Katie and Pierce
Getting ready for a perfect beach day? There’s nothing worse than arriving at the beach and realizing you forgot something important. Whether you’re planning a solo trip or a fun family outing, having the right items in your beach bag can make or break your day.
After doing some thinking, we’ve put together this list of beach bag essentials for your next day in the sand. From sun protection to comfort items, these essentials will help you stay safe, comfortable, and entertained all day long.
1. Sunscreen
This beach essential is a no-brainer, but it’s so important we had to put it first. You need broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen for both your face and body. Even on cloudy days, those UV rays can sneak through and leave you looking like a lobster.
Make sure to apply sunscreen before you head out and reapply it several times throughout the day, especially after swimming. Your future self will thank you when you’re not dealing with painful sunburns or peeling skin.
2. First Aid Kit
A small first aid kit might seem like overkill, but trust us on this one. Beach days can bring unexpected cuts from shells, scrapes from rocks, or bug bites that need attention.
Pack some band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers for minor injuries. You don’t need a huge medical kit, just the basics to handle small problems before they become bigger ones. It’s one of those things you hope you won’t need, but you’ll be so glad you brought it if you do.
3. Wide-Brimmed Hat
Your head and face get hit with sun exposure first, and they’re often the places that burn the worst. A good wide-brimmed hat gives you extra protection along with your sunscreen.
Plus, it shields your hair from wind and UV damage. Nobody wants to deal with a peeling red nose or painful sunburned ears, so throw a hat in your bag. It’s also great for keeping the sun out of your eyes when you’re trying to read.
4. Baby Powder or Corn Starch
Here’s a game-changing beach essential that many people don’t know about. Baby powder or corn starch works like magic for removing sand from your hands, arms, feet, and legs.
Just sprinkle either one wherever you need to remove sand and brush it away. It works because sand clings to moisture on your skin, and the powder absorbs that moisture. Even if you don’t have kids, grab some baby powder just for this trick.
5. Beach Bag or Tote
You need something to carry all this stuff, right? Look for a beach bag made from waterproof or quick-dry material with a zipper closure. This keeps sand out and protects your valuables.
The best beach bags are spacious but lightweight, with multiple compartments to keep things organized. Some even have insulated sections to keep drinks and snacks cool. Choose one that fits your style and can handle everything you want to bring.
6. A Good Book
Beach time is perfect for catching up on your reading. There’s something relaxing about getting lost in a good story while listening to the waves.
Grab one of those books that’s been sitting on your nightstand waiting to be read. Physical books work great at the beach, but if you prefer, an e-reader is a space-saving way to bring your entire library. Just don’t forget to keep it in a waterproof case.
7. Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is super important when you’re spending time in the sun. Bring a reusable, insulated water bottle to keep your drinks ice cold for hours.
Here’s a pro tip: freeze a couple of water bottles before you leave. When you put the frozen bottles in your beach bag, the water will be nice and cold when you want to drink it as the ice melts throughout the day. It’s way better than buying overpriced drinks at the beach.
8. Cover-Up
A lightweight cover-up serves double duty at the beach. It gives your skin a break from the sun when you need it, and it lets you go straight from the sand to a beachside restaurant or local shops.
Look for something that doubles as a dress so you can easily transition from beach mode to grabbing lunch. The best cover-ups are made from light materials that won’t make you sweat in the summer heat.
9. Sunglasses
Quality sunglasses are a beach bag essential that does more than make you look cool. Get a pair that blocks UV rays and look for ones labeled “100% UV Block.”
Good sunglasses protect your eyes and might help prevent those fine lines you get from squinting in bright sunlight. Polarized lenses are even better because they cut down on glare from the water and sand.
10. Alcohol-Free Wipes
These come in handy for so many things at the beach. Use them to wipe sand and food off your hands, clean up excess sunscreen, or wipe down your book covers and bags.
Alcohol-free wipes are gentle on your skin and work great for quick cleanups. They’re useful to have in any bag, not just your beach bag. Pack some for easy cleanup throughout your beach day.
11. Flip-Flops or Sandals
You need easy-to-wear shoes that can handle sand and water. Flip-flops or slip-on sandals are perfect for walking on hot sand and strolling along the beach.
Choose a pair that can get wet without being ruined. You won’t have to worry about blisters or your shoes wearing out from sand and saltwater. Comfort is key when you’re walking on uneven sand all day.
12. After-Sun Lotion
Even if you don’t overdo it with sun exposure, after-sun lotion feels amazing on your skin. Sun, wind, salt, and sand can all be harsh, so your skin needs some extra care.
Aloe vera gel is perfect for moisturizing and healing your skin after a day in the sun. It helps prevent that tight, dry feeling and keeps your skin from peeling. Your skin will feel so much better the next day.
13. Wide-Tooth Comb
Salt water, sand, and wind can turn your hair into a tangled mess. Using a regular brush on beach-worn hair can cause breakage and damage.
A wide-tooth comb gently works through knots and tangles without hurting your hair. It’s much gentler than pulling a brush through salty, sandy hair. Your hair will thank you for being gentle with it after a day of swimming and sun.
14. Beach Towels
You need at least two quick-dry, sand-free towels. Use the first one for drying off and sitting on your beach chair. The second towel works great as a pillow or extra towel for a friend.
There’s always someone who forgets to bring a towel, so having an extra one makes you the hero of the group. Look for towels made from microfiber or other materials that dry fast and don’t hold onto sand.
15. Waterproof Phone Case
Your phone is probably one of your most valuable items, and water and sand are its worst enemies. A waterproof phone case lets you take photos in the water and protects your phone if it accidentally gets wet.
You can scroll through your phone worry-free and capture those perfect beach moments without stress. Some cases even float, so you don’t have to panic if you drop your phone in the water.
