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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.
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.
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.
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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.
6
For Family
Sport-Brella Vented SPF 50+ Sun and Rain Canopy Umbrella
6
For Family
Sport-Brella 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.
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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.
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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!"
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.
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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.
You can't leave the beach without taking an adorable selfie on a sunny float! It's a must-do on any beach day.
15
For Family
EltaMD UV Lotion Full Body Sunscreen, SPF 30+
15
For Family
EltaMD 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.
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Bring breezy shade to your next trip with this paper straw ivory panama hat. It is so chic!
If beach beers aren't your thing, not to worry. Sip on a bubbly rosé while relaxin' on the beach.
Brigitt Earley
Contributing Writer
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
Jane Burnett
Assistant Editor
Jane Burnett is an Assistant Editor at Oprah Daily, where she writes a variety of lifestyle content for the editorial team. She's a journalist with a pop culture sweet tooth—when she isn't catching up on celebrity news, she's usually listening to a podcast! Jane was previously an on-air reporter in local news, and worked at Thrive Global, Ladders News, and Reuters. She also interned at CNBC through the Emma Bowen Foundation, and is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).