or wipeable bags for the win. Bonus points if it has pockets for snacks you don’t want melted in five minutes.
  
• Waterproof Pouch or Case: Your phone deserves better than a salty death. Use one to stash cash, cards, and keys, too.
  
• Beach Toys (for kids or grown-ups): Buckets, paddleball sets, waterproof playing cards, and even a speaker for your ultimate beach playlist.
  
• Baby Powder or Cornstarch: Sprinkle it on sandy skin and poof—the grit comes right off. Pure magic.
  
• Portable Phone Charger: A full beach day can drain your battery fast, especially if you’re snapping pics, blasting music, and checking how high the UV index actually is. A small power bank = clutch.
  
• Mini First-Aid Kit: Toss in a few Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, bug bite cream, and allergy meds. Especially useful when you’ve got little ones who seem magnetically drawn to stubbed toes, scraped knees, and mysterious itches.

Seasonal Switch-Ups You’ll Be Glad You Packed

Spring: Breezy Days and Rainy Surprises

Spring from March through May brings lovely temps but unpredictable skies, hello, “May Gray.” A light rain jacket or small umbrella will keep you dry if you get caught in a drizzle.

Long-sleeve tops and sweaters help for foggy mornings or those chillier walks near the pier. It’s warm, but not always “sundress weather,” so balance is key.

Think of it as layering season with a Southern accent.

Summer: Bring the Heat (And the Linen)

June through August is peak beach day mode; the summer sun’s blazing, humidity’s up, and ice cream is basically a food group.

Stick to cotton and linen fabrics, throw in an extra swimsuit, and bring clothes that let your skin breathe.

Add a portable cooler for drinks (hydration > heatstroke), and keep your sun protection game strong. A small hand fan or cooling towel might just make you everyone’s beach MVP.

Fall: Golden Hour Weather, All Day

September through November is an underrated fall paradise. You’ll enjoy fewer crowds, warm waters, and the perfect excuse to live in long-sleeve tees and light sweaters.

Mornings might be cool, but you’ll still want your swimsuit ready for a midday dip. Closed-toe shoes and jeans make sense as the weather shifts.

Add in a stroll at Brookgreen Gardens or a quiet afternoon on Pawleys Island, and you’ll be glad you packed versatile layers.

Winter: Mild, but Not Flip-Flop-Friendly

December through February won’t freeze your flip flops, but you’ll want more than a hoodie.

A medium-weight jacket, some cozy knits, and a warm hat will take you from the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk to oceanfront walks without chattering teeth.

Days hover in the 50s and 60s, but coastal wind makes it feel chillier. A scarf and closed-toe shoes (bonus if waterproof) round out your cold-season packing like a pro.

Wrapped and Ready: Your Bag’s Never Looked Better

Whether you’re rolling up for seasonal events, chasing dolphins in North Myrtle Beach, or just catching rays with zero plans, your Myrtle Beach packing list now has you covered from SPF to sneakers.

No more “oh no, I forgot my charger!” moments, no rogue sunburns, and definitely no mismatched flip-flops. This isn’t just a packing list for Myrtle Beach—it’s your vacation sanity saver.

From visiting iconic spots like Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, riding high on the SkyWheel, catching thrills at Broadway Grand Prix, or cheering at the Pirates Voyage Dinner Show, there’s no shortage of memory-making here.

With Tripster’s attractions, shows, deals, hotels, and packages, you’ll stay organized, on budget, and beach-ready.

Our Myrtle Beach Travel Guide has all the juicy details, so all you need to do is pack, show up, and let the salty breeze do the rest!

Myrtle Beach Packing List FAQs