Thinking about planning a beach day or heading to the beach on an upcoming vacation? From sunscreen to towels, you’re going to want to make sure you have all the necessities to get the most out of your trip. We’ve put together our favorite beach items, like what to pack in your bag and gear to enjoy the water, no matter what, we’ve got you covered!
Beach Bag Essentials
You can’t head to the beach without the perfect bag. Opt for a tote style bag like this one from Moskus—it has a sturdy handle and also includes a dry bag for your smartphone. If you’re heading to the beach with the family, you’re going to want to pack sunscreen and SPF lip balm. And, if you’re headed to a beach that might have mosquitoes or flies—pack bug spray or an insect-repellant lotion. Avon makes a popular and mom-approved one called Skin-so-Soft.
While at the beach hunger is bound to set in, so you’re going to want to bring snacks—try to bring things like Kind Bars, granola, dried fruit, or other snacks that will last in your bag without spoiling. If you’re going to be at the beach for the majority of the day—pack a cooler with sandwiches and drinks. This will save some trips to the overpriced snack bars or vending machines located on the beach.
Pro tip: bring a reusable water bottle, our favorite is this stainless steel one from KINGSO—with this bottle your water will stay cold throughout your day.
Sand Side Must Haves
No matter how old you are, playing in the sand is a beach must. If you have kids or you’re a kid at heart, make sure to have the perfect sandcastle kit. This will save you time and money (remember avoid the on-beach purchases) during your sand castle construction. If you really want to get serious and build one like a sandcastle like a pro, check out this guide on building sandcastles. They highlight skills and techniques for building the perfect abode.
If you’re not part of the sandcastle crew, and want to just lay out and enjoy the sun, don’t forget your beach towel. You might also want to have a quality chair and umbrella. We love this rainbow umbrella for its sturdiness, and it also does a great job of blocking out the sun.
Beach Tech Necessities
While at the beach you probably want to steer away from technology so you can relax and enjoy some time away from it all, so we’ll keep this section short. The main tech necessity you’ll need is a waterproof case for your phone or camera. We’ve seen many on Amazon, but this one is our favorite. You can even take photos with your phone underwater while using the waterproof case. And, one other thing: If you’re going to a beach that’s devoid of crowds, make sure to bring a waterproof Bluetooth speaker.
Ocean Gear
From putting your feet in the water to diving in, you’re going need the right gear to really enjoy the water. If you’re going to go swimming make sure to bring goggles, nose clips, and ear plugs to avoid discomfort while out in the water. We’ve found a kit that contains both nose clips and ear plugs. And if you’re really going to get out there, think about bringing a wet suit.
Enjoy your beach day! For a full printable checklist on beach essentials check out this post from our sister site, SmarterTravel.com.
