16 Beach Essentials You Shouldn’t Hit the Sand Without
There’s nothing better than a day at the beach—until you realize you forgot something important.
I’ve had beach days where I was roasting in the sun, covered in sand, or stuck with warm water. But after some trial and error, I’ve nailed down what makes a beach trip truly enjoyable.
Here are 16 beach essentials you should pack to make the most of your time by the sea!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
16 Must-Have Items for the Perfect Beach Time
Struggling to pack everything in? Check out this guide for the best tips to pack smartly.
1. Sunscreen & After Sun
I never go to the beach without SPF50+ sunscreen—unless I want to turn tomato red and gamble with skin cancer (spoiler: I don’t).
The after-sun lotion is just as important because it soothes my skin and helps me get that nice tan instead of peeling like a snake. Sun protection isn’t optional, no matter your skin color.
2. Sunglasses
Squinting at the sun all day isn’t exactly my idea of fun.
A good pair of sunglasses protects your eyes from UV rays and reduces glare, making it easier to enjoy the beach without headaches or eye strain. Plus, they instantly make you look cooler!
My fav sunglasses here:
- CLASSIC AVIATOR SUNGLASSES: Protect your eyes with style made famous by aviators since 1937. Ray-Ban...
- NON-POLARIZED SUNGLASSES: RB3025 Aviator sunglasses feature legendary Ray-Ban G-15 non-polarized...
- 100% UV PROTECTION: These stylish sunglasses were made famous by Top Gun. You can feel comfortable...
3. Wide-Brim Hat or Cap
A wide-brim hat or cap is a lifesaver when the sun is blazing.
It keeps your face, scalp, and neck protected from sunburn, which is especially important if you plan to spend hours at the beach. Plus, it helps you stay cool and avoids that roasted forehead look by the end of the day.
Here’s my fav cap I always were (even when not at the beach):
- ArmourVent Technology delivers ultimate breathability in a light, stretchy, durable & fast-drying...
- Iso-Chill sweatband helps disperse body heat, making it feel cool to the touch
- Stretch construction provides a comfortable fit
4. Beach Umbrella
I once forgot my beach umbrella on a trip to Cala Goloritzé in Sardinia—a 2.5-hour hike round trip just to get there.
With no shade in sight, I was melting under the sun and couldn’t even enjoy the place. I had to leave way earlier than planned and trust me, you don’t want to ruin a perfect beach day just because you forgot some shade!
- Canopy, Made of 190 D Polyester with side flaps for Full shelter Protection
- UPF 50+ sun and weather Protection and Water repellent, protects from UVA and UVB rays
- Canopy Supported by 4 millimeter steel ribs and a 4 millimeter steel stretcher
5. Sand-Free Towel
Regular towels are great—until they’re covered in sand and you’re basically exfoliating your skin every time you dry off.
A sand-free towel repels sand, dries quickly, and makes packing up so much easier. No more bringing half the beach home with you!
- PERFECT FOR THE BEACH - With a towel that is great for drying off after a dip in the sea or to kick...
- SAND FREE BEACH TOWEL - The ultimate beach companion that leaves the sand at the beach for castles....
- 100% RECYCLED MATERIAL - Our towels are made from 100% recycled materials comprised of a mix of 83%...
6. Beach Blanket
Lying directly on the sand isn’t always the most comfortable option.
A beach blanket not only gives you room to stretch out but also adds a cushioning layer between you and the sand, making it much more comfortable. It’s a game-changer for a better beach setup!
- Water-resistant and easy to clean
- Compact, folds up easy to take everywhere
- Durable, long lasting material
7. Clip-On Beach Towel Weights
There’s nothing more annoying than your towel flying away every time the wind picks up.
Clip-on beach towel weights keep it in place, so you’re not constantly adjusting or chasing it down the beach. A small but super handy item for breezy beach days.
- 8 Pack beach towel clip clamps in 4 bright colors: blue, yellow, rose red, green. 2 pcs per color.
- Big size plastic towel clips secure your towel to the most of beach chairs with rounded...
- Versatile large clips can be used to hang towels,clothes such as wet swimsuits,quilt,duvet...
8. Water Shoes
If you hate the feeling of sharp rocks, shells, or the thought of stepping on a crab, water shoes are a must.
Personally, I don’t mind, but my wife refuses to walk in the water without them. They give her peace of mind, and they might do the same for you!
- Recommended 1: CONVENIENCE - Smooth neck design prevents chafing when wearing our water shoes. It is...
- Recommended 2: COMFORTABLE FIT -- Breathable and smooth fabrics with fine stretch on uppers. Like...
- Recommended 3: RUBBER OUTSOLE & FOOT SAFETY -- Wearable and top-quality rubber sole, which protects...
9. Beach Chair
If you’re planning to spend hours at the beach, a chair is a must.
It gives you proper back support, keeps you off the hot sand, and makes lounging so much more comfortable. Once you bring one, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it.
