30 Beach Essentials You Don't Want to Leave the House Without

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The sound of the ocean, the warm sand beneath your feet, a cold drink by your side and a good book — a beach day is truly what dreams are made of. Whether you're planning a girls' trip to one of the best beaches in the U.S. or heading to the local shore with your family, the beach is always a good idea. But before you hit the sand, you'll want to grab all your must-have beach essentials. To make things easier for you, we made a list of everything you need to pack for a day at the beach, including the best beach bags, sunscreens, beach towels, outdoor games, and more.

The first necessities on your list should be items important for beach safety. Think insulated water bottles to keep you hydrated and cool, sun protection items like hats and umbrellas, and even proper footwear to make sure the kids don't step on anything sharp. Once that's taken care of, start thinking about the items that will make it a fun day. Bring your beach read, a cooler backpack full of your favorite beverages, a comfortable chair, a fun game for the kids, sand toys, and anything else to keep everyone entertained and comfortable. Then, think about how you're packing everything up. You can load up some roomy tote bags or pile everything into a beach wagon, or find another solution.

Luckily, we've thought of it all. All you have to do is click "add to cart" and start dreaming up your beach Instagram captions!

Beach Bag

You'll want a beach bag that has plenty of room and won't bring a ton of sand back home. This affordable mesh pick with nine pockets checks both boxes. "This bag has been magical," wrote one reviewer. "The pocket that is water-resistant for your phone or other valuables is great. It has tons of side pockets for sunscreen or water bottles. I can roll up three to four towels and fit them in the bag along with pool toys and snacks."

SPF 50+ Sun and Rain Canopy Umbrella

This heavy-duty umbrella will keep you shielded from sun and wind all day long. It measures eight feet across and several reviewers note that they were able to fit two to three people, plus dogs and big bags, underneath the canopy.

XL Sandproof Beach Blanket

Need more space for your crew? This nylon beach blanket measures 7 feet by 7 feet, so everyone has a spot. It comes with six stakes and folds up into an attached carrying pouch. Best of all, when you're ready to pack up, the sand shakes off easily.

Cabana Stripe Beach Towels

If your beach towels have seen better days, upgrade to this set of extra-large cotton beach towels. The set comes with four different colors, so everyone will always know which one is theirs.

Equate Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

The last thing you want is to run out of sunscreen when you're at the beach. This 32-oz bottle ensures that there's enough to go around. It's SPF 50, water-resistant, and free of octinoxate and oxybenzone, which makes it reef-friendly. Plus, it's more affordable than many sunscreens. If you know there's no way the kids will stand still long enough for you to apply sunscreen, you can grab the same type of sunscreen in a spray version.

Mesh Drawstring Bag With Clip

Another item that should be in your beach bag is a small mesh bag. It's the perfect way for you and the kids to collect shells and interesting rocks without also bringing home a ton of sand. These ones from Amazon come in a set of four and measure 6 inches by 8 inches.

Collapsible Beach Wagon

If you know there's no way you're getting all your beach essentials — towels, toys, coolers, umbrellas, games, and more — to the beach in a tote bag, consider investing in a beach wagon. This one gets a ton of love from Amazon reviewers thanks to the extra-large wheels that roll easily over sand, the large capacity, and the fact that it folds up compactly. And it's not just for the beach: You can easily transport camping supplies, groceries, sporting equipment, and practically anything else with this little wagon.

Dog Life Jacket

How adorable is this? If Fido's part of the beach day, put him in this cute doggy life vest. Even if you're not worried about his swimming skills, the bright colors will make it easier to spot him in the water (and seriously, that shark fin is amazing).

Bayside Babe Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a must-have when you're headed to the beach. This Privé Revaux pair has a classic oversized silhouette that will never go out of style. The same pair comes in black or teal if that's more your style.

Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch

Nothing will ruin a beach day like your phone falling victim to the water. This waterproof floating pouch keeps your phone and other essentials like keys and cash safe. It's also possible to safely take this with you if you decide to wade into the water, which can provide some peace of mind if you're nervous about leaving your valuables ashore.

Slammo Game Set

Kids, teens, and adults alike will have a blast with this beach game that involves bouncing balls back and forth on the net. The set comes with the playing net, three balls, a carrying case, and the official game rules.

