Beach days are supposed to be relaxing, but forgetting one important thing can make the whole day harder than it needs to be. After years of family beach trips, I’ve learned that you really don’t need to bring everything — just the right things.
These are the beach essentials I actually use, from sunscreen and shade to towels, chairs, coolers, and the little things that make getting everyone home sandy-but-happy much easier. Whether you’re heading to the beach for a few hours or spending the entire day, this list covers what’s worth bringing and what you can probably leave at home.
39 Beach Essentials You’ll Actually Use
Beach Essentials at a Glance
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, umbrella or beach tent
Beach Basics: Towels, beach blanket, chairs, beach bag, water shoes
Food & Drinks: Water bottles, snacks, wheeled cooler
For the Kids: Sand toys, boogie boards, goggles, beach games
Things That Make the Day Easier: Beach wagon, wet bag, portable fan, trash bag
My must-haves: Sunscreen, shade, plenty of water, towels, a comfortable chair, and something to keep the sand and wet gear under control.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the first thing that goes in my beach bag. My favorite is Australian Gold — I have used it for years and think it is the best sunscreen ever. It goes on easily, doesn’t feel greasy, and offers broad-spectrum protection for long days outside.
Just remember to reapply throughout the day, especially after swimming or toweling off.
No products found.
Flip-flops
Flip flop season is coming up soon which means there will be more people walking around in them on the sand or in water. Flip flops will always be more comfortable than wearing heels or wedges when walking on the sand.
A sarong
A sarong will come in handy for many things – from a beach cover-up to wiping your feet off before entering someone’s house. I recommend bringing one just in case!
These sarongs go with any style suit and are long enough to protect your legs from more sun.
No products found.
Beach Bag
A good beach bag is essential for a day at the beach. I recommend one with an inner lining that’s water-resistant so you don’t have to worry about putting wet beach toys and suits in it before going home.
If you have a zipper pocket you can use it to safely store your wallet, phone and keys.
This is a great bag that has a large wet compartment to fit wet suits.
No products found.
A personal fan
Handheld or battery operated fans are great because they can be used anywhere on both wet and dry surfaces to keep you cool.
These personal fans sit around the neck and cool you down enormously! They are so cool.
No products found.
Water Bottle
Bring a waterbottle full of ice and water to keep hydrated while having fun in the sun.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must because they protect your eyes from UV rays, and also help shield you against intense sun glare. I like these Costa Del Mar which come in lots of different colors so there’s something for everyone! They are high quality sunglasses that will last a decade as they are scratch resistant and polarized.
I love this Beach Mat because it can be used to sit on the sand, it is very lightweight, it doesn’t get sand stuck on it and you can keep in flat with the included plastic stakes.
No products found.
Kite
A kite is fun for adults and kids alike! It’s great exercise in getting airborne wind current. We always bring really cool kites on beach vacations and the kids love it! Check before you go to see if your beach allows Kites as some do not
Beach ball
A beach ball will make an awesome addition to your summer beach day. The kids can throw it around, roll it and use it to play with in the water.
Towels
Towels are a staple for any beach trip. If space is tight you will love Turkish beach towels as they fold up small but keep you dry and sand free. This oversized Turkish Beach towel is so soft you will want them for your whole family.
No products found.
Trash Bags
Always throw a few trash bags in your beach bag. They make it easy to clean up at the end of the day, and they can double as a place to put wet towels or sandy beach gear.
Beach chair
If you are over the age of 20, you will want to have a beach chair that is lightweight and easy to carry. This is our family’s all time favorite chair.
You can carry it in with the attached backpack straps, store things in the zipper pockets and recline in this lightweight chair.
(I have had mine for over 15 years and it looks as good as new!)
You’ll need a place for your refreshments while at the beach or on the boat! Bigger isn’t always better; you want something that can be carried easily and one that will keep the cool in.
This one can be wheeled and carried!
No products found.
Beach Umbrella
Be prepared for the sun with a lightweight beach umbrella. This one is great because it tilts to keep you in the shade without having to reposition it.
No products found.
Beach tent
If you have young kids who need a little more sun protection or need a nap, a beach tent is a great option.
This pop- up one folds down super small and goes up without any work at all!
No products found.
Beach wagon
This is a great way to transport all your beach items. If you have a good hauling wagon already, you don’t need a separate wagon just for the beach. That way you can use it for outdoor concerts, festivals and the beach.
No products found.
Sand toys
The kids will want to play with sand toys on the beach or at the pool. These are our favorites because they don’t break easily like most do.
No products found.
Inflatable lounge
This is the perfect place to relax on sunny days. They are so easy to fill as you just use the air around you instead of blowing it up.
No products found.
Good Books
The secluded areas around the water are an amazing way to enjoy a good book while listening to the waves crashing in on shore. Here are some recommend books for this summer.
Portable speaker
The beach is the perfect place to enjoy listening to your favorite songs. This speaker has amazing sound and it’s not too big so you can keep it with you wherever you go!
This portable speaker has sound that rivals much more expensive speakers. Plus it’s waterproof so its a great speaker for the beach.
No products found.
Hide your valuables
Hide your valuables in this pretend water bottle so that you can enjoy your day without worry.
No products found.
Waterproof Phone Pouch
A waterproof phone pouch keeps your phone protected from water and sand and lets you take it into the water with you. I especially like having one when traveling because I don’t have to leave my phone, room key, or credit card sitting unattended on the beach.
