These Beach Bag Essentials Will Make or Break Your Upcoming Days in the Sun

A beach towel is a necessity, and this non-bulky Turkish towel is thinner than terrycloth, but just as absorbent. Its fast-drying properties will help ensure you aren’t walking home post-beach day with a dripping wet towel in hand.

While your beach towel is for drying off, your beach blanket is for laying on. Claim your spot in the sand with this easily packable beach blanket you’ll be planted on all summer long.

Leave your small water bottle at home and pack your biggest one for the beach—hydration is key, after all. This one has a lock, which will help ensure no pesky sand makes its way into your water.

The best way to protect your face from the sun’s UV rays? With SPF and a hat. This cute sun hat is easily packable and will transform your poolside attire into a full-blown look.

You probably won’t have to actually pack your sunnies as they’ll be living on your face all day long, but we’re partial to this chic, rounded pair.

The best part of a beach day is that you have the opportunity to wear a chic, crocheted cover-up. You can throw it on to take you to and from the water, and even use it as a dress if you’re heading to post-beach happy hour later in the day.

Whether you’re wearing it or throwing it in your bag, this waterproof pouch will keep your phone safe from the elements all day.

Kindles were made for being taken on the go. Forego your book for your beach day and swap to an easy-to-carry, compact Kindle for your reading instead.

Spending all day outside makes the chances of your phone dying high. Be prepared with this portable charger that can easily fit in your beach bag’s pocket.

Sunscreen is obviously a given for a beach day, and this one smells so good, you’ll actually want to re-apply it.

Protecting your face from the sun is vital, and a stick form of face sunscreen will make re-applying throughout the day a breeze.

Yes, your lips need sun protection, too. This SPF lip balm will make sure yours don’t burn throughout the day, and will keep your lips hydrated—even if you spend the day in salt water.

Spending all day in the sun will likely include quite a bit of sweat, but instead of packing your stick deodorant, try deodorant wipes. These work to freshen up any part of your body throughout the day.

This crochet beach tote delivers a laid-back vibe while lugging your SPF and jumbo water bottle. Bonus: The bag’s mesh design means no pesky sand will be trapped at the bottom at the end of the day.

8 colors available

With customizable design options, this bag promises to make all beach excursions a little more stylish. Choose from hand-drawn icons, letters, hobby motifs, and more.

3 colors available
3 size options available

Packable and machine washable, this bag is an easy addition to your summer weekend getaways.

2 colors available

This machine-washable, waterproof beach bag keeps packing efficient with the help of multiple pockets for easy storage.

7 colors available

Made with a quick-drying sheer mesh and a magnetic closure, this bag makes it easy to find everything you need throughout your beach day with having to dig for it.

2 colors available

This under-$25 bag is big enough to hold an iPad, a folding umbrella, sunglasses, sandals, and whatever other packable beach essentials you need.

2 colors available

With leather handles, an interior zip pocket, and an oversized woven design, this bag is roomy enough to carry anything and everything to the beach. Plus, it’s high-quality enough to survive many summers to come.

With slim leather straps and a silhouette that flares at the opening, this bag strikes the perfect balance of classic and relaxed.

This tote may look like your typical beach bag, but its convenient storage design definitely punches above its weight. Built with a removable shoulder strap, top zip closure, and key leash, this bag makes the dreaded walk to the car post-beach a little bit easier.

6 colors available

Designed with braided leather shoulder straps and an open top, this bag is great for those “toss-and-go” beach days. The breathable design makes it ideal for tossing in wet swimsuits after a day in the sun, too.