The most common overpacking mistake we see is families hauling beach gear across the country that we’ve already got waiting in the house. Here’s what to actually pack, and what to leave at home.
Leave behind: cribs, pack ‘n plays, high chairs, beach chairs, towels, boogie boards, strollers and wagons. Every one of our homes comes stocked with all of it, so unless you have a strong preference for your own gear, this is dead weight in your luggage.
Do pack: swimsuits, obviously, but bring more than you think you need, wet suits take longer to dry in the marine layer than you’d expect. Light layers matter more than most people plan for, mornings run cool with the coastal fog even in summer, and evenings drop enough that a light jacket earns its space in the bag.
Sunscreen is worth bringing your preferred brand of, especially reef-safe formulas for younger skin, though you can grab more at Trader Joe’s or Ralphs, both a short drive from every home. Water shoes are useful if you’re planning to explore tide pools at Sunset Cliffs or the rockier stretches near La Jolla Cove.
If you’re flying in, pack light on the outbound and plan to buy anything you forgot, San Diego has every basic covered within a few minutes of Pacific Beach. A rash guard for kids prone to sunburn is worth the suitcase space, the Southern California sun is stronger than it feels with the ocean breeze cutting the heat.
Bottom line: pack like you’re staying somewhere that already has a house full of the essentials, because you are. Browse our properties to see exactly what’s included before you build your packing list.