Fun in the Sun or Burns on the Beach?
Beach essentials seem pretty simple, right? After all, how hard could it be? A little sunblock, a towel, and a knockout bathing suit ought to suffice—but don’t be fooled! A successful trip just isn’t complete without the whole shebang, which is why we’ve rounded up our picks for the top essentials you can’t leave the house without.
1. Sunblock
A day in the sun means proper protection is in order! Whether you head there for a solitary, serene experience or bring the kiddos along, make sure you slather on the sunscreen—the last thing you want is to get boiled like a lobster.
2. Beach Towel
Beach towels sound like a pretty standard item (and they are), but they’ve come a long way from your standard cotton fare. Do you want a king-sized cloth to sprawl out on? Do you have a backup after time in the water? The choices for comfort for truly endless nowadays, so don’t sink your toes into the sand without one.
3. Sunglasses
Your eyes deserve as much protection as your skin. It doesn’t matter if you’re outside for one hour or one lifetime—sunglasses are a must! You also have every opportunity to display your personality; with so many affordable frames and colors available, you can strut the sand in personal style.
4. Umbrella and Anchor
Anchors are just as important as your umbrella, so make sure you pack both. Root your umbrella into the sand for a slice of paradise, one protected from the sun and any debris that dares disrupt the peace.
5. Beach Cooler
The weather may be hot, but that doesn’t mean your drinks should suffer the same fate. From light snacks to your favorite thirst quenchers, coolers ensure everything remains nice and fresh for break time. Just make sure you don’t pack it too full—remember, you have to lug it around!
6. Water Shoes
There’s nothing worse than sand in your favorite pair of shoes. Invest in a good set of water shoes to avoid the headache and protect your feet from stray seashells by the seashore. They also provide a great grip, so you won’t have to worry about slippery surfaces or potential injuries.
Jaz Blakeston-Petch on Unsplash
7. Detangler Brush
We wish it didn’t, but the beach loves a healthy head of hair. Keep pesky knots away with a detangler brush or spray! A relaxing day in the sun shouldn’t come at the expense of those luscious locks.
8. Beach Chairs
Kids and adults alike deserve premium comfort, which is where beach chairs come in. With all the options available, you can relax in an affordable seat that also boasts tables, cupholders, or the ability to recline. They also keep you off the toasty sand when things get too hot.
9. Reusable Water Bottle
Hydration is important, but so is the environment! Reusable water bottles pack way more bang for your buck, giving you several servings for anyone on the go. You can also store it in your cooler or fill it with ice for a crisp sip every time.
10. Power Bank
Some prefer to power down at the beach, but we can’t fault people for bringing their phones or a portable speaker. Of course, with all that technology comes the need for power, and you won’t get any without a reliable source. Power banks keep your trip comfortable, all for an affordable cost.
11. Waterproof Blanket
As nice as it is to dip a toe in the water, you don’t want to bring the ocean back to your blanket. Waterproof options make it way easier to relax after a swim, and they’ll spare you any complaints from dry loved ones!
12. Sun Hat
We’ve covered our skin. We’ve covered our eyes (hopefully). We’ve even covered our hair. But, do you know what covers all three? A fashionable sun hat! Break out that floppy accessory because there’s no shade in an added layer of protection.
13. Beach Tent
We know, we know—a tent on the beach? Crazy as it sounds, they’re actually pretty useful, so don’t knock ‘em till you try ‘em. They not only protect you from harmful UV rays, they also prevent sand from getting all over your stuff. They’re not very big either, making them portable and beach-friendly.
14. Bathing Suit Cover
A trip to the ocean’s all fun and games until you forget your cover-up! They’re stylish, they protect you from the sun, and they keep you nice and modest during travel. You also have dozens of styles to choose from (and dozens of price ranges).
15. A Change of Clothes
Cover-ups are a great way to get to the car or stay modest on the beach, but a proper change of clothes can save you in unexpected situations. They can also keep you nice and dry after a day in the water, saving you from a wet suit!
16. Lock Box
Not everyone brings their valuables to the beach, but those who do can benefit from a lock box. Unfortunately, it’s not unheard of for unattended phones to go missing or for beach gear to grow legs. Give yourself the peace of mind and enjoy the day.
17. Swim Goggles
Sure, our eyes need protection from the sun—but they also need protection in the water! Swim goggles keep undesirable particles away from your peepers, ensuring you don’t run the risk of infection or irritation.
18. Lip Balm
No one wants to come back from the beach with burned lips! Luckily, SPF balms can shield you from harmful UV rays, all while keeping your kisser nice and plump. They’re also great defenders against common culprits like saltwater, dehydration, and wind gusts.
19. Portable Speaker
What’s a day at the beach without good tunes? While you shouldn’t blast your playlist, there’s nothing wrong with a modest volume to match your vibes. Just don’t forget your power bank, and make sure that speaker has water protection!
20. A Good Book
The only thing better than a summer’s day is a good book, so why not enjoy both? Beach reads are easily consumed and can be a good palate cleanser between tougher books, letting you enjoy the day without too much brain power.
