Sunny weather is finally here to stay. Whether you’re planning on a day of sun or an extended beach vacation this summer, you need to know exactly what to pack in your beach bag. And this list of beach bag essentials is your ultimate guide. Find the perfect tote bag to keep with you on those long summer days and follow this packing list below to ensure you have the most important beach bag items loaded and ready to go!
1. SUNSCREEN
Sun protection should be number one on the list of essential items. You’ll want to pack your go-to sunscreen to protect your body and face from the sun’s harmful uv rays. Apply it before leaving your house and remember to reapply it throughout the day to stay shielded from sun damage. Supergoop! is a fan favorite and this Mineral Sunscreen Starter Kit is a great way to try three of their best products for your face and body. And if you want something with a little color for your face, these are the 4 best natural tinted sunscreens our beauty writer Gail Slogoff recommends.
CESTA RAFFIA TOTE BAG
2. THE PERFECT BEACH BAG
I love a stylish beach bag that is large enough to hold all of my beach essentials. I always look for one that is super light on its own so that it doesn’t get too heavy after I add everything on this list! This year I’m looking forward to packing up a few new bags for my beach day. This raffia bag by Cesta adds a stylish touch with the graphic stripes and unique shape. This foldable oversized beach bag by Loewe is pricey but it’s just the type of bag you need if you’re heading to the Hamptons or St. Tropez this summer. And this striped canvas beach tote from Isabel Marant gets updated in new colors every summer and has been the perfect beach bag year after year.
3. PAIR OF SUNGLASSES
A pair of sunglasses is key just to leave the house so of course it’s an absolute must when heading to the beach. I am a huge aviator fan, not only because they are stylish, classic and go with virtually everything, but also because the larger frames protect more of my face around my eyes. I own quite a few pairs of Ray-Ban classic aviators and some fun fashion versions like these rose-colored aviators from Saint Laurent.
4. SUN HAT
It’s always a good idea to have a hat with you at the beach. Even if you are sitting under an umbrella, you will inevitably want to take a walk or dip in the water to cool off. Whether you wear a wide-brimmed hat, a straw hat or a baseball cap, all are great options to protect your face from the sun.
5. LARGE TOWEL or BEACH BLANKET
Large towels or blankets are a must to pack in your beach bag whether you are solo or heading to the beach with friends and family. I love these Turkish towels because they are light weight, super stylish and dry quickly. I also love these beach blankets from Business & Pleasure. If you are someone who likes to bring a beach umbrella to the beach, this blanket has a hole in the center for your umbrella so everyone gets equal space in the shade. Plus they come in tons of fun stripes and color combos with a carry strap and handle to make transporting it easy.
6. WATER BOTTLE
A reusable bottle is key to stay hydrated throughout the day so make sure you pack one in your beach bag. I like to add tons of ice to keep it cold for as long as possible on a hot day. This wide-mouth water bottle is one of my favorites because it holds 64 oz of water and comes with a flex straw which ensures I drink more throughout the day.
7. GOOD BOOK
Reading a good book or magazine is the perfect way to unwind when at the beach. Now that my kids are a little bit older, I’m finally able to lay down and read for a which feels like such a treat. (Added bonus: my kids can finally carry their own beach toys!) One of my favorite new books is To Have And Have More by Sanibel which is a fun read about rich kids at boarding school while also exploring deeper issues such as racism, privilege and the complexities of friendships.
8. LIP BALM
Don’t forget that you not only need to protect your skin from the sun, but you also need to protect your lips. A hydrating lip balm with SPF is a necessity when sitting outside all day in sunny weather. Plus it takes up no room so make sure you remember to pack one in your beach bag!
9. PORTABLE SPEAKER
Don’t forget to pack bluetooth speakers for your next beach trip. Whether you just want to chill out and play zen spa-like music in the background or get the party started with friends, you’ll want to have a lightweight travel speaker to pack in your beach bag. This one is dust and waterproof, has a battery that lasts for 12 hours and comes in five fun colors to choose from.
10. CELL PHONE
Obviously we (meaning all of us!) never go anywhere without our cell phones. From coordinating with friends to listening to your favorite playlist, it’s a must anywhere you go. Some of my favorite beach totes have zip pockets or small pouches in them which is the perfect place to store your cell phone.
Extra tip: I always keep a few plastic bags in my beach bag in case sand is getting in my phone and I need to protect it. They’re also good to have around for any wet clothes or food you need to pack up.
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