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16 Beach Day Essentials you’ll need on Martha’s Vineyard
Are you anxious about packing the right beach day essentials for a relaxing trip to the beach on Martha’s Vineyard?
It’s a common worry—no one wants to spend precious vacation time fretting over a packing list, especially if you’re not familiar with the island’s beaches. From the remote stretches of sand that require a bit of a trek to the absence of amenities close by, there’s a lot to consider.
That’s where I come in! With decades of experience visiting Martha’s Vineyard’s beaches, my carefully curated beach day packing list is designed with this island in mind. I’ve thought of everything so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying the stunning scenery.
Martha’s Vineyard Beach Day Essentials: Quick Summary
Start with beach towels and a large blanket, for lounging comfortably on the sand. Add a portable beach umbrella or canopy for shade, as natural cover is usually scarce on island beaches.
Lightweight, foldable beach chairs and a durable beach wagon will make your setup easy to transport, especially important for those harder-to-reach spots.
Sun protection is crucial: I always pack a high SPF sunscreen, UV-protective lip balm, wide-brimmed hats, rash guards, and swim hats with neck covers to keep the whole family safe from the sun’s rays.
Footwear like water shoes or sturdy sandals will protect your feet from hot sands and rocky shores. Bring a change of clothes if you want to go straight out to eat in Oak Bluffs or Edgartown after a day at the beach.
A cooler filled with plenty of water and snacks is a beach must-have since you won’t find food or drink vendors near most Martha’s Vineyard beaches. I always have reusable water bottles on-hand to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Bring along beach toys and games to keep everyone entertained, and consider a portable Bluetooth speaker for some background music— read the crowd/beach vibe first to make sure it’s ok to use one and keep the volume low to respect other beachgoers.
Don’t forget your camera or smartphone, ideally with a waterproof case. Pack a portable charger to keep your devices powered up all day.
Include a mini-first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes and tweezers (for ticks!). Take out what you take in and bring some trash bags for keeping the beaches clean.
With these beach essentials, you’ll be well-prepared for a fantastic beach day on Martha’s Vineyard. I’ve listed all my favorite beach necessities (with links) below so you can stock up before your next beach vacation.
1. Beach Umbrella or Tent
Although I love the beach, I prefer to cover-up my Irish skin and stay in the shade as much as possible. This Cool Cabana was an absolute game changer – it provides tons of shade, can easily be set up by one person (looking at my fellow mamas taking the kids to the beach by themselves!) and is lightweight to carry.
I used to bring a large beach umbrella but it was so hard to secure in the sand sometimes (especially the extra-soft sand on South Beach). Well, it finally blew into the ocean on State Beach one day and I was not sad about it. Goodbye awkward umbrella, hello easy beach days!
2. Swimsuit and Quick-Drying Beach Towels
Pack soft, absorbent beach towels for drying off after a swim. I like microfibre towels because they fold up small, are light to carry and quick-drying in case you are in and out of the water frequently. Even if you’re not planning to take a dip, a bathing suit is still a good choice for your time at the beach. I like long sleeve swimwear for the kids as they usually don’t want to stay in the shade.
3. Best Beach Bags
I usually use a large canvas tote bag like this one from L.L.Bean for my dry beach items and always make sure it’s a zippered one, especially if I’ll be at South Beach. I have seen too many seagulls swiping things from open bags! A plastic or rubber beach tote like this Bogg Bag works great for wet gear and sandy beach things.
4. Large, water-resistant Beach Blanket
Some spots (like Bend-in-the-Road Beach) have picnic tables and benches but most beaches on Martha’s Vineyard don’t have any furniture. I find that a waterproof-backed picnic blanket rather than a towel or fabric blanket works great.
A water-resistant backing means you can place it on damp sand and the durable surface means sand doesn’t stick to it so it’s easy to shake off when you’re leaving. I have one I love but it’s too small. I recommend a larger one like the above with room for the whole family.
5. Comfortable & Lightweight Beach Chairs
For me, important features in a beach chair are that they’re foldable and easy to carry, preferably leaving two hands free. This is why I like these chairs with the padded shoulder straps. They’re a little heavier than other chairs you can buy but that matters less when you can carry them on your back. I think these are a must-have for your beach packing list.
6. Sand-Friendly Beach Wagon
An all-terrain beach wagon is an optional helpful item on the packing checklist, depending on what beaches you’re planning to visit. At spots like Long Point or Lighthouse Beach you’ll have a bit of a trek from the parking area to the sand.
If you are traveling with kids, a wagon to carry them and/or your bags can save you from complaints and sore arms! Choose one with wide wheels designed for sand to make the haul easier.
7. Sun Protection
A high-factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), UV-protective lip balm, and broad-brimmed sun hat to keep your face covered are all useful to add to your beach checklist. I love this P20 sunscreen that gives all-day protection (up to 8 hours) without reapplying.
