20 Beach Essentials to Pack for Your Next Beach Trip

Avery Unverzagt
Jul 13, 2020
9 min read

With the arrival of summer's heat, beach season is now in full swing. Everyone knows in order to have the best time at the beach, you must pack a beach bag full of all of the necessities you will need for the day. Here, are the top 20 beach accessories you'll need for a long, hot day at the beach.

1. Beach Bag

First off, you will need a cute, but spacious beach bag to carry all your beach accessories in to the beach. Opting for a straw tote is not only a trendy accessory for a beach photoshoot, but a lightweight option for your trek to the shore. I would recommend the L*Space Summer Days Backpack, since it also includes totes handles for versatile use.

2. Beach Towel

This next item may seem like an obvious one, but you for sure don't want to show up to the beach without your towel. With many options to choose from, I would recommend the Free People Sora Sustainable Fan Palm Botanical Yoga/Beach Towel. Not only can this lightweight beach towel satisfy all your beach and yoga needs, but it has a sustainable design made from post-consumer plastic.

3. Sunglasses

Another essential beach item that tends to be forgotten are sunglasses. Not only do you have to have a pair of sunglasses at the beach to protect your eyes from the UV rays, but you also want to make sure your shades are fun and stylish. You can't go wrong with any of these sunnies linked. I may be biased, since I have a pair, but the Ray-Ban Hexagonal Flat Lenses are my go-to.

4. SPF Lip Balm

Surprise, surprise, your eyes aren't the only thing you need to protect from the sun, so don't forget to pack some SPF lip balm in your beach bag this summer. Save your lips from a sunburn with any of these linked SPF lip balms. My personal favorite SPF lip balms are Jack Black, Sun Bum, and Aquaphor.

5. Pool Float

If you are wondering how a pool float made it into the top twenty beach bag necessities, it's because the beach is always better when you have a fun float with you. Just trust me on this one!

6. Water Bottle/Reusable Cup

Save the turtles!!!! Also, save yourself by packing a water bottle or reusable cup. Hydration is key while soaking up the sun on the beach all day. Keep yourself and your water cool with a cute and insulated water bottle/reusable cup.

7. Beach Games

What's that sound? Oh, that's the sound of fun in the sun. Whether you prefer the classic beach ball or you want to change it up a bit with a new game, there are many different choices to choose from.

8. Body Sunscreen

Sunscreen is for sure one of the most obvious items to pack in your beach bag. Even if you do apply sunscreen before you leave the house, it is still a smart idea to pack some in your beach bag to reapply later. All of the sunscreens linked are great options, but if you or someone with you have super sensitive skin then I highly recommend Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion.

9. Face Sunscreen

Beach season also means sunburn season. Avoid the classic red nose sunburn or sunglasses tan with some face sunscreen this beach season. Face sunscreen tends to be overlooked by most, since many believe body sunscreen will suffice. That may be true for some, but make sure to pack face sunscreen in your beach bag that works the best to protect your skin.

10. Reading Material

A summer vacay is the perfect time to catch up on all the must-reads. Whether that is your favorite magazine or the hottest book on the market, bring along some relaxing and exciting reading material with you to stay busy at the beach. To save space and lighten to load, you can always download audible or your favorite podcast.

11. Sun Hat

If you are someone who likes to keep their face out of the sun or a hat is a style must-have for you at the beach, then here are some trendy sun hat options from baseball caps to floppy sun hats and everything in-between.

12. Cooler

Being the guy or gal at the beach with the cooler for sure makes you the beach MVP. You’re the superstar that remembered all things cold drinks and snacks. So why not be the MVP with the stylish cooler bag?

13. Speaker

If your traveling to the beach with friends or family, you will for sure escalate the fun with some good tunes. This item isn’t exactly essential, but highly consider bringing a portable speaker along for some extra fun in the sun.

14. Beach Shoes

Slip on a fun slide or classic pair of flip flops once your headed to the beach for the day. This summer there have been tons of different sandal style trends. Thus, I have linked a few different styles great for a day at the beach, dinner, evening drinks, or all of the above!

15. Koozie/Can Cooler

If you can't stand the heat, make sure to pack a koozie or can cooler to keep your drink icy-cold. The latest can cooler trend this summer has been the Brumate Hopsulator Slim, but if you are looking for a fun custom koozie set for your next group beach trip then the Knot Shop Custom Neoprene Foam Beer Can Drink Holder is perfect for your group vacay.

16. Mobile Phone Charger

If you want those killer beach pictures and music blasting all day on the Bluetooth speaker you just packed, then a mobile phone charger is a necessity!! So, don't forget to purchase one of these bad boys and charge it up for your day at the beach.

17. Hair Accessories

I think all of us gals can agree that hair ties, pins, clips, scarfs, headbands, and all other hair accessories in-between are a lifesaver at the beach. Whether it's a blazing hot day and you just want to pull your hair up or the wind just picked up a bit and it's time to pull your hair back into a fun clip, there are numerous reasons why you must pack some sort of hair accessory for a day at the beach.

18. Headphones

If you prefer to keep your music to yourself or decided to opt for the audiobook, then you will not want to forget a pair of headphones. Also, don't forget to charge your headphones beforehand if you use wireless!

19. After Sun

After Sun may not be a necessity for everyone, but if you fry easily (like myself) then you might want to hide out under the umbrella with some Sun Bum Cool Down Spray. This aloe vera spray soothes and cools with cocoa butter and jojoba oil to moisturize and restore sun-damaged or dry skin. I also can't recommend enough Solarcaine and Solar Recovery. Both of these sprays have saved my sunburnt skin overnight!

20. Snacks & Drinks

Last but not least, snacks and drinks. Whether it's a homemade sandwich in a Ziploc or a fun picnic on the beach, this is for sure my number one beach bag essential. So fill up the cooler with all your favorites and make your way out to the beach, because your officially all packed up with this summers 20 beach bag necessities!