What to Pack for the Beach: Your Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Day in the Sun
There’s nothing like a day at the beach—sunshine, salty air, crashing waves, and the chance to unwind. But to truly enjoy the experience, preparation is key. Whether you’re heading out for a relaxing solo trip, a coastal getaway, or a family beach day, having the right gear makes all the difference. From keeping your valuables dry to staying cool and hydrated, this beach packing guide covers everything you need to maximize your comfort and fun under the sun.
Why These Beach Essentials Made the List
We chose these items based on functionality, durability, and real-world convenience. Waterproof features, sand-resistant materials, ease of transport, and protective designs were top priorities. Many of these products are highly rated by beachgoers and offer innovative solutions for the common problems you encounter at the beach—like soggy towels, warm drinks, or sunburns. Let’s dive into the essentials.
Best Beach Tote Bag: Bogg Bag
Bogg Bag
- A beach legend. Large, washable, and doesn’t tip over in the sand.
- Rubber material is waterproof and easy to clean
- Comes with cute inserts for organizing your stuff
Also See:
- Aloha Collection Day Tripper Tote – Lightweight, splash-proof, and stylish.
- Scout Beach Tote – Waterproof, sandproof, collapsible open-top, and also works well for running errands.
Best Beach Hat: Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat
Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Wide brim and a neck flap
- Made with breathable, moisture-wicking fabric
- Ideal for all-day protection without overheating
Also See:
- Mission Cooling Bucket Hat – Douse it in water, wring it out, and it will keep you cool for up to 2 hours.
- Breakwater Supply Trailflow Lightweight Active Hat – Wide brim, with mesh panels for airflow. Comes in multiple colors.
Best Beach Footwear: Flip-Flops, Water Shoes, and Beach Hiking Shoes
Each of these categories of footwear has a specific purpose, whether you want to keep your feet out in the open or covered and protected.
Best Beach Flip Flops: Reef Fanning Flip-Flops
- Comfortable arch support
- Built-in bottle opener on the bottom (yes, really!)
- Water-resistant materials for durability
Best Beach Water Shoes: Land’s End Water Shoes
- Excellent rubber-soled traditional water shoe with drain holes and solid traction.
Best Foam Beach Sandal: Merrell Hydro Moc
- An easy-on, easy-off water shoe that’s lightweight and cushy.
Best Waterproof Beach Hiking Shoes: Breakwater Supply Halocline Waterproof Shoe
- Unique waterproof hiking shoe combines a waterproof dive shoe with a sneaker
- Easy-on, easy-off
- Protective, comfortable, and lightweight
Best Beach Umbrella: Sport-Brella Vented SPF 50+ Umbrella
Sport-Brella Vented SPF 50+ Umbrella
- Hybrid between an umbrella and a tent. Provides wide coverage and has built-in side flaps for extra protection.
- Comes with ground anchors to keep it steady even on breezy days.
Best Beach Blanket: WEKAPO Beach Blanket
Also See:
- Wolfwise 3-4 Person Pop-Up Beach Tent – Easy open and close pop-up beach tent that’s comfortable for 2 adults, as well as 1-2 small kids. Comes with carry bag and plastic stakes and can be weighed down by filling side pockets with sand.
Best Beach Backpack: Breakwater Supply Fogland Backpack
Breakwater Supply Fogland Backpack
- Fully waterproof, meaning no worries about splashes, rain, or sand
- Floating, airtight capability makes it great for paddleboarding, kayaking, or even swimming
- Laptop compartment
- Easy to clean: just hose it off.
Also See:
- YETI Panga Backpack 28 – Bulky, yet durable and fully waterproof.
- Breakwater Supply Explorer Backpack – Large 25L size with a clear touchscreen-friendly device window.
- Patagonia Black Hole Pack 32L – Water-resistant, eco-friendly, and functional.
Best Beach Cooler: Wheeled Cooler and Soft-Sided Cooler
Best Soft-Sided Cooler: RTIC Ultra Tough Soft Cooler 30
- Leakproof, durable, and easy to carry
- Up to 24 hours of cooling
- It floats! Just in case it goes overboard
Best Wheeled Cooler: YETI Tundra Haul
- Never-flat puncture-proof wheels
- Aluminum handle that stows away
- Top-notch insulation to keep your stuff cool for days
Also See:
- Coleman XTreme 50 quart Cooler – a wheeled cooler that’s especially affordable and features 4 cupholders on the top lid
Best Beach Water Bottles
Not all water bottles are equal, and if you’re spending time in the hot sun, an insulated bottle will keep your water cold and keep you hydrated.
