Summer Beach Bag Essentials
What to pack for a great day at the beach!
by RIANA DESAI ★ JuLY 21, 2024
Beach days are one of the best parts of summer, but knowing what to put in your beach bag can be tricky. To ensure you have the best experience, we’ve created a list of essentials to take along with you. Whether you’re planning to spend all day in the sand, or just hop in the saltwater for a quick swim, here are some must-have items for the perfect beach day!
Spending time under the sun will give almost everyone a little bit of color. Sunscreen is one of the most important things to take along with you on any beach trip! I prefer a sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ to help keep my skin protected from the harsh UV rays. Popular sunscreen brands such as SunBum or Supergoop both offer sunscreens with various amounts of SPF to accommodate all. Looking for that extra bronzed look? Throw in some tanning oil and apply it on top of your sunscreen to safely soak in the sunshine! My favorite tanning oil has been the Hawaiian Tropics Protective Tanning Oil Spray–bonus points for the SPF and the spray applicator!
Sun protection isn’t limited to just sunscreen! Grab a pair of sunglasses and a hat to shield your eyes and face from the harsh sun. Not only will they help prevent those nasty sunburns, but they’re a great way to add a simple accessory to your beach day outfit!
Everyone loves a good summer read! Toss a book or a magazine into your bag for something to keep you busy. In need of a recommendation? Check out Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan- if you loved Crazy Rich Asians, you’ll love this one. Or grab the latest edition of Vogue and check out the pages covering June’s Vogue World, featuring Hollywood’s best and some beautiful looks curated by top designers.
Swimming, tanning, reading in the sand? You’ll need a towel! The bigger, the better. You’ll want a fluffy one to warm you up after a dip in the ocean or lay out in the sun without getting all sandy. A beach blanket will also do the job and has enough room for you and your fellow beach-goers.
Hydration is crucial for any beach day since you’ll spend hours under the hot sun. Pack a water bottle in your beach bag to stay hydrated throughout the day, and fill it with ice-cold water! Trust me, you’ll need it. Insulated bottles like Yetis, Hydroflasks, and Stanleys are perfect for keeping your water cold all day, even in the summer heat! If you’re looking for extra hydration, stir in some Liquid IV powder (It’s delicious and comes in many flavors, I personally love Bomb Pop or Watermelon).