Top 18 Essentials to Pack for a Perfect Beach Day
Thinking about hitting the beach? A day by the ocean is like a mini-vacation for the soul. But to really make the most of it, you need to pack smart. It's not just about grabbing a towel and heading out; there's an art to preparing for a flawless day on the sand.
Although I now live in Las Vegas, I actually grew up in New Jersey, so I’ve pretty much mastered the art of packing for the perfect beach day thanks to the countless trips down the shore every summer. Trust me, it's not just about having the sand between your toes and the salt in your hair; it's about being prepared. After years of soaking up the sun and navigating the busy Jersey Shore boardwalks, I've fine-tuned my beach day essentials down to a science.
From sun protection to keeping snacks fresh, and ensuring comfort and entertainment, I’m sharing my must-have beach day essentials that have transformed my beach outings into absolute bliss. Whether you're a seasoned shore-goer or planning your first beach day adventure, let’s dive into the essentials to get you ready for a day filled with sun, sand, and sea!
Must-have beach day essentials to add to your beach day packing list
From ensuring you're protected against the sun to keeping hydrated, and, of course, a few extras for comfort, I've nailed down the top 18 beach day essentials I swear by that you should have on your beach day packing list!
Sunscreen & Lip care
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable beach day essential because it shields your skin from harmful UV rays, preventing sunburns and long-term skin damage. Broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher, natural, reef-safe ingredients, and those offering both UVA and UVB protection are the best choices, ensuring you stay protected whether you're taking a dip or lounging on the sand.
I personally love nothing more than getting a nice bronze tan at the beach, but that doesn’t mean I have to sacrifice the health of my skin too. Since my goal is both color and protection, I always bring a vegan, reef-safe tanning oil/lotion that has a little bit of SPF to protect, but not enough to prevent me from getting color.
Also, don’t forget the lips—lip care is just as important as skin care! I don’t know about you but my lips are always chapped, especially when I’m at the beach surrounded by salty air and scorching sun. I have honestly yet to find the perfect SPF lip protection that works for my chronically chapped lips, but I’m linking a few below with raving reviews that I’m going to give a try.
Beach towels
Beach towels are an absolute essential for any beach day because they serve as your personal protection from the sand, offering a comfortable spot to lounge, dry off, and enjoy the seaside. The best types of beach towels are those made from quick-dry, microfiber material which are not only lightweight and highly absorbent but also sand-resistant, making your beach experience as carefree and enjoyable as possible. One of the most popular quick-drying, sand-free beach towel brands is Sand Cloud, they have cute styles and they donate 10% of their profits to marine conservation. Get $15 off your first Sand Cloud purchase here!
Beach blanket
A beach blanket is crucial for any beach day, providing a spacious and comfortable base to relax, picnic, and gather with friends away from the direct sand. The best beach blankets are those made from durable, lightweight fabric that's sand-proof and quick-drying, often featuring anchors or weights at the corners to stay put even on windy days, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable beach experience.
Beach umbrella or tent
A beach umbrella is essential for providing much-needed shade and protection from the sun's intense rays, ensuring you can enjoy the beach comfortably without overheating or getting sunburned. The best types of beach umbrellas are those with ultraviolet protection, sturdy frames to withstand the wind, and a tilt feature for adjustable shade as the sun moves across the sky. While it’s not 100% necessary, I love this umbrella tray that attaches to the umbrella pole, it has cup holders for drinks and slots to hold snacks and/or other accessories like your phone and sunglasses.
Beach chair
Beach chairs are essential for elevating your comfort on the sand, providing a supportive and elevated seat away from the hot sand and ensuring relaxation is at the forefront of your beach day experience. Opt for chairs that are lightweight, easily portable, and come with features like adjustable backrests, cup holders, and UV-resistant materials for the ultimate blend of convenience and comfort by the sea.
Swimwear and swim cover ups
Swimwear is an absolute must-have essential for any beach day. Whether you’re swimming, surfing, or just layout out in the sun, swimsuits provide both comfort and protection. Choosing the right swimwear—ones that fit well and provide the right amount of support and coverage—can significantly enhance your beach experience, letting you focus on fun rather than discomfort. I personally prefer wearing string bikinis when I go to the beach, this way I can adjust the ties throughout the day for an even tan. Some of my favorite stores to buy swimwear are Revolve, Montce, Lulus, Dippin’ Daisy’s, LSPACE, and My Brazillian Shop (a small, female-owned Las Vegas-based swimwear brand).
