Is anyone else counting down to their first beach day of the year? I can’t think of a better way to spend a warm summer day than spending sun-up to sun-down on the sand. But a trip to the beach doesn’t just require a killer swimsuit you feel confident in; it requires a special kind of packing, with a bag full of beach essentials that can help you through whatever a day in the sun might bring you.
I’m notoriously known in my friend group as the girl who comes prepared for anything,—from bandaids for blisters on a night out to hand cream in my tote bag—so of course I have a note in my phone ready to send to anyone who asks, “What do I bring to the beach?”
Lucky for you, I’m spilling all my beach bag essentials that ensure a picture-perfect beach day—no sunburn included.
You beach towel is a necessity to pack, so why not make it a fun one that serves as a pop of color? This bold, printed option will bring all the good vibes to your beach or pool day.
While your beach towel is for drying off, your beach blanket is for laying on. Claim your spot in the sand with this easily packable beach blanket you’ll be planted on all summer long.
Leave your small water bottle at home and pack your biggest one for the beach—hydration is key, after all. This one has a lock, which will help ensure no pesky sand makes its way into your water.
The best way to protect your face from the sun’s UV rays? With SPF and a hat. This cute sun hat is easily packable, and will transform your poolside attire into a full-blown look.
You probably won’t have to actually pack your sunnies as they’ll be living on your face all day long, but we’re partial to this chic, rounded pair.
The best part of a beach day is that you have the opportunity to wear a chic, crocheted cover-up. You can throw it on to take you to and from the water, and even use it as a dress if you’re heading to post-beach happy hour later in the day.
Leave your leather wallet at home and opt for a nylon one for your beach day. It’s waterproof, easy to clean, and will ensure you don’t have to worry about getting sand or water getting on it.
Whether you’re wearing it or throwing it in your bag, this waterproof pouch will keep your phone safe from the elements all day.
Kindles were made for being taken on the go. Forego your book for your beach day and swap to an easy-to-carry, compact Kindle for your reading instead.
Spending all day outside makes the chances of your phone dying high. Be prepared with this portable charger that can easily fit in your beach bag’s pocket.
The most important part of your beach bag? The tiny bag you keep inside it. This nylon bag will keep all your smaller essentials compact, easily findable, and protecting from the sun and sand.
Sunscreen is obviously a given for a beach day, and this one smells so good, you’ll actually want to re-apply it.
Protecting your face from the sun is vital, and a stick form of face sunscreen will make re-applying throughout the day a breeze.
Yes, your lips need sun protection too. This SPF lip balm will make sure yours don’t burn throughout the day, and will keep your lips hydrated—even if you spend the day in salt water.
Spending all day in the sun will likely include quite a bit of sweat, but instead of packing your stick deodorant, try deodorant wipes. These work to freshen up any part of your body throughout the day.
Our favorite beach bags