Beach Toys for Kids

The little ones in your family will love digging around with the fun molds, rakes, shovels, scoopers, and more. This kit comes with 18 pieces and a mesh carrying bag that makes it easy to transport.

Waterproof Wet Dry Bag

Per Reddit commenters, one beach essential you should have on your list is a separate bag to hold wet swimsuits and towels so they don't get everything else soggy. This bag has one compartment for wet items and one compartment for dry items, so everything has a place. Genius!

40 oz Tumbler

If you haven't grabbed one of these TikTok-viral cups, consider getting one before your next beach trip. Hydration is important when you're out in the sun all day, after all! It's also insulated, so you can enjoy ice-cold water all day long.

Sun Visor Hat

Sun protection is key when you're spending the day at the beach. This one protects your face and can be worn with your hair in any hairstyle, including a ponytail or topknot. It also rolls up, making it easy to pack for your next beach trip.

Hydration Tablets

Staying hydrated is particularly important when you're spending the day running around in the sun. Grab a tube of these electrolyte tablets that can be added to everyone's water bottle for a flavor boost and extra hydration.

Cooler Backpack

Why get a bulky cooler when you can carry this cooler backpack? The insulated backpack can hold up to 35 cans and will keep items cool for up to 16 hours. It also has additional pockets to hold utensils, sunscreen, snacks, or other items.

Party Pack

If you want to be the life of the beach party, bring a box of these canned cocktails made with coconut rum. Flavors include lime soda, pineapple soda, and diet kola. Plus, the whimsical design of these cans is an instant conversation starter!

transparent Defense SPF Sunscreen

If most sunscreens leave you with a white cast or make you break out, consider grabbing one that's formulated for your face before your next beach vacation. This one is formulated with skin-boosting niacinamide and hyaluronic acid and is very lightly tinted to give you a nice glow even before you hit the beach.

Everyday Speaker

When you bring a speaker to the beach, you bring the party. This affordable one is easy to use, compact, and splashproof, making it a beach day must-have.

Portable Charger with Built-in Cables

You'll be the MVP of your girls' beach trip with this portable charger. It has built-in cables for different phones so anyone can recharge. This device comes in several different colors, but the yellow will be easiest to spot in a cluttered bag.

Folding Adjustable Back Beach Lounger

You're at the beach — it's time to kick back and relax! This chaise lounger is adjustable, easy to carry, and far more affordable than most beach chairs.

Inflatable Adult Pool Lounger Float

Bringing a pool float to the beach might be the best idea we've ever heard. You can set it up on the sand if you want to lounge or take it into the water to float around — just don't let the current take you too far!

Girls' Rashguard Surf Shirt

Another option for sun protection for the whole family is UV rash guards. Unlike sunscreen, it won't wash off or need reapplying. This one from Roxy is available for kids ranging from toddlers to 16 years old.

The Handloom Terra Shirt Dress

This breezy dress should definitely be part of your beach wardrobe. The light cotton fabric and relaxed fit makes it a perfect cover-up when you're at the beach, but it's also easy to add a belt and pair of cute sandals and wear it out to dinner.

Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25

Few things feel worse than sunburned lips. Plenty of people in a skincare advice forum on Reddit recommended this SPF 25 lip balm for keeping your lips protected when you're spending time in the sun.

Kids Water Shoes

If you're worried about your children's feet getting hurt by hot sand or sharp rocks, put them in a pair of water shoes before they run off. These ones come in 45 different patterns and colors.

SANDSCREEN Sand Removal Bag

This nifty item helps brush sand off everyone's body before they hop in the car. "My husband was skeptical, but this little gadget totally saved our beach trip," wrote one reviewer. "Totally worth it! Small and compact, but got the sand off tiny hands and feet like it was nothing! Everyone kept asking to use it."

Waterproof Playing Cards

Whether you need something to do with a kid who keeps complaining about being bored or you need something to do once you finish your book, these waterproof playing cards are the answer. They're also great for long road trips or plane rides.

Conditioning Hair Detangler

You won't regret tossing a bottle of this detangler spray in your beach bag. "Brought it to the beach with me and every time I came out of the water I sprayed some on the brush and my hair and it got all the tangles out and it smells really good," wrote one reviewer. If you have children with long hair, you can use it on them as well.

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