Swim cover-ups are a beach day essential because they provide a quick and stylish way to transition from the water to the boardwalk or beachside cafe, offering both sun protection and modesty. They're lightweight, easy to slip on and off, and come in various designs, making them perfect for adding a touch of personal style while keeping you comfortable and covered in the sun. Some of my favorite stores to buy swimsuit coverups are Lulus, Revolve, and Amazon.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are indispensable for any beach day, protecting your eyes from the harsh glare of the sun and reducing the risk of UV damage. Opting for a pair that offers 100% UV protection will not only keep you comfortable by reducing squinting and eye strain but also safeguard your long-term eye health while adding a stylish touch to your beach look! Some of my favorite places to shop for sunglasses are DIFF eyewear, Quay, and Amazon.
Beach hat
Beach hats are an essential accessory for any beach outing, offering an extra layer of protection against the sun's powerful rays for your face, ears, and neck. Opt for wide-brimmed sun hats or caps made from breathable, UV-protective materials to keep you cool and shielded, ensuring your time spent under the sun is both safe and enjoyable. Lack of Color is my favorite hat brand. I own several of their straw hats and I wear them every summer, especially on beach days! Some other stores I like to shop for hats are Revolve and Lulus.
Flip flops
Flip flops are a beach day essential because they offer an easy, breathable footwear option that protects your feet from hot sand, pebbles, and shells while being effortlessly easy to slip on and off. Their water-resistant material and quick-drying nature make them perfect for transitioning between the beach, water, and boardwalk, ensuring your feet stay comfortable throughout the day.
Beach bag
A beach bag is essential for any beach day, acting as the ultimate carry-all to transport your sunscreen, towels, snacks, and other beach day necessities seamlessly from home to the sandy shores. Look for a bag that's spacious, durable, and water-resistant, with compartments and pockets to keep your items organized and protected, ensuring nothing gets left behind or damaged during your beach day.
Wagon
A wagon becomes an essential tool for beach days when you're loaded with gear, offering a convenient way to haul everything from beach chairs and umbrellas to coolers and tents across the sand all in one trip. Opt for a wagon with wide, durable wheels designed for sand terrain, ensuring a smooth and effortless transport of your essentials, making your trek to the perfect beach spot as easy as a seaside breeze.
Water and snacks
Water and snacks are non-negotiable essentials for a beach day to ensure you stay hydrated and energized under the sun's relentless rays. Bring a large water jug half-filled with ice so you’ll have plenty of water as it melts throughout the day. Packing a mix of fresh fruits, nuts, and granola bars can keep you feeling refreshed and satisfied, helping you make the most of your seaside adventure without the hunger pangs. Don’t forget utensils and napkins if needed!
Cooler
A cooler is indispensable for a beach day, keeping your drinks and snacks chilled and fresh, even under the sweltering sun. With options ranging from soft-sided, lightweight models to more durable, hard-shell coolers with wheels, finding one that's easy to carry and fits your beach day haul ensures your refreshments stay cold from the moment you arrive until the sun sets.
Entertainment
Entertainment is a crucial element of a perfect beach day, ensuring that everyone stays engaged and enjoys their time, whether it's through relaxation or active play. The best types of beach entertainment include waterproof playing cards, frisbees, volleyballs, portable speakers for music (used respectfully), and books or e-readers for those serene moments of relaxation by the sea. Additionally, bringing along beach balls, bodyboards, skimboards, or snorkeling gear can cater to a variety of interests, making sure there's something for everyone to enjoy under the sun.
Change of clothes
Unless you plan on spending enough time at the beach to the point where your swimsuit is dry before you leave, you might want to consider bringing a change of clothes. This way you can ditch the wet, sandy suit before getting into your car, or if you have plans to eat before you leave, you’ll be nice and dry for your meal.
Trash bags
Bringing trash bags to the beach is essential not only for responsibly disposing of your garbage and keeping the beach clean for everyone, but also for their versatility in storing wet bathing suits and towels, because who wants to get into their car with wet, sandy swimsuits and towels? Trash bags help ensure you leave no trace behind while also keeping your beach bag and car dry, making them a practical addition to your beach day essentials.
After-sun care
After-sun care is an essential part of any beach day to soothe and hydrate the skin after exposure to the sun, helping to prevent peeling and reduce redness. Products like aloe vera gel or a moisturizing lotion enriched with Vitamin E can significantly alleviate discomfort from sunburns, ensuring your skin remains healthy and refreshed even after a long day under the sun. Aloe vera gel is my tried and true skincare product for any and all types of skincare needs/issues. I’ve linked my favorite aloe vera gel below plus some other great after-sun skincare products!
First aid kit
Accidents can happen anywhere, even on the beach. From broken shells in the sand to sharp rocks in the water and more, a first aid kit is a crucial beach day essential, prepared to handle minor injuries, cuts, or stings that might occur during your time at the beach. Stocked with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and sting relief solution, it ensures you can quickly address any small medical needs, keeping the day safe and enjoyable for everyone.
