Getting There

  • If possible, prep the night before. I will go through my list and throw all the dry goods in bags, all the gear in the driveway, and make the burgers and drinks. Packing the morning you are leaving will take longer than you think.

  • Print out your packing checklist and literally check off things as they get loaded.

  • When packing food items, put things in individual ziplock bags or food storage containers. Your ice will melt and the water will infiltrate into your pack of chocolate, butter, or bacon.

  • Pack EXTRA ziplock bags and food containers for when you need to pack up and go home. You will want to save what you have cooked. Plus things get sandy.

  • Pack your marshmallows and chocolate in your cooler with the ice. They will melt.

  • Separate your food packing by lunch, dinner, and snacks, so you can quickly get what you need without having to dig through everything at the beach.

  • It’s on the list, but do not overlook packing trays and platters. Super helpful for things like delivering hot dogs to your kids scattered all over the beach or pre-loading a bunch of s’mores so all you need to do is add the roasted marshmallow.

Getting Back

  • Shoes live on your feet or in your Jeep. When you get there and your kids take off their shoes, throw them on the floor of the Jeep or never see them again.

  • If you have a lily pad or large water toy, roll/fold it up in the water and strap it right up so you don’t bring the beach home with you.

  • At dusk at the beach, pack up all of your stuff. The end of the night will sneak up on you and it will be a mad scramble to find everything in the dark and figure out how it all fit on your way out.

  • Last things to pack up: bucket (putting out the fire with ocean water), shovel (filling in your fire pit) and lanterns (so you can see when you no longer have a fire)