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A beach bachelorette party, in four lines
Revelwick estimates for about nine people.
- A beach day
- About $45A head for chairs, an umbrella and a cooler of food and drink at a managed beach
- A beach weekend
- $740 to $1,690A head for two nights, from Galveston to Miami, everything in
- The house
- Close to the sandA short walk from the shore, so everyone can come and go all day
- Bring
- Shade and waterUmbrellas, seats, sunscreen and something to drink before any decor
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Beach bachelorette party destinations
Coastal towns and cities, per head for nine people over two nights as Revelwick estimates.
Galveston, Texas
$740 a head. An island on the Gulf Coast with beaches, a historic downtown and beach houses.
Wilmington, North Carolina
$890 a head. A river town close to Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach. More on Wilmington.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
$930 a head. Miles of beach, a boardwalk, bars and big rental houses. More on Myrtle Beach.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
$940 a head. A relaxed island with bike paths, beaches and golf. More on Hilton Head.
Savannah, Georgia
$950 a head. A historic southern city, with Tybee Island's beach a short drive away. See Tybee Island boat rentals.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
$990 a head. A boardwalk beach town within a drive of Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
$1,090 a head. A walkable shoreline, canals and days on the water, north of Miami. More on Fort Lauderdale.
San Diego, California
$1,180 a head. Pacific beaches, sunny weather and a lively bar scene. More on San Diego.
Charleston, South Carolina
$1,290 a head. Historic streets, great restaurants and Folly Beach nearby. More on Charleston.
Miami, Florida
$1,690 a head. South Beach, pool parties, boats and nightlife. More on Miami.
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Coastal party themes
Themes for the decor, outfits and photos.
Coastal grandma
Linen, stripes, straw hats, fresh flowers, a seafood dinner and a white wine spritz.
Last splash
Bright swimsuits, floats and a pool or beach party. See last splash bachelorette.
Mermaid
Shell tops, seafoam colors and a mermaid tail for the bride. See mermaid bachelorette.
Tropical
Palm leaves, pineapples, bright cocktails and flower crowns.
Nautical
Navy and white stripes, anchors and a boat day.
An all-white beach party
Everyone in cream and neutrals, with the bride in a standout swimsuit or dress.
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What to wear
Outfits for the bride-to-be and her friends by the ocean.
For the bride
A white swimsuit or bikini, a cover-up and a hat that says bride.
Matching swimsuits or shirts
Coordinated colors for the group photo.
Cover-ups and linen sets
Light layers for lunch at a beach restaurant.
Hats and sunglasses
A straw hat for the bride and sunglasses for the crew.
Sandals
Flat shoes that are easy on the sand.
Tan lines
The bride may want a swimsuit with straps that match the wedding dress, or a strapless one.
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Decor, food and drinks
Easy ideas for a party on the sand or at the rental.
A shaded lounge
Umbrellas or a canopy, blankets and a few pillows for a perfect photo spot.
A charcuterie or fruit board
Cheese, crackers and fresh fruit that is easy to share.
A seafood boil at the house
Shrimp, corn and potatoes on a table covered in paper.
Signature cocktails
Frozen drinks, a rose spritz or a margarita in cans or plastic cups, where drinking on the sand is allowed.
Favors
Sunglasses, a koozie, sunscreen or a small tote bag.
A toast at sunset
Champagne or a mocktail to celebrate the couple.
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Fun things to do on a coastal bachelorette trip
A list of ideas to fill the days, beyond lying in the sun.
Live music at a waterfront bar
Look for a bar with a live band and a deck with a view, and take the group for sunset cocktails and dancing.
A sunset cruise or a paddleboard lesson
See the coast from a private charter, or try paddleboarding or kayaking as a group.
Shopping in town
Shop the boutiques for swimsuits, hats and a new gift for the bride-to-be.
A seafood dinner out
Book one delicious dinner at a local restaurant famous for fresh seafood, and dress up in your best style.
A spa morning
Massages or facials to get ready for the big night.