Portable Charger
Between taking pictures, playing music, and using your phone throughout the day, a long beach day can drain your battery surprisingly quickly. A small portable charger doesn’t take up much room in your beach bag and can save you from ending the day with a dead phone.
Small First-Aid Kit
You don’t need a huge first-aid kit, but a few bandages, antiseptic wipes, and basic first-aid supplies are worth throwing in your beach bag. This is especially helpful when you’re at the beach with kids and someone inevitably gets a scrape.
Hand Sanitizer or Wipes
Beaches don’t always have convenient places to wash your hands, so hand sanitizer or wipes are great to have before eating snacks or lunch. Keep a small package in your beach bag and you’ll be glad it’s there.
Change of Dry Clothes
Throw a change of dry clothes in the car or your beach bag, especially if you’re bringing kids. Sitting in a wet, sandy swimsuit on the drive home is miserable, and having dry clothes makes the end of the beach day much easier.
Visor or a Baseball Hat
Your eyes need to be protected, especially if you aren’t wearing sunglasses. Keept them protected from the sun with a nice brimmed hat or visor!
Wide-brimmed Hat
Protect yourself from the damaging effects of sunlight. Wide-brimmed hats offer some protection for your neck and shoulders as well.
This hat is great because it can be adjusted in size and folded up without damaging it.
No products found.
Hair Ties or Clips
If you have long hair, throw a few extra hair ties or clips in your beach bag. Between the wind, salt water, sunscreen, and heat, there is nothing worse than realizing you don’t have anything to pull your hair back with.
Aqua shoes
Shoes are an important part of any beach trip and these shoes will keep your feet from being injured on rocky shores like the ones we have in New England beaches. Aqua shoes have come a long way in the past 10 years and they resemble sneakers instead of weird socks. Plus they have more traction that water shoes of the 1990s.
No products found.
Wet Bag
A place to keep your wet clothes separate from the rest of your gear. Each family member can have one and keep their wet suits from getting everything else wet. Plus they are a great size to put into Travel Diaper Bags to keep wet baby clothes separated.
No products found.
Lip Balm with SPF 50
Protecting your lips is a very important part of protecting yourself on the beach and this lip balm will keep them moist, healthy and protected all day long!
Waterproof Camera
Most GoPro cameras have waterproof capability, and many others have cases you can buy to make your camera waterproof. These iPhone cases are great because they work for lots of different sizes.
No products found.
Snorkel Gear
So many people are interested in exploring the underwater world, but don’t want to invest in a full set of scuba gear. A snorkel is a great way to see if you like it before investing more money into something that may not be your thing!
If you love to ride the waves a Boogie Board is a great thing to have at the beach. If the beach you are visiting has waves you will have the time of your life.
No products found.
Snacks
No beach trip is complete without snacks. Nuts and dried fruit are a great source of energy that you can easily pack in an individual bag to take with you on the go! But your can take anything that you can pack!
Goggles
My kids hate getting salt water in their eyes so we always have to remember to bring goggles. You can choose from snorkel like goggles or plain swimming goggles; but watch out for tinted goggles as the salt water can break down the tint.
Beach Games
Beach games are a great way to spend time with friends and family. There are so many options out there, but here are just a few:
Kan Jam
I love this game because it is so lightweight and it keeps my kids entertained for a good hour.
No products found.
Frisbee
Beach frisbee is really fun and a really good workout for your calves! Not all frisbees are equal, we used to use cheap or free frisbees and now we have invested in a few good ones and they are sooooo good.
No products found.
Water Guns
Get a pack of water guns and let the kids (or the adults) run wild shooting each other with water.
No products found.
Volleyball
Beach Volleyball is a big favorite and tons of beaches have Volleyball nets already set up. All you have to do is bring a ball and some friends and you can have a super beach volleyball game.
What to Bring to the Beach
For a comfortable beach day, make sure you bring sunscreen, towels, plenty of water, sunglasses, a hat, beach chairs or a blanket, shade, snacks, and a beach bag. If you’re staying for several hours, add a cooler, portable charger, waterproof phone pouch, wet bag, first-aid kit, and a change of dry clothes. Families may also want sand toys, goggles, boogie boards, and beach games.
I hope this list helps you get ready for a great beach vacation or just a day at the beach. There are few things more delightful than a beach day in the summer.
Beach Essentials FAQ
What are the most important beach essentials?
The most important beach essentials are sunscreen, water, towels, sunglasses, a hat, somewhere comfortable to sit, and some type of shade. Those are the things I would never head to the beach without.
What should I bring for a full day at the beach?
For a full beach day, bring sunscreen, towels, chairs or a beach blanket, an umbrella or tent, plenty of water, snacks or lunch, a cooler, sunglasses, a hat, and a change of dry clothes. A portable charger, waterproof phone pouch, wet bag, and beach games are also worth bringing if you’ll be there for several hours.
What beach essentials should I bring for kids?
When going to the beach with kids, bring plenty of sunscreen, water, snacks, towels, shade, dry clothes, and a small first-aid kit. Sand toys, goggles, boogie boards, and a few beach games can keep kids entertained for hours.
What do people usually forget to bring to the beach?
Some of the easiest beach essentials to forget are hair ties, lip balm with SPF, a waterproof phone pouch, wet bags, hand sanitizer, a portable charger, and a change of dry clothes. They don’t take up much room, but you’ll definitely notice when you don’t have them.
Like this post? Save it for Later!
There may be affiliate links in this post. Read my disclosure policy to learn more.
Last update on 2026-09-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Leave a Comment