30 Beach Essentials for a Perfect Day in the Sun

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A beach excursion is definitely something to look forward to. You’ve settled on a glam swimsuit that you feel confident in, a cute straw hat to shield your face from the rays, stylish new sandals, and the all-important juicy beach read. But what other necessities do you need for a day at the beach? We've got (more than) a few ideas!

Start with practical outdoor gear such as foldable chairs, a sturdy umbrella, and towels. A portable waterproof cooler and a mesh bag are also must-haves for beverages and yummy snacks. To keep your family and kids occupied for hours, fun games and entertainment are useful, too. And of course, don’t forget the sunscreen (yes, even for your scalp). Clever extras like a beach chair safe and a temperature-proof phone case also erase stress from the trip. Feeling super fancy? We've also got you covered with a waterproof digital camera meant to be used underwater and a waterproof speaker so you can keep the entertainment at an all-time high!

So whether you’re day-tripping it to the local shore with close friends, spending a relaxing couples' weekend by the coast, or taking a solo vacation to a destination you've always dreamed of visiting, we’ve created the ultimate packing checklist for you. Just toss these beach essentials in your favorite summer tote and enjoy some good old fun in the sun.

Sand Escape Nylon Beach Blanket

What do you need in a beach bag? There's one thing that's 100 percent necessary: a huge waterproof mat. This 63-square-foot nylon blanket has a pretty classic stripe design reminiscent of South Beach, but also features four sand-anchored pockets to weigh it down and a front pocket to safely stash valuables.

The Stiff One Cooler Bag

Store all your snacks and refreshments (it fits 24 cans!) in this zippered, leakproof cooler bag. The durable reinforced bottom ensures nothing gets crushed en route and also allows it to stay upright on the sand. And it's collapsible for easy storage.

Insulating Cell Phone Case 800 Series

Protect your phone from overheating (and in the winter, freezing) with this neoprene smartphone case. An exterior slip pocket stores cash, while a handy carabiner clips onto your beach tote.

Portable Indoor/Outdoor Lock Box Safe

Clip this portable combination safe onto your bag or beach chair so you can take a dip without fear that someone will snatch your wallet or smartphone.

Inflatable Glitter Beach Ball

A pink beach ball filled with golden confetti is summertime magic. Whether you're going on a girls' trip down to the shore or bringing your kids along for a family vacation, this ball is sure to add an extra bit of joy.

Vented SPF 50+ Sun and Rain Canopy Umbrella

If you're going to spend the whole day at the beach, you might as well set up shop. This umbrella has a large 8-foot canopy with a UPF 50+ coating, as well as side panels for added protection from the sun's UVA and UVB rays. Still, it weighs just nine pounds and slips into a convenient carrying case.

Mini Portable Handheld Fan

When the temperature and humidity are high, a mini portable fan will do absolute wonders. This one lasts eight hours, perfect for a full day of fun in the sand. Pack this in your beach bag and you'll be thanking us later.

Quick-Dry Towel

If you're always in the water or sweating, this towel was made for you! It dries quickly and sand brushes right off. Plus, it folds into its own pouch to save space in your bag.

Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++

Get your glow on—this hydrating primer with SPF 40 and blue-light protection leaves a subtle shimmer for days you want to go au naturel.

Waterproof Digital Underwater Camera Full HD

If snorkeling, paddle boarding, or just pool floating is on your vacation agenda, you'll want to invest in a waterproof digital camera to capture all the fun. This model takes both photos and video, and even features a dual screen for selfies—say "cheese!"

Button-Up Beach Cover-Up in Linen Cotton

A breezy cover-up does so much—it protects you from the sun's rays if you're starting to burn, or it adds a little extra warmth when the sun goes behind the clouds, providing the coverage you need to pop into a store or sit down at a boardwalk café. This versatile and lightweight linen-blend number (also available in six other colors) fits the bill nicely.

Call of the Wild Summer Games Towel

A game and towel in one? You'll never have a dull beach day again! It's perfect for the entire family.

Insulated Beauty Bag

If you've ever found a melted lipstick in your bag after a long day in the heat, consider this sleek insulated cosmetic bag. Designed to regulate temperature and keep moisture out, you can stash your makeup (and even electronics) away worry-free.

Sunny Sicily Inflatable Pool Float

You can't leave the beach without taking an adorable selfie on a sunny float! It's a must-do on any beach day.

UV Lotion Full Body Sunscreen, SPF 30+

This SPF 30 full-body sunscreen spray eliminates the need to carry multiple formulas. It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, plus it's formulated with transparent zinc—making it the perfect sunscreen for protecting your scalp.

Sand and Snow Castle Kit

Cleverly engineered like springform baking pans, these sandcastle molds release your towers intact. The bagged kit also comes with brick and window molds so you can build an impressive-looking structure.

Starter Volleyball Badminton Combo Set

Rally the crew and hold your own summer Olympics with this packable volleyball and badminton set.

Priscilla Folding Chair 2-Piece Set

These cute retro-inspired chairs easily fold up, so you can keep them in your trunk for beach or park trips.

Paper Straw Panama Hat

Bring breezy shade to your next trip with this paper straw ivory panama hat. It is so chic!

Day Drinking Rosé Bubbles

If beach beers aren't your thing, not to worry. Sip on a bubbly rosé while relaxin' on the beach.

Mateo Sunglasses

Sunglasses do so much more than stop you from squinting—they protect your eyes from damage caused by the sun's UV rays. This classic tortoiseshell style suits just about any face shape.

Arizona Essentials Sandals

Lightweight and waterproof, these EVA Birkenstocks are the perfect summer sandal for the beach or pool. No more tiptoeing on scorching hot sand!

Kindle Paperwhite - Waterproof

Is there any better antidote to stress than a good book and the sound of lapping waves? Ahhh. We love the Kindle Paperwhite because it's thin, lightweight, waterproof, and glare-free.

Insulated Wine Carrier Cooler

Whether you're toting healthy snacks or some ice-cold beverages, you'll need a cooler so the goods stay fresh. Keep it festive with a pretty patterned insulated bag that's big enough to hold up to four bottles of wine.

Insulated Wine Carrier Cooler

Whether you're toting healthy snacks or some ice-cold beverages, you'll need a cooler so the goods stay fresh. Keep it festive with a pretty patterned insulated bag that's big enough to hold up to four bottles of wine.

Flip 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

What's a trip to the shore without getting to bop along to some happy tunes as you sunbathe or hang with friends? This small, portable, waterproof bluetooth speaker easily slips into your favorite tote bag and boasts 12 hours of playtime.

Folding Beach Chair

A good quality, sturdy chair is a beach essential. And this one from Tommy Bahama is both well-constructed and stylish with a fun palm print. The chair features padded adjustable straps allowing you to transport the chain when folded and a large storage pouch.

Rose Hair & Body Oil

A day at the beach may leave you in a state of bliss, but it can leave your skin and your strands parched. Toss this nourishing, nutrient-rich oil in your bag to lock in moisture.

Corkcicle Stemless Wine Glass Tumbler

This sleek, "triple-insulated" tumbler will keep your beverage of choice cold for nine hours. This machine-washable cup is also made of sturdy stainless steel, so it'll withstand the elements. And did we mention that it also has the ability to keep a toasty drink hot for three hours?

Mesh Beach Bag

This spacious mesh bag has nearly 10 pockets. It’s described as both “waterproof and sandproof,” but feel free to throw it in the laundry machine after a day in the sand–it’s machine washable, after all.

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