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth with Flex Cap
- Keeps water icy cold for hours. One of the originals, and still one of the best.
- Dishwasher-safe
Coldest Insulated 32oz Water Bottle
- It’s not the coolest, but it is the Coldest! Heavy-duty, well-insulated
- Rubber grip handle and sleek design.
- Dishwasher-safe
Camelback Eddy+
- Affordable water bottle that comes in multiple sizes
- Easy-to-stow closable straw on the cap
- See-through plastic doesn’t keep your drink cold, but it allows you to see how much liquid is left
- BPA-free and dishwasher-safe
Also See:
- Coolflask Half-Gallon (64 oz) Insulated Water Bottle – the Coolflask is a giant, insulated water bottle that features a carry strap and a pouch.
Best Beach Games
From cornhole to volleyball, moving around at the beach keeps you energized and also helps work up enough of a sweat to make you ready to take on those waves!
GoSports Cornhole Set
- Solid wood
- Can be easily customized by painting over the boards
- Comes with everything you need for a great day at the beach.
Wave Runner Grip It Waterproof Football
- Waterproof, has grip, and it’s the perfect size for all ages.
Beach Volleyball Set by zdgao
- Who doesn’t love some beach volleyball? This affordable set is regulation-sized and easy to carry
- Comes with everything needed, including a carry bag
Best Beach Towel
Dock & Bay Microfiber Beach Towel
- Large beach towel (63″ x 35″, up to a giant 70″ x 78″)
- Multiple prints/sizes/colors
- Made of 100% recycled material
- Comes with carry bag
Also See:
- 4 Pack of Microfiber Fast-Drying Beach Towels – Very affordable and quick-drying
Best Beach Safety Essentials
Often overlooked, safety is extremely important, as beaches are typically crowded and relying on a lifeguard or emergency response isn’t always a sure bet. Protect yourself and keep a First Aid Kit on hand at the bare minimum.
Breakwater Supply Essential All-Purpose Waterproof First Aid Kit
- Waterproof, non-slip case
- Packed with 101 emergency items, including an icepack
- Easy to stash in a beach bag or tote (8″ x 6″ x 2″, .9lbs)
restube Active Swimming Safety Buoy
- Portable, one-pull safety buoy
- Bright and visible
- Useful for safety on long swims and for wearing while surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding
A Few Other Beach Items
Need to keep your sandwich fresh? Grab a Subsafe! Want some tunes? Clip a JBL to your waterproof backpack! And not quite sure when’s the best time to build a sandcastle that won’t get pummeled by the tide? The Casio Tide Graph watch is your best friend.
SubSafe Waterproof Sandwich Container
- Waterproof Sandwich Container
- Protects your food from getting crushed or soggy
Kepswin Waterproof USB-C Solar Charger Powerbank
- Giant 42,600mAh powerbank
- Waterproof and sand-proof
- Solar panel for charging under the sun
Greatever G2 Full Mask Snorkel
- Full mask, one-piece snorkel
- Long breathing tube at the perfect angle for looking down and in front of you
- Anti-fog full-face lens
JBL Clip 5 Ultra-Portable Waterproof and Dustproof Speaker
- 12 hour playtime
- Easy to carry, includes built-in carabiner clip
- Waterproof and sandproof
- Excellent sound
Cherry Chick Airtight Wallet
- Airtight mini storage
- Ideal for keeping small items like keys, cash, and AirPods/earbuds safe and dry
Lanmountain Folding Low Beach Chair (2-Pack)
- Easy to set up and break down
- Comes with carry bags
- With cupholders
Casio WS1300H Series Tide Graph Waterproof Watch
- Waterproof watch with Tide Graph chart
- Includes moon phases
- Illuminated backlight
- 10 year battery
Best Beach Sunglasses
Maui Jim Peahi Polarized Sunglasses
- The expensive option, but crystal clear and durable
- Polarized
Final Thoughts
A day at the beach should be carefree, fun, and refreshing—and packing the right gear helps make that happen. With the right backpack, cooler, and safety items, you’ll be ready for whatever the ocean breeze throws at you. Stay safe, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and enjoy every second of that sandy escape. See you by the water!