Nothing ruins a beach day like coming home with a painful sunburn. Slather on some oil-free sunscreen before you head out to the beach and remember to reapply often.
It’s also important to pack plenty of food for your day at the beach. Easy-to-eat snacks are a great way to keep you full and hydrated all afternoon long.
1. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must for any beach day, and I always opt for a high SPF, broad spectrum sunscreen that’s easy to apply. Be sure to generously slather it on your entire body and remember to reapply every couple of hours. Pair your sunscreen with a wide-brimmed hat and stylish sunglasses for additional protection from the sun’s harsh rays.
It’s also important to practice responsible beach etiquette, including being mindful of your neighbors and the environment. Be sure to bring a trash bag to collect any garbage and dispose of it properly, and avoid disturbing the natural flora or marine wildlife.
2. Towels
Whether you’re relaxing on your beach towel or taking a dip in the water, having the right towels is a must-have for a great day at the beach. Look for towels that are quick-drying and can easily absorb moisture. Also, make sure to bring a towel that’s the right size for your lounger or chair.
A sand-resistant towel (also known as a terry cloth towel) is another good option. These towels are designed to repel sand and can be a bit more comfortable than cotton towels.
Other essential beach items include a collapsible utility wagon to help transport your gear from your car and a beach tent for shade. You’ll also want to have a beach bag with plenty of pockets for keeping all your necessities organized. A mesh beach bag is a must as well, since sand will sift through regular bags easily.
3. Water
Dehydration is a huge problem for people at the beach. If you’re going to spend all day in the sun, make sure you pack plenty of water and snacks to keep yourself hydrated.
Choosing a beach with lifeguards is always a good idea to help keep everyone safe in case of an emergency. You should also check the ocean conditions and weather before heading to the beach to see if it’s appropriate for swimming.
A big tip for staying hydrated at the beach is to bring a water bottle that can be easily sand-proofed. Water bottles with pop-up spouts tend to get ruined by sand and need to be cleaned often. A bottle with a screw-top lid is a better choice. Also, if you prefer something other than plain water, adding cucumbers, berries, or citrus to your drinks can add some flavor and electrolytes.
4. Cupcake liners
If you bake a lot, cupcake liners can help prevent the sides of your cakes from burning by keeping them from touching the hot pan. Plus, they make clean up much easier.
Bakell carries a wide selection of different patterns, colors and styles of cupcake liners for any occasion, whether you’re decorating a cake or making little snack cups for kids.
If you want to turn your cupcakes into beachy treats, try adding a few drops of blue food coloring to the frosting for ocean waters. Add some gummy bears or other candy in the shape of teddy bears to the top to create a fun, edible beach scene. Or, if you’re serving snacks in mason jars, slip a patterned liner under the lid to give the jar a cute, rustic look. These mason jars are also perfect for homemade gifts.
5. Water shoes
Whether you’re kayaking down the river or chasing your kids around your neighborhood water park, functional shoes can be the difference between a great time and an unpleasantly blister-inducing experience. Water shoes, which are also known as aqua shoes or beach shoes, are lightweight, pack up easily and provide good traction on both dry and wet surfaces.
According to this So Cal Beach vacation article on Manhattan Beach safety, they’re a must if you’re going to a beach that’s not entirely fine, powdery sand—or if you’ll be walking over rocky terrain or sharp sea shells. Plus, if you’ll be snorkeling or swimming, the water shoes allow for quick and easy removal from your feet before returning to land.
The best water shoes are lightweight, breathable and have good drainage to prevent your feet from feeling weighed down. They’re usually made of neoprene or mesh and feature bungee lace systems that are easy to slip on and off.
6. Food
A day at the beach will surely work up an appetite. Avoid foods that will spoil easily in the hot sun and opt for hydrating snacks instead, like fresh fruits and bars. Dry treats like trail mix are also a great option as they won’t attract sand and won’t leave your hands sticky.
Another good snack is hummus and veggie sticks. Made from mighty chickpeas, these healthy and refreshing snacks will be sure to satisfy your hunger while keeping you hydrated.
Yogurt parfaits are also a healthy and filling snack that can be eaten while sitting in the sand. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead of time and are a mess-free option that won’t stain your favorite cover-up. You can even drizzle on some honey for a deliciously sweet taste!
7. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are not only a fashion accessory, they protect your eyes against UV rays and prevent the formation of wrinkles. Choose sunglasses that suit your face shape and have a sturdy frame. It’s best to bring more than one pair in case they get lost or broken.
Lens color matters when it comes to sunglasses, too. Green lenses are ideal for beach days as they remove eye strain in abnormal lighting conditions. They also elevate natural light contrast and improve depth like our Racer sunglasses.
It’s also important to bring a hat for your head, hair and shoulders. A wide-brimmed option is best so that you can spot marine wildlife from the water or while snorkeling. Make sure to choose a hat that’s UPF-rated so you don’t burn your scalp!
8. Portable speakers
If you want to kick back solo by the ocean or rock out at a beach party, portable speakers are a must. They’re the easiest way to bring along your favorite summer playlist, so you can blast the Beach Boys’ “California Girls” or Katy Perry’s “California Gurls.”
Look for Bluetooth speakers with a waterproof rating (IPX7 or IPX8) that can handle being completely submerged in water for up to a half-hour, as well as dustproof ratings of IP67 (which adds dirt resistance). You also want them to be small and portable, so you can easily carry them around the beach.
Other fun beach accessories include a Frisbee, a volleyball, and beach games that encourage active play like bocchi ball or a chess set. Plus, it’s always helpful to bring a good book or an e-reader in case you need to take a break from the sun.
9. Beach bag
Beach bags come in a variety of styles, so pick one that complements your outfit. Opt for a durable bag made to stand up to sun, salt water and sand. Look for options that can be easily hosed off or machine-washed.
Shield your eyes from harmful UV rays with a pair of sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat that adds a fashionable touch to any beach attire. Keep your hydration levels up by packing plenty of water bottles and reusable containers.
Stay nourished with healthy snacks like low-calorie popcorn or healthy versions of granola bars that won’t melt in the heat. Tuck in a mini first aid kit to help with minor problems such as cuts or itchy bug bites. A portable fan can also help beat the heat and provide a cooling mist for those sweltering moments.
10. Silk scarf
For many of us, a day at the beach means more than just pointing your car toward the shore. It’s a full-on experience that requires the right equipment to keep you cool and comfortable.
A silk scarf is a simple, stylish accessory that will help keep your hair free of tangles and dry when the sea breeze blows in. Plus, it adds a hint of luxury to your outfit.
Another thing to remember is that the beach can be a public space, so it’s important to keep your valuables close by. That’s why a woven straw bag is perfect for the beach: It will hold all your essentials without getting dirty. It’s also roomy enough to fit a book, sunscreen, and a few snacks! Plus, it’s lightweight and folds into itself for easy storage. This one has a UPF 50+ sun rating and folds down to just nine inches for easy transport.