- BACKPACK BEACH CHAIR: Provides comfy and convenient seating for all your outdoor adventures; With...
- MAXIMUM COMFORT: We also attach great importance to the practical use of the folding beach chair;...
- UNIQUE DESIGN: This beach chair has a soft mesh back; Compared to a regular beach chair, it is much...
10. Waterproof Phone Pouch
Between the sand, water, and sudden waves, the beach is a risky place for your phone.
A waterproof phone pouch keeps it safe while still letting you use the touchscreen. Whether you’re snapping beach photos or texting without worry, it’s a simple way to avoid a costly accident.
- BEACH ESSENTIALS-SUPERIOR WATERPROOF PROTECTION: Certified IPX8 waterproof with Hiearcool's triple...
- CASE FRIENDLY: With a size of 8.3 inches, the waterproof phone pouch can fit most cell phones with...
- RESPONSIVE TOUCH SCREEN: The Hiearcool waterproof phone pouch is made of upgraded TPU material that...
11. Beach Bag
Carrying all your beach essentials in your hands isn’t exactly practical.
A beach bag keeps everything in one place, making it easy to grab your sunscreen, towel, or snacks without digging around. Go for a mesh or waterproof one to keep the sand out and your gear dry!
- EXTRA LARGE TOTE - Our large work tote bag for women measures 22" x 18" x 12" and is perfect for all...
- FEATURES - Wide zipper top opening for easy access to a spacious interior. 3 Large elastic interior...
- TRAVEL TOTE - A perfect overnight bag for weekend getaways or for use as your carry on bag for...
12. Dry Bag
Nobody wants their clothes, phone, or wallet soaked after an unexpected wave or a quick dip in the ocean.
A dry bag keeps your valuables safe from water and sand, so you don’t have to worry about where to stash them. It’s a simple fix for a very avoidable problem. You just have to think about it.
- Top Rated By Wirecutter: Durable, reliable, and wallet-friendly are just a few of the reasons why...
- Shoulder Strap: 10L & 20L dry bags come with a 24-42 Inch single shoulder strap. 30L, 40L, and 55L...
- IPX8 Certified Waterproof Phone Case: We have included our IPX8 Certified 6.5 Inch waterproof phone...
13. Cooling Water Bottle
Sipping on hot water under the blazing sun is the last thing you want.
A cooling water bottle keeps your drink ice-cold for hours, so you stay hydrated and refreshed. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to regular bottles.
- 40 OZ WATER BOTTLE: The stainless steel insulated reusable water bottle keeps drinks cold for 24...
- 24 HOURS COLD. 12 HOURS HOT: Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks hot or cold for hours. The...
- LEAKPROOF: Say goodbye to leaky water bottles. The Hydro Flask Flex Cap is leakproof when closed....
14. Portable Cooler
If you’re bringing snacks or drinks to the beach, a portable cooler is a game-changer.
It keeps everything cold for hours, so you’re not stuck drinking warm soda or eating melted sandwiches. Because let’s be honest, nothing ruins a beach picnic faster than spoiled food!
- TITAN DEEP FREEZE ZIPPERLESS HARDBODY COOLER: Zipperless cooler features a patented, "flip-open"...
- DEEP FREEZE PERFORMANCE INSULATION: Features Deep Freeze Performance Insulation with an integrated...
- HARDBODY LINER WITH SMARTSHELF: Includes a removable HardBody liner with SmartShelf that allows you...
15. Snorkel Set
If the water is clear, why just swim when you can explore?
I love snorkeling, I could spend hours watching fish and discovering what’s beneath the surface. And if you’re a strong swimmer, a good pair of fins makes diving deeper even more fun!
- Full mask fin snorkel set: zeeporte long snorkel set with adjustable fins, two window tempered glass...
- Panoramic view snorkel dive mask: made of a four-window design for a panoramic view with tempered...
- Unobstructed breathing dry top snorkel: a high-quality snorkel with a dry-top valve that seals the...
16. Portable Fan
When the sun is blazing and there’s no breeze, the heat can feel unbearable.
Having a portable fan will give you instant relief, keeping you cool while you relax. It’s a small gadget that makes a big difference on scorching beach days!
- 【Safety & 360°Surrounding Air Movement】 A novel neck fan that can send the wind without waving...
- 【Hands-free Design & Fashionable】Hand-free neck fan was designed as a headphone to free your...
- 【4-16 Running Hrs & 5 Speeds】4000mAh large capacity batteries provide 4-16 working hrs duration...
Final Note
I’m definitely a beach person, and while I don’t always bring everything with me—especially when I’m abroad—there are a few things I never forget.
My cap, sunglasses, water bottle, sand-free towel, and sunscreen are always packed and ready to go. These are my must-haves for a perfect day by the ocean, and I’d recommend them to anyone looking to enjoy the beach without any hassle.
So, next time you hit the sand, make sure you’ve got your essentials and soak up the sun with ease!
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