10 Essentials for Your Next Beach Trip

A beach chair is essential for any beach day. It makes spending hours at the beach a lot more comfortable as it keeps you off the hot sand. Look for a chair that can be carried like a backpack to keep your hands free for holding other gear.

Staying hydrated is vital and a cooler filled with refreshing beverages is a must-have. Pack a portable cooler with plenty of ice, water bottles and your favorite drinks. For heavy loads, use a wheeled cooler which will be easier to transport. 

For full-day shade, a beach tent is great for keeping the entire family covered. If you're looking for a lighter, more open shade solution, a beach umbrella is a great choice for relaxing by the water and is easy to reposition throughout the day. Beach tents are easy to pack and set up but are tougher to use with beach chairs. Instead, just use some towels and blankets.

Invest in large, absorbent beach towels that can accommodate your lounging needs. Look for vibrant colors and patterns to add a touch of personality to your beach setup. Turkish towels are lighter and easier to transport but may not provide enough of a barrier against the sand.  

Beach mats and blankets create a comfortable spot to relax, picnic or spend time with family in between trips to the water. Beach mats are lightweight, easy to shake clean and help keep sand from sticking, while beach blankets provide a soft, cozy place to stretch out. Choose a quick-drying, easy-to-pack option that offers enough space for your group so you can enjoy a more comfortable day at the beach.

Choosing the right beachwear is essential for safey and comfort. Follow in the footsteps of lifeguards and use a wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap to shield your face and neck from the sun without it blowing away. If wide-brimmed hats aren’t your thing, use a classic baseball hat to protect your face.

From beach volleyball to Frisbee, beach games add an extra element of fun to any beach day. Pack a beach ball, a flying disc, or any other games you enjoy playing in the sand. Not only will it keep you entertained, but it's also a great way to bond with friends and family while out in the sun.

If you don’t have a helping hand, hauling all your beach gear can be exhausting. Use a wagon cart with oversized wheels to transport your gear across the parking lot and the beach without losing anything.

One of the most crucial items to pack for your beach trip is sunscreen. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF. Apply it generously before heading out to the beach and reapply every two hours for optimal protection. If you’re swimming or snorkeling in a tropical area, use reef-safe sunscreen. Remember to use lip balm at the beach to protect your lips, too.

A sturdy 5-gallon bucket is one of the most versatile items you can bring to the beach. Use it to carry toys, towels and other gear on the way in, then fill it with water for rinsing sandy hands and feet before heading home. It's also perfect for building sandcastles, collecting shells or keeping wet items separate from the rest of your beach bag.