Heading to the Outer Banks is one of the best ways to spend a family vacation. As your vacation gets closer and closer, so does the dread for packing. Don’t worry- you aren’t alone! Many people dread the process of both packing and unpacking from vacation. Whether it’s your first time to the Outer Banks or your twenty-first time, we as humans can be forgetful even of the most important things. That’s why we put together this Ultimate OBX Vacation Packing List – so you won’t have to stress about forgetting something, including your sanity! With the items on our list below, you’ll be all set for relaxation on your destination vacation to the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina!
OBX Packing Checklist
Personal Items


- Drivers Licenses
- Auto Insurance Cards
- Health Insurance Cards
- Cash
- Credit or Debit Cards
- Rental/Hotel Confirmation Information
Clothing Items
- Bathing Suits (At least 2 per person)
- Swim Cover ups
- Socks
- Belts
- T-shirts
- Shorts
- Dinner Outfits
- Light Jacket/Sweatshirt
- Sundresses or Skirts
- Pajamas
- Water Shoes
- Active Wear
- Sneakers
- Sandals
- Sun hat
- Rain Jackets or Umbrella (just in case!)
Beach Items
- Cooler with wheels or small portable cooler
- Beach Cart
- Water bottles for everyone in the family
- Beach Toys (maybe easier to buy cheap ones when you arrive)
- Canopy/Tent
- Beach Umbrella
- Beach Chairs
- Beach Blanket
- Beach Towels
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Mesh Bag for shells or other neatfinds while on the beach (helps get rid of unwanted sand)
- Hats
- Waterproof Sunscreen
- More waterproof sunscreen
- Bottle Opener
- Lip balm/protector
- Insect Repellent
- Sun Glasses
Entertainment & Technology Items
- Portable Speakers
- Cords & Chargers
- Books
- Frisbee
- Colored Pencils/Crayons for the kids
- Notepad or Coloring Books
While some OBX Vacation Homes provide some of these items for you and your family to use during your stay, each property owner is different. Certain extra amenities may be listed on the rental home’s information page. However, often times these extra items are not listed but instead, offer a pleasant surprise upon your arrival for the whole family to use. Another helpful tip when packing for your stay at an OBX Vacation Home – remember to still bring beach towels. Most vacation homes provide bath towels but not beach towels. Overall, the most important thing to leave behind is stress! Just about everything on this list can be bought or replaced if forgotten. We guarantee even our unique and breathtaking barrier islands will have what you need and will forever be one of your favorite places to visit.
Here at Eillu, we want you to have the best vacation possible. If you find yourself loving the Outer Banks as much as we do and you want to find out more about owning your very own dream beach home, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of Real Estate experts has more than 50 years of combined experience in the Real Estate industry. Our intimate knowledge of the markets in which we list our homes will ensure homebuyers are getting the most detailed and professional assistance available. Our agents are more than happy to help and answer any questions you may have about this beautiful place we call home; The Outer Banks. We happily assist homebuyers and sellers throughout the entire process while always striving to exceed the expectations of our clients. Call us today!