13 Beach Bag Essentials for a Day in the Sand + Sun
Ready to hit the sun and sand?
If you’re planning on hitting the water this summer, you’ll want to pack up your beach bag essentials. Without them, your day in the sun simply won’t be the same.
These handy must-haves will help make your day more enjoyable. From protecting your skin to keeping you fashionable, having these will
So, start loading that Amazon cart and get your bag ready. It’s time to pack for the sand.
This content contains affiliate links. As an affiliate for a number of brands, and an Amazon Associate we may earn commissions on qualifying sales. You can read the finer details about what that means here.
Beach bag essentials
Image: Amazon
Oversized Turkish beach towel
The best kind of beach towels are Turkish cotton towels.
I like them because they’re more absorbent, and they dry faster. Honestly, I like them so much that I recommend them as bath towels for bigger bodies too.
These towels are lightweight, and it’s much easier to get sand off. These are really the only ones I recommend.
Image: Amazon
Water bottle
Don’t head out without a fresh bottle of water.
Even if you’re headed to freshwater, you want to bring your own along. You really don’t want to drink unfiltered, fresh water.
Travel-friendly is always the best way to go. Something packable like a collapsible water bottle is perfect.
Not only is this the green solution, it also means that you don’t have to actually buy water every time.
Image: Amazon
Reef-friendly sunscreen
The sun is a beautiful thing, but it wreaks havoc on your skin when you don’t protect it properly.
Plus, those of us with skin conditions (like psoriasis) are at a higher risk for skin cancer.
That’s what makes bringing along quality sunscreen is a must. I highly recommend something reef-friendly like this Sun Bum face stick.
While you can bring any sunscreen you want, reef-friendly is the way to go.
It tends to be made of simpler ingredients, and is designed specifically not to hurt ocean life.
If you’ve ever seen life below the water, you’ll understand why it needs to remain untouched!
Sunglasses
You do not want to head to the beach without a good pair of sunglasses.
I highly recommend a pair of Ray-ban. Not only are they stylish, but they’ve never done me wrong.
However, pick whichever ones suit your style!
You want to make sure you find a pair of sunglasses that are polarized, and have strong UV protection.
Plus, you also need to make sure they’re comfortable enough that you can wear them all day long.
Sun hat
I fully admit that I’m not really a sun hat girl. Honestly, they look dumb on me.
But the importance of wearing a sun hat isn’t lost on me. Which is why I highly recommend adding one to your beach bag essentials list.
For something that’s simple and easy to pack, I recommend a straw fedora. Made of woven paper straw, these hats are cute, lightweight, and breathable.
They’re down-right Instagram ready.
Dry bag
Bringing back your wet swimsuit from the beach can be a real pain.
That’s where a waterproof swimsuit bag comes in handy. Something like the Rae Roll-Top dry bag will help keep the rest of your stuff dry.
I use my waterproof bag to protect my valuables while I’m enjoying the day, then drop my wet suit in it when I’m done.
This way water doesn’t get anywhere, and your beach day is enjoyable.
Image: Amazon
Icy Cools Neoprene insulated pouch
Not only do you want a waterproof bag for your swimsuit, but bringing along, and extra one can come in handy.
You can use a neoprene bag like Icy Cools to store your temperature-sensitive items. Things like your phone or tablet.
While these bags are mostly used as a pack to keep food cool, proper insulated bags can regulate temperature.
This means items that are sensitive to extreme heat or cold might just fare better in the hot sun.
Sand remover
Sand is a real b*tch.
It gets all over everything and is next to impossible to get rid of once it’s in there.
But this handy little Beach Sandy brush magically gets rid of it. Ok, it’s not actual magic, but it works like it.
You use the brush to get sand particles off yourself, clothes and other items to make sure you don’t track it home with you.
Image: Amazon
Portable Bluetooth speaker
If you’d like to listen to some tunes at the beach, the Comiso is PERFECT.
Not only is this speaker waterproof, but it’s sand proof and ultraportable.
I will say that I’m not a massive fan of blasting music on a crowded public beach.
But if you’re on your own, and you have some space, it’s a great beach essential.
Coleman mat
Everyone brings a towel, but true pros bring a full-on mat like the Coleman.
Not only does this make sure your beach towel doesn’t get sandy, but it keeps it free for you to use to dry off. It also provides a little backrest to keep you comfy.
Best of all it’s super easy to clean off when you’re ready to go.
If a mat isn’t your style, grab a beach chair! Though you might not be able to stuff it in your bag…
Image: Amazon
Drink coasters
I’m willing to bet that you want to keep sand out of your drinks.
That’s where a set of Starfish sand coasters comes into play. They’re truly a beach bag essential.
These are easy to pack, and they don’t take up a ton of space.
But they keep sand out of your drink, and that’s really want counts!
Beach umbrella
When it comes to beach trip essentials, a portable beach umbrella is must-have. Not only are they super cute, but also wildly practical.
While sunscreen can help protect you from the sun’s harmful rays, and umbrella provides an assist.
They give you a way to keep the sun off, and provide a tad bit of heat relief.
No one really wants an entire day baking in the direct sunlight.
Throw blanket
Brining a towel is great. But if you want something heavy-duty comfy, I recommend a Turkish-style throw blanket.
Like their towel counterpart, these dry quicker than other throws. Ideal for the beach.
You get the best of both worlds with this. A solid, comfy towel to sun tan on, but something that won’t take forever to dry.
But if you’re bringing along a throw blanket (or any fabric item), make sure to bring a sand brush.
The perfect beach bag
If you’re headed to the beach, you can’t forget about the perfect bag to pack everything in.
You want to make sure this bag is waterproof and will keep the sand out (most of it anyway). You also want the bag to help keep you from being pickpocketed, so a zipper is preferred.
Your beach bag does not have to be expensive.
For less than $15, you can grab yourself a mesh one. While it’s not waterproof, nor will it keep sand out, it does work in a pinch.
However, if you want to step up your beach bag game, consider trying something a little sturdier.
This cute blue and white striped bag is durable, waterproof, and keep everything out.
With three inner pockets, it’s super easy to organize. Not to mention, it’s a piece of cake to wash too.
Read to head to the beach?
What’s your number one beach bag essential?
I don’t know about you but there are some things I simply CAN’T head to the beach without. From a good book to read to a pair of stylish sunglasses, my beach bag is usually packed.
Need some other beach inspiration?
- Check out these awesome plus size beach chairs
- Don’t forget to bring along a pool floatie
- Dress to impress (or just simply swim) in a cute tankini