A trip further south
For a longer stay, the Florida Keys or the Gulf Coast offer beautiful island views and a slower pace.
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How to plan the day on the sand
Simple logistics that make the day work.
Pick a beach with facilities
Restrooms, showers and shade, or a house close enough to walk back to.
Check the beach rules
Beaches can have rules on alcohol, glass, tents and music. Check them for your beach before you pack.
Go late morning to mid afternoon
Arrive around eleven and head back before the group gets too hot and tired.
Rent chairs and umbrellas
Or assign two people to carry them.
Plan lunch
A cooler of food, or a beach restaurant nearby.
Rest before the evening
Shower and rest at the house, then dinner and a night out.
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What to bring, and what to leave at home
Sorted on whether it earns its place in the car.
Worth carrying
- A rolling coolerDrinks and ice for the whole group are heavy, and wheels make the walk easy.Borrow one
- Enough shade and seatsUmbrellas, a canopy or rented chairs, so nobody spends the afternoon in the sun.About $30 a head rented
- Plenty to drinkMore than seems necessary, especially in the heat.
- Sunscreen for everyoneA large bottle and someone to remind the group to reapply.
- One charged speakerA playlist the girls can all add to, at a volume the beach allows.
- A boat, if the budget allowsShade, seats, drinks and a bathroom in one booking.$90 to $140
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Planning the perfect coastal trip
The destination, the house and the day.
A beach bachelorette party is sun, sand, cocktails and fun with the bride and the girls, whether it is a weekend trip to a coastal town or a day on the beach near home. Choose the destination, book a rental close to the sand, and plan the beach day around shade, water and a place to rest.
Choosing the destination
Pick a destination the whole group can reach easily, and choose the experience you want: nightlife, relaxation or both. A drive keeps the cost down, while a flight opens up Miami, San Diego or the Gulf Coast. For more options, see the best beaches for a bachelorette party.
Booking the house
A private rental close to the shore makes it easy to go back for lunch, a shower or a nap. Use this guide to compare the options. Compare the price of a house a few blocks back with one on the water.
A boat instead
For one paid activity, a boat gives the group shade, seats, drinks and time on the water. See boat bachelorette party.
Shade, water and a house near the sand, then the decor.
The beach ruleCoastal
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Coastal bachelorette questions, answered
What groups ask before booking a beach trip.
Where should we go for a beach bachelorette party?
Galveston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Wilmington, Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, Charleston or Miami, depending on the budget and where the group lives.
Prices run from $740 to $1,690 a head.
How much does a beach bachelorette party cost?
About $45 a head for a beach day, or $740 to $1,690 a head for a two night weekend, as Revelwick estimates.
Driving keeps it cheaper.
What should the bride wear to a beach bachelorette party?
A white swimsuit, a white cover-up and a bride hat.
Think about tan lines before the wedding.
What are good beach bachelorette themes?
Coastal grandma, last splash, mermaid, tropical, nautical or an all-white party.
Match the outfits to the theme.
What should we bring to the beach?
A rolling cooler, shade, seats, plenty of water, sunscreen and one speaker.
Leave the floats and confetti.
Can you drink on the beach?
It depends on the beach. Check the local rules on alcohol and glass before you go.
Use cans or plastic cups where it is allowed.
How long should the beach day be?
From late morning to mid afternoon, then rest before the evening.
Plan lunch in the middle.
Is a boat better than a beach day?
A boat solves shade, seats and a bathroom in one booking, for about $90 to $140 a head.
A beach day costs less.
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What to read next
The best value beach city, the house that decides the day, the cheap coastal options, and the activities ranked.
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Where this comes from
What the figures on this page are, and what they are not.
What the figures are
City prices are Revelwick editorial estimates for about nine people over two nights, the same figures used on each city page. The beach day and rental costs are estimates too. Check current prices before you book.
What is ours
The themes, outfits, packing list and what to leave at home are Revelwick's editorial suggestions. Beach rules on alcohol, glass and tents vary by town, so check the rules for your beach.