If you’re wondering what to pack in your beach bag, get the most popular beach bag essentials to pack this Summer for a day with a view of the waves.
I like to always be prepared… but also with style and function, so you will find the absolute best beach goodies and gadgets overall here. The focus is on beach bag essentials for women and adults, and they can even work as your pool bag essentials!
Below is a quick list of the top beach bag essentials you don’t want to leave out of your tote this Summer, followed by my top recommendations for each one.
Beach Bag Essentials
– Waterproof Sunscreen
– Lip Balm
– Beach Towels
– Beach Blanket
– Hat
– Water Bottle
– Polarized Sunglasses
– Cover Up
– eReader or Book
– Headphones / Earbuds
– Bluetooth Speaker
– Portable Charger
– Waterproof Phone Case
– Water Shoes
– Snacks
– Cooler
– First Aid Kit
– Wipes
– Moisturizer
– Brush
Waterproof Sunscreen
Amazon’s Choice
Of course, one of the top beach bag necessities is waterproof sunscreen! My top pick is the popular Supergoop! PLAY Antioxidant Body Mist with clean ingredients for sensitive skin. There’s a reason everyone loves it so much — it feels really light and leaves no residue plus is non-toxic and long lasting.
While I am a spray gal, you can also try Supergoop!’s lotions, sticks, and more.
Lip Balm
Amazon’s Choice
While you’re at it, be sure to bring sun protection for your lips too! Since I have learned this lesson the hard way (with burned lips), it’s now one of my best tips to use Supergoop!’s lip balm, which is non toxic and water resistent.
Beach Towels
Amazon’s Choice
If you need to pack a beach towel in your beach tote, consider one that’s “quick dry.” These microfiber beach towels do just that, plus are sand free, compact, and come in a variety of colors, as well as two different sizes.
Beach Blanket
#1 Best Seller
Or, perhaps you would prefer a beach blanket to relax in the sand. This extra large beach blanket becomes compact and is sand-free, quick-drying, lightweight, and durable with stakes and corner pockets too.
Hat
Shade your face and head from the sun and wind with a cute hat. This exclusive packable sun hat with a bow from Tuckernuck is what’s in my beach bag because it’s packable and you can monogram it! It sells out every Summer, so if you really want it, grab it fast. I wear it all the time when I travel to Martha’s Vineyard, and I love it!
Water Bottle
Amazon’s Choice
Stay hydrated with a double-walled stainless steel water bottle. Personally, I rely on the popular Swell water bottle, which is BPA free and keeps drinks cold for 36 hours.
Other “options” include a wine tumbler (wink!).
Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are best for your eyes. I rely on my RayBan New Wayfarer sunglasses, which are a timeless style and a great size for women.
Cover Up
Top Rated
You may need an extra cover-up depending on what you wear to the beach, but luckily they are so light and easy to pack. I like to pack a style that’s like a “dress” because it’s only one item (versus two), can provide extra sun protection if you need it, and can be worn anywhere you stop before or after the beach, like a cafe.
This J.Crew cotton-linen beach shirt is on my wish list!
eReader or Book
As a bookish lifestyle blogger, OF COURSE I recommend you pack a Kindle or book. Perhaps one of these beloved beach reads?!
Headphones / Earbuds
Amazon’s Choice
If you’re an introvert like me, you may want to block out peripheral noise at the beach. I use my Apple AirPods for this, as they are so compact! I’ve had them for several years now with no complaints.
Bluetooth Speaker
Amazon’s Choice
Or, if you are extroverted, perhaps you will want to jam in the sand to some playful tunes. If so, check out this Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Portable Speaker, which is wireless and waterproof for outdoor travel. I recently purchased this speaker for my husband, and we could not love it more. It packs a massive punch for the price and size of the product. Easily one of our favorite buys this year.
Portable Charger
Amazon’s Choice
Don’t run out of juice while you’re lounging in your beach chair! This Miady fast charging power bank has two USB charging ports and comes in a dual pack so you can share.
Waterproof Phone Case
Amazon’s Choice
A waterproof phone case is one of the handiest beach accessories, so you don’t have to leave your phone behind while you swim. I used this Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch (2 Pack) in the water park at the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas.
Water Shoes
Best Seller with Readers of The Literary Lifestyle
These women’s Speedo Aquaskimmer water shoes are SO useful for so many purposes, both on land and on the sea. They completely saved my feet at a water park and a rough beach, and they have since become a best seller with readers. They run true to size and are really comfortable too!
Snacks
Stay full for long hours in the sun with low-calorie, munchable snacks that are easy to pack and don’t melt! I always have these Skinny Pop individual popcorn bags on hand, and my husband enjoys these Blue Diamond almond packets.
Cooler
If you need to keep your snacks cool, this Lilly Pulitzer beach cooler is the cutest, and it comes in several colorways!
If you want something similar but on the smaller side, check out the Lilly Pulitzer insulated lunch bag (this is the one I use).
First Aid Kit
If you like to always be prepared as I do, you will want to pack a First Aid Kit like this compact First Aid Kit meant for travel.
Remember to also pack your favorite pain relievers, allergy medication, and insect repellents.
Wipes
Gentle face and cleansing wipes like these Cetaphil face and body wipes can also be really useful after a long day in the sand and surf. They’re one of the easiest beach items to pack too!
Moisturizer
Keep your face hydrated as you bask in the sun too! This non-toxic Supergoop! moisturizer does double duty as a sunscreen as well.
Brush
Last but not least, get both sand and knots out of your wet hair with this Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler Brush. It’s one of the top beach bag essentials I rely on since my hair tangles so easily. I’ve linked up the “mini” version so it’s smaller for you to pack with all your beach products.
Conclusion
Now you know the best beach essentials to pack for a beach day in the sand.
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