It’s ideal for kids who can’t tear themselves away from their fun in the sun for re-applications. Despite best efforts, sunburn is always a possibility. I keep a cooling aloe vera after-sun lotion on standby, just in case.
8. Beach Shoes
Water shoes or sturdy sandals are must-haves to protect your feet from hot sands, sharp shells, and rocky areas. I like my Speedo ones as the sole is made from hard rubber and they feel as protective as street shoes, only more lightweight.
You won’t need these for every beach, but some spots are more rocky than others. Also helpful when you have to walk for a long distance on hot sand to find the perfect spot.
9. Insulated Cooler & Trash Bags
No beach day is complete without refreshments. A well-insulated cooler bag stocked with plenty of water, snacks, and even a packed lunch, is essential when you hit the beach.
To be honest, I haven’t found a cooler that I *love* just yet. I use this one for canned drinks and it’s great for that, but I’m still on the hunt for the perfect larger one for food items.
Most beaches on the island are far from stores or restaurants so your best bet is to bring everything you need with you. Pack a few trash bags for cleanup as trash cans are not always easy to find.
10. Reusable Water Bottle
The six island towns are always working to reduce pollution on Martha’s Vineyard and have banned the sale of single use plastic bottles on the island. Stay hydrated and carry enough water in a reusable bottle for the duration of your beach trip.
I like my lightweight Contigo because the spout is easy to drink from and it doesn’t leak but if you prefer something insulated that will keep your water cold, you can’t go wrong with the classic Stanley.
There are free water refill stations around the island but unfortunately none of these are near the beaches. Check the Vineyard Conservation Tap Map for all the locations.
11. Beach Toys & Games
There’s an endless selection of beach toys in the stores but the old reliable bucket and spade is still my number one beach must-have! As long as the kids each have one of these, they’re happy.
They also love these water squirt toys. We’ve had them in plastic and foam and the foam ones are better in my opinion. They don’t crack and break when the kids get rough with them and they float if dropped. A snorkel and disposable underwater camera can also be fun to document marine life.
I’m not a fan of inflatable pool float toys for use in the ocean in case they float away (with or without a kid on board!) but grownups might enjoy them in calm and quiet waters like Fuller St or Lighthouse Beach.
12. Portable Bluetooth Speaker
I was hesitant to include this one because I know opinions are divided! The majority of the time we go to the beach, I don’t bring a speaker. However, when I know we’ll be the only ones around, or on certain beaches where it’s more acceptable, I will bring it along.
This waterproof Bluetooth speaker is on my beach trip packing list because it’s user-friendly, sounds great and is so durable. I’ve had the UE Megaboom for 8 years and it still works perfectly. It also floats if it falls into the water so is ideal for sailing trips too.
13. Phone or Camera with Waterproof Case
I recently got this waterproof phone case and can’t wait to try it out when we go kayaking or splashing in the water during beach time this summer. Having the peace of mind that I won’t damage my phone while trying to capture vacation photos is so valuable to me.
14. Portable Charger
Keep your phone and other devices charged, especially if you are in the more isolated locations (like a beach on Chappaquiddick). You’ll also probably rely on your phone for maps and navigation in those areas and that can drain the battery quickly.
I’ve been using Anker portable chargers for years because they are reliable and last for ages. I can fully charge my phone 3 or 4 times before having to recharge the charger itself. It’s ideal if you’re going to be out all day on the beach.
15. First Aid Kit
Pack a mini-kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes and tweezers (for ticks, common in the dunes). The waters are usually safe enough, although I have seen someone get stung by a jellyfish on State Beach.
There’s a variety of advice online about how to treat this as it differs based on the type of jellyfish. The National Capital Poison Center has great advice on what to add to your beach first-aid kit and a number to call if you need guidance at the time.
16. Insect Repellent
With ticks being a significant issue on Martha’s Vineyard, especially around dune areas, it’s important to bring and apply a good tick repellent. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants (pre-treated with permethrin) are also advisable if you plan to explore dune areas.
Likewise, if you’re already on the beach when the sun starts to set, you’ll need repellent for mosquitos and other flying bugs. My kids hate the sprays that surround you in a cloud and end up getting in their mouths so we use this safe, very effective pump one instead.
Final Thoughts on Beach Day Essentials
As you gear up for a day at the beach, I’ve made sure that you won’t have to sweat the small stuff. This list isn’t just about packing; it’s about giving you peace of mind so that you can fully enjoy your vacation. I’ve got you covered with everything you’ll need for a great time on the sand.
Take this list, grab your beach bag, and head out with confidence knowing you’re ready for anything. Enjoy the waves, the sunsets, and a day well spent at one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world!
Share your thoughts and get all your Martha’s Vineyard vacation questions answered in our Travel Tips Facebook group. See you there